bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Doppler and Echotomography in Sclerosis of the Saphenous Veins
Authors: Schadeck Michel
Published: January 2017

Based on a series of hundreds of examinations, this study reports the author's experience of Doppler and echotomography in sclerosis of the saphenous veins.

The protocol, done at the initial examination, during and at the end of the treatment, included: haemodynamic study (by Doppler), research on back-flow, and measurement of its pressure; morphologic study (by echotomography) of the sapheno-femoral or popliteal junction (‘crosse’) with measurements of its different diameters and compressibility.

The main alterations after sclerotherapy are: parietal thickening with decrease in diameter, and frequent transient intraluminal thrombus.

The main result is the transformation of a back-flow to a more physiological flow or its complete disappearance.

Lastly, these techniques seem to be of great value in assessing failure or success of sclerosis.

The present study gives only fragmentary results and a further one will be necessary.
Acute and Chronic Venous Insufficiency in Infancy and Childhood
Authors: Rabe Eberhard
Published: January 2017

Acute and chronic venous insufficiency of the lower extremities in infancy and childhood is a rare event which, nevertheless must be taken seriously.

The therapeutic and diagnostic necessity of catheterization dominates as a cause. Postoperative, post-traumatic and postinfection thrombophlebitis are further causes in elder children. Others are much less frequent.

The most common localizations of the thrombi are the thigh and pelvic veins.

The high rate of clinically relevant pulmonary embolism and chronic venous insufficiency after deep thrombophlebitis emphasizes the importance of proper diagnosis and therapy.
Injection Sclerotherapy and CO2 Laser Sclerotherapy in the Ablation of Cutaneous Spider Veins of the Lower Extremity
Authors: Pfeifer John R. , Hawtof Gwen D.
Published: January 2017

This Study is a comparison of injection sclerotherapy with 22% hypertonic saline (1,566 treatments in 598 patients) and carbon dioxide laser sclerotherapy (288 treatments in 121 patients) in the ablation of cutaneous spider veins of the lower extremities.

Excellent cosmetic results were achieved with injection sclerotherapy and good results were achieved with laser sclerotherapy. However, patients prefer injection sclerotherapy because laser sclerotherapy leaves small white scars, is more painful, and has a higher recurrence rate. For this reason, we have now abandoned laser sclerotherapy and utilize only saline injection sclerotherapy.
Plethysmographic Measurement of Venous Flow Resistance and Venous Capacity in the Human Leg. Part One: Method
Authors: Rouweler B.J.F. Klein , Brakkee A.J.M. , Kuiper J.P.
Published: January 2017

This report presents a study of the methodological aspects of the measurement of venous flow resistance ( Rv) and venous capacity (C10) in human legs as measured by strain-gauge plethysmography. The measurements are reproduceable within 10%, in subjects who are well-acclimatized to a room temperature of 28–30 °C. In measurements at the calf, extension of the knee joint may increase Rv by hundreds of percents, while high passive calf muscle tension may be associated with a decrease in Rv and an increase in C10. Inadequate acclimatization may increase Rv and decrease C10, notably in measurements at the foot. The determinants for Rv and C10 are discussed.
Plethysmographic Measurement of Venous Flow Resistance and Venous Capacity in Human Legs. Part Two: Normal Values Related to Age, Sex and Site of Measurement
Authors: Rouweler B.J.F. Klein , Brakkee A.J.M. , Kuiper J.P.
Published: January 2017

This report presents normal values of venous flow resistance ( Rv) and venous capacity (C10) as measured in human limbs by strain-gauge plethysmography. No age dependency was found for either parameter. Rv was lower in males than in females and lower in left legs than in right legs. C10 was higher in males than in females and higher in left than in right legs. The left-right and sex dependency of the parameters cannot be explained by differences in limb volume. Correlations between selected parameters are presented.
Venous Flow Resistance and Venous Capacity in Humans with Primary Varicosis of the Long Saphenous Vein
Authors: Rouweler B. J. F. Klein , Kuiper J. P. , Brakkee A. J. M.
Published: January 2017

Venous flow resistance ( Rv) and venous capacity ( C10) was measured by strain-gauge plethysmography in patients with primary truncal varicosis of the long saphenous vein (LSV). Rv tended to be lower than normal, notably in measurements taken at the foot, but significant differences were hardly demonstrable. C10 in the calf and the foot were significantly higher than normal. Physical and morphological abnormalties of the LSV with relevance to Rv and C10 are discussed. It was demonstrated that the contribution of the LSV to venous haemodynamics amounts to about 10%. It is considered unlikely that the sensitivity of Rv, when used as a diagnostic criterion for recent deep vein thrombosis, is influenced by the LSV.
Quantitative Evaluation of Calf Muscle Pump Function after Deep Vein Thrombosis by Non-Invasive Venous Tests
Authors: Ohgi S. , Tanaka K. , Araki T. , Ito K. , Hara H. , Mori T.
Published: January 2017

In order to quantitatively evaluate calf muscle pump function following deep vein thrombosis (DVT), expelled volume was investigated by strain gauge plethysmography (SPG). Thirty-six patients with 43 diseased lower limbs and nine healthy persons with 16 control limbs were studied. Of 43 diseased limbs, 20 symptomatic limbs were distinguished from 23 asymptomatic limbs by the presence of heaviness or aching. The following ***noninvasive parameters for the quantitative evaluation of calf muscle pump function, venous refilling time (VRT), venous outflow (VO), venous return (VR), and expelled volume (EV) were measured by SPG or photoplethysmography (DPG). Ambulatory venous pressure (AVP) was taken to represent the standard for calf muscle pump function. Using SPG, the EV, VR, and VRTs distinguished three groups (control, asymptomatic and symptomatic). Among seven indicators (EV, VR, VO, VRTs), EV had the highest correlation coefficient with the AVP ( r = +0.728). A positive EV was present in 85% of the symptomatic limbs, but in only 4% of the asymptomatic limbs. It is concluded that the EV is a useful non-invasive indicator for the quantitative evaluation of calf muscle pump function after deep vein thrombosis.
Haemodilution in Venous Disease
Authors: Duruble M. , Ouvry P.
Published: January 2017

Postoperative deep vein thromboses (DVT) and post-phlebitic ulcers are usually caused by stasis of the blood. The flow of blood in a vein does not depend only on the pressure gradient. The rheological properties of the blood must also be considered.

We therefore studied the effects of various degrees of intraoperative normovolemic haemodilution on the incidence of postoperative DVT. The results of these studies indicate that moderate intra- and post-operative haemodilution lessens the risk of DVT.

Most post-phlebitic ulcers heal after appropriate treatment on an ambulatory basis. A certain number of these ulcers prove, however, to respond badly to the treatment; they are called resistant post-phlebitic ulcers. It seemed logical to increase patients' ability to combat stasis by adding the process of haemodilution to the classical treatment. A year after treatment finished, the success rate amounted to nearly 80%.
Evaluation of Indium-111 Antifibrin Monoclonal Antibody Imaging in Deep Venous Thrombosis Diagnosis
Authors: Riambau V. , Carrió I. , Bernà L. , Estorch M. , Torres G. , Viver E.
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To evaluate Indium-111 antifibrin monoclonal antibody in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis.

Design:

Prospective study in twelve patients undergoing major surgical treatment, including hip surgery, who would be considered at high risk of developing subsequent deep vein thrombosis.

Setting:

Departments of Angiology and Vascular Surgery, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.

Patients:

Twelve patients receiving surgical treatment.

Interventions:

Bilateral contrast phlebography was performed in all patients, combined with an ***immunoscintigraphic test of an Indium-111 labelled monoclonal ***antibody to fibrin. Patients with deep vein thrombosis were treated with full anticoagulation using heparin.

Main outcome measures:

The presence of thrombosis on phlebography and the presence of isotopic labelling of suspected deep vein thrombosis on immunoscintigraphic scanning.

Results:

Phlebography demonstrated venous thrombosis at 23 sites in veins, of which 22 were also detected by immunoscintigraphic scanning.

Conclusions:

Indium-111 labelled monoclonal antibodies to fibrin may provide an alternative method of investigation for suspected deep vein thrombosis as an alternative to other non-invasive diagnosis methodologies.
Treatment of Venous Ulceration by Injection Sclerotherapy and Compression Hosiery: A 5-Year Study
Authors: Dinn E. , Henry M.
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To determine whether the use of graduated compression stockings reduces the rate of recurrence of venous ulceration.

Design:

Prospective, closed, non-randomised study of 126 patients with a previous history of venous ulceration for five years.

Setting:

The Varicose Vein Clinic of Sir Patrick Dun's and Adelaide Hospitals.

Patients:

126 patients attending the Varicose Vein Clinic who had undergone successful healing of venous ulcers by injection compression sclerotherapy.

Intervention:

All patients underwent clinical examination and venous pressure measurement, and were then fitted with graduated compression stockings. Those patients dropping out of the study (21) were used as a comparison group.

Main outcome measure:

The recurrence rate of venous ulcers.

Results:

At the end of the 5 year study period patients were divided into 3 groups – those who had ulcer recurrence (33), those who were free of ulcers (72), and those (21) who had dropped out of the study, the last group showing a higher recurrence rate than those who had worn stockings.
The Effect of Hosiery on Interstitial Fluid Pressure and Arm Volume Fluctuations in Breast Cancer Related Arm Oedema
Authors: Bates D. O. , Stanton A. W. B. , Levick J. R. , Mortimer P. S.
Published: January 2017

Objectives:

(1) To measure interstitial fluid pressure under one brand of hosiery in arm lymphoedema. (2) To assess the stability of the swelling over various time scales.

Setting:

Human microvascular studies laboratory of a teaching hospital.

Subjects:

Patients with arm oedema following successful breast cancer treatment.

Main outcome measures:

(1) Arm volume calculations using multiple circumferential measurements by tape measure. (2) Interstitial fluid pressure measurements by wick-in-needle technique in subcutis.

Results:

The mean swollen arm was 33% greater in volume than the contralateral arm ( n = 50). There was no significant correlation between the size of the arm and the duration of the swelling. There was no significant change in arm volume over 2 weeks ( n = 8) but there was a small (50 ml), significant increase overnight ( p < 0.05). The mean (SD) interstitial fluid pressure while wearing one brand of hosiery (Sigvaris) was 18.7 (5.8) cmH2O compared with 1.2 (2.8) cmH2O after its removal. There was a significant correlation between the pressure under the sleeve and the pressure without the sleeve ( r = 0.68, p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

The Sigvaris sleeve exerts sufficient compression to underlying tissue to raise interstitial fluid pressure. This may control arm swelling by reducing fluid filtration rate and/or raising fluid drainage rate from the arm.
Leg Volume Measurements with a Modified Optoelectronic Measurement System
Authors: Veraart J. C. J. M. , Neumann H. A. M.
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To evaluate the reproducibility of a modified optoelectronic volume measurement system (the volometer).

Design:

In the first part of the study healthy volunteers and one investigator were used to evaluate the intraobserver reproducibility; in the second part one healthy volunteer and different investigators were used to evaluate the interobserver reproducibility.

Setting:

Department of Dermatology, Academisch Ziekenhuis Maastrict, The Netherlands.

Patients:

Twenty healthy volunteers for the first part of the study; eight doctors and one healthy volunteer for the second part.

Main outcome measures:

Optoelectronic volume measurements on one leg over a standard distance of 40 cm and over 20 cm with the use of a laser pointer as calibration. A total of eight measurements were performed on each volunteer. The same procedure was performed by different investigators on one volunteer.

Results:

The modified optoelectronic measurement system with laser pointer calibration showed an improvement of the reproducibility of 27% in the intraobserver study. An improvement of 11% was found in the interobserver study.

Conclusions:

The modified optoelectronic volume measurement system (the volometer) provides a better reproducibility than the standard system. The instrument can be used for easy and rapid volume measurements in phlebological practice.
Effect of illusory kinesthesia on hand function in patients with distal radius fractures: a quasi-randomized controlled study
Authors: Imai Ryota , Osumi Michihiro , Ishigaki Tomoya , Morioka Shu
Published: January 2017

Objectives:

We investigated the effects of the illusion of motion through tendon vibration on hand function in patients with distal radius fractures.

Setting:

Kawachi General Hospital, Japan.

Subjects:

A total of 22 patients with distal radius fractures were divided into either an illusory kinesthesia group ( n = 11) or a control group ( n = 11).

Intervention:

We performed the intervention for seven consecutive days after surgery. Evaluations were performed at one day, seven days, one month, and two months postsurgery.

Main measures:

Data were collected on pain at rest and pain during movement. The Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation and Pain Catastrophizing Scale were also used.

Results:

The illusory kinesthesia group showed significantly better scores on Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation ( p < 0.01) compared with the control group at seven days, one month, and two months postsurgery. The mean (SD) of the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation total score was 97.6 (2.2) at one day postsurgery and 9.1 (5.3) at seven days postsurgery in the illusory kinesthesia group, while the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation total score was 96.3 (4.4) at one day postsurgery and 20.1 (17.0) at seven days postsurgery in the control group.

Conclusion:

Our results indicate that illusory kinesthesia is an effective postsurgery management strategy not only for pain alleviation, but also hand function in patients with distal radius fractures. Furthermore, the significant improvements persisted for up to two months after intervention in the illusory kinesthesia group, but not in the control group. In addition, patients in the kinesthetic illusions group showed increased use of the affected limb in daily living.
Coronary microvascular dysfunction in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kibel Aleksandar , Selthofer-Relatic Kristina , Drenjancevic Ines , Bacun Tatjana , Bosnjak Ivica , Kibel Dijana , Gros Mario
Published: January 2017

The significance, mechanisms and consequences of coronary microvascular dysfunction associated with diabetes mellitus are topics into which we have insufficient insight at this time. It is widely recognized that endothelial dysfunction that is caused by diabetes in various vascular beds contributes to a wide range of complications and exerts unfavorable effects on microcirculatory regulation. The coronary microcirculation is precisely regulated through a number of interconnected physiological processes with the purpose of matching local blood flow to myocardial metabolic demands. Dysregulation of this network might contribute to varying degrees of pathological consequences. This review discusses the most important findings regarding coronary microvascular dysfunction in diabetes from pre-clinical and clinical perspectives.
Increased augmentation index and central systolic arterial pressure are associated with lower school and motor performance in young adolescents
Authors: Vogrin Bernarda , Slak Rupnik Marjan , Mičetić-Turk Dušanka
Published: January 2017

Objective

In adults, improper arterial function has been linked to cognitive impairment. The pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx) and other vascular parameters are useful indicators of arterial health. In our study, we monitored arterial properties, body constitution, school success, and motor skills in young adolescents. We hypothesize that reduced cognitive and motor abilities have a vascular origin in children.

Methods

We analysed 81 healthy school children aged 11–16 years. Anthropometry central systolic arterial pressure, body mass index (BMI), standard deviation scores (SDS) BMI, general school performance grade, and eight motor tests were assessed. PWV, AIx, and central systolic arterial pressure (SBPao) were measured.

Results

AIx and SBPao correlated negatively with school performance grades. Extremely high AIx, PWV and SBPao values were observed in 5% of children and these children had average to low school performance. PWV correlated significantly with weight, height, and waist and hip circumference. AIx, PWV, school success, and BMI correlated strongly with certain motor functions.

Conclusions

Increased AIx and SBPao are associated with lower school and motor performance in children. PWV is influenced by the body’s constitution.
Silicotuberculosis with oesophagobronchial fistulas and broncholithiasis: a case report
Authors: Zhang Hua , Li Li , Xiao Hua , Sun Xiao-Wei , Wang Zhan , Zhang Chun-Ling
Published: January 2017

A 76-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital four times from November 2007 to June 2009. In this complex case, the patient had silicosis complicated by broncholithiasis, oesophagobronchial fistulas, and relapsed tuberculosis. She had worked as a stone crusher for 3 years and was exposed to a large amount of quartz dust. Barium oesophagography, gastroesophageal endoscopy, and biopsy suggested oesophageal-related chronic inflammation and ulceration, which may have caused the repeated oesophagobronchial fistulas. Bronchoscopy revealed a free broncholithiasis in the left mainstem bronchus. The patient was admitted a fourth time because of silicotuberculosis relapse. After 9 months of antituberculosis treatment, the patient recovered and was still clinically well at the time of this writing.
A Low-Dosage Ketoprofen Preparation in the Management of Osteoarthrosis of the Knee Joint
Authors: Serry Mohamed Mokhtar
Published: January 2017

A low-dosage ketoprofen preparation was evaluated in a group of patients with OA of the knees, in a dose of 75 mg daily, for 2 weeks.

Improvement in the criteria used for measurement of therapeutic response was impressive and no adverse effects were seen or reported by patients who took part in this study.
The Treatment of Infections in General Practice with Magnapen: A Multicentre Trial
Authors: Lloyd-Williams J , Robinson A T , Rose A J
Published: January 2017

This study was carried out in general practice. Six hundred and forty-seven infections of the respiratory tract, urinary tract and the skin and soft tissues in 646 patients were treated with oral Magnapen (250 mg ampicillin + 250 mg flucloxacillin) four times each day. An overall success rate of 94% was achieved. The main side effect was diarrhoea causing 2.5% of patients to discontinue therapy. These results demonstrate the outstanding value of Magnapen in treating a wide variety of infections in general practice.
Clinical Effects and Serum Levels of Nomifensine in Depressive Patients
Authors: Syvälahti E , Lindberg R , Iisalo E
Published: January 2017

Twenty depressed out-patients were treated with nomifensine in an open clinical trial of 6 weeks duration. After an initial placebo week the daily doses of nomifensine varied from 50 to 300 mg divided into 2–3 doses. Mean score on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRS) declined from 19·7 to 10·3 at Week 4.

At the same time-point morning serum levels of nomifensine varied from less than 8·0 to 196·0 nmol/l. No correlation was found between drug concentrations and clinical outcome or side-effects. There was also a pronounced intra-individual variation in nomifensine serum levels. No tendency for accumulation of the drug was observed. Thus, the measuring of nomifensine trough levels in the morning does not give useful clinical information.
A Comparative Trial of Two Slow-Release Theophylline Tablets in the Treatment of Asthma; Nuelin S.A. and Theocontin Continus Tablets
Authors: Davies Peter D O , Munn Julia , Hakeem Vaseem , Davies Brian H
Published: January 2017

Twenty-five adult asthmatic patients were entered into a double-blind random crossover comparison of Theocontin Continus tablets with Nuelin S.A. The patients received additional therapy with inhaled salbutamol and/or beclomethasone diproprionate. Four patients withdrew because of persistent unwanted side-effects, nausea and headaches in three, and mental confusion in one, and a fifth withdrew for non-medical reasons.

Analysis of the results of the remaining twenty patients showed no difference between the effects of the two preparations in symptom scoring, reduction in salbutamol inhaler use and improvement in respiratory function as measured by daily PEFR, at similar serum levels.

The same dosage per kilogram for either preparation gave virtually identical mean serum levels suggesting there is no difference in the rate of absorption between the two preparations.
Nimesulide for the Treatment of Painful Inflammatory Process in the Ear, Nose and Throat Areas: A Double-Blind Controlled Study with Benzydamine
Authors: Milvio Carlo
Published: January 2017

Nimesulide, 4-nitro-2-phenoxymethanesulphonanilide, a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug endowed with potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities, was tested at a daily dose of 200 mg b.i.d. against Benzydamine on a double-blind basis, in a randomized trial with fifty out-patients suffering from inflammatory ear, nose and throat diseases (otitis media, sinusitis, rhinitis).

Nimesulide treatment brought about an immediate and significant improvement in over-all pain, exudation, oedema and headache and produced a rapid lowering in body temperature.

The recovery was more rapid and significant in patients with Nimesulide than in those with Benzydamine.

The signs and symptoms under consideration reached almost complete resolution within the set treatment-period of 10 days.

Clinical tolerability of Nimesulide was better than that of Benzydamine: one case of moderate gastric pyrosis and drowsiness was complained of by the Nimesulide-treated patients versus eleven cases of gastro-intestinal discomfort, mouth dryness, and/or drowsiness which were complained of by the Benzydamine-treated patients
Use of Biocompatible Orthopaedic Polymer for Fracture Treatment and Reconstructive Orthopaedic Procedures
Authors: Merendino J , Sertl G , Skondia V
Published: January 2017

For many years attempts have been made to develop materials for use in the surgical treatment of fractures. So far only metal implants have been used. Soviet research has now succeeded in developing a copolymer of polyvinyl-pyrrolidone and methyl methacrylate reinforced by polyamide fibres and calcium gluconate which is reported to have comparable strength of metal implants but superior flexibility. It can be trimmed and shaped at the time of surgery, has no irritative reactions or release of toxic components, and above all is biocompatible. Clinical studies have been going on for 10 years in various Soviet medical centres and the total number of cases treated with the biocompatible polymer implants is well over 1000. In no case was a repeat operation necessary to remove the implant. Control X-rays (as well as animal data) showed that biodestruction of the implants is complete within 1·5 to 3 years depending on their sizes. The first operations outside the Soviet Union have been recently performed in Belgium. In the Soviet Union this material has also been used to treat pathologic fractures and in reconstructive surgical procedures such as leg lengthening.

Pendant de nombreuses annees, on s'est efforce de mettre au point des materiaux susceptibles d'etre utilises dans le traitement chirurgical des fractures. Jusqu'ici, seuls des implants metalliques avaient ete employes. La recherche sovietique a reussi a developper un copolymere de polyvinyl-pyrrolidone et de methacrylate de methyle renforcé par des fibres de polyamide et du gluconate de calcium qui aurait une resistance mecanique comparable mais avec une plus grande souplesse, une grande facilite de faconnage au moment de l'intervention, une absence de reactions d'irritation et de liberation de produits toxiques et, surtout, des proprietes de biocompatibilite et de stimulation osseuse. Les etudes cliniques sont en cours depuis dix ans dans differents centres medicaux d'URSS et le nombre de cas depasse actuellement les 1000. En aucun cas, il n'a ete necessiare de reoperer pour enlever l'implant et les radiographies de controle (ainsi que les donnees sur animaux) ont montre que la biodestruction du copolymere est totale au bout de 1,5 a 3 ans selon son diametre. Les premieres interventions en dehors de l'URSS ont ete pratiquees recemment en Belgique. En URSS ce materiau a egalement ete utilise dans le traitement des fractures pathologiques et dans les procedures de reconstructions chirurgicales telles que l'allongement du membre inferieur.
The Use of Low Molecular Weight Heparins for Post-Surgical Deep Vein Thrombosis Prevention in Orthopaedic Patients
Authors: Chiapuzzo E. , Orengo G. B. , Ottria G. , Chiapuzzo A. , Palazzini E. , Fusillo M.
Published: January 2017

The prophylactic antithrombotic efficacy of a low molecular weight heparin was compared with a traditional unfractionated calcium heparin after orthopaedic surgery in 140 patients. Deep vein thromboses were detected in legs either by Doppler sonography or [125I]fibrinogen uptake tests in five (7.1%) and seven (10%) patients, respectively. The capacity of both drugs to prevent deep vein thrombosis was demonstrated. Compared with the control group, those who used low molecular weight heparin showed a significant increase of activated factor X inhibition and smaller increases in activated partial thromboplastin times. Tolerability of both drugs was good, with a low incidence of local side-effects.
Trimethoprim – Polymyxin B Sulphate Cream Compared with Fusidic Acid Cream in the Treatment of Superficial Bacterial Infection of the Skin
Authors: Mofty M. El , Harvey S.G. , Gibson J.R. , Calthrop J.G. , Marks P.
Published: January 2017

Trimethoprim – polymyxin B sulphate cream or fusidic acid cream was used to treat 64 patients with primary or secondary superficial bacterial infections of the skin in a randomized, double-blind controlled trial. Both treatments were effective in alleviating the clinical signs and symptoms associated with bacterial infection. A cream containing a combination of 0.17 mg/g trimethoprim and 10 000 IU/g polymyxin B sulphate was, however, significantly more effective than a 20 mg/g fusidic acid cream in reducing the signs of crust and tenderness.
Comparison of the Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Diclofenac Potassium versus Piroxicam versus Placebo in Ankle Sprain Patients
Authors: Bahamonde L.A.B , Saavedra H.C
Published: January 2017

In a double-blind between-patient study the efficacy of diclofenac potassium, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, was assessed in 93 patients with mild to severe sprained ankles; patients with more severe sports injuries were excluded. Patients were randomly allocated to receive 50 mg diclofenac potassium three times daily, 20 mg/day piroxicam or placebo for 7 days. Diclofenac potassium was more effective than piroxicam or placebo in reducing pain at rest and on walking, but did not significantly reduce the degree of swelling when measured volumetrically by water displacement. No serious side-effects were reported. It is concluded that diclofenac potassium is useful in the treatment of moderately inflammatory processes with the advantage that it had a rapid onset of action with good overall tolerability.
Chemical Modulation of 3-Methylindole Toxicosis in Mice: Effect on Bronchiolar and Olfactory Mucosal Injury
Authors: Turk M. A. M. , Flory W. , Henk W. G.
Published: January 2017

C57BL/6N mice were treated to induce tolerance, to modulate the mixed function oxidase system or to deplete glutathione (GSH) before injection with 400 mg 3-methylindole (3MI)/kg. Effect of pretreatment was determined by histologic comparison of pulmonary and nasal lesions 24 hours after 3 MI. β-Naphthoflavone and 3MI pretreatment significantly decreased 3MI-induced bronchiolar epithelial damage in male and female mice, while phenobarbital protection was significant only in female mice. Only β-naphthoflavone decreased nasal olfactory epithelial damage. Pretreatment with piperonyl butoxide, SKF 525-A, or α-naphthoflavone had no significant effect on development of lesions. Diethylmaleate pretreatment significantly increased mortality and bronchiolar damage in both sexes. Significant differences between male and female mice were not detected in any group. The results suggest that pretreatment with low doses of 3MI or induction of cytochrome P-448 or P-450 protects against 3MI toxicosis while GSH depletion increases mortality and pulmonary lesions.
Spontaneous Basophilic Hypertrophic Foci of the Parotid Glands in Rats and Mice
Authors: Chiu T. , Chen H. C.
Published: January 2017

Basophilic hypertrophic foci of the parotid glands characterized by focal hypertrophy and hyperchromasia of acinar cells was seen in Sprague-Dawley rats and Swiss mice with overall incidences of 4.8% (102/2,138) and 0.6% (4/723), respectively. In rats, the incidence increased significantly with age, but the size and number of the lesions per rat did not. Based on the similar incidence in both control and treated animals, lesions were considered to be spontaneous. Their morphology and growth pattern suggested that they were neither degenerative, necrotic, hyperplastic/preneoplastic, nor neoplastic, but, that they are a distinct pathologic entity of a nature not yet determined.
A new research method to test auditory preferences in young listeners: Results from a consonance versus dissonance perception study
Authors: Di Stefano Nicola , Focaroli Valentina , Giuliani Alessandro , Formica Domenico , Taffoni Fabrizio , Keller Flavio
Published: January 2017

To date, behavioural procedures adopted to assess sound preferences in young children have evaluated the responses of participants while listening to the stimuli administered by the experimenter. Due to the difficulties which may arise in the interpretation of the results, recent studies have suggested some limitations to these procedures, stimulating the further development of behavioural methods. Here, we introduce a new method for testing sound preferences in children, in which participants actively produce the stimuli during the experimental session. The apparatus consists of a musical lever which emits different sounds depending on its rotation around a hinge. The device was programmed to emit consonant and dissonant harmonic intervals. The procedure has been tested with 22 participants from 19 to 40 months of age. Results show that: (a) sound emission strongly stimulates toy manipulation; (b) the examined participants distinguished the two types of sounds, showing a preference for producing consonant over dissonant stimuli. This method could be used to study a wide range of sound qualities in young listeners, such as rhythm or pitch. Grounded in the mutual interaction between perception and action, this procedure is in line with recent research highlighting the role of embodiment in the perception of music.
The Governor's Guest
Authors: Rajab Ahmed
Published: January 2017

Press freedom in crisis: A Study of the Amakiri Case by Dr G. Olu Onagoruwa (Lagos) no publisher's name given, 164pp
Effects of Group-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Coaching Program on Depressive Symptoms in a Sample of Inmates in a Nigerian Prison
Authors: Eseadi Chiedu , Obidoa Mabel A. , Ogbuabor Shulamite E. , Ikechukwu-Ilomuanya Amaka B.
Published: January 2017

This study investigated the effects that a group-focused cognitive-behavioral coaching program had on depressive symptoms of a sample of inmates from Nsukka Prisons, Enugu State, Nigeria. The design of the study was pretest–posttest control group . The participants were 30 male inmates, experiencing high levels of depressive symptoms, and randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. The primary outcome measure was depression symptoms as measured using Beck’s Depression Inventory. Repeated-measures ANOVA and the Mann–Whitney U Test were used for data analysis. Results show that exposing inmates to the group-focused cognitive-behavioral coaching program significantly reduced the depressive symptoms of inmates in the treatment group compared with those in the control group. Our results support the use of cognitive-behavioral coaching interventions designed to assist the severely depressed inmates in Nigeria. Further studies should be conducted both in other states of Nigeria and in other countries.
Augmentation of Macrophage Phagocytosis by Modified Arabinoxylan Rice Bran (MGN-3/Biobran)
Authors: Ghoneum M. , Matsuura M.
Published: January 2017

MGN-3/Biobran, modified arabinoxylan rice bran, has been shown to be a potent biological response modifier (BRM) as manifested by stimulation of different arms of the immune system such as NK, T and B cells; however, its effect on macrophages has not yet been studied. The effects of MGN-3 on macrophage function was examined in vitro using 3 models: human macrophage cell line U937, murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7, and murine peritoneal macrophages (P-Mφ). Treatment with MGN-3 resulted in an increase in the percentages of attachment and phagocytosis of yeast by macrophages. The effect depends on the type of macrophage and the dose of MGN-3 applied. Macrophages also demonstrated enhancement in their spreading ability, post treatment with MGN-3. Results also showed that MGN-3, in a dose-dependent manner (1, 10,100 μg/ml), significantly induced high levels of production of cytokines: TNF-α and IL-6. In addition, MGN-3 significantly increased nitric oxide (NO) production. This data demonstrates that MGN-3 is a potent inducer of phagocytic function by macrophage, and may suggest that MGN-3 is a useful agent for fighting microbial infection.
Infliximab Monotherapy for Refractory Psoriasis: Preliminary Results
Authors: Cassano N. , Loconsole F. , Amoruso A. , Coviello C. , Filieri M. , Filotico R. , Del Vecchio S. , Vena G.A.
Published: January 2017

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha plays an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Infliximab is an anti-TNF-alpha chimeric monoclonal antibody, which is licensed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. Some reports have shown the efficacy of infliximab, either in monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate, for the treatment of psoriatic arthropathy and psoriasis.

The efficacy and tolerability of infliximab monotherapy was evaluated in 29 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis, unresponsive to conventional treatments. Fourteen patients suffered from concomitant arthropathy. Patients received intravenous infliximab, 5mg/kg, at weeks 0, 2, and 6. After this 3-dose-induction regimen, patients were followed-up at monthly intervals and retreated with a single-dose infusion in case of relapse of signs and symptoms. Clinical assessment was performed using the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) to monitor psoriasis activity; pruritus and joint pain were assessed on a scale of 0 to 3. A marked improvement of skin lesions and subjective symptoms was noted in the majority of patients; an excellent reduction of PASI score (⩾75%) was observed in 13.8% of cases at week 2, 71.4% at week 6 and 78.6% at week 10. During the follow-up period, some patients maintained satisfactory clinical results without requiring any additional infusions. In general, skin lesions showed a trend towards a more prolonged and sustained improvement as compared with subjective symptoms. Treatment was well tolerated and no serious adverse events occurred.
Association of Cyclosporine and 311 nM UVB in the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Forms of Psoriasis: A New Strategic Approach
Authors: Franchi C. , Cainelli G. , Frigerio E. , Garutti C. , Altomare G.F.
Published: January 2017

Psoriasis is a T-lymphocyte mediated autoimmune disease. The response to therapies targeting T-lymphocytes suggest that the latter is a key cell in the pathogenesis of the disease. Cyclosporine (CsA) inhibits the proliferation and the IL-2 dependent expansion of T-lymphocytes. Ultraviolet radiation is an effective treatment for psoriasis. Several studies have demonstrated a significant improvement of the therapeutic response when narrow-band radiation is issued by TL-01 fluorescent lamp compared to broadband UVB issued by other fluorescent sources. The effects of UVB on the immune system appear to be limited to the cell-mediated compartment of the immune response. In order to reduce the cumulative dose of UVB and limit the toxicity of drugs in the therapy of psoriasis, phototherapy with UVB has been used as treatment in association with other standard therapies. The purpose of the study is to evaluate, in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis a combined therapy with Cyclosporine A and 311 nm UVB phototherapy.
Regulated Expression of Galectin-1 after In Vitro Productive Infection with Herpes Simplex Virus Type I: Implications for T Cell Apoptosis
Authors: Gonzalez M. I. , Rubinstein N. , Ilarregui J.M. , Toscano M.A. , Sanjuan N. A. , Rabinovich G.A.
Published: January 2017

Apoptosis of cytotoxic T lymphocytes by herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) has been reported to be a relevant mechanism of viral immune evasion. Galectin-1 (Gal-1), an endogenous lectin involved in T-cell apoptosis, has recently gained considerable attention as a novel mechanism of tumor-immune evasion. Here we investigated whether infection of cells with HSV-1 can modulate the expression of Gal-1. Results show that pro-apoptotic Gal-1, but not Gal-3, is remarkably up-regulated in cell cultures infected with HSV-1. In addition, this protein is secreted to the extracellular milieu, where it contributes to apoptosis of activated T cells in a carbohydrate-dependent manner. Since many viruses have evolved mechanisms to counteract the antiviral response raised by the infected host, our results suggest that HSV-1 may use galectin-1 as a weapon to kill activated T cells and evade specific immune responses.
Relationship between Reduced BCL-2 Expression in Circulating Mononuclear Cells and Early Nephropathy in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Cipollone F. , Chiarelli F. , Iezzi A. , Fazia M.L. , Cuccurullo C. , Pini B. , De Cesare D. , Torello M. , Tumini S. , Cuccurullo F. , Mezzetti A.
Published: January 2017

Microalbuminuria is the earliest clinical evidence of diabetic nephropathy, but the mechanisms linking hyperglycemia and kidney complications are not clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether enhanced oxidative stress in patients with microalbuminuria can contribute to diabetic nephropathy development through downregulation of the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2 that promotes in turn a pro-inflammatory status. We studied 30 patients with type 1 diabetes (15 with and 15 without microalbuminuria) compared to 15 matched healthy controls. Plasma oxidant status, and expression of Bcl-2, activated NF-kB, inducible Nitric Oxide synthase (iNOS), and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 in circulating monocytes were evaluated at baseline and after 8-week oral vitamin E treatment (600 mg b.i.d.). Bcl-2 expression was significantly reduced in microalbuminuric diabetic patients as a consequence of increased oxidant burden secondary to persistent hyperglycemia. Bcl-2 down-regulation was associated with enhanced expression of NF-kB, iNOS and MCP-1, and showed a strong correlation with the albumin excretion rate. Low Bcl-2 expression and high inflammatory status were normalized by vitamin E both in vivo and in vitro. Our study showed that Bcl-2 down-regulation in diabetic patients with poor glycemic control results in the activation of the NF-kB pathway leading to the development of nephropathy. Vitamin E might provide a novel form of therapy for prevention of nephropathy in diabetic patients in which an acceptable glycemic control is difficult to achieve despite insulin therapy.
Treatment with 1, 25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Preserves Glomerular Slit Diaphragm-Associated Protein Expression in Experimental Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Migliori M. , Giovannini L. , Panichi V. , Filippi C. , Taccola D. , Origlia N. , Mannari C. , Camussi G.
Published: January 2017

In this study, we investigated the effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on proteinuria and on the alteration of slit diaphragm-associated proteins induced by anti-Thy 1.1 in Wistar rats. Four groups of animals were studied: group I, anti-Thy 1.1 treated rats; group II, anti-Thy1.1 treated group that at day 2, after the onset of overt proteinuria, started the treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3; group III, normal control rats injected with vehicle alone; group IV, rats that received only 1,25(OH)2D3. At day 2, in group I and II, before the administration of 1,25(OH)2D3, protein excretion was significantly increased when compared to controls. Overt proteinuria was maintained until day 14 in group I whereas in group II protein excretion was significantly reduced from day 3 to day 14. Moreover, treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 abrogated podocytes injury, detected as desmin expression and loss of nephrin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), two slit diaphragm-associated proteins, and glomerular polyanion staining, that were observed in group I. In conclusion, these results suggest that 1,25(OH)2D3 administrated with a therapeutic regiment may revert proteinuria, counteracting glomerular podocyte injury.
CD203c is Overexpressed on Neoplastic Mast Cells in Systemic Mastocytosis and is Upregulated upon IgE Receptor Cross-Linking
Authors: Hauswirth A.W. , Escribano L. , Prados A. , Nuñez R. , Mirkina I. , Kneidinger M. , Florian S. , Sonneck K. , Vales A. , Schernthaner G.-H. , Sanchez-Muñoz L. , Sperr W.R. , Bühring H.-J. , Orfao A. , Valent P.
Published: January 2017

The ectoenzyme E-NPP3 (CD203c) has recently been identified as a novel activation-linked cell surface antigen on basophils. In the present study, we examined expression of CD203c on normal mast cells (MC) and bone marrow (bm) MC derived from 85 patients with systemic mastocytosis (SM), including cases with indolent SM (ISM, n=72), SM with associated clonal hematologic non-MC-lineage disease (SM-AHNMD, n=6), aggressive SM (ASM, n=3), and mast cell leukemia (MCL, n=4). Surface expression of CD203c was analyzed by multicolor flow cytometry. In patients with SM, bm MC expressed significantly higher amounts of CD203c compared to normal bm MC (median MFI in controls: 260 versus median MFI in SM: 516, p<0.05). Slightly lower amounts of CD203c were detected on MC in SM-AHNMD and ASM compared to ISM. To demonstrate CD203c expression in MC at the mRNA level, neoplastic MC were highly enriched by cell sorting, and were found to express CD203c mRNA in RT-PCR analysis. Cross-linking of the IgE receptor on MC resulted in a substantial upregulation of CD203c, whereas the KIT-ligand stem cell factor (SCF) showed no significant effects. In conclusion, CD203c is a novel activation-linked surface antigen on MC that is upregulated in response to IgE receptor cross-linking and is overexpressed on neoplastic MC in patients with SM.
Endomorphin-1 Inhibits the Activation and the Development of a Hyporesponsive-like Phenotype in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated THP-1 Monocytes
Authors: Izzi V. , Chiurchiù V. , D'Aquilio F. , Martino A. , Tresoldi I. , Modesti A. , Baldini P.M.
Published: January 2017

Endomorphin-1 (EM-1) is an endogenous opioid peptide selectively binding to μ opioid receptors (MORs). Besides its analgesic effects on the central nervous system (CNS), it has been recently reported that EM-1 can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and diffuse into the blood, behaving as an analgesic/anti-inflammatory molecule on peripheral tissues, thus leading to the hypothesis that it could represent a soluble modulator of immune cell functions. Interestingly, nothing is known about its possible effects on monocytes, the main circulating cell-type involved in those systemic responses, such as fever and septic states, involving the release of high amounts of pyrogenic inflammatory factors. The aim of this work is to evaluate possible EM-1effects on lipopolisaccharide (LPS)-stimulated THP-1 monocytes in terms of the production of inflammatory mediators and the instauration of a hyporesponsive-like phenotype which is a main feature of systemic inflammatory responses, and on the development of peripheral monocytes to DC. Our data demonstrate for the first time that EM-1 is able to inhibit both LPS-stimulated monocyte activation, in terms of arachidonic acid, PGE2, ROI and NO2 production and instauration of a hyporesponsive phenotype without any macroscopic effect on DC development. These data support the hypothesis that EM-1 could be involved in modulating monocyte functions during systemic inflammatory reactions, also providing new evidence for its eventual clinical application in endotoxic states.
Enterobius Vermicularis Infection of Female Genital Tract
Authors: Siochou A. , Birtsou H. , Papazahariadou M.
Published: January 2017

We report the case of female genital tract enterobiasis. The patient is a pediatrician at a large general hospital and was suffering from nocturia, dysuria and vaginal itching. Vaginal examination showed mild inflammation and normal hematogram. The midstream urine and the culture of vaginal discharge were negative. The Gram-stained microscopic examination of the vaginal discharge showed normal numbers of galactobacilli and absence of fungus, but the microscopic examination of fresh preparation of vaginal discharge revealed 3–4 leukocytes/mm3 and E. vermicularis of about 4 mm. The patient was treated with mebendazole 100 mg PO bid for 3 days and all the symptoms disappeared. In order to prevent possible re-infection, the treatment was repeated with a further two courses. After three months the cellotape test was negative.
Assessment of Host Defence Mechanisms Induced by Candida Species
Authors: Paoletti I. , Fusco A. , Grimaldi E. , Perillo L. , Coretti L. , Di Domenico M. , Cozza V. , Lucchese A. , Contaldo M. , Serpico R. , Guida A. , Donnarumma G.
Published: January 2017

Some species of Candida are opportunistic pathogens that can cause disease in a host immunocompromised by underlying local or systemic pathological processes. C. albicans is the species most often associated with oral lesions, but other species of Candida, including C. glabrata, C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis, have also been isolated in the saliva of subjects with and without candidiasis. In the present study we evaluated the host defence mechanisms induced by Candida albicans and other Candida species in monocytes and oral epithelial cells in order to establish the existence of a species-specific cellular response. Our results indicated that, during Candida species infection, the epithelial cells actively participate in the host defence by producing antimicrobial peptides and proinflammatory cytokines. Moreover, in infections caused by Candida tropicalis and Candida glabrata, the host defence may be strengthened by the release of perforin and granzyme by polymorphonuclear leukocytes recruited at the site of infection.