bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Groin-to-Knee Downward Stripping of the Long Saphenous Vein
Authors: Conrad P.
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To demonstrate the safety and efficacy of downward stripping of the long saphenous vein.

Design:

Retrospective study in a series of patients treated surgically by the author.

Setting:

Department of Surgery, Nepean Hospital, Sydney, Australia.

Patients:

Patients presenting with clinical signs and symptoms of varicose veins attributable to sapheno-femoral incompetence.

Interventions:

Patients underwent flush sapheno-femoral ligation with stripping of the long saphenous vein using a downward stripping of the long saphenous vein between the groin and knee.

Main outcome measures:

Cosmetic appearance of the limb and presence or absence of neurological disturbance suggestive of injury to the saphenous nerve.

Results:

Satisfactory healing of all wounds was found. Good aesthetic results and no neurological complication was encountered.

Conclusion:

Groin to knee downward stripping of the long saphenous vein provides a safe and effective method for managing varices of the long saphenous vein.
How to Measure Changes in Oedema in Patients with Chronic Venous Ulcers?
Authors: Barnes M. D. , Mani R. , Barrett D. F. , White J. E.
Published: January 2017

objective:

To assess changes in limb volume and oedema in Patients admitted to hospital for treatment of venous ulceration.

Design:

Prospective study in thirteen patients.

Setting:

Health Service teaching hospital.

Patients:

Thirteen patients with venous ulceration for 2 years.

Interventions:

Patients were admitted to hospital for bed-rest and lower limb elevation for a period of 24 hours

Main outcome measures:

Limb volume was measured by water displacement and impedance plethysmography.

Results:

During limb elevation there was a mean reduction limb volume of 524 mls (95% CI 377–671 mls) after 24 hours of bedrest. This corresponded with a reduction in impedance measured by the impedance plethysmograph of 19–0 ohms (95% CI 24.3 to 15.6 ohms).

Conclusion:

Measurement of the lower limb volume by water displacement and by impedance plethysmography are likely to be useful methods in the investigation of Patients with chronic venous insufficiency.
Calf Vein Thrombosis: Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Hill D. A.
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To demonstrate the difficulties of the clinical diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis and demonstrate the utility of ultrasound imaging as a diagnostic technique in suspected deep vein thrombosis.

Design:

Series of three case reports.

Setting:

Grondin Clinic, Calgery, Alberta, Canada.

Patients:

Three patients with symptoms suggestive of deep vein thrombosis of the calf.

Interventions:

Duplex ultrasound imaging in all patients combined with phlebography of the lower limb in one patient.

Main outcome measure:

Presence of deep vein thrombosis or soft tissue abnormalities of the lower limb on ultrasound imaging or venography.

Results:

A Baker cyst was found in one patient, an intramuscular haematoma in a further patient, both detected by ultrasound imaging, but not by venography. In the third patient a venogram failed to demonstrate deep vein thrombosis in the calf, but this was detected on ultrasound imaging.

Conclusions:

Ultrasound imaging is a valuable tool in reaching a diagnosis in patients presenting with symptoms suggesting deep vein thrombosis in the calf.
Frequency of Isolated Superficial Venous Incompetence in Patients with Venous Ulcers as Measured by Ambulatory Strain-Gauge Plethysmography
Authors: Hansson C. , Holm J.
Published: January 2017

Objective:

Identification of isolated superficial venous incompetence (SVI) in patients with clinically diagnosed venous leg ulcers using a computerized strain-gauge plethysmograph.

Design:

Ambulatory leg ulcer patients were assessed as to the clinical diagnosis. Diagnoses other than venous ulceration were excluded.

Setting:

Department of Dermatology, Sahlgrenska Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.

Patients:

One hundred and fourteen patients (133 legs) with venous leg ulcers were investigated.

Main outcome measures:

All patients were also investigated by measuring systolic ankle and arm pressure measurements. The ankle/arm (AI) was below 0.9 in 22 of the 133 ulcerated legs.

Results:

Of the 111 ulcerated legs with an AI>0.9, 10% had an isolated SVI.

Conclusions:

Isolated SVI is an important cause of venous leg ulcer development. Strain-gauge plethysmography is an inexpensive screening method, and is easy to use. Further examination with the more exact, but also more expensive and time-consuming, colour duplex should be performed in selected cases.
Ultrastructural Changes in the Venous Wall Induced by Experimental Diabetes: Preliminary Findings
Authors: Mompeó B. , Ortega F. , Sarmiento L.
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To study whether experimental streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes results in structural alterations to the venous wall of the femoral vein in adult rats, in order to develop further studies using this model.

Design:

A prospective study of femoral veins obtained from controls and STZ-induced diabetes rats.

Setting:

Department of Morphology, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.

Interventions:

Experimental diabetes induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin.

Main outcome measures:

The samples were studied at 6 and 12 weeks post-injection using light and transmission electron microscopy.

Results:

The results show that the venous wall is affected by an increase in the deposition of extracellular tissue. In addition the endothelial, muscular and adventitial cells show morphological changes.

Conclusions:

Our results demonstrate significant alterations in the venous wall due to hyperglycaemia in the STZ-animal model.
Markov Influence Diagrams
Authors: Díez Francisco J. , Yebra Mar , Bermejo Iñigo , Palacios-Alonso Miguel A. , Calleja Manuel Arias , Luque Manuel , Pérez-Martín Jorge
Published: January 2017

Markov influence diagrams (MIDs) are a new type of probabilistic graphical model that extends influence diagrams in the same way that Markov decision trees extend decision trees. They have been designed to build state-transition models, mainly in medicine, and perform cost-effectiveness analyses. Using a causal graph that may contain several variables per cycle, MIDs can model various patient characteristics without multiplying the number of states; in particular, they can represent the history of the patient without using tunnel states. OpenMarkov, an open-source tool, allows the decision analyst to build and evaluate MIDs—including cost-effectiveness analysis and several types of deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis—with a graphical user interface, without writing any code. This way, MIDs can be used to easily build and evaluate complex models whose implementation as spreadsheets or decision trees would be cumbersome or unfeasible in practice. Furthermore, many problems that previously required discrete event simulation can be solved with MIDs; i.e., within the paradigm of state-transition models, in which many health economists feel more comfortable.
Antithrombin III and D-dimer levels as indicators of disease severity in patients with hyperlipidaemic or biliary acute pancreatitis
Authors: Yang Ning , Hao Jianyu , Zhang Donglei
Published: January 2017

Objective

To assess changes in anticoagulation and fibrinolytic systems between biliary and hyperlipidaemic acute pancreatitis (AP).

Methods

Patients with biliary or hyperlipidaemic AP were enrolled. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and antithrombin III (ATIII), protein C, protein S, and D-dimer levels were investigated.

Results

A total of 45 patients with biliary AP and 50 patients with hyperlipidaemic AP were included (68 with mild AP and 27 with moderately-severe AP). ATIII and protein C levels in the mild AP group were significantly higher, but prothrombin time and D-dimer were significantly lower, versus the moderately-severe AP group. ATIII and D-dimer were found to be risk factors for moderately-severe AP. ATIII could predict AP severity, particularly in patients with biliary AP. D-dimer was a sensitive and specific predictor for disease severity in patients with AP, particularly in patients with hyperlipidaemic AP.

Conclusion

ATIII and protein C levels decreased as severity of AP increased, particularly in cases of biliary AP. D-dimer levels increased with severity of AP, particularly in hyperlipidaemic AP. ATIII and D-dimer may be useful biomarkers for assessing AP severity in patients with biliary and hyperlipidaemic AP, respectively.
The profile of leucocytes, CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells, and cytokine concentrations in peripheral blood of children with acute asthma exacerbation
Authors: Nguyen-Thi-Dieu Thuy , Le-Thi-Thu Huong , Duong-Quy Sy
Published: January 2017

Objective

To determine the leucocyte profile and cytokine concentrations in the peripheral blood of children with an acute asthma exacerbation (AAE).

Methods

This descriptive, cross-sectional study enrolled paediatric patients admitted to hospital for AAE. The severity of AAE was assessed using the paediatric asthma score (PAS). Peripheral blood samples were collected for automatic quantification of white blood cell counts, CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells populations by flow cytometry and cytokine concentrations by flow cytometry-assisted immunoassay.

Results

A total of 127 children with AAE and 30 healthy control subjects were included in the study. The proportion of paediatric patients with decreased CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was significantly higher in those with severe AAE compared with those with mild-to-moderate AAE. The concentrations of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-8, IL-12, and IL-4 in paediatric patients with rhinovirus infection were significantly higher than in those without rhinovirus infection. IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, TNF-α and GM-CSF concentrations during AAE were significantly lower than control. IL-5 and IL-13 concentrations during AAE were significantly higher than control.

Conclusions

The decrease of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ T cells and IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, TNF-α, and GM-CSF combined with the increase of IL-5 and IL-13, were associated with AAE in children with asthma.
Multicentre General Practitioner Assessment of ‘Tenormin’ and Methyldopa
Authors: Tweed J A , Mason B , Sleigh R
Published: January 2017

A large scale study in general practice was set up to investigate the effects, of transferring hypertensive patients from treatment with usually less than 1 g daily of methyldopa to atenolol ('Tenormin') 100 mg daily.

The results demonstrate an improvement in blood pressure control with atenolol treatment and a reduction in the incidence of side-effects. The simple dosage regime, combined with proven effectiveness and a relative lack of side-effects makes atenolol a useful treatment for the hypertensive patient.
Vulvo-Vaginal Candidosis and its Treatment with the New Fungicidal Substance Econazole
Authors: Rubio B , Gonzalez R , Karoussos K
Published: January 2017

Thirty-five patients suffering from vulvovaginal candidosis were treated with econazole* vaginal suppositories for 3 consecutive days, on a once-a-day schedule. In 80% of the cases clinical symptoms subsided and the mycological findings became negative. No side effects were observed or reported, and the tolerability was excellent.
A Multicentre Hospital Study to Compare the Hypnotic Efficacy of Loprazolam and Nitrazepam
Authors: McAlpine C Joan , Ankier S I , Elliott Catherine S C
Published: January 2017

A multicentre, parallel group hospital study was carried out in 190 subjects with insomnia to compare the efficacy, incidence of hangover and the side-effects of loprazolam and nitrazepam. Following 2 nights single-blind phase on placebo, loprazolam (1·0 mg), nitrazepam (5·0 mg) or placebo was administered double-blind for 7 consecutive nights. Visual analogue scales and questions were used to rate efficacy.

There was no statistically significant difference between loprazolam and nitrazepam for ‘ease of getting to sleep’, ‘restfulness of sleep’ and ‘depth of sleep’. Like nitrazepam, loprazolam diminished the number of periods of wakefulness and made it ‘easier to get to sleep again’.

Subjective evaluation showed that hangover was not a feature of loprazolam. It did not affect morning alertness and patients thought they had improved balance and co-ordination while on this drug. These findings are in keeping with the evidence of other workers who have shown only minimal psychomotor impairment, if any, with loprazolam (1·0 mg).

There was no statistically significant difference between treatments with respect to frequency or incidence of side-effects.
Treatment of Periarthritis of the Shoulder: A Comparison of Ibuprofen and Diclofenac
Authors: Famaey J P , Ginsberg F
Published: January 2017

Fifty patients with periarthritis of the shoulder were entered into this randomized double-blind trial, twenty-five on ibuprofen 1600 mg daily and twenty-five on diclofenac 100 mg daily, in order to compare the efficacy and side-effects of these two drugs over a 14-day treatment period.

Based on forty-six patients with adequate follow-up data, statistically significant improvements within both treatments (p < 0·001) were noted during the course of the study with respect to all of the variables studied: degree of pain, amplitude of rotation, amplitude of abduction and patient treatment efficacy as assessed by both the patient and the clinician.

Approximately one-half of the patients on each treatment reported either ‘good’ or ‘very good’ treatment results at Day 14. No significant difference between the treatments was noted with respect to the amount of improvement shown for any of the variables studied.

Side-effects, the majority of which were gastro-intestinal in nature, were reported for five patients on ibuprofen and six patients on diclofenac. They were severe enough to cause treatment to be stopped in six patients, three on each treatment.

This trial demonstrates that ibuprofen and diclofenac are of virtually equal efficacy and tolerability in the treatment of patients with periarthritis of the shoulder.
Comparative Study of the Antipyretic Effect of Ibuprofen (Oral Suspension) and Paracetamol (Suppositories) in Paediatrics
Authors: Wilson Guilherme , Guerra Antonio Jose M. S. , Santos Norberto Teixeira
Published: January 2017

Thirty-five pyrexial children with varying pathologies were entered into an open study to compare the antipyretic effect of Ibuprofen oral suspension and paracetamol suppositories. Temperature was recorded at intervals up to 11 hours after dosing. It was found that both treatments had an antipyretic effect, but that the magnitude and duration of the antipyretic effect was greater with ibuprofen.
Comparative Trial of Two Dose Regimens of Terfenadine in Patients with Hay Fever
Authors: Murphy-O'Connor J C , Renton R L , Westlake D M
Published: January 2017

Eighty patients with hay fever took part in a double-blind study to compare the efficacy of two doses of terfenadine, namely 60 mg b.d., the standard recommended dose, and 120 mg b.d.

Thirty-nine patients received 60 mg b.d. and thirty-eight received 120 mg b.d., each given over 1 week. Symptoms were assessed at the start and end of treatment and were also recorded in diary cards. Over-all efficacy was determined by doctor and patient at the end of treatment. Onset of relief of symptoms after the first dose was recorded.

The results showed no significant differences between the two treatments. Symptom relief was good for both (54%–63% experiencing good or complete relief) and the target symptoms of hay fever (i.e. those most commonly reported) were relieved particularly well. Average onset of symptom relief was 72 minutes for 60 mg and 59 minutes for 120 mg. Side-effects were few for both doses, only three patients in total reporting sedation.
A Double-Blind Randomized Study of an Aspirin/Caffeine Combination versus Acetaminophen/Aspirin Combination versus Acetaminophen versus Placebo in Patients with Moderate to Severe Post-Partum Pain
Authors: Rubin Alan , Winter Leo
Published: January 2017

In a double-blind, randomized controlled trial among 500 post-partum patients experiencing moderate to severe pain, a single oral dose of an aspirin/caffeine combination (800 mg aspirin, 65 mg caffeine) provided significantly more pain relief at 2 hours than did a higher dose of an acetaminophen/aspirin combination (648 mg acetaminophen, 648 mg aspirin) and a higher dose of acetaminophen alone (1000 mg acetaminophen). At 3 and 4 hours, the acetaminophen/aspirin combination as well as the aspirin/caffeine combination were significantly superior to acetaminophen alone. At all times, all three drugs were significantly superior to placebo. There were no clinically significant adverse reactions. These results provide evidence of a potentiating effect of caffeine on aspirin's analgesic potency.
In Vitro Activity of Ceftazidime and other Beta-Lactam Antibiotics against Nosocomial Strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Ferreira M O Santos , Bacelar M Jesus , Canica M Manuela
Published: January 2017

The in vitro sensitivity of 300 nosocomial strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to ceftazidime was compared with their sensitivities to eleven other beta-lactam antibiotics. Concentrations of 2 mg/l of ceftazidime were sufficient to inhibit all of the strains tested including the carbenicillin-resistant ones. Ceftazidime shows considerably greater activity against Ps. aeruginosa than the other beta-lactam antibiotics.
A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study of Dipyrone and Aspirin in Post-Operative Orthopaedic Patients
Authors: Mehta S D
Published: January 2017

Two hundred and fifty-four patients with post-operative pain following closed reduction of fractured long bones completed a double-blind study of dipyrone and aspirin. Compared with placebo both active treatments produced significant relief of pain, which was apparent 30 minutes after ingestion and was maintained for the 6-hour duration of the study. Dipyrone 500 mg produced significantly greater pain relief than aspirin 500 mg. Both drugs were generally well tolerated.
Hydrocortisone 17-Butyrate (Locoid®) 0.1% Fatty Cream versus Desonide (Apolar®) 0·1% Ointment in the Treatment of Patients Suffering from Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Rajka G , Veijans H L
Published: January 2017

A randomized, double-blind, left-right study to compare the therapeutic efficacy and the cosmetic acceptability of the new hydrocortisone 17-butyrate (Locoid®) 0·1% fatty cream application form with desonide (Apolar®) 0·1% ointment was performed in thirty patients suffering from moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. The medications were applied to symmetrical, bilateral skin lesions twice daily for 4 weeks. Both treatments effected highly significant reductions of the score values for the severity of all clinical skin parameters assessed. Score reductions were, however, more pronounced on Locoid-treated sides than on Apolar-treated sides both after 2 and 4 weeks of therapy. It appeared further that clinical efficacy of treatment at completion of the study was also in favour of Locoid-treated sides, indicating that Locoid fatty cream is more effective than Apolar ointment. No serious side-effects were reported during the study.

The expressed patient preferences with respect to cosmetic acceptability of treatments were significantly in favour of Locoid fatty cream, indicating that patients preferred the use of this new galenic formulation over an ointment formulation. It is concluded that the new application form of Locoid, a fatty cream, is a useful and beneficial addition to topical corticosteroid therapy, which will promote patient compliance in a wide range of corticosteroid-responsive skin diseases.
Analgesic Activity of Flupirtine Maleate: A Controlled Double-Blind Study with Diclofenac Sodium in Orthopaedics
Authors: Mastronardi P. , D'Onofrio M. , Scanni E. , Pinto M. , Frontespezi S. , Ceccarelli M. G. , Bianchi F. , Mazzarella B.
Published: January 2017

A controlled, parallel group study of the analgesic efficacy of flupirtine maleate, was compared against diclofenac sodium in 40 orthopaedic patients with post-operative pain. Clinically, both drugs were of equal analgesic efficacy. A mathematical model has been developed, however, to evaluate the speed, intensity and duration of the analgesic effect and provides data which significantly favour flupirtine maleate in the treatment of these patients.
Clinical Efficacy and Tolerance of Two New Macrolides, Clarithromycin and Josamycin, in the Treatment of Patients with Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis
Authors: Fraschini F.
Published: January 2017

The efficacy and safety of oral 500 mg clarithromycin given twice daily and 500 mg josamycin given three times daily were compared for up to 14 days in the treatment of 103 out-patients with acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis in an open, randomized study. The predominant pathogens isolated were Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus. Clinical cures were experienced by 85% of the clarithromycin-treated patients, with an additional 10% showing improvement. In josamycin-treated patients, 76% of the patients experienced clinical cures and an additional 19% showed improvement. Eradication of the causative pathogen occurred in approximately 95% of the patients in both treatment groups. Adverse events, which all involved the gastro-intestinal tract and were mild, transient and probably related to therapy, were experienced by 5.8% and 7.8%, respectively, of the clarithromycin- and josamycin-treated patients. It is concluded that clarithromycin given twice daily is as effective as josamycin given three times daily.
Acute Effects of Alcohol Ingestion on the Human Serum Concentrations of Calcium and Magnesium
Authors: Petroianu A. , Barquete J. , de Almeida Plentz E.G. , Bastos C.M. Carvalho , Maia D.J.
Published: January 2017

Alcohol has been shown to reduce serum calcium concentrations in several animal studies. In humans, using relatively low doses of alcohol, however, the results were inconclusive. In addition, the effect of alcohol consumption on serum magnesium concentrations is controversial. To elucidate the influence of alcohol ingestion on serum calcium and magnesium in humans 43 intoxicated patients and seven healthy volunteers who had not previously ingested alcohol were studied. There was an inversely related diminuition of serum calcium and magnesium concentrations with increasing serum alcohol. These effects of alcohol may play a role in the metabolic and clinical disorders observed in severely intoxicated people.
Antiplatelet Agents and Their Effect on Complications during or Soon after Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty
Authors: Masotti M. , Turá A. , Crexells C. , Oriol A.
Published: January 2017

In a retrospective study, during which 179 patients had undergone percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), the overall initial success rate fell suddenly and unexpectedly from more than 90 % to 70.4%: 54.9% in patients not receiving antiplatelet therapy and 86.4% in patients treated orally with 300 mg triflusal three times daily or 300 mg acetylsalicylic acid plus 75 mg dipyridamole three times daily. The initial success rate was similar in patients with unstable (66.0%) and stable (77.6%) angina. The overall incidence of severe complications (mainly occlusion) was 16.2% and was significantly ( P < 0.01) greater in the patients not receiving antiplatelet therapy (23.1 % versus 9.1%). There was no significant difference between incidence according to antiplatelet therapy used. It is concluded that antiplatelet therapy during the peri-angioplasty period (from 2 days before to 2 days after) may prevent periprocedural events in patients undergoing PTCA.
Cerebrocortical Degeneration in Goats Inoculated with Mink-passaged Scrapie Virus
Authors: Hadlow W. J. , Race R. E.
Published: January 2017

Widespread spongiform degeneration of the cerebral cortex occurred in four African pygmy goats that became affected with scrapie after intracerebral inoculation with scrapie virus (Suffolk sheep brain origin) that had been passed three times in ranch mink. The occurrence of such cerebrocortical degeneration was a distinct departure from the topographic pattern of neuropathologic changes that characterizes scrapie in sheep and goats. But the cortical lesion was identical to the one found in goats that became affected with a disease otherwise indistinguishable from scrapie after intracerebral inoculation with transmissible mink encephalopathy (TME) virus that had been passed twice in mink. If TME originated from infection with wild scrapie virus, as is generally thought, then the viruses used in these two instances would be equivalent in their passage history in this aberrant host. Given this similarity, the common occurrence of the cortical lesion is thought to be consistent with the view that TME virus almost certainly is scrapie virus whose biologic properties became altered by chance passage in ranch mink.
Experimental Babesia bovis Infection in Holstein Calves
Authors: Everitt J. I. , Shadduck J. A. , Steinkamp C. , Clabaugh G.
Published: January 2017

One intact and two splenectomized Holstein calves were infected intravenously with a Mexican strain of Babesia bovis and killed following the onset of severe clinical disease. A light and electron microscopic study was conducted on selected tissues to examine the relationship between parasitized erythrocytes and microvascular endothelial cells. The pattern and degree of specific organ sequestration of parasitized erythrocytes was assessed and correlated to lesions. Red blood cells infected with Babesia bovis exhibited stellate membrane protrusions. This morphological change appeared to mediate erythrocyte sequestration in the microvascular and capillary beds of the brain, kidney, and adrenal gland by an as yet unknown mechanism(s).
Pulmonary Lesions in Lambs Experimentally Infected with Ovine Adenovirus 5 Strain RTS-42
Authors: Cutlip R. C. , Lehmkuhl H. D.
Published: January 2017

Twelve lambs were inoculated transtracheally and intranasally with Mastadenovirus ovi 5 strain RTS-42 and killed sequentially. Pulmonary lesions were studied by light and electron microscopy. Four lambs served as sham inoculated controls. Pulmonary lesions consisted of multifocal areas of bronchiolitis and alveolitis associated with necrosis and sloughing of isolated type I and type II alveolar epithelial cells and nonciliated bronchiolar epithelial cells. This was followed rapidly by hyperplasia of the remaining epithelium and repair of the damage. A cellular infiltrate of neutrophils and macrophages began at 2 days after inoculation, peaked at 4 days after inoculation, gradually diminished until minimal at 12 days after inoculation, and was resolved at 21 days after inoculation. Surfactant was abundant and, along with debris, was removed from the alveoli by macrophages. Clinical disease was not seen, but lesions were believed to be sufficient to allow bacteria to colonize the lungs and cause severe disease.
Morphological Findings in Young Dogs Chronically Fed a Diet Containing Excess Calcium
Authors: Goedegebuure S. A. , Hazewinkel H. A. W.
Published: January 2017

Morphologic findings in Great Dane pups fed a supplement containing three times the recommended calcium content (HC-group) and a diet which followed recommended requirements (NC-group) are described.

In the HC-group significant skeletal changes were found using histologic, histomorphometric, and bone labeling techniques. Both cartilage and osseous changes were present. Articular and physeal cartilage changes consisted of various-sized irregularities of retained cartilage with disturbances in enchondral ossification. These changes were comparable to osteochondrotic lesions. Osseous lesions were characterized by retarded maturation and retarded remodeling of trabecular and cortical bone, a higher percentage of total bone volume, and a decreased number of osteoclasts. Initially the parathyroid glands were found to be less active, and in the thyroid glands the C-cells were more numerous. At the end of the study these differences were far less pronounced.
Stereoscopic Depth Contrast in a 3D Müller–Lyer Configuration: Evidence for Local Normalization
Authors: Harada Shinya , Mitsudo Hiroyuki
Published: January 2017

Depth contrast is a stereoscopic visual phenomenon in which the slant of an element is affected by that of adjacent elements. Normalization has been proposed to be a possible cause of depth contrast, but it is still unclear how depth contrast involves normalization. To address this issue, we devised stereograms consisting of a vertical test line accompanied by several inducer lines, like a three-dimensional variation of the well-known Müller–Lyer configuration. The inducer lines had horizontal binocular disparities that defined a stereoscopic slant about a horizontal axis with respect to the endpoints of the test line. The observer’s task was to adjust the slant of the test line about a horizontal axis until it appeared subjectively vertical. The results of two psychophysical experiments found that slant settings were affected by the slant of local inducers, but not by the overall slant of the whole stimulus. These results suggest that, at least for line patterns, the stereo system normalizes depth locally.
Sabra and Shatila: testimonies of the survivors
Authors: Barrada Layla Shahid , Seidel Gill
Published: January 2017

The F family used to live in Tel al-Zaatar. When the camp was destroyed in 1976, Sobhia F lost her husband and one of her sons. She then went to live in Shatila with her remaining children. Today, Sobhia F is still living in Shatila with what is left of her family: her eldest daughter, Wasfia, who has three children, her other three daughters, Khadija, who is 22, Sawson, 12, Zeinab, II, and the only boy who was not killed, Adel, aged 7. Her mother-in-law was present throughout the interview. Three generations of women gave their testimonies.
Underground Songs
Authors: Smith Gerry
Published: January 2017

Pesni russkikh bardov 30 cassette recordings and three books of texts YMCA Press, Paris 1300F
Photodynamic Therapy Targeted to Pathogens
Authors: Demidova T. N. , Hamblin M. R.
Published: January 2017

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) employs a non-toxic dye termed a photosensitizer (PS) together with low intensity visible light, which, in the presence of oxygen, produce cytotoxic species. PS can be targeted to its destination cell or tissue and, in addition, the irradiation can be spatially confined to the lesion giving PDT the advantage of dual selectivity. This promising approach can be used for various applications including microbial inactivation and the treatment of infections. Resistance to PDT has not been shown and multiantibiotic-resistant strains are as easily killed as naïve strains. It is known that Gram (+) bacteria are more sensitive to PDT as compared to Gram (-) species. However, the use of cationic PS or agents that increase the permeability of the outer membrane allows for the effective killing of Gram (-) organisms. Some PS have an innate positive charge, but our approach is to link PS to a cationic molecular vehicle such as poly-L-lysine. This modification dramatically increases PS binding to and penetrating through the negatively charged bacterial permeability barrier. Due to focused light delivery the use of PDT is possible only for localized infections. Nonetheless numerous diseases can be treated. Selectivity of the PS for microbes over host cells, accurate delivery of the PS into the infected area, and PDT dose adjustment help minimize side effects and give PDT an advantage over conventional therapy. There are only a few reports about the use of antimicrobial PDT in animal models and clinical trials. We have used genetically modified bioluminescent bacteria to follow the effect of PDT in infected wounds, burns, and soft tissue infections in mice. Not only were bacteria infecting wounds, burns, and abscesses killed, but mice were saved from death due to sepsis and wound healing was improved.
Influence of Cigarette Smoking on Vitamin E, Vitamin A, β-Carotene and Lycopene Concentrations in Human Pre-Ovulatory Follicular Fluid
Authors: Tiboni G.M. , Bucciarelli T. , Giampietro F. , Sulpizio M. , Di Ilio C.
Published: January 2017

Increasing evidence suggests that fat soluble vitamins and micronutrients have the potential for local modulation of follicular development. Cigarette smoking has been associated with accelerated follicular depletion and derangement of reproductive functions. The present study was initiated to investigate the impact of cigarette smoking on follicular and plasma concentrations of vitamin A, vitamin E, lycopene and β-carotene. Samples were collected from 17 smokers and 43 non-smoking women undergoing assisted reproduction techniques. Assays were carried out by a reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Smokers had significantly ( P > 0.05) lower levels of follicular fluid β-carotene in comparison to non-smokers (0.02 ± 0.02 vs. 0.09 ± 0.02, respectively). No other significant influences on follicular and plasma concentrations were noted. Smokers showed a significantly ( P > 0.05) lower fertilization rate in comparison to non-smokers, (55.9% vs. 71.5%, respectively). It is postulated that follicular depletion of the antioxidant β-carotene occurs in response to oxidative stress imposed by cigarette smoke.
Impairment of Recent Thymic Emigrants in HCV Infection
Authors: Cianci R. , Pinti M. , Nasi M. , Starnino S. , Cammarota G. , Miele L. , De Luca A. , Cauda R. , Raducci F. , Grieco A. , Rapaccini G. , Gasbarrini G. , Cossarizza A. , Pandolfi F.
Published: January 2017

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) often has a more favorable course in younger patients. Considering the involution of the thymic function with age, we investigated the output of recent thymic emigrants (RTE) in HCV patients. To evaluate RTE, we used a competitive quantitative PCR in order to determine the percentages of cells with cj-T cell receptor excision circles (TREC). This study was performed in 14 HCV patients at diagnosis and before any anti-HCV treatment. The results obtained in this group were compared to those obtained in a group of age-matched controls. We found that in the 14 HCV patients naive for anti-HCV treatment the mean percentage of cj-TREC was 3%. We could not detect a correlation between the percentages of cj-TREC and age or patients' viremia. In contrast, in the 26 age-matched controls mean percentage of cj-TREC was 5.6% (P=0.01). Our study describes a novel immune defect in HCV patients. Additional studies are needed to get further insight in the possible role of TREC defect in the pathogenesis and prognosis of the disease.
Oral Terbinafine in the Treatment of Multi-Site Seborrheic Dermatitis: A Multicenter, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Vena G.A. , Micali G. , Santoianni P. , Cassano N. , Peruzzi E.
Published: January 2017

Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a common disorder for which no satisfactory curative treatment exists. Preliminary studies suggest that terbinafine may be effective. The efficacy and tolerability of oral terbinafine was evaluated in multi-site SD in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. For this purpose, 174 adult patients with SD lesions involving ≥3 skin areas, each causing ≥2 moderate/severe symptoms according to a pre-defined clinical score, were classified according to the localization of lesions: patients with lesions predominantly involving non-exposed skin areas, such as scalp and hairline and sternum and/or interscapular area (Population A, n=83) or patients with lesions in exposed sites, mainly the face (Population B, n=91). Patients were randomized to oral terbinafine (250 mg/day) (n=86) or matching placebo (n=88), each given for 6 weeks. Primary efficacy variable was the response rate, defined as ≥50% decrease in baseline total clinical score without rescue medication intake after 6 weeks of treatment. The main secondary assessments were: subject's global assessment of relief and proportion of patients satisfied with treatment. Recurrence rate was assessed in responder patients during a 4-week treatment-free period. In Population A the response rate after 6 weeks of treatment was significantly higher with terbinafine (70% vs 45.4%; p=0.03) and so was the proportion of patients who reported relief (75% vs 41%; p=0.007) and who were satisfied (66% vs 40%; p=0.02). No significant differences were recorded in Population B. Adverse events occurred in 11.5% of terbinafine patients and 8% of placebo patients. One patient discontinued treatment with terbinafine because of adverse events (mild tachycardia and insomnia). In conclusion, our results show that terbinafine is significantly more effective than placebo in reducing the severity of SD lesions in non-exposed sites. Clinical trials comparing terbinafine to standard treatment regimens in different types of patients with SD are warranted.
HPLC Investigated Physicochemical Compatibility between Artrosilene® Injectable Solution and other Pharmaceutical Products Frequently Used for Combined Therapy into Elastomeric Baxter LV5 Infusion Devices
Authors: Anacardio R. , Bartolini S. , Gentile M.M. , Bagnasco M. , Carlucci G.
Published: January 2017

Ketoprofen lysine salt (Artrosilene®, injectable solution) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent frequently administered by slow intravenous infusion with portable elastomeric infusion systems in association regimen with other analgesic drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical compatibility between ketoprofen lysine salt (Artrosilene®, injectable solution) and other injectable drugs frequently used in association, such as tramadol hydrochloride, keterolac tromethamine and morphine hydrochloride, into the Infusor LV5, Baxter elastomeric infusion system. Physicochemical properties of drug mixture, including colour, clarity, pH and drug content were observed or measured by a reversed-phase HPLC method with UV detection, before and after (up to 7 days) mixing at room temperature and under light protection. The results obtained demonstrated the physicochemical compatibility of ketoprofen lysine salt (Artrosilene®, injectable solution) with all drug formulations at every tested mixing ratios into Baxer Infusor LV5 infusion devices.
Is Necroptosis a Death Pathway in Aluminum-Induced Neuroblastoma Cell Demise?
Authors: Zhang Q.L. , Niu Q. , Ji X.L. , Conti P. , Boscolo P.
Published: January 2017

Besides being an aggravating factor secondary to major physiological alterations in degenerative diseases, aluminum has also been considered as a risk factor in the etiology. Although many in vivo and in vitro data are in favor of apoptosis and necrosis being involved in Al induced neurodegenerative processes, there is considerable evidence that very complex events may contribute to neural cell death. Necroptosis, a novel cell death pathway, was recently reported to contribute to ischemia brain injury. It is different from, but associated with, apoptosis and necrosis, the two common major pathways of cell demise. In the present study, SH-SY5Y cells were put under stress by Al, a potential degenerative cell death inducer. Nec-1, a specific inhibitor, was used to identify necroptosis. The characteristics observed in Nec-1 and Al treated SH-SY5Y cells showed that necrotic morphological changes were reduced, and a sharp decrease of necrotic rate was detected. Besides, there were Al-induced mitochondria membrane potential decreasing, reactive oxygen species remaining, and autophagosomes declining. The mechanism of Nec-1's effect on cell death may be related to caspases pathways. To our best knowledge, this is the pioneer report on necroptosis in mixed human neural cell death pathways, which might offer a novel therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases, and an extended window for neuroprotection.
Growth Factors and Scaffold Composition Influence Properties of Tissue Engineered Human Septal Cartilage Implants in a Murine Model
Authors: Skodacek D. , Brandau S. , Deutschle T. , Lang S. , Rotter N.
Published: January 2017

Several surgical disciplines apply cartilage grafts for reconstructive purposes and have to overcome the scarcity of donor sites for this unique tissue. Employing the techniques of tissue engineering, cartilage might be generated in reasonable amounts for clinical purposes. Application of growth factors together with biochemical and biomechanical scaffold properties influence the process of ex vivo transplant production. The aims of this study are: 1) to investigate the influence of IGF-1 and TGFβ-2 on tissue engineered human septal cartilage in vitro and in vivo after transplantation in nude mice; 2) to analyse the effect of the polydioxanone (PDS) content of the biodegradable Ethisorb E210™ scaffold on the properties of the implanted constructs. Cells were three-dimensionally cultured on biodegradable Ethisorb E210™ (PGA-PLA-copolymer fleeces with polydioxanone (PDS) adhesions), or on E210™ scaffolds with a reduced polydioxanone content. Wet weight (ww), GAG-, and hydroxyprolin-content, as well as the cellularity of the neocartilage constructs were quantitatively evaluated. Additionally, the in vivo resorption of the two types of cell carriers was monitored. Addition of growth factors clearly increased the wet weight of the in vitro cultured constructs before transplantation. After transplantation, high PDS content improved the in vivo stability and macroscopic morphometric appearance of the tissue engineered specimens and led to enhanced deposition of glycosaminoglycans in transplanted constructs. Hydroxyproline content of the implants was not affected by either growth factors or PDS content. These data suggest a role for IGF-1 and TGFß-2 in preparative in vitro culture of chondrocytes before implantation, while PDS content of the scaffold is important for in vivo properties of the implanted material.
CCL16 Enhances the CD8+ and CD4+ T Cell Reactivity to Human Her-2 Elicited by Dendritic Cells Loaded with Rat Ortholog Her-2
Authors: Caorsi C. , Cappello P. , Ceruti P. , Amici A. , Marchini C. , Novelli F. , Forni G. , Giovarelli M.
Published: January 2017

T cells from HLA A2+ healthy donors were co-cultured with autologous dendritic cells (DC) loaded with apoptotic tumor cells expressing rat neu, and were induced to mature by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α and interleukin (IL)-1β (mDC neu) or by the CCL16 chemokine (CCL16/mDC neu). Priming by CCL16/mDC neu induces a larger population of T cells that express cytoplasmatic interferon (IFN)γ, TNFα, perforin and granzyme B compared to those primed by mDC neu. T cells primed by CCL16/mDC neu release IFNγ in response to human HER-2+ cells and kill human HER-2+ target cells more efficiently than those primed by mDC neu. Our results show that both the loading of DC with xenogeneic rat neu and their maturation by CCL16 are two issues of critical importance for the elicitation of an effective response to human HER-2 in T cells from normal donors.
Early Cytokine Modulation after the Rapid Induction Phase of Sublingual Immunotherapy with Mite Monomeric Allergoids
Authors: Di Gioacchino M. , Perrone A. , Petrarca C. , Di Claudio F. , Mistrello G. , Falagiani P. , Dadorante V. , Verna N. , Braga M. , Ballone E. , Cavallucci E.
Published: January 2017

The influence of different treatment schedules of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in activating IL-10-producing T-cells, crucial in inducing allergen-specific tolerance, is not completely understood. The present work was designed to evaluate allergen driven interleukin release by mononuclear cells in the early phase of SLIT, after application of different induction schemes. Twenty mite-allergic patients were enrolled, 10 (group A) treated with a traditional 98 day induction scheme and 10 (group B) with a 16 day scheme with monomeric allergoid vaccine. At the end of the induction phase, the cumulative doses taken by group A and group B patients were equivalent to 50.5 and 50.3 μg of mite group 1 allergens, respectively. The release of Th1-, Th2- and Treg-related interleukins was assessed in culture supernatants of 5 μg/ml Der-p1-stimulated mononuclear cells, isolated before and after the induction phases. No relevant treatment-related side effects were observed. Interleukin release was similar in the two groups at the enrolment. Non-stimulated and Der p 1 stimulated release of studied cytokines was similar in the two groups at enrolment. Der p 1 stimulation significantly increased IL-10 release (p<0.0002) after treatment in group B patients, and this effect was higher (p=0.05) compared to group A patients. Furthermore, at the end of SLIT induction TNF-alpha, IL-4 and IFN-gamma production were reduced in group B patients (p<0.05, p=0.062 and p=0.060, respectively). The rapid induction scheme of sublingual immunotherapy induces an early immune suppression more effectively than the slower one. The rapid induction scheme should be the preferential way to start sublingual immunotherapy, particularly when monomeric allergoids are utilized.
HIV Impairs CD34+- Derived Monocytic Precursor Differentiation into Functional Dendritic Cells
Authors: Bordoni V. , Castelli G. , Montesoro E. , Federico M. , Sacchi A. , Morsilli O. , Agrati C. , Martini F. , Chelucci C.
Published: January 2017

Dendritic cells (DCs) perform a basic role in the immune system by allowing the initiation of the primary T-cell-dependent immune response. Given previous indirect evidence that DC maturation and function are impaired by HIV, we have developed an in vitro culture system in order to verify the effect of HIV infection on DC function during the development from hematopoietic progenitors. Considering that monocytic (Mo) differentiating cells efficiently replicate monocytotropic HIV, we examined whether HIV-infected monocytic precursors (MoP) were able to generate functional DCs. CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) were induced along Mo differentiative pathway in liquid cultures and at an early stage of culture, MoP were infected with M-tropic BaL HIV strain, and after 2 days they were switched to DC differentiation with GM-CSF and IL-4. Derived DCs were actively infected, as detected by HIV-p24 production. HIV did not significantly affect cell viability, but induced a reduction in cell proliferation and an inefficient functional activity in terms of uptake capability and stimulation of allogenic T cells. These results indicate that HIV-infected MoP lost the capacity to generate functional DCs, and this may represent one of the many mechanisms of immunosuppression exploited by HIV.
In Vitro Effects of Nicotine on Sperm Motility and Bio-Functional Flow Cytometry Sperm Parameters
Authors: Condorelli R.A. , La Vignera S. , Giacone F. , Iacoviello L. , Vicari E. , Mongioi L. , Calogero A.E.
Published: January 2017

The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the effects of nicotine on sperm motility and on non-conventional sperm parameters in vitro. Capacitated spermatozoa isolated from 10 normozoospermic, healthy, non-smoker men were evaluated. Spermatozoa were exposed to increasing concentrations of nicotine (0, 1, 10, and 100 ng/ml) for 3 and 24 hours. Progressive motility and the following non-conventional sperm parameters, evaluated by flow cytometry, were assessed: mitochondrial membrane potential, viability, phosphatidylserine externalization, late apoptosis, degree of chromatin compactness, and DNA fragmentation. Nicotine suppressed, in a concentration-dependent manner, sperm progressive motility starting from the lowest concentration used (1 ng/ml). Similarly, it reduced the percentage of viable spermatozoa and increased the number of spermatozoa in late apoptosis, with altered chromatin compactness, or DNA fragmentation already after 3 hours of incubation. These effects were observed at a concentration similar (100 ng/ml) to that found in the seminal plasma of smokers (70 ng/ml), with the exception of the effects on sperm DNA fragmentation whose significant effect was detected also at a lower concentration (10 ng/ml). Nicotine may be regarded as a noxious component of cigarette smoke on the male reproductive function.