bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Gonorrhoea in Males with a Single Oral Dose of Ampicillin Combined with Probenecid
Authors: Talamo Gilberto , Espin Jose
Published: January 2017

A total of sixty cases of acute and subacute gonorrhoeal urethritis in males were treated with a single oral dose of ampicillin combined with probenecid. All of the patients were examined at least twice during the post-treatment period and a recovery rate of 95% was obtained in the study. The treatment was shown to be not only highly effective but also well tolerated and accepted by the patients as well as being extremely easy of administration.
Effects of Oxypertine and Chlordiazepoxide on Human Motor Co-Ordination
Authors: Berry P A , Grubb D J
Published: January 2017

The performance of six normal healthy male volunteers in three simple co-ordination tests has been used to assess the effects of three doses of oxypertine and one dose of chlordiazepoxide. In the first part of the study, single doses of oxpyertine ( 10 and 20 mg) and chlordiazepoxide 10 mg were compared, in the second part of the study, two doses of oxypertine 5 and 10 mg given four hours apart were compared. The tests employed were—braking reaction time in a motor car simulator, spatial co-ordination and pursuit rotor performance.

In the first part of the study, oxypertine ( 10 and 20 mg) produced initial improvements in performance in the braking test, followed by deterioration. Performance four hours after 10 mg of oxypertine was normal when compared with the placebo response. Chlordiazepoxide 10 mg produced a deterioration in performance. Statistical analysis of the braking reaction times revealed large subject to subject variations, and in only one case was a statistically significant difference between treatments demonstrated.

The second part of the study failed to confirm the improvements in performance noted in the earlier study. No statistically significant changes in performance were detected following the first capsules of oxypertine ( 5 or 10 mg). Three and four hours after consuming the second 5 or 10 mg capsule, significant changes in braking performances were recorded at the 1% and 5% levels of significance respectively. Performance in the pursuit rotor test was enhanced following the ingestion of 5 mg of oxypertine, but was depressed after 10 mg of the drug, these observations were not statistically significant.

Dose related drowsiness was detected following dosage with oxypertine and although less obvious outwardly in later studies, it was still apparent in the performance scores of the subjects, particularly those who had consumed the higher ( 20 mg) dose of oxypertine.

The braking reaction time experiments suggest that dosage with oxypertine at a frequency of 10 mg every four hours or less, may result in an accumulation of drug and lead to significant motor inco-ordination. It seems unlikely that prolonged dosage with the 5 mg dose of oxypertine will lead to accumulation of the drug.
An Investigation into the Effect on Cigarette Smoking of a New Anti-Smoking Preparation
Authors: Rosenberg Abraham
Published: January 2017

A preparation claimed to help patients to break the habit of smoking has recently been introduced. Material released in the mouth from a lozenge causes such an unpleasant taste when tobacco smoke is inhaled that the subject is unable to continue smoking. The lozenges are also claimed not to affect the flavour of food and drink. These claims have been investigated in a double-blind trial on thirty subjects, fifteen of whom took the active preparation and fifteen the placebo. Two lozenges were sucked three times during the course of one day, two of the doses preceding meals so that any effect on the enjoyment of food could be assessed. The subjects smoked a cigarette at intervals after each dose and recorded their subjective responses. The active preparation was shown to be effective in producing a distaste for cigarette smoking for a duration of ninety minutes without seriously affecting the subject's enjoyment of food.
The Clinical Importance of the Neuroleptic Threshold and its Fine Motor Determination by the Handwriting Test
Authors: Haase H J , Floru L
Published: January 2017

This paper discusses the present state of investigations concerning the concepts of ‘neuroleptic threshold’ and fine motor extrapyramidal inhibition. The publication also includes reports on studies carried out by thirty-one collaborators from the Haase work-team based on over 50,000 handwriting tests. The main results of the following studies are presented and discussed:

Investigations effected by fourteen authors on 328 cases of schizophrenia proving the close relationship between crossing the neuroleptic threshold and onset of the anti-psychotic effect. By a gradual increase of dosage a neuroleptic-anti-psychotic action was obtained in the days following the crossing of the neuroleptic threshold for a total of 87% of cases, 52% of which took place in the first three days, another 16% within the following three days and the rest after a longer interval. In another series of investigations the actions of a neuroleptic drug above and under the neuroleptic threshold were systematically compared in twenty-four cases of chronic schizophrenia. Concerning the action of anti-parkinson drugs on motor and psychic neuroleptic efficiency, results are reported on two series of investigations. Furthermore, the concepts of ‘neuroleptic-therapeutic range’ and ‘neuroleptic potency’ are defined and the problem of different individual predispositions to the neuroleptic threshold is discussed. Fine motor extrapyramidal handwriting symptomatology was quantified by means of Haase's handwriting test and evaluated according to the following degrees: mild, moderate and severe. The relevancy of determining the impressive character of handwriting was proved by the work of three different independent investigators, each separately assessing the samples resulting from the same 300 handwriting tests. Two measuring procedures were evolved for the planimetric evaluation of handwriting. The application of handwriting tests in the therapy of long-term neuroleptics is discussed, viz. in determining duration of activity, in controlling cumulative tendency and in studies on under-threshold neuroleptic action. This paper stresses the clinical and practical importance of these results.
The Clinical and Bacteriological Assessment of a Twice Daily Formulation of Erythromycin Stearate: A General Practice Study
Authors: Jackson D , Thomas H B
Published: January 2017

This report presents the clinical and bacteriological assessment of a twice daily formulation of erythromycin stearate. The activity of this twice daily formulation was compared with erythromycin stearate 250 mg 6 hourly, and the assessment carried out in a number of general practices, both urban and rural, distributed widely throughout the United Kingdom. The twice daily dosage regime of ‘Erythrocin 500’ was seen to be an effective therapy, to compare favourably with the smaller dose given 6 hourly and with minimal side-effects. Antibiotic sensitivity tests included penicillin and tetracycline as well as erythromycin, and the negligible incidence of resistance demonstrated for erythromycin contrasted with that of the two other commonly used antibiotics.
Cimetidine—A Non-Thiourea H2-Receptor Antagonist
Authors: Brimblecombe R W , Duncan W A M , Durant G J , Emmett J C , Ganellin C R , Parsons M E
Published: January 2017

Cimetidine is a non-thiourea analogue of metiamide. It is a specific competitive histamine H2-receptor antagonist and is an effective inhibitor of gastric secretion in animals and man with similar pharmacological properties to metiamide. No renal damage or haematological changes were observed in 90-day studies in rats or dogs.
A Comparison between Maprotiline (Ludiomil) and Amitriptyline in the Treatment of Depressive Reaction in General Practice
Authors: Murphy J E , Forrest W A
Published: January 2017

In this trial in depressive reaction in general practice, maprotiline and amitriptyline, in a fixed dosage regime of 50 mg three times daily for three weeks, were equally effective therapeutic agents; all but two of the patients improving during the trial.

Thirteen patients (16% of the group) withdrew from the study due to the severity of side-effects, predominantly because of drowsiness.

In those patients who completed the trial both compounds were relatively well tolerated. The general pattern of side-effects ('mild’ drowsiness and dry mouth) was similar for both treatments, although maprotiline appeared to cause more dizziness than amitriptyline.
Non-Pharmacological Factors in Drug Therapy—The Inter-Action of Doctor, Patient and Tablet Appearance in the Treatment of Anxiety/Depressive Syndromes
Authors: Schiff A A , Murphy J E , Anderson J A
Published: January 2017

The degree to which placebo response is involved in an active treatment situation in normal clinical practice, and the factors comprising the placebo response, have been analyzed in a study on patients with anxiety/depressive syndromes. Four tablet preparations of different appearance but identical pharmacological activity were used over a three week period, and a comparison of therapeutic benefits between ‘treatments', doctors, and doctor—patient groupings was made, in addition to an analysis of the relationship of patients' self-assessments with their physicians' ratings.

The results showed that although direct pharmacological effect was paramount in determining therapeutic outcome, detailed differences were related to various placebo factors. The similarity between physicians' and patients' ratings tends to decrease during the course of treatment, and possible reasons for this are reviewed in the light of previous work.
Amikacin (BBK8) in Infections Due to Gram-Negative Organisms in Children over the Age of One Month
Authors: Ramirez J I , Trujillo H , Uribe A , Agudelo Nancy H , de Vidal Esther Luisa
Published: January 2017

Thirty children over the age of one month were treated with amikacin ( BBK8), a new aminoglycoside derived from kanamycin A, with three intramuscular dosage schedules. Each group consisted of ten patients. The first received 7.5 mg/kg/12 hours, the second 7.5 mg/kg/24 hours and the third, 3.75 mg/kg/12 hours. The infections and the bacteria were similar in all three groups: pyelonephritis, abscesses of soft tissues, infected wounds, septicaemia, superinfected empyema, gastro-enteritis, chronic otitis media; the bacteria were E. coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas and Salmonella. A were sensitive by the Kirby-Bauer method, although two were resistant by dilution in Petri dish. Of the thirty patients, twenty four (80%) were cured. The schedule of 3.75 mg/kg/12 hours was as effective as the schedule of7.5 mg/kg/12 hours for infections such as pyelonephritis, superficial abcesses, contaminated wounds, gastro-enteritis and sepsis. The cases with infections localized in rather unaccessible sites required double the dose and strict drainage and cleanliness. Plasma levels with the administration of 3.75 mg/kg fluctuated between 8.3 and 12.6 mcg/ml; with 7.5 mg/kg they fluctuated between 8.6 and 13.1. The minimum inhibitory level ( MIL) for the majority of the bacteria was 1.25 mcg/ml. No toxic reactions were observed.
Halcinonide, a New Topical Anti-Inflammatory Steroid
Authors: Savin Ronald C
Published: January 2017

Halcinonide, a new topical fluorinated steroid was compared in a doubleblind, simultaneous comparison with betamethasone valerate. Halcinonide was found to be superior in the treatment of psoriasis and equally effective as betamethasone valerate in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Efficacy Study of Ketazolam (U-28,774)
Authors: Fabre Louis F , Harris Robert T , Stubbs Derek F
Published: January 2017

The safety and efficacy of ketazolam (15 mg capsules) was compared to placebo in seventy-nine out-patients suffering from psychoneurotic anxiety, moderate or worse in severity. A flexible dosage range of 15-75 mg was used in this double-blind study lasting twenty-eight days. The average optimum therapeutic dose of ketazolam was 46.9 mg administered as a once-a-day dose at bedtime. Ketazolam was found to be significantly better than placebo in alleviating anxiety and its concomitant symptomatology as measured by the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, three Physician's Global Impressions, two Patient's Global Impressions, and three Target Symptoms. Fifteen patients dropped from the placebo group before completion of the study, and two withdrew from the ketazolam group. The patients receiving ketazolam experienced a greater reduction in symptomatology throughout the study when compared to the placebo group. Side-effects experienced by the ketazolam patients were less than, or equal to, the placebo patients. No deleterious side-effects occurred. No differences between the two groups were found for vital signs, EKG's, laboratory tests, or physical examinations.
Study of a New Analgesic Compound in the Treatment of Tension Headache*
Authors: Borges J , Zavaleta C
Published: January 2017

The effect of a new analgesic compound ( propoxyphene, acetaminophen, caffeine, hydroxyzine) was investigated in a single-blind study comparing it with plain acetaminophen administered to forty patients with tension headache. For the study, patients were assigned to one of two groups of twenty each. Starting dose for each group was one to two tablets followed by one tablet every four to six hours. The results show that 90% clinical success was obtained with the analgesic compound, while a 45% success was obtained with plain acetaminophen. This is a statistically significant difference. Side-effects observed with analgesic compound were primarily drowsiness and dizziness of mild intensity; acetaminophen caused gastro-intestinal alterations ( nausea, vomiting) and dizziness of greater severity. Therapy was withdrawn in 20% of patients taking acetaminophen because of side-effects. The dosage of analgesic compound required to control each episode of tension headache way smaller than that of acetaminophen. These results can be explained by a possible potentiation of pharmacological activity of the compound's components. It can be concluded that the analgesic compound is a new and effective combination for the symptomatic treatment of tension headache.
A Clinical Comparison of Betamethasone 17,21-Dipropionate and Clobetasol Propionate Creams in Dermatology
Authors: Voigtländer V
Published: January 2017

In a double-blind investigation, 36 patients suffering from various steroid-responsive dermatoses were treated twice daily for three weeks either with 0·05% betamethasone 17,21-dipropionate cream or with 0·05% clobetasol propionate cream. Results showed both products to be highly effective in terms of onset of action and efficacy and no statistical differences were found (p > 0·1).
Hydralazine and Oxprenolol in the Treatment of Hypertension and the Effect of these Drugs on Plasma Renin Activity
Authors: Siitonen L
Published: January 2017

The effect of a vasodilator (hydralazine), a beta-blocker (oxprenolol) and also their combination, on essential arterial hypertension and plasma renin activity (PRA), was studied. Eighteen patients with mild hypertension (WHO I or II) were treated for 4 weeks with oxprenolol, hydralazine and their combination, with 4-week placebo periods between the active treatment periods. Oxprenolol and hydralazine lowered the blood pressure to a similar degree and their combination accentuated this effect. PRA decreased significantly on both the oxprenolol and the combination therapy, but increased during the following placebo and hydralazine periods to a level slightly higher than the initial level.

Another group of eleven patients were treated with oxprenolol for 20 weeks. Blood pressure decreased almost to a normotensive level during the first 4 weeks of treatment and a little lower during the following 4 weeks. It remained at this level until the end of the trial. PRA decreased significantly during the first 4 weeks on oxprenolol and remained low during the whole 20-week treatment period.

No correlation was found between the change in blood pressure caused by oxprenolol treatment and the initial placebo value of PRA, or, the change in PRA on oxprenolol treatment. These results support the view that the level of PRA has no significance when an antihypertensive treatment is being selected, e.g. beta-blockers.
Nadolol and Propranolol in the Treatment of Hypertension: A Double-Blind Comparison
Authors: Mehairy M M El , Cairo MB , Shaker A , Ramadan M , Hamza S , Tadros S S
Published: January 2017

Nadolol and propranolol were compared in seventy-five hypertensive patients in a double-blind randomized study conducted at Ain-Shams Hospital. After an initial wash-out period of 5 weeks, including 3 weeks of placebo administration, forty-five patients were given nadolol once daily and thirty patients received propranolol four times per day for 12 weeks, followed by a tapering-off period of 2 weeks. Both beta-blocking agents were effective in controlling hypertension with final daily doses ranging from 80 to 320 mg. Of statistical significance, however, were the better responses of supine systolic blood pressure elicited by nadolol. The only adverse reactions that occurred in this series were slight weight gains in two patients treated with nadolol and moderate dizziness in one patient treated with propranolol. Nadolol was proved to be a safe antihypertensive drug, at least comparable to propranolol in efficacy, with the advantages of a once-daily dose and a lack of direct depressant action on the heart.
The Use of a Spironolactone and Althiazide Combination (Aldactacine) in the Treatment of Benign Essential Hypertension
Authors: Mngola E N
Published: January 2017

The effects of placebo and of a spironolactonealthiazide combination in the treatment of twenty-two Kenyan Africans with hypertension were assessed using a double-blind technique. After a 2-week medication-free period, patients were randomly allocated to placebo or active treatment for 6 weeks then crossing over to the alternative medication for a further 6 weeks, reverting to the original medication for a final 6 weeks. 100 mg spironolactone plus 60 mg althiazide per day was found to produce greater falls in blood pressure when compared with the placebo periods, sometimes significantly. No serious side-effects were reported. Electrolytes remained within normal limits.
Chronic Use of Triazolam: The Effects on the Sleep Patterns of Insomniacs
Authors: Pegram Vernon , Hyde Pam , Linton Patrick
Published: January 2017

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of triazolam 0.5 mg on the sleep of insomniac patients when given for 3 weeks. The results showed that both acute and chronic triazolam administration are effective in decreasing sleep latency, increasing sleep duration, increasing sleep efficiency and decreasing total wake time without producing major effects on sleep staging. Sleep Stages 1 and 2 were significantly altered by drug treatment but in a positive direction. This change is primarily attributable to the significant decrease in sleep onset. Deep sleep and REM were not significantly changed during triazolam treatment nor was there any evidence of REM rebound after discontinuation of the medication. It was noted that some of the sleep parameters measured shifted toward baseline measures in the first night after triazolam treatment was terminated. However, the total recovery period recorded (7 days) showed the quality and quantity of sleep obtained to be improved over baseline measures. The recovery data compared favourably with those improvements noted during chronic administration of triazolam. It was also found that 3 weeks of triazolam 0.5 mg usage did not result in tolerance to its hypnotic properties. Thus, triazolam maintains its hypnotic effectiveness throughout 3 weeks of administration.
A Multicentre General Practice Study to Compare Psoradrate 0.1% and Dithrocream 0.1% in the Treatment of Chronic Psoriasis
Authors: Budden M G
Published: January 2017

A multicentre general practice study was undertaken to compare the efficacy of two proprietary dithranol preparations, Psoradrate 0.1% and Dithrocream 0.1%, in the treatment of chronic psoriasis, using a single-blind, within-patient trial design.

A total of forty-nine patients entered the study and treatment lasted for 6 weeks. Psoradrate 0.1% produced a greater mean per cent clinical improvement in psoriasis than Dithrocream 0.1% at each stage of the trial, and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.025) at 4 weeks. The evidence also suggested that Psoradrate 0.1% resulted in greater reductions in psoriatic scaling.

Most patients found that the Psoradrate 0.1% was more effective and a significant majority (p=0.01) thought that it worked faster than Dithrocream 0.1%. Although the increased effectiveness of the Psoradrate 0.1% was associated with a higher incidence of stinging/burning of the skin, this was not reflected in the patients' overall opinions of the treatments. Twenty-three patients preferred Psoradrate as against seventeen who preferred Dithrocream.
Gallstone Dissolution after 6 Months of Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA): Effectiveness of Different Doses
Authors: Podda Mauro , Zuin Massimo , Carulli Nicola , de Leon Maurizio Ponz , Dioguardi MariaLaura
Published: January 2017

In order to compare the effects on gallstone dissolution of three different doses of UDCA (4, 8 and 12 mg/kg/day), a controlled trial was carried out with seventy-one patients.

The dissolution rate was higher in the group treated with the highest dose. Stone size was the major factor affecting the outcome of treatment, with a significantly higher success rate in patients with gallstones less than 10 mm than with stones greater than 10 mm.
An Observer-Blind Crossover Study to Compare the Efficacies of Flurbiprofen, Indomethacin and Naproxen Given Orally and Rectally in the Relief of Night Pain and Morning Stiffness Due to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Baumgartner H. , Hohmeister R. , BIumenberg-Novoselac N. , Pownall R.
Published: January 2017

An observer-blind three-period crossover study of flurbiprofen, indomethacin and naproxen was carried out in 56 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The drugs were scheduled as two oral doses early in the day with a rectal suppository at night. The aims were to compare efficacy, principally as relief of night pain and morning stiffness, and safety. Flurbiprofen was clearly the most beneficial drug. Advantages over the comparators were demonstrated in terms of shorter duration of morning stiffness, reduced severity of night pain (compared with naproxen) and in the improvement in sleep quality experienced by the patients. Excellent tolerability of flurbiprofen was seen, it being equivalent to naproxen and superior to indomethacin. The results demonstrate that nocturnal and early daytime provision of flurbiprofen is a highly effective strategy for controlling the nocturnal pain and morning stiffness of rheumatoid arthritis.
Indobufen in Secondary Prevention of Transient Ischaemic Attack
Authors: Rogan J. ,   Multicentre Ischaemic Attack Study Group
Published: January 2017

The secondary prevention of transient ischaemic attacks was assessed in 270 patients treated orally with 100 mg indobufen given twice daily for 12 months. After 1 month's treatment, the average number and average incidence of transient ischaemic attacks were reduced significantly ( P < 0.001) and remained suppressed throughout the treatment period. Treatment was interrupted in 17 patients: in two because of side-effects (gastric disturbances); in 10 because of fatal events (six completed strokes, two myocardial infarcts and two unrelated deaths); and in five due to poor protocol compliance. Progression to reversible ischaemic neurological deficit occurred in five patients. Most side-effects were mild and transient, mainly occurring in the first month of treatment. Overall, indobufen was judged to have good efficacy and safety by both patients and physicians.
A Preliminary Report of Thyroglobulin Release after Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy of Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Bayraktar M. , Ergin M. , Boyacioglu A. , Demir S.
Published: January 2017

To demonstrate whether or not fine needle aspiration biopsy caused release of thyroglobulin into the circulation and if there was a correlation between histological diagnosis and thyroglobulin release from thyroid during aspiration, serum thyroglobulin concentrations were determined in 12 patients with solitary cold nodule or multinodular goitre. Of the 12 patients studied, seven had significant ( P < 0.05) elevations of serum thyroglobulin after aspiration. It is suggested that circulating thyroglobulin may increase after minor trauma to thyroid tissue such as following fine needle aspiration.
Steatorrhoea in Cirrhosis: Effect of Ursodeoxycholic Acid Administration
Authors: Salvioli G. , Carati L. , Lugli R.
Published: January 2017

In a double-blind, crossover study, 10 cirrhotic patients (Child B rating) with steatorrhoea (daily output of faecal fat > 8 g) and dyspepsia were placed on a controlled diet for 14 days. Patients then received 150 mg ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) or placebo twice daily for 14 days. Faecal fat excretion was reduced from 14.7 to 10.6 g/day by UDCA and dyspepsia symptom scores were also reduced. Serum aspartate aminotransferase concentrations declined significantly ( P < 0.02) following UDCA treatment, whereas serum bile acid levels increased from 35 to 40.5 μM and the percentage of UDCA increased to 22%. It is concluded that UDCA may be useful for many of the symptoms present in patients with liver cirrhosis.
Cetirizine vs Astemizole in the Treatment of Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria
Authors: Alomar A. , De La Cuadra J. , Fernandez J.
Published: January 2017

In a 4-week, double-blind, randomized, parallel study to compare the efficacy of cetirizine and astemizole, 47 patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria were enrolled, with 19 cetirizine- and 17 astemizole-treated patients being taken into account for final analysis. Both treatment groups were comparable at initial visit. Giant weals, weals, erythema and oedema were improved in both treatment groups after treatment for 1 – 4 weeks. Patients' evaluation using a visual analogue scale and symptom scores assessed on a four-point scale showed that the improvement was significantly better using cetirizine for weals ( P = 0.04) and there was a trend ( P = 0.09) in favour of cetirizine for the visual analogue scale. The number and severity of side-effects were similar in both treatment groups.
Faecal Elimination of Steroids in Rats after Oral Administration of Mepartricin
Authors: Vecchio S. Del , Ulissi A. , Monache M. Delle , Tavanti A. , Rapocci M. , Ruozi P. , De Bernardi M. , Ricci G.L.
Published: January 2017

Treatment of both male and female rats with 5 IU/day mepartricin for 7–10 days administered by gastric tubing resulted in an increased faecal excretion of some steroids. Mean rate of elimination of total oestrogens was enhanced by 45% in male rats and by 14% in female rats, and the average excretion of conjugated oestrogen was also increased in the female animals. Faecal elimination of cholesterol was 37% and 42% higher in male and female rats, respectively, after mepartricin treatment, and in male rats plasma concentrations of cholesterol were reduced following treatment. It is suggested mepartricin acts either by changing the intestinal flora or by acting directly on the steroid moieties, and it is speculated that a similar mechanism may occur in man.
Changes in Serum Lipid and Lipoprotein Measures after Maximal Exercise in Men
Authors: Cordova A. , Rabadan L. , Escanero J.F.
Published: January 2017

Normolipidaemic, healthy male volunteers (age range 20 – 23 years) were studied after a session of three maximal exercises and serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations were measured. The exercise programmes, one of which was performed each week, consisted of a triangular progressive test (TPT), a rectangular sustained test (RST) and an interval endurance test (IET). There was a significant ( P < 0.05) increase of 14% in serum total cholesterol concentrations after TPT, 9.6% after RST and 14% after IET. Serum triglyceride concentrations increased by 17% after TPT, 5.7% after RST and 8.2% after IET, but increases were not significant. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and apolipoprotein (A-I, A-II) concentrations rose significantly ( P < 0.05) after TPT. There were also insignificant increases in AI, AII and LDL-C after RST and IET, whereas HDL-C rose significantly ( P < 0.05) after IET. It is concluded that the three maximal exercises had similar metabolic effects which were independent of the exercise duration.
Effects of Mexiletine on the Haemodynamic Responses to Tracheal Intubation
Authors: Mikawa K , Maekawa N , Goto R , Yaku H , Saitoh N , Takao Y , Nishina K , Obara H
Published: January 2017

The efficacy of intravenous mexiletine in attenuating the cardiovascular responses to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation was studied in 30 normotensive patients undergoing elective surgery. The patients were randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups: saline ( n = 10); 2 mg/kg mexiletine ( n = 10); and 3 mg/kg mexiletine ( n = 10). The placebo/mexiletine was administered immediately before induction of anaesthesia using 5 mg/kg thiopentone and tracheal intubation was facilitated with 0.2 mg/kg vecuronium; laryngoscopy lasting 30 s was attempted 2 min after induction of anaesthesia. All groups showed a significant ( P < 0.05) increase in mean arterial pressure and heart rate associated with tracheal intubation. The increase in mean arterial pressure was significantly ( P < 0.05) smaller in patients receiving 3 mg/kg mexiletine compared with those receiving either saline or 2 mg/kg mexiletine. There was no significant attenuation in heart rate in either of the mexiletine treatment groups compared with the saline group. It is concluded that 3 mg/kg mexiletine given intravenously provides a simple and effective method for attenuating the pressor response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation.
Clinical Improvement in Ankylosing Spondylitis with Rifamycin SV Infiltrations of Peripheral Joints
Authors: Caruso I , Cazzola M , Santandrea S
Published: January 2017

In an open study, a new treatment modality was evaluated in 22 patients with active ankylosing spondylitis and compared with oral treatment. Patients were given a 10-week course of rifamycin SV infiltrations to all large peripheral joints, whether or not affected, and were followed for up to 12 months after the end of treatment. Clinical improvements observed at the end of the 10-week treatment cycle persisted for 12 months: morning stiffness ( P < 0.02); subjective pain ( P < 0.0001); Schober's test ( P < 0.006); hand – ground distance ( P < 0.001); erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( P < 0.001); and C-reactive protein ( P < 0.04). The number of painful joints became significantly lower at 6 ( P < 0.01) and 12 months ( P < 0.02) of the follow-up period. Oral administration of rifampin at three times the intra-articular dosage was devoid of any therapeutic activity. It is not known how treatment of peripheral joints influenced the inflammatory process at the level of the axial skeleton. These results must be considered preliminary due to the small number of patients and the short follow-up period, and because it was an open study.
Primary Fibromyalgia Syndrome and 5-Hydroxy-L-Tryptophan: A 90-Day Open Study
Authors: Puttini P Sarzi , Caruso I
Published: January 2017

The efficacy and tolerability of 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (5- HTP) were studied in an open 90-day study in 50 patients affected by primary fibromyalgia syndrome. When all the clinical variables studied throughout the trial (number of tender points, anxiety, pain intensity, quality of sleep, fatigue) were compared with baseline results, they all showed a significant improvement ( P< 0.001). The overall evaluation of the patient condition assessed by the patient and the investigator indicated a ‘good’ or ‘fair’ clinical improvement in nearly 50% of the patients during the treatment period. A total of 15 (30%) patients reported side-effects but only one patient was withdrawn from the treatment for this reason. No abnormality in the laboratory evaluation was observed. It is concluded that 5-HTP is effective in improving the symptoms of primary fibromyalgia syndrome and that it maintains its efficacy throughout the 90-day period of treatment.
Does a Dose of 40 μg/day Prostaglandin E1 Reduce Creatinine Clearance in a Patient with Diabetic Nephropathy of the Nephrotic Type?
Authors: Okada S , Hamada H , Ichiki K , Tanokuchi S , Ishii K , Ota Z , Hiraki Y
Published: January 2017

The case history of a woman, who at the age of 25 years on the birth of her second child was found to be diabetic, is reported. Over the subsequent 30 years the patient had been treated with insulin, the dose administered being monitored at regular intervals. At the age of 52 years, the patient was diagnosed as suffering from hypertension and diabetic nephropathy of the nephrotic type. The patient's condition gradually deteriorated and at 55 years of age 40 μg/day prostaglandin E1 was given intravenously for 84 days. Treatment resulted in a decline in urinary protein without a reduction in creatinine clearance. Renograms confirmed an improvement in the vascular and secretory phases of both kidneys.
Drug Resistance in Bacteria: History, Genetics and Biochemistry
Authors: Mitsuhashi S
Published: January 2017

The significance of the discovery of prontosil in 1932 as the initiating step in the development of the modern era of antimicrobial chemotherapy is reviewed. The history of the discovery and the development of chemotherapeutic agents, from penicillin in 1929 to present-day antibiotics, are summarized. The various mechanisms by which bacteria are able to overcome the protective effects of these therapeutic agents (from the sulphonamides to the new fluoroquinolones) and develop resistance to them are discussed in detail. Attempts to elucidate the mechanisms by which resistance to chemotherapeutic agents develops are vital to the future of antimicrobial chemotherapy.
A Comparison of the Efficacy of Azelastine Nasal Spray and Loratidine Tablets in the Treatment of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Gambardella R
Published: January 2017

A total of 30 patients suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis were treated in a 6-week randomized, double-blind, double-dummy parallel-group study, comparing azelastine nasal spray (0.14 mg/nostril administered twice daily) and loratidine tablets (10 mg once daily). Symptoms evaluated were sneezing, nose and/or eye itching, lacrimation, rhinorrhoea, photophobia, nasal occlusion, throat irritation, smell loss, nasal mucosa swelling, conjunctivitis, and pharyngeal mucosa reddening. Each symptom was assessed according to severity and given a score on a fourpoint rating scale. Compared with baseline, total symptom scores for both the azelastine and loratidine treatment groups were reduced at each of the assessments during treatment. No significant differences were observed between the two treatment groups. The investigator concluded that azelastine, formulated as a nasal spray, is as effective as loratidine tablets in the relief of the symptoms of seasonal rhinitis and that it has a rapid onset of action.

Un gruppo di 30 pazienti affetti da rinite allergica stagionale è stato trattato, in uno studio radomizzato, tra gruppi paralleli, doppio cieco, double dummy della durata di 6 settimane con azelastina spray nasale (0.14 mg/narice 2 volte al giorno) e loratina compresse (10 mg/die). I sintomi controllati sono stati i seguenti: starnuti, prurito nasale e/o oculare, lacrimazione, rinorrea, fotofobia, occlusione nasale, irritazione faringea, perdita dell'olfatto, edema della mucosa nasale, congiuntivite ed arrossamento della mucosa faringea. I sintomi sono stati valutati in base alia loro gravità assegnando un punteggio variabile da 1 a 4. In entrambi i gruppi di trattamento il punteggio totale della sintomatologia è risultato inferiore a quello basale ad ogni controllo nel corso dei trattamenti. Non sono state rilevate differenze significative tra i due trattamenti che si sono dimostrati entrambi efficaci. I ricercatori hanno concluso che azelastina spray nasale ha la stessa efficacia di loratidina compresse nell'alleviare i sintomi della rinite allergica stagionale e possiede una notevole rapidità di azione ed una notevole maneggevolezza clinica.
The Efficacy and Safety of γ-Linolenic Acid in the Treatment of Infantile Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Fiocchi A , Sala M , Signoroni P , Banderali G , Agostoni C , Riva E
Published: January 2017

The efficacy and safety of γ-linolenic acid in the treatment of atopic dermatitis was evaluated. The children (mean age, 11.4 months) with atopic dermatitis (mean duration, 8.56 months) were openly treated with 3 g/day γ-linolenic acid, for 28 days. Clinical evaluations were carried out every 7 days, and parents were asked to keep a diary, recording details of symptoms of eczema every day. Blood chemistry and immunological tests were done before and after treatment. None of the children showed complete recovery of symptoms. A gradual improvement in erythema, excoriations and lichenification was seen; significant differences were shown for itching ( P < 0.01), and the use of antihistamines ( P < 0.01). A significant rise in the percentage of circulating CD8 was found. No side-effects were recorded. Dietetic and pharmacological approaches are the basis of the treatment of atopic dermatitis and γ-linolenic acid appears to be a safe and efficient additional therapy for infants and young children.
Evaluation of Sufentanil as a Supplement to Anaesthesia in Lengthy Spinal Surgery
Authors: Andrianopoulou A , Triandaphillidis A , Bakatselou V , Leventis A , Michailidis D
Published: January 2017

The efficacy of sufentanil citrate as a supplement to anaesthesia was studied in 31 patients undergoing lengthy spinal surgery (mean duration 150 min). Anaesthesia was induced with 1 μg/kg sufentanil (bolus) and 2 mg/kg thiopental, followed by 1.5 mg/kg succinylcholine to facilitate intubation, all given intravenously; after intubation, administration of N2O: O2 (70:30) was started. Further doses of sufentanil (10 – 25 μg) were given, on average 2.3 times, depending on the length of the operation, systolic blood pressure, pulse rate and other autonomous signs; the mean total amount of sufentanil administered was 126.3 μg. Our findings showed that sufentanil provided good cardiovascular stability and rapid recovery. More specifically mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate were significantly reduced 1 min after intubation (P ≤ 0.001). Thereafter mean arterial blood pressure increased, returning to preanaesthesia values and remaining constant while heart rate remained constant throughout the operation at values similar to the value immediately after induction of anaesthesia. Recovery was rapid, awakening time was 6 min or less in 50% of patients and 10 min or less in 90% of patients, while the corresponding values for response time were 8 and 12 min, for extubation time, 9 and 13 min, and for orientation time, 15 and 19 min. Two patients experienced nausea and vomiting and one patient mild chest-wall rigidity. Finally, respiratory depression was not observed in any of the patients.
Identifying the Patient with Heart Failure
Authors: Ikram H
Published: January 2017

Heart failure is becoming an increasing concern to healthcare worldwide, and of particular concern in the Western world where the age of the population continues to rise. Furthermore, it has now become clear that, if heart failure is identified and treated in the earliest stages of ventricular dysfunction, the possibility of recovery from or substantial delay in progression to complete heart failure is extremely good and will give the patient a considerably improved quality of life. Certain signs and symptoms found on routine examination, coupled with knowledge of patient history, can indicate early heart failure. Patients will normally present to their family practitioner, who is likely to have long term, firsthand knowledge of the patient's medical and family history. Consequently, the general practitioner has a key role in identifying individuals with early heart failure. It is essential that the general practitioner is aware of the signs and symptoms of early heart failure, can interpret them correctly and knows what follow-up tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Guidelines are presented here to assist the general practitioner in this task.
A New Mechanism of Serum Creatine Phosphokinase Elevation in Strangulated Small Bowel Obstruction: An Experimental Rat Model
Authors: Mukai M , Tamaki T , Noto T , Tajima T , Nakano S , Mitomi T
Published: January 2017

An experimental rat model was used to investigate the mechanisms of serum creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) elevation in strangulated small bowel obstruction. Two models were used: a strangulated ileus model with the bowel lumen and blood flow obstructed simultaneously, and a control ileus model with only the bowel lumen occluded. The experiments demonstrated that CPK was released into the blood when the mesenteric blood flow was restored, and that CPK was released into the intestinal lumen in the strangulated ileus model but not the control ileus model. CPK activity in the mucosal layer of the strangulated ileus model was significantly decreased compared with that in the control ileus model. Purified CPK injected into the intestinal lumen was absorbed by the healthy intestine. These results suggest a new mechanism of serum CPK elevation in strangulated small bowel obstruction in which serum CPK is elevated with a significant decrease in mucosal CPK. Strangulated bowel content including mucosal CPK may be reabsorbed by the healthy distal intestine when bowel obstruction is incomplete.
Preliminary Results of a Nutritional Survey in a Sample of 35 000 Italian Schoolchildren
Authors: Bellù R , Riva E , Ortisi M T , De Notaris R , Bonacina M , Luotti D , Giovannini M
Published: January 2017

An investigation of the nutrient intake of a large-scale sample ( n = 35 072), drawn from the Italian school-age population (7 – 10 years) was carried out in a nationwide survey of nutritional patterns. Friuli, the Piedmont, Latium and Sicily regions were selected as representative of the nation's north-south and east-west socio-economic divisions. A food frequency questionnaire was used to assess nutritional intake. Traditional methods of 24-h dietary recall and a weighted food diary were used in sub-samples to assess the’ validity of the food frequency questionnaire. Our data suggest that the average diet of Italian schoolchildren is rich in protein (especially animal proteins) and lipids (prevalently saturated fatty acids), but that carbohydrate and fibre intakes remain generally low. The relatively low calcium intake among girls and a widespread, more than adequate iron intake are also noteworthy. The food and nutrient intakes assessed suggest a dietary pattern with several positive points, but also reveal potential hazards for a wider population spectrum. The type of large-scale nutritional monitoring with a multimethod approach can be used in Italy and elsewhere to describe the dietary trends of a school-age population.
Is There a Relationship between Smoking and Asthma in Adults?
Authors: Ben-Noun L
Published: January 2017

A case–control study was carried out to investigate the possibility of a relationship between smoking and asthma in adults. The study group of 141 asthmatic adults and 423 age- and sex-matched non-asthmatic controls were selected from 4341 men and women aged 18 years and over, who were registered with a family practice. Both groups were interviewed by telephone about past and present smoking habits. Current smokers constituted 22% of the asthmatic group and 15% of the controls (not significantly different). The prevalence of those who had given up smoking (quitters) was significantly higher in asthmatics than in controls (8.5% versus 3.6%). Asthma began at younger ages in smokers than in quitters and non-smokers. In smokers, the duration of smoking was associated with the duration of asthma. No other significant differences in or associations between smoking habits and asthma were found. No major relationship between smoking and asthma was demonstrated.
Effects of Streptococcal Preparation OK-432 on Cytokine Induction in Spleen and Tumour Tissues of Mice Bearing MH-134 Tumour Cells
Authors: Nakatani S , Iwagaki H , Okabayashi T , Matsubara N , Isozaki H , Takakura N , Horimi T , Tanaka N
Published: January 2017

Streptococcal preparation OK-432 is a bacterial immunopotentiator extensively used in Japan for adjuvant cancer therapy. Using C3H/He mice bearing MH-134 tumour cells, cytokine inductions of tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin 1β interleukin 6 and interferon-γ were determined in spleen and tumour tissues by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis. No significant induction of cytokine mRNA was observed after subcutaneous administration of OK-432 (OK-432, sc) or after intratumoural injection of IFN-γ (IFN-γ, it), compared with controls, either in spleen or tumour tissues. In contrast, subcutaneous administration of OK-432 followed by intratumoural OK-432 injection (OK-432, sc+it) was found to induce some cytokine mRNAs significantly. The mRNA levels of tumour necrosis factor α and interferon-γ in spleen tissue and those of interleukin 1β and interferon-γ in tumour tissues were significantly elevated in mice with OK-432, sc+it treatment compared with controls. These results suggest that treatment with OK-432, sc+it effectively induced splenic antitumour immunity as well as local immunity against tumour cells.
Pathology of Experimental Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in Rhesus Monkeys
Authors: Moe J. B. , Ruch G. L. , Kenyon R. H. , Burek J. D. , Stookey J. L.
Published: January 2017

Rhesus monkeys were inoculated intravenously or intraperitoneally with various numbers of Rickettsia rickettsii. Monkeys that were given more than 104 organisms intravenously died on days 3–6 after inoculation, whereas those given less than 103 intravenously or more than 104 intraperitoneally died on day 7 or later. There was no significant difference in incidence of lesions between the early- and late-death groups. Vasculitis and thrombosis occurred most frequently in the nares, pinna of the ear, scrotal skin, and testicle. Adrenal cortical necrosis was caused by capillary thrombosis. Rickettsiae, estimated by plaque formation in culture, were most numerous in the lung and spleen.