bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Clinical Trial of Org GB 94 and Imipramine in the Treatment of Depression in General Practice
Authors: Murphy J E
Published: January 2017

A double-blind controlled comparative clinical trial of Org GB 94 and imipramine was conducted in general practice. Fifty-five patients were treated with Org GB 94 (60 mg daily) and fifty-four with imipramine (150 mg daily). In the doses employed both agents were equally effective in relieving depression over a four week treatment period. Tolerance of the two agents was similar. Although no statistically significant differences emerged, with regard to both therapeutic effect and some side-effects a trend in favour of Org GB 94 was apparent.
A Double-Blind Comparison between Diclofenac Sodium and Ibuprofen in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Rossi F A , Baroni L
Published: January 2017

A new anti-inflammatory agent, diclofenac sodium (Voltaren), has been compared by means of a double-blind cross-over with ibuprofen in the treatment of osteoarthrosis. Twenty hospitalized adult patients (10 men and 10 women) were treated for six weeks (two weeks with each drug and two weeks drug-free wash-out period between the single treatments) with average daily doses of 130 mg (150 mg during the second week) diclofenac sodium and 1407 mg (1593 mg during the second week) ibuprofen.

The results obtained in this trial indicate that in some important clinical and laboratory measurements diclofenac sodium presents a significant superiority over ibuprofen, with regard both to efficacy and tolerability. During treatment with diclofenac sodium no significant changes in laboratory data were seen thus confirming the tolerability of the drug.
Clinical Evaluation of C-Film, a Vaginal Contraceptive
Authors: Frankman O , Raabe N , Ingemansson C A
Published: January 2017

C-Film is a novel presentation of a vaginal contraceptive in the form of a square, water-soluble, plastic film containing the spermicide, nonylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol. The film was used as the sole contraceptive method by 237 women over a total period of 1,866 months. Fourteen pregnancies occurred, thus giving a pregnancy rate of nine per hundred woman-years. Most of these resulted from a failure to follow instructions; the true method failure being two per hundred woman-years. Life-table analysis of the results in 156 women observed for more than twelve months gives a pregnancy rate of 6·5% and a continuation rate of 68·6%. The low continuation rate was largely a reflection of the women's distrust of the method. The study, however, indicates that C-Film is a good vaginal contraceptive, which is well tolerated and acceptably reliable though it should not be considered as an alternative to oral contraception or to an intra-uterine contraceptive device.
An Open Evaluation of Oral Butorphanol as Long-Term Therapy in Out-Patients Suffering from Moderate to Severe Chronic Pain
Authors: Rangel-Guerra Ricardo
Published: January 2017

This open study evaluated the safety, tolerance and efficacy of multiple oral doses of butorphanol tartrate as long-term therapy for moderate to severe pain of various aetiologies. Twenty patients were given doses ranging from four to twelve 4 mg tablets per day for a period of 3 to 201 days (median 87 days). Median pain relief over the entire study was rated as good, very good or excellent in eleven patients (55%) and poor to fair in the remaining nine patients (45%). Global assessments were as follows: good to very good – twelve patients; poor to fair – eight patients. Ten of the twenty patients treated reported side-effects (sedation, light-headedness, dizziness, insomnia and headache) ranging from mild to severe. No drug-related abnormalities with respect to blood pressure, body-weight or laboratory data were evident.
Oral Butorphanol Tartrate for the Long-Term Treatment of Out-Patients with Moderate to Severe Cancer Pain
Authors: De La Garza Jaime
Published: January 2017

The safety, tolerance and analgesic efficacy of multiple oral doses of butorphanol tartrate for the long-term treatment of cancer pain were evaluated in this open study. Thirty-five patients were treated with various doses (1 to 12 tablets per day) for 4 to 147 days. The median pain relief was fair, good, very good or excellent in 51% of the patients and poor in 49% of the patients. Global assessments were very similar. No clinically significant changes in blood pressure, weight, blood and urine chemistries were observed. Seventeen patients reported side-effects (only sedation and dry mouth) ranging from mild to severe.
The Effects of Increased Penetration of Betamethasone Dipropionate in a Propylene Glycol Base (Diprolene) for Psoriasis
Authors: Kansky Aleksej
Published: January 2017

The efficacy and safety of betamethasone dipropionate, 0.05% in a propylene glycol base (Diprolene), was investigated in an open, fixed-dose study of thirty-one patients with resistant psoriasis. Clearing of lesions or marked improvement occurred in 97% (thirty out of thirty-one) of patients. Increased penetration of corticosteroid did not cause adrenal suppression or other adverse reactions.
Cefadroxil Monohydrate versus Erythromycin in Paediatric Patients
Authors: Trujillo Hugo
Published: January 2017

Cefadroxil monohydrate, an oral cephalosporin with a long half-life, was compared to erythromycin estolate for efficacy in treating upper respiratory tract infections in children. The study was carried out on forty patients, twenty receiving cefadroxil and twenty receiving erythromycin. Each drug was dosed at 50 mg/kg/day and was given every 12 hours in two equally divided doses.

The complete cure rate was 95% for the cefadroxil group and 80% for the erythromycin group. Two patients originally in the erythromycin test group showed no improvement either bacteriologically or clinically after 3 days of treatment. It was found that these patients harboured S. aureus which had become resistant to erythromycin during the course of therapy. Both patients were shifted to cefadroxil treatment and achieved complete cures. Two patients in the erythromycin group and one in the cefadroxil group were diagnosed as having scarlet fever. All three responded clinically, yet cultures from the two treated with erythromycin showed persistence of bacteria while the one treated with cefadroxil proved to be cured both clinically and bacteriologically.
The Effect of Betamethasone Dipropionate Injectable on Chronic Bronchial Asthma
Authors: Mazzei Carlos M , Lasala Fernando G , Ambrosio Jorge A
Published: January 2017

Betamethasone dipropionate was administered intramuscularly to fifty-one patients with chronic bronchial asthma. Good to excellent results were obtained in 96% of patients. Onset of action was rapid, and duration of action was prolonged. Adverse reactions were mild and transient. Decreases in early morning plasma cortisol levels were also transient with the levels returning to normal range by the end of the study in all but one patient.
Comparative Efficacy of Nicardipine Hydrochloride and Propranolol in the Treatment of Hypertension
Authors: Morgan T. O. , Anderson A. , Wilson D.
Published: January 2017

Nicardipine hydrochloride and propranolol were compared for antihypertensive efficacy and safety in a 14-week randomized, double-blind, crossover study. After taking placebo for 4 weeks, patients received either nicardipine (30 mg three times a day) or propranolol (40 mg three times a day) for 4 weeks, then placebo for 2 weeks and, finally, were crossed over to the alternative active medication for 4 weeks. Both drugs substantially reduced blood pressure. Statistically significant treatment effects favouring nicardipine were observed for supine and standing diastolic and systolic blood pressures. As expected, heart rate decreased significantly with propranolol, but not with nicardipine. Of the 33 patients evaluated for safety, 18 reported adverse experiences (two while taking placebo) that were assessed as probably related to the drugs under study. Symptoms related to vasodilation were reported more frequently during nicardipine treatment and respiratory complaints were more frequent in patients given propranolol.
Clinical Experience with 0.05% Halometasone/1% Triclosan Cream in the Treatment of Acute Infected and Infection-Prone Eczema in Egypt
Authors: Aal H. Abdel , Abdallah M. A. , Iskandar I.O. , Salama N. R.
Published: January 2017

This is a report of a non-comparative trial to assess the usefulness of a 0.05% halometasone and 1% triclosan combination in a cream base in the treatment of acute infected and infection-prone eczematous skin disorders. The trial was carried out in three centres. Of the 126 patients admitted to the trial, 25 were lost to follow-up. The remaining 101 patients utilized the cream as the only treatment during the 3-week duration of therapy. Medication was applied to the lesions twice daily without occlusive dressing. The cream gave either excellent or good results in 89% of cases. Infection, which was initially present in 38 cases, disappeared within 5 days from 27 (71%) of them and within 6–10 days from a further six (16%) cases. The therapeutic effect was first noted (in 43 cases) within a mean of 2.7 days (± 1.01). The cream did not give rise to any serious local unwanted effects. Systemic unwanted effects were suspected in an 8-month old infant with extensive atopic dermatitis. The findings in this study substantiate those of other investigators that this halometasone/triclosan preparation combines potent and rapid therapeutic effect with excellent local and systemic tolerability.
Statistical Principles for Clinical Trials
Authors: Kay R
Published: January 2017

If a trial is to be well designed, and the conclusions drawn from it valid, a thorough understanding of the benefits and pitfalls of basic statistical principles is required. When setting up a trial, appropriate sample-size calculation is vital. If initial calculations are inaccurate, trial results will be unreliable. The principle of intent-to-treat in comparative trials is examined. Randomization as a method of selecting patients to treatment is essential to ensure that the treatment groups are equalized in terms of avoiding biased allocation in the mix of patients within groups. Once trial results are available the correct calculation and interpretation of the P-value is important. Its limitations are examined, and the use of the confidence interval to help draw valid conclusions regarding the clinical value of treatments is explored.
Changes in Mucosal Levels of Transforming Growth Factor-α from the Oxyntic Region and Ulcer Site during Duodenal Ulcer Healing with Ranitidine or Sucralfate
Authors: Louw JA , Modlin IM , Tang L , Young GO , Lucke W , Marks IN
Published: January 2017

Changes in the levels of transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) in gastric mucosa during ulcer healing were studied in 24 patients with endoscopically confirmed duodenal ulcers, treated either with ranitidine (300 mg daily, at night) or with sucralfate (2 g twice daily). Endoscopic biopsies were taken from the gastric fundus and from the ulcer margin at baseline and after 7 – 10 days of treatment. TGF-α levels were determined by radioimmunoassay in paired samples from 22 patients (fundal) and 18 patients (duodenal). There were no significant changes in TGF-α levels in the fundus of the whole group or of either treatment group. At the ulcer site, however, there was a significant increase in TGF-α levels in the whole group (from 16.4 to 33 pg/mg protein (medians); P < 0.005), and an increasing trend was seen in both treatment groups but was statistically significant only in the group treated with sucralfate ( P < 0.03).
Dose Escalation Induces Tolerance to Side-Effects of Erythropoietin in a Patient with Dialysis Anaemia: Case Report
Authors: Ohira N , Takasugi K , Takasugi N , Yorioka N , Ito T , kushihata S , takemasa A
Published: January 2017

A 51-year-old woman began haemodialysis for chronic renal failure in February 1981. Symptomatic anaemia required treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) in February 1990 (3000 IU, twice weekly, intravenously). She developed influenza-like symptoms and treatment was withdrawn. In June 1994 rHuEPO was resumed at a very low dose of 100 IU subcutaneously three times weekly, and was increased gradually to 500 IU, without inducing any side-effects. At this dose the haematocrit was maintained at 22.0 – 25.0% and the symptoms of anaemia improved. In patients like ours, with influenza-like symptoms caused by rHuEPO therapy, dose escalation starting from an ultra-low dose may be effective in avoiding side-effects.
Evaluation of Right-Ventricular Function by Doppler Echocardiography in Patients with Chronic Respiratory Failure
Authors: Nishimura E , Ikeda S , Naito T , Yamaguchi K , Yakabe K , Iwasaki T , Yoshinaga T , Shikuwa M , Miyahara Y , Kohno S
Published: January 2017

In patients with chronic respiratory failure, right-ventricular function was non-invasively evaluated by Doppler echocardiography. A total of 31 patients (16 men, 15 women; mean age 65.8 ± 7.12 years) with pulmonary tuberculosis sequelae who had received home oxygen therapy during the preceding 6 or more months, were studied. Right-ventricular inflow and outflow waveforms were recorded, and right-ventricular function was evaluated using a new Doppler index combining systolic and diastolic function. On continuous wave Doppler echocardiography, estimated systolic pulmonary arterial pressure was calculated from the gradient between the right atrium and right ventricle. There was no correlation between the new Doppler index and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure, and some patients showed high index values despite low systolic pulmonary arterial pressure. The new Doppler index facilitated evaluation of ventricular function irrespective of right-ventricular afterload.
Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Apparently Healthy Young Rabbits
Authors: Matsui T. , Taguchi-Ochi S. , Takano M. , Kuroda S. , Taniyama H. , Ono T.
Published: January 2017

Pulmonary aspergillosis was discovered in apparently healthy young rabbits. Thirty-five rabbits of various ages raised in the same rabbitry were examined by histological, ultrastructural and microbiological methods. The pulmonary lesions were found only in rabbits younger than five weeks old. These lesions contained characteristically shaped hyphae surrounded by eosinophilic radiating projections—“asteroid bodies.” The significance of the disease condition and the structure of the “asteroid bodies” is discussed.
Polycystic Kidney Disease in Goldfish (Carassius auratus) from Hamilton Harbour, Lake Ontario, Canada
Authors: Munkittrick K. R. , Moccia R. D. , Leatherland J. F.
Published: January 2017

Severe kidney enlargement was observed in 6.3% (5 of 80) of goldfish collected from a heavily polluted industrial basin. Externally the fish had generalized swelling and abdominal distension. The kidneys contained numerous large, clear, fluid-filled cysts (polycystic) that ranged in size from microscopic to 4 cm in diameter. Affected kidneys had a wide range of histological changes—including the presence of large multiple cysts that caused severe distension and compression of normal renal tissue, multifocal granulomas, and signs of early, proliferative glomerulonephritis. The histology of affected kidneys is compared with other goldfish from Hamilton Harbour, and with goldfish collected from an alternate site (a population apparently free of polycystic kidney enlargements). This afflication is rare in feral fish populations, and its occurrence in a deteriorated environment such as Hamilton Harbour may provide further evidence of a link between fish health and environmental quality.
High Dose Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test and Serum Insulin and Glucagon Levels in Diabetic and Non-diabetic Cats: Relationships to Insular Amyloidosis
Authors: O'Brien T. D. , Hayden D. W. , Johnson K. H. , Stevens J. B.
Published: January 2017

The high dose intravenous glucose tolerance test and concurrent immunoreactive serum insulin and glucagon levels were measured and the results related to the presence or absence of pancreatic insular amyloid in 16 cats, seven of which were known to be diabetic. Control values for all parameters were established using seven additional clinicopathologically normal cats. Nine of the 16 cats had normal fasting blood glucose levels (less than 120 mg/dl) and impaired glucose tolerance. These cats had attenuated (3/9) or normal (6/9) 0 to 5 minute glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, rising 45 to 60 minute insulin secretion (7/9), low mean insulin/glucose ratio, and normal mean serum glucagon. Three of the nine cats with impaired glucose tolerance had insular amyloidosis. These three cats had significantly higher mean blood glucose levels during the glucose tolerance test than did cats with impaired glucose tolerance and no insular amyloid deposits. Also, these three cats accounted for three of the four longest glucose disappearance one-half times (T 1/2 s), three of the four lowest glucose disappearance coefficients, and three of the four lowest 0 to 5 minute insulin responses. The seven diabetic cats (fasting blood glucose levels greater than 120 mg/dl) had either low to low normal (6/7) or above normal (1/7) fasting insulin levels, no insulin response to intravenous glucose stimulation (6/7), and elevated mean serum glucagon levels. Insular amyloid was present in six of the seven diabetic cats. Three diabetic cats with marked insular amyloid deposits had glucose disappearance T 1/2 and K (coefficient) values, serum insulin levels, serum glucagon levels, and insulin/glucose ratios which were not significantly different from the other three diabetic cats with slight to moderate insular amyloidosis. These results confirm a strong association between the occurrence, but not the extent of insular amyloidosis and diabetes mellitus in adult diabetic cats, although amyloid replacement of pancreatic islets does not appear to be the primary diabetogenic event. Rather, these results appear to be consistent with our hypothesis that insular amyloid deposition is a morphologic marker of primary B-cell dysfunction that is basic to the pathogenesis of the diabetic condition, and is reflected clinically by impaired glucose tolerance.
Pathology of Cloacal Bursae of Gnotobiotic Turkeys Orally Inoculated with Escherichia coli
Authors: Dominick M. A. , Cheville N. F.
Published: January 2017

Cloacal bursae from three-week-old gnotobiotic turkeys were examined by light and electron microscopy and bacteriologic techniques at 1, 2, 5, 8, 12, and 16 days after oral inoculation of highly virulent (group 1) and weakly virulent (group 2) Escherichia coli. In both groups a significant decrease in follicular volume and increase in interstitial volume were associated with infection. Follicular cortical, follicular medullary and total follicular transectional areas increased with time in inoculated and control turkeys. In group 1, granulocytic inflammation developed in bursae on day 1 and diminished by day 8 after inoculation. Microabscesses were present on days 5 and 8 after inoculation in less than 1 % of follicles. Bacteria were seen in few follicular medullae on days 5 and 8 after inoculation; bacteremia was detected on days 1, 2, and 5 after inoculation. In group 2, pyogranulomatous bursitis was first seen at five days after inoculation and became progressively more severe with time. Follicular alterations in group 2 included abscessation, lymphocyte necrosis, reticuloepithelial hyperplasia and perifollicular fibroplasia. Ultrastructurally, follicular pads had degenerate and necrotic epithelial cells, intercellular edema, and cystic spaces that contained acidic mucosubstances and laminar deposits of calcium salts. Bacteria were seen within necrotic centers of follicular abscesses, in phagosomes of macrophages and multinucleate giant cells and within extracellular spaces of follicular pads and follicular medullae from day 5 to day 16 after inoculation; no bacteremia was detected. We conclude that E. coli passes through the bursal follicle-associated epithelium and replicates within follicular medullae, that extensive follicular necrosis is associated with persistence of E. coli in follicular medullae, and that E. coli of low virulence may cause severe pyogranulomatous bursitis in young turkeys without causing the respiratory or systemic diseases which are commonly associated with organisms of high virulence.
Hematomas in the Thymus in Dogs
Authors: Linde-Sipman J. S. van der , Duk J. E. van
Published: January 2017

Twenty dogs with a hematoma of the thymus are described. In four dogs the cause of the hematoma was a ruptured dissecting aneurysm of the aorta and in three cases the dogs had been hit by cars. In seven dogs the necks were overstretched by different factors. One dog was hit by a stone. In two dogs no anamnestic data were available, and in the last three cases, according to owner's statements, no trauma had occurred before the first signs. Thymic hemorrhages in the dog should not be considered to be a circumscribed pathogenetic entity. Indications are offered that trauma, or even commonly occurring microtrauma, can be involved in the pathogenesis of the hematomas in the thymus.
Early Changes of Osteochondrosis in Medial Femoral Condyles from Rats
Authors: Kato M. , Onodera T.
Published: January 2017

Osteochondrosis developed from the early growing process of articular cartilage at the caudalcentral region of the medial femoral condyle in rats. Articular cartilage was thick at the region. Mineralization of the matrix in the thick deep zone was incomplete and major parts remained unmineralized. Cavity formation in the mineralized matrix resulting in osteochondrotic lesions was present in the deep zone at 6 weeks of age and was followed by an appearance of viable chondrocytes around it. Osteochondrotic lesions were present from the age of 10 weeks for females and 12 weeks for males. Cavities were expanded and increased in number, and eosinophilic necrotic foci were additionally seen. These changes were extended throughout the deep zone, and viable chondrocytes were also increased in number. The thick deep zone was retained and had no detectable invasions of blood vessels from the subchondral bone. At 20 weeks of age, necrotic areas containing large clefts were present in the basal layer of the thick deep zone and fibrotic lesions were seen beneath them. In normal cases, invasions of blood vessels were seen in the basal layer of the deep zone and also in the cavities of the cartilage; the deep zone was markedly thinned at 20 weeks of age.
Exacerbation of Murine Respiratory Mycoplasmosis by Sialodacryoadenitis Virus Infection in Gnotobiotic F344 Rats
Authors: Schoeb T. R. , Lindsey J. R.
Published: January 2017

To test the hypothesis that sialodacryoadenitis virus infection could exacerbate respiratory mycoplasmosis in rats, four groups of 40 7- to 9-week-old gnotobiotic F344/N rats were given two intranasal inoculations 7 days apart: Mycoplasma pulmonis, then sialodacryoadenitis virus; M. pulmonis followed by sterile culture medium; medium initially, then virus; or two doses of medium. Immediately and 3, 5, 10, and 20 days after the second inoculation, the nasal passages, middle ears, larynges, tracheas, lungs, and salivary and lacrimal glands of four rats from each group were prepared for histologic examination, and the respiratory organs from four other rats were collected for quantitative culture of M. pulmonis and sialodacryoadenitis virus. To test statistically the effect of virus infection on mycoplasmosis lesions, we determined indices of the severity of respiratory tract lesions by subjective scoring. In rats given both organisms, indices of nasal and tracheal lesions were significantly ( P < 0.05) greater at 3 days and after than in rats given M. pulmonis alone, and middle ear, laryngeal, and lung lesion indices were significantly greater at 5 days and after. Rats given both mycoplasma and virus had significantly more mycoplasmal colony-forming units in the nasal passages at 3 days and after, and in the larynges, tracheas, and lungs at 10 and 20 days, than rats given only mycoplasma. These results show that sialodacryoadenitis virus infection can exacerbate respiratory mycoplasmosis in rats under experimental conditions; therefore, the virus probably also contributes to expression of naturally occurring mycoplasmosis.
3-Methylindole-Induced Nasal Mucosal Damage in Mice
Authors: Turk M. A. M. , Henk W. G. , Flory W.
Published: January 2017

3-Methylindole (3MI) damages nasal olfactory epithelium in mice. Lesions were studied histologically from 30 minutes to 28 days after intraperitoneal injection of 400 mg 3MI/kg. Cellular swelling was apparent in olfactory epithelium by 6 hours after injection of 3MI, while respiratory epithelium was normal. Necrosis of olfactory epithelium and subepithelial glands was diffuse by 48 hours. Subsequent ulceration resulted in epithelial hyperplasia, squamous metaplasia, fibroplasia, and ossification. Partially occlusive intranasal fibrous and osseous tissue persisted through 28 days after 3MI injection.
Neurovirulence of the UC-2 and UC-8 Strains of Bluetongue Virus Serotype 11 in Newborn Mice
Authors: Waldvogel A. S. , Anderson C. A. , Higgins R. J. , Osburn B. I.
Published: January 2017

In vivo and in vitro experiments were done to investigate whether the difference in neurovirulence between the two strains of bluetongue virus 11, UC-2 and UC-8, is based on a different capability to gain access to the brain from the subcutaneous inoculation site or on a different tropism for neural cells. In newborn Balb/c mice subcutaneous inoculation of UC-8 at doses between 10−0.2 plaque forming units (PFU) and 104.8 PFU caused a severe necrotizing encephalitis whereas UC-2 at doses of up to 104.4 PFU did not affect newborn Balb/c mice. However, intracranial inoculation of 102.4 PFU of either virus strain produced severe necrotizing encephalitis. In vitro both virus strains infected dissociated brain cell cultures similarly. Double labelling immunofluorescent staining with markers specific for neural cells did not reveal differences in the target cells for the two viruses. The difference in neurovirulence between UC-2 and UC-8, therefore, appears to be determined by the ability of UC-8 to infect the brain from a subcutaneous inoculation site.
Histopathologic and Electron Microscopic Studies on the Acute Toxicity of Ochratoxin A in Rats
Authors: Albassam M. A. , Yong S. I. , Bhatnagar R. , Sharma A. K. , Prior M. G.
Published: January 2017

Ochratoxin A was given by gavage to male rats. Moribund and dead animals were necropsied, and the surviving rats, including the controls, were killed 48 hours after dosing. Many of the principal rats were moribund, or began dying, within 12 to 24 hours after dosing. Lesions suggestive of disseminated intravascular coagulation were seen by light microscopy as early as 12 hours after dosing; fibrin deposits were in the spleen, brain choroid plexus, glomerular capillaries, liver, and heart. Renal tubular nephrosis, hepatic and lymphoid necrosis, and necrotic enteritis with villous atrophy were also seen. Electron microscopy demonstrated fibrin strands mixed with degranulated platelets, necrotic leukocytes, and swollen endothelial cells in glomerular capillaries. Myocardial changes included focal supercontracted sarcomeres adjacent to intercalated disks. Swollen sarcolemma, lysed myofibrils and fragmented Z-bands with interstitial edema, vascular thrombosis, and endothelial damage were also seen. The acute pathologic changes induced by ochratoxin A in the intestine, liver, and lymphoid tissues were more obvious than the tubular nephrosis, and the development of a disseminated intravascular coagulation-like syndrome with myocardial changes was a complicating factor.
Grouping Factors and the Reverse Contrast Illusion
Authors: Economou Elias , Zdravković Sunčica , Gilchrist Alan
Published: January 2017

In simultaneous lightness contrast, two identical gray target squares lying on backgrounds of different intensities appear different in lightness. Traditionally, this illusion was explained by lateral inhibitory mechanisms operating retinotopically. More recently, spatial filtering models have been preferred. We report tests of an anchoring theory account in which the illusion is attributed to grouping rules used by the visual system to compute lightness. We parametrically varied the belongingness of two gray target bars to their respective backgrounds so that they either appeared to group with a set of bars flanking them, or they appeared to group with their respective backgrounds. In all variations, the retinal adjacency of the gray squares and their backgrounds was essentially unchanged. We report data from seven experiments showing that manipulation of the grouping rules governs the size and direction of the simultaneous lightness contrast illusion. These results support the idea that simultaneous lightness contrast is the product of anchoring within perceptual groups.
Slaves to the state
Authors: Wu Harry
Published: January 2017

A convicted prisoner surrenders his right to freedom. At what point does he also surrender the value of his labour?
Pharaohs on the bus
Authors: White Landeg
Published: January 2017

Black Studies remain locked in the charnel house of the Atlantic slave trade, inventing ‘pick and mix’ histories for the slaves' descendants
Pleasure and the digital war
Authors: Kirk Robin
Published: January 2017

Colombia faces a mortal paradox. The only products developed countries pay well for are cocaine and heroin, but the best client punishes it for supplying precisely what its consumers demand
The area
Authors: Lowe Barry
Published: January 2017

Santa Teresita hides its secret behind guarded iron doors. A densely packed slum district in the northern Philippine city of Angeles, locals know the place as the Area. Behind its fortresslike exterior are hundreds of women and girls, kept against their will as sex slaves in one of the biggest and most highly organised slavery operations in the world. Unconnected with the prostitution that is centred on the bar and disco district of Fields Avenue, the Area caters secretly and exclusively to local patrons, who are carefully screened before they can enter
Access denied
Authors: Fisher Frank
Published: January 2017

Last November the UK government announced that 12 million citizens would face strict censorship for the foreseeable future. No one cares, because they're only kids…
Enter the army
Authors: Vidal-Hall Judith
Published: January 2017

Despite opposition from the army, Prime Minister Tansu Çiller has vowed to move ahead with plans to expand democracy in Turkey
Selective rights, collective wrongs
Authors: Kabeer Naila
Published: January 2017

Women, body-politics and the development agenda
Forty years on
Authors: Gellhorn Martha
Published: January 2017

‘Back then the streets were full of half-starved people…, 40 years on, here they were, going to school, spotless, healthy, happy’
Artful words
Authors: Gordimer Nadine
Published: January 2017

Because, as the philosopher Swedenborg reminds us, the written word is humankind's exclusive property, there is common recognition that the responsibility of writers for this treasure is great. Yet there are as many disagreements on, as definitions of, the role of literature in society
The terror that stalks the mountains
Authors: Zaoui Selim
Published: January 2017

This is the story of one family driven by violence from their home in the mountains and now caught up in the murderous chaos that is tearing Algeria apart and has so far cost a quarter of a million civilian lives
O what a tangled web we weave
Authors: Schiller Dan
Published: January 2017

The application of digital technology is allowing television to converge with the Internet at an extraordinary rate — and the fight for advertising revenues on the new frontier is fiercer than ever. What are the implications for free access and expression?
Black redemption
Authors: Chinweizu
Published: January 2017

To the memory of General Mohammed Farrah Aidid (1934–1996), valiant defender, in Somalia, of the Black World's right to sovereignty — and to all those who come after
The perils of pluralism
Authors: Malik Kenan
Published: January 2017

A re-examination of the terms of engagement between races and cultures, and a plea for equality
Rights of passage
Authors: Maryniak Irena
Published: January 2017

Since 1989, eastern Europe has become the marshalling yard for all those who seek final refuge in the West. And the community on the ‘right’ side of the ‘green line’ that divides Europe as sharply as any wall ever did, is determined to keep them there
H2O2-Induced Apoptosis of Thymocytes Involves Mobilization of Divalent Cations
Authors: Acharya A.
Published: January 2017

More than 90% of thymocytes undergo apoptosis while undergoing differentiation in the thymus. Although several factors act in concert to induce thymocyte apoptosis, it remains speculative if reactive oxygen intermediates produced by thymic macrophages may play a role in this process. The present investigation was carried out to determine if H2O2 is capable of inducing apoptosis of thymocytes in vitro. It was observed that H2O2 could induce apoptosis of thymocytes in vitro in a dose and time dependent manner. It was further found that H2O2-induced thymocyte apoptosis was dependent on the mobilization of divalent cations. The result of this study will help further in the understanding of the mechanism of H2O2 - induced apoptosis.
Fexofenadine in Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria: A Clinical and Immunohistochemical Evaluation
Authors: Vena G.A. , Cassano N. , Filieri M. , Filotico R. , D'Argento V. , Coviello C.
Published: January 2017

Fexofenadine is a non-sedating selective third-generation antihistamine, which also exerts an anti-inflammatory action. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence on the expression of inflammatory skin mediators, together with the efficacy and tolerability, of fexofenadine in chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU). Fexofenadine 180mg was administered once daily for 4 weeks after a placebo run-in phase of 3 to 7 days. Efficacy paramaters were obtained from patients' assessment of urticaria symptoms. Non-lesional skin of patients with active CIU was studied immunohistochemically before and after treatment. The expression of the following mediators was evaluated: adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, ELAM-1, VCAM-1); mast cell proteases (chymase and tryptase) and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-3, IL-6 and TNF-α). Of the 20 subjects enrolled, 3 dropped out of the study. Treatment proved successful in most cases (88.2%) (p <0.01) and a significant improvement of all symptoms was registered. Treatment was well-tolerated by all patients; adverse events, neither serious nor drug-related, occurred in any case. Immunochemistry revealed at the baseline a significant expression of ELAM-1, VCAM-1, tryptase, chymase, and TNF-α (p <0.05) in non-lesional skin of patients compared to normal controls. After treatment with fexofenadine, there was a significant decrease in the expression of ELAM-1 (p= 0.02), VCAM-1 (p= 0.04) and tryptase (p=0.04), whereas no relevant change was observed for the other parameters examined. This work confirms the efficacy and tolerability of fexofenadine HCl 180mg in CIU. These preliminary data show a trend towards a decrease in the expression of tryptase and some adhesion molecules after treatment, suggesting an anti-inflammatory activity of fexofenadine.
The Role of Complement and Natural Antibody in Intestinal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Austen W.G. , Kobzik L. , Carroll M.C. , Hechtman H.B. , Moore F.D.
Published: January 2017

Activation of the complement cascade is central to many types of injury.

Ischemia-reperfusion is an important example of such an event. Using intestinal ischemia-reperfusion as a model, we have further elucidated the importance and mechanism of this activation. Of novel importance is the evidence that natural antibody is a trigger for these events via recognition of self-antigen.

In this article, we review the role of natural antibody and complement in intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury. It is hoped that this study will ultimately lead to better understanding of these important modulators and their role in this type of injury.
Inhibitory Effect of Retinoic Acid on Proliferation, Maturation and Tryptase Level in Human Leukemic Mast Cells (HMC-1)
Authors: Alexandrakis M.G. , Kyriakou D.S. , Seretakis D. , Boucher W. , Letourneau R. , Kempuraj D. , Theoharides T.C.
Published: January 2017

Mast cells play an important role in allergic inflammation by releasing histamine, tryptase and several inflammatory cytokines. Human leukemic mast cells (HMC-1) have been used to study mast cell mediators and their role in inflammatory mechanisms. HMC-1 contain and release several inflammatory mediators, of which the proteolytic enzyme tryptase is most characteristic. Retinoids, including retinoic acid, are naturally occurring and synthetic derivatives of vitamin A. All-trans-retinoic (ATRA) acid had been previously reported to inhibit cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. In the present study, we investigated the effect of ATRA on the proliferation and secretion of tryptase in HMC-1. HMC-1 were treated with ATRA at 10-4M, 10-5M or 10-6M for 3,4 or 5 days in culture. Control HMC-1 were treated with equal amount of culture medium only. ATRA decreased the number of HMC-1 as compared to the control group. The same treatment for 3, 4 or 5 days also decreased intracellular tryptase levels. These results indicate that ATRA significantly inhibits both proliferation and growth as shown by the decreased intracellular tryptase levels in HMC-1. ATRA may be a useful agent in the treatment of mast cell proliferative disorders.
Pro-Inflammatory Alterations and Status of Blood Plasma Iron in a Model of Blast-Induced Lung Trauma
Authors: Gorbunov N. V. , McFaul S. J. , Januszkiewicz A. , Atkins J. L.
Published: January 2017

Impact of blast shock waves (SW) with the body wall produces blast lung injuries characterized by bilateral traumatic hemorrhages. Such injuries often have no external signs, are difficult to diagnose, and therefore, are frequently underestimated. Predictive assessment of acute respiratory distress syndrome outcome in SW-related accidents should be based on experimental data from appropriate animal models. Blood plasma transferrin is a major carrier of blood iron essential for proliferative “emergency” response of hematopoietic and immune systems as well as injured tissue in major trauma. Iron-transferrin complexes ([Fe3+]TRF) can be quantitatively analyzed in blood and tissue samples with low-temperature EPR techniques. We hypothesized that use of EPR techniques in combination with assays for pro-inflammatory cytokines and granulocytes in the peripheral blood and BAL would reveal a pattern of systemic sequestration of [Fe3+]TRF that could be useful for development of biomarkers of the systemic inflammatory response to lung injury. With this goal we (i) analyzed time-dependent dynamics of [Fe3+]TRF in the peripheral blood of rats after impacts of SW generated in a laboratory shock-tube and (if) assayed the fluctuation of granulocyte (PMN) counts and expression of CD11b adhesion molecules on the surface of PMNs during the first 24 h after SW-induced injury. Sham-treated animals were used as control. Exposure to sw led to a significant decrease in the amount of blood [Fe3+]TRF that correlated with the extent of lung injury and developed gradually during the first 24 h. Thus, sequestration of [Fe3+]TRF occurred as early as 3 h post-exposure. At that time, the steady state concentration of [Fe3+]TRF in blood samples decreased from 19.7±0.6 μM in controls to 7.5±1.3 μM in exposed animals. The levels of [Fe3+]TRF remained decreased thoughout the entire study period. PMN counts increased 5-fold and 3.5-fold over controls respectively, at 3 and 6 h postexposure. These effects were accompanied by an increase in expression of CD11b on the surface membrane of PMNs. Extensive release of cytokines IL-1, IL-6, MCP-1, and MIP-2 was observed in BAL fluid and blood plasma during 24 h postexposure. We conclude that EPR monitoring of blood [Fe3+]TRF can be a useful approach for assessment of systemic pro-inflammatory alterations due to SW-induced lung injury.
Vegf is Likely a Key Factor in the Link between Inflammation and Angiogenesis in Psoriasis: Results of an Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Simonetti O. , Lucarini G. , Goteri G. , Zizzi A. , Biagini G. , Lo Muzio L. , Offidani A.
Published: January 2017

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease, characterized by epidermal hyperplasia, inflammation, angiogenesis and vascular remodelling. An immunohistochemical study on fifteen cryosections of psoriatic skin was performed using antibodies against VEGF, HIF1-α, CD34, Factor VIII, MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. Psoriatic skin showed a diffuse VEGF positive staining (13.15± 6.6), while no expression was observed in normal epidermis. No or faint HIF-1α immunostaining was detected in healthy skin, while in psoriatic skin HIF-1α was diffusely expressed. A positive correlation between HIF-1α and VEGF was reported in psoriatic skin (r= 0.644; p=0.010). In psoriatic sections CD34 expression was significantly higher in respect to control skin (19.15 ± 12.61 vs 3.0 ± 0.23; p= 0.04), factor VIII immunostaining also demonstrated a significant increased development of the microvasculature in comparison with healthy skin (18.39 ± 8.16 vs 7.4 ± 0.20; p= 0.033). Total MMP-2 expression of healthy skin (30± 2.26) was significantly lower in respect to the MMP-2 psoriatic skin (71.5±4.13; p= 0.0001) and a positive correlation was observed between VEGF and MMP-2 in psoriatic patients (r= 0.688; p= 0.046). In psoriatic skin MMP-9 expression was significantly increased in comparison to control skin (31±3.3 vs 8±6.1; p=0.007). All cases of psoriatic skin tissue showed that TIMP-2 and TIMP-1 expression statistically decreased in psoriatic skin (respectively 11±1.2 and 12±1.5) in comparison with healthy skin (respectively 15±3.2 and 53±3.8; p=0.0001). In conclusion, we observed that VEGF overexpression correlated with HIF-1α and MMP-2 expression, underlining the role of VEGF in psoriasis as a key factor in the link between inflammation and angiogenesis.
Latex Allergy and Sensitization in Cities: A Survey in a Population at Risk
Authors: Ventura M.T. , Musti M. , Giuliano G. , Arsieni A. , Di Leo E. , Buquicchio R. , Accettura G. , Spanevello A. , Foschino-Barbaro M.P. , Resta O.
Published: January 2017

The constant increase in allergic diseases in western countries is correlated with changes in lifestyle and with the deterioration of the air inhaled by the inhabitants because of the growing concentrations of pollutant substances present. Within a population at risk, i.e., the inhabitants of cities, a group of subjects at even higher risk was selected, whose job exposes them to automobile exhaust fumes for many hours a day. All the study subjects underwent allergological screening and spirometry. The results obtained show an overall increase of respiratory allergic diseases but no increased sensitisation to latex. It therefore seems plausible that, besides social and lifestyle changes, the deterioration of the quality of the air could be considered responsible, at least in part, for the growing numbers of allergic subjects. This study offers an opportunity to reconsider the validity of the “hygiene hypothesis” as an explanation for the increase of allergic disease in western countries, although recent reports have indicated that a sedentary lifestyle may also contribute, together with environmental degradation, to the notably increased prevalence of allergic diseases in large cities in industrialized nations.
Processing Sites are Different in the Generation of HLA-A2.1-Restricted, T Cell Reactive Tumor Antigen Epitopes and Viral Epitopes
Authors: Yang X.F. , Mirkovic D. , Zhang S. , Zhang Q.E. , Yan Y. , Xiong Z. , Yang F. , Chen I.H. , Li L. , Wang H.
Published: January 2017

In order to improve the processing efficiency of T cell tumor antigen epitopes, this bioinformatic study compares proteolytic sites in the generation of 47 experimentally identified HLA-A2.1-restricted immunodominant tumor antigen epitopes to those of 52 documented HLA-A2.1-restricted immunodominant viral antigen epitopes. Our results show that the amino acid frequencies in the C-terminal cleavage sites of the tumor antigen epitopes, as well as several positions within the 10 amino acid (aa) flanking regions, are significantly different from those of the viral antigen epitopes. In the 9 amino acid epitope region, frequencies differed somewhat in the secondary-anchored amino acid residues on E3 (the third aa of the epitope), E4, E6, E7 and E8; however, frequencies in the primary-anchored positions, on E2 and E9, for binding in the HLA-A2.1 groove, remained almost identical. The most frequently occurring amino acid pairs in both N-terminal and C-terminal cleavage sites in the generation of tumor antigen epitopes were different from those of the viral antigen epitopes. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that these two groups of epitopes may be cleaved by distinct sets of proteasomes and peptidases or similar enzymes with lower efficiencies for tumor epitopes. In the future, in order to more effectively generate tumor antigen epitopes, targeted activation of the immunoproteasomes and peptidases that mediate the cleavage of viral epitopes could be achieved, thus enhancing our potential for antigen-specific tumor immunotherapy.
Genotype and Phenotype Relationship in MLSB Resistance in Streptococcus Pyogenes and Streptococcus Agalactiae Isolated in Central Italy
Authors: Santino I. , Scazzocchio F. , Berlutti F. , Cipriani P. , Oliva B. , Paola F. , Del Piano M.
Published: January 2017

The aim of this work is to study a correlation between phenotype and genotype in clinical isolates of erythromycin-resistant Streptococcus spp. Among the 25 erythromycin-resistant S. pyogenes, we detected six strains with iMLSB nine with cMLSB and two with M phenotypes. Among 14 erythromycin-resistant S. agalactiae, we detected five strains with iMLSB, seven with cMLSB and none with an M phenotype. Moreover, 8 S. pyogenes and 2 S. agalactiae showed a phenotype not matching the known ones described in literature, defining an “unknown phenotype”. Upon examination, the genetic profiles, erm(A), erm(B) and mef(A), of the clinical isolates did not easily correlate with a specific phenotype. Our findings highlighted that the whole matter of phenotypic diversity in macrolide-resistant S. pyogenes and S. agalactiae strains and the correlation with their genetic profiles should be submitted to a more careful analysis of phenotypic and genotypic characterization.