bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Double-Blind Controlled Trial of Betamethasone Dipropionate 0·05% (Diproderm®) in Comparison with Fluocinolone Acetonide 0·025% (Synalar®) in Psoriasis and other Steroid-Responsive Dermatoses
Authors: Afzelius Hans-Wilhelm , Jacobsen K U 
Published: January 2017

In a double-blind randomized study, sixty-two patients suffering from psoriasis or eczema were treated, twice daily for three weeks, either with 0.05% betamethasone 17, 21-dipropionate cream or with 0.025% fluocinolone acetonide cream. The results showed that both topical corticosteroid preparations were effective, well tolerated and cosmetically acceptable. Fifty-seven per cent of the patients treated with betamethasone dipropionate were rated as being ‘much better’ in the overall assessment of response at the end of the trial period compared to only 25% of those in the fluocinolone acetonide group.
Experiences with Metoprolol Durules®, A Slow-Release Formulation in Hypertension
Authors: Tuomilehto Jaakko , Nissinen Aulikki 
Published: January 2017

The antihypertensive effect and the tolerability of metoprolol Durules® have been studied in fifty-five patients with mild to moderate hypertension. The patients' diastolic blood pressure was ≥95 mm Hg in order to qualify for entry. Thirty-seven out of fifty-three patients completing the study (70%) were treated with metoprolol Durules® monotherapy throughout the study. The mean blood pressure was reduced from 153/101 to 138/92 mm Hg after metoprolol Durules® compared to placebo (p < 0.001). Twenty-seven patients received one Durules® daily and ten patients received two Durules® daily as the final dose. Of the sixteen patients not responding on metoprolol Durules®, six patients achieved satisfactory control, i.e. a diastolic blood pressure below 95 mm Hg, when given 200 mg metoprolol + 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide (HCT). The results indicate that most patients with, mild or moderate hypertension can be controlled with metoprolol Durules® monotherapy given once daily. The addition of HCT gives a significant benefit in moderate hypertension, where metoprolol monotherapy is not sufficient.
The Effect of Piracetam on Volunteers in a Low-Pressure Tank
Authors: Demay F , Bande J 
Published: January 2017

Twelve volunteers were subjected to a double-blind crossover test to evaluate their concentration in conditions of hypoxemia after treatment with piracetam or with a placebo. Piracetam was administered in doses of 4.8 g per day for 4 days and 7.2 g on the 5th day. The speed with which the test was carried out was not influenced to a statistically significant degree but the proportion of errors was. This effect of piracetam was more pronounced for the longer-lasting periods of hypoxemia.
Diclofenac Potassium for the Treatment of Traumatic Joint Distortions: An Open Multicentre Study
Authors: Verstraeten A. , Bakshi R. 
Published: January 2017

In an open multicentre study, 410 patients presenting with traumatic joint distortions, predominantly involving the ankle, were recruited for treatment with 50 mg diclofenac potassium given orally three times daily for 7 days. Due to various protocol violations, the number of patients eligible for efficacy and tolerability analysis were 340 and 344, respectively. Significant ( P < 0.001) improvement in mobility, swelling, local tenderness, functional impairment and pain intensity occurred after both 3 and 7 days of therapy. Overall efficacy was assessed as excellent/good in 83% and 87% of cases by the investigator and patient, respectively. Altogether, 66 (19.2%) patients complained of adverse effects, which were generally mild or moderate in severity. Gastrointestinal complaints accounted for around 70% of the reported side-effects. Premature discontinuation of therapy due to poor tolerability was necessary in 15 (4.4%) patients. In conclusion, diclofenac potassium was both effective and well-tolerated when used for the short-term treatment of traumatic joint distortions. Dans cette étude ouverte multicentrique, 410 patients souffrant d'entorses, touchant essentiellement la cheville, ont été inclus pour traitement par trois comprimés à 50 mg de diclofénac potassium par jour pendant 7 jours. Du fait de différents écarts au protocole, 340 patients ont pu être analysés pour l'efficacité, et 344 pour la tolérance. Une amélioration significative ( P < 0,001) a pu être observée concernant la mobilité, l'oedème, la douleur à la palpation locale, l'impotence fonctionnelle et l'intensité de la douleur spontanée après 3 et 7 jours de traitement. A l'évaluation globale, l'efficacité a été jugée excellente ou bonne par le médecin dans 83% des cas, et par le patient dans 87% des cas. Au total, 66 (19,2%) patients ont rapporté des effets indésirables, qui étaient généralement de sévérité mineure ou modérée. Environ 70% des plaintes concernaient le système digestif. Quinze (4,4%) patients ont dû interrompre prématurément le traitement pour raison de mauvaise tolérance. En conclusion, le diclofénac potassium, en administration de courte durée, s'est avéré efficace et bien toléré pour le traitement des entorses.
Pathology of an Ulcerative Dermatitis in Belgian Landrace Sows
Authors: Coignoul F. L. , Bertram T. A. , Martineau G. P. 
Published: January 2017

Chronic ulcers of the skin were observed in three Belgian Landrace sows. Lesions were located on ears, limbs, and in the mammary region and were resistant to treatment that included corticosteroid therapy. Major histologic changes were located at the dermo-epidermal junction. Ulcers were deep, and the adjacent epidermis had marked hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and intracellular edema. Dermatitis was prominent, essentially located in the superficial dermis. By electron microscopy, basal lamina appeared disrupted. Dermo-epidermal separation occurred beneath the basal lamina. Collagen was morphologically normal. Desmosomes, hemidesmosomes, and anchorage fibers were present in areas adjacent to lesions. Ulcerative dermatitis of sows is morphologically similar to pemphigus, pemphigoid, systemic lupus erythematosus, epidermolysis bullosa simplex, erythema multiforme, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and drug eruption. However, significant differences exist between ulcerative dermatitis and these conditions.
A Spectrum of Antibody (IgG, IgG1, IgM) Response in Mice Infected with Trichinella Spiralis Treated with L-Mimosine
Authors: Frydas S. , Papaioannou N. , Papazachariadou M. , Xatzistilianou M. , Vlemmas I. , Merlitti D. , Castellani M.L. , Schiavone C. , Tulli A. , Di Gioacchino M. 
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the anti-inflammatory effects of L-mimosine on chronic inflammation, by investigating its effect on the immunological response of BALB/c mice infected with the nematode parasite Trichinella spiralis. Specific anti-parasite immunoglobulins (IgG, IgG1 and IgM) were detected by the ELISA method in the serum of both the treated and the untreated animals at different periods of time for 60 days post infection. Two groups consisting of 18 mice each were used. The mice were 6 weeks of age. Both groups were infected with 220 larvae (L1 - T. spiralis) per os: one group was administered an intraperitoneal injection of L-mimosine (200 μg/100 ml/dose) for 27 days (the first injection started 7 days before infection) and the second group was administered an intraperitoneal injection of saline solution (100 μI/dose). Parasite specific IgG, IgG1 and IgM levels were determined in the sera of infected, untreated mice. The levels of IgG and IgG1 were increased following infection and remained elevated throughout the experimental period, while IgM was significantly decreased on the 50th day post-infection. These levels were found to be lower in the L-mimosine treated infected mice, compared to the untreated mice. The inhibition started from the 10th day and continued until the 60th day. In healthy animals, the production of immunoglobulins was not measurable. Non-infected animals treated with L-mimosine also showed no detectable anti-parasite specific immunoglobulins. The results in this study show that the course of IgG, IgG1 and IgM production in BALB/c mice infected with T. spiralis may be influenced by the administration of L-mimosine.
Venous Insufficiency and Foot Dysmorphism: Effectiveness of Visco-Elastic Rehabilitation Systems on Veno-Muscle System of the Foot and of the Calf
Authors: Saggini R. , Bellomo R.G. , Iodice P. , Lessiani G. 
Published: January 2017

Chronic venous disease is very common and widespread. Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is a condition characterized by hypertension of the venous system of the lower limbs which manifests itself through a large range of symptoms. The main cause of (CVI) is hypertension of the venous system of lower limbs, which in most cases is due to reflux for the incontinence of the valvar system of veins. Other causes are related to obstruction of the venous outflow, or at a reduced venous emptying due to inefficiency of the system of the veno-muscular pumps of the calf and of the foot. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if the use of a non-invasive rehabilitative model, which is characterized by two different visco-elastic insoles, is effective both to reduce postural imbalances and to improve the efficiency of the veno-muscular pumps of the foot and of the calf using photoplethysmography in reflected light. Fifty (50) patients suffering from flatfoot and ped cavus, were studied doing a stabilometric and baropodometric test to evaluate the angle of the foot and the podalic angle. Patients were evaluated by examining vascular examination and venous reography in basal condition, using corrective visco-elastic insoles for the correction of dysmorphisms that we were studying. An improvement of the angle of the Right and Left axis (p<0.05) and the podalic angle (p<0.001), using the right insole both in the flatfoot and cavus foot, was shown by the podobarographic examination. A not important tendency to improvement was also shown by the use of non-specific insole in both pathologies. The vascular examination showed an improvement of 38% in venous emptying capacity of the foot/calf veno-muscular pump in cavus foot with the specific “B” insole (p<0.002). An important improvement of 24%, using the specific “A” insole (p<0.05), was documented in flatfoot. The photoplethysmography examination documented a significant improvement of the venous emptying capacity of foot-calf veno-muscular system due to the use of specific insoles for the studied dysmorphism, with an improving tendency even with the use of non-specific insoles. The hemodynamic improvement is correlated with the improvement of the analyzed biomechanical parameters: contact time, lenght of the halfstep, podalic angle and angle of the foot. The partial normalization of biomechanical parameters allows a reorganization of relationships of forces between ground and foot, as well as the improvement of the function of the subtalar joint, causing a partial recovery of the complex physiological mechanism of activation of the veno-muscular pumps of the foot and of the calf.
Murine Inter-Sex Difference in Methylcholanthrene Induced Tumor and its Correlation with NK Activity
Authors: Ghoneum M. , Jackson K. , Salem F. , Gill G. 
Published: January 2017

Susceptibility to 3-methylcholanthrene (MC) induced tumor development between adult male and female C3H mice at 3–4 mo. old was examined. Animals that were injected (s.c.) with a tumorigenic dose (150 μg/mouse) of MC demonstrated a significant difference in the latent period of tumor development between both sexes. Female mice were more responsive and developed tumors at 3 wks after treatment, whereas, male mice were less responsive as indicated by the longer latent period (10 wks). In order to correlate these data with activity of natural killer (NK) cells, splenic NK activity was measured by 4 hr 51Cr-release assay. The results showed male mice having higher activity: 27 lytic units (LU) in comparison to female ones (3 LU). This was attributed to a decrease in the lytic effect of female NK cells (11%) compared to male mice (20%), since the binding capacity of effector cells to their targets was similar in both sexes (15%), as indicated by single cell assay. The possible role of an immunosuppressive factor (IF) in the sera of female mice was investigated. NK cells from young females demonstrated 33% suppression in activity post culture with sera from 3–4 mo. old female mice. In conclusion, this study demonstrates a sex-linked tumor development by MC treatment, and correlates this phenomenon with differences of NK activity between young male and female mice as well as in the age-dependent decline of reactivity. A possible immunosuppressive mechanism may be operative in explaining as to why MC is more effective in tumorigenesis in female mice as opposed to males.
Oxatomide in Food Allergies. Comparative Study versus Disodium Chromoglycate
Authors: Gasbarrini G. , Addolorato G. , Castelli E. , Foschi F. G. , Marsigli L. , Capristo E. , Gentiloni N. , Cammarota G. , Gasbarrini A. , Nicora M. , Quercia O. , Stefanini G. F. 
Published: January 2017

A randomized, controlled, single blind study was carried out to compare the efficacy and safety of oxatomide and disodium chromoglycate in the treatment of adverse reactions to food. Twenty-three patients (16F and 7M) with urticaria (16 patients), respiratory (5 patients), intestinal (15 patients) and/or neurological symptoms (3 patients) were treated for 60 days: 14 (9F and 5M; mean ± SD age 36.3 ± 13.8 years) with oxatomide, 60 mg every evening and 9 (7F and 2M; 31.5 ± 15.1 years) with disodium chromoglycate, 500 mg three times a day. Both therapies lasted two months. On admission and after 15,30 and 60 days skin (wheals, itching, vesicular blisters, scratching lesions), respiratory (rhinorrhea, sneezing, coughing, wheezing), intestinal (constipation, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain and/or cramps) and neurological (headache, irritability) symptoms were assessed. Wheals decreased in number and size in both groups (p<0.005). Itching became less severe in the two groups (p<0.05), although the improvement in the oxatomide group was faster. Vesicular blisters, present in one patient in the oxatomide group at baseline, disappeared by days 15 and 30, reappearing in a mild form at the end of the study. The frequency of scratching lesions decreased. Sneezing and wheezing disappeared in both groups. Digestive system symptoms also improved. Both treatments were effective as regards cutaneous, intestinal and respiratory symptoms, with a significant reduction of itching, wheals and vesicular blisters and the complete relies of intestinal disorders. The drugs were well tolerated.
Female Sexual Disorders: Psychiatric Aspects
Authors: Segraves Robert Taylor 
Published: January 2017

Objective: This manuscript reviews the current information concerning female sexual dysfunction that is relevant to general psychiatric practice. Method: Research identified by the key words sexual dysfunction and prevalence, comorbidity, psychiatric drugs, or pharmacotherapy is reviewed. Results: Epidemiologic studies indicate that approximately 30% of female subjects between ages 18 and 59 years have sexual complaints of at least 3 months' duration in the past year. A high comorbidity with other psychiatric syndromes exists. Many psychiatric drugs are associated with sexual dysfunction. Drug treatments for female sexual dysfunction are being investigated. Conclusion: Knowledge concerning the treatment of female sexual dysfunction is important to the general psychiatric clinician.
Stigma Impact on Moroccan Families of Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Kadri Nadia , Manoudi Fatiha , Berrada Soumia , Moussaoui Driss 
Published: January 2017

Objectives: First, to explore whether in Morocco, a non-Western country, family members of patients with schizophrenia suffer from stigma and, if they do, which areas of their lives are most affected; and second, to explore family members' knowledge about the illness and their attitudes toward the patients. Methods: The study was conducted among 100 family members accompanying patients with schizophrenia. We used a heteroquestionnaire that inquired about family members' and patients' sociodemographic data, family members' knowledge of the patients' illness, their attitudes and behaviours toward the patient, and their perception of stigma. Results: Family members' mean age was 47.44 years, SD 12.83; 69% were women; 38% had no education; and 77% had no professional activity. Most families (76%) reported having no knowledge about the illness. However, the illness was considered to be incurable (39%), severe (37%), chronic (80%), and handicapping (48%) and was believed to be caused by drug use (25%), stressing life events (such as conflict or bereavement; 46%), sorcery (25%), organic disturbance (30%), or heredity (23%). We found that most of the families suffer from stigma and discrimination. A total of 86.7% reported they have hard lives because of the illness, and 72% reported psychological suffering caused by sleep and relationship disturbances and a poor quality of life. Conclusions: In this study, we found that Moroccan families of patients with schizophrenia suffer from stigma. We found the same results in European, In North American, and in some Arab and Islam countries. Despite the belief that traditional societies are more supportive of the weak and the sick, stigma is a major burden in addition to that of the illness.
Child Abuse, Psychiatric Disorder, and Running Away in a Community Sample of Women
Authors: Andres-Lemay V Joy , Jamieson Ellen , MacMillan Harriet L 
Published: January 2017

Objective: Studies involving clinical samples of adolescents indicate that running away is a common problem associated with substantial emotional impairment, yet little information is available from community-based samples. This study aimed to investigate runaway behaviour in female adolescents with and without a history of maltreatment in childhood. Method: We analyzed data from a province-wide community survey conducted in Ontario ( n = 3760 girls and women, aged 15 to 64 years). Respondents returned a self-completed questionnaire regarding their history of maltreatment as children. Psychiatric disorder was assessed with a revised version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Results: Respondents who reported physical abuse only, sexual abuse only, and physical abuse with sexual abuse were 2 to 4 times more likely to report running away from home before age 16 years. Parental psychiatric disorder, respondent psychiatric disorder, respondent age, and income were also significant correlates of running away. Conclusions: Understanding the relation between exposure to maltreatment as a child, psychiatric disorder, and running away in women is important for determining ways to prevent a behaviour that puts youth at high risk for a wide range of difficulties.
Tardive Dyskinesia in the Era of Typical and Atypical Antipsychotics. Part 2: Incidence and Management Strategies in Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Margolese Howard C , Chouinard Guy , Kolivakis Theodore T , Beauclair Linda , Miller Robert , Annable Lawrence 
Published: January 2017

Objective: Tardive dyskinesia (TD), the principal adverse effect of long-term conventional antipsychotic treatment, can be debilitating and, in many cases, persistent. We sought to explore the incidence and management of TD in the era of atypical antipsychotics because it remains an important iatrogenic adverse effect. Methods: We conducted a review of TD incidence and management literature from January 1, 1965, to January 31, 2004, using the terms tardive dyskinesia, management, therapy, neuroleptics, antipsychotics, clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, quetiapine, ziprasidone, and aripiprazole. Additional articles were obtained by searching the bibliographies of relevant references. We considered articles that contributed to the current understanding of both the incidence of TD with atypical antipsychotics and management strategies for TD. Results: The incidence of TD is significantly lower with atypical, compared with typical, antipsychotics, but cases of de novo TD have been identified. Evidence suggests that atypical antipsychotic therapy ameliorates long-standing TD. This paper outlines management strategies for TD in patients with schizophrenia. Conclusion: The literature supports the recommendation that atypical antipsychotics should be the first antipsychotics used in patients who have experienced TD as a result of treatment with conventional antipsychotic agents. The other management strategies discussed may prove useful in certain patients.
Neurobiological Factors Linking Personality Traits and Major Depression
Authors: Foster Jane A , MacQueen Glenda 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To examine the neurobiological basis of personality and depression. Method: We examined preclinical and clinical studies related to neuroanatomy, neuroendocrine, molecular, and genetic alterations in depressed patients. We considered whether common neurobiological factors might be shared between personality and depression. Results: Preclinical studies provide insights into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of depression including neuroendocrine alterations in hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) function, neuroanatomical alterations in key brain regions, and alterations in neurotrophin and serotonergic signalling systems. Clinical studies show similar alterations in depressed patients. Evidence suggests that neuroendocrine alterations in HPA function may contribute to personality traits. Brain regions implicated in depression, including the hippocampus and the anterior cingulate cortex, might play a role in personality. Key molecules implicated in depression have been extensively studied with reference to personality traits, particularly neuroticism. To date, physiological measures (serum and positron emission tomography) provide the strongest evidence implicating brain-derived neurotrophic factor and serotonin in personality, while genetic evidence is less convincing. Conclusions: A neurobiological link exists between personality and depression; however, more work is needed to provide an understanding of the nature of this relation and to link this work with clinical studies examining the influence of personality factors on depression.
Stability and Progression of Disordered Gambling: Lessons from Longitudinal Studies
Authors: LaPlante Debi A , Nelson Sarah E , LaBrie Richard A , Shaffer Howard J 
Published: January 2017

Objective: Few studies have explicitly examined the stability (that is, the tendency for individuals to stay at one diagnostic level as opposed to moving to another improved or worsened level) or progression of disordered gambling; however, conventional wisdom holds that disordered gambling is intractable and escalating. The objective of this study was to examine these assumptions. Method: We reviewed 5 recent prospective studies of gambling behaviour among nontreatment samples for evidence related to the stability and progression of disordered gambling. Results: Our review found no evidence to support the assumption that individuals cannot recover from disordered gambling (that is, the persistence assumption), no evidence to support the assumption that individuals who have more severe gambling problems are less likely to improve than individuals who have less severe gambling problems (that is, the selective-stability assumption), and no evidence to support the assumption that individuals who have some gambling problems are more likely to worsen than individuals who do not have gambling problems (that is, the progression assumption). Conclusion: Contrary to professional and conventional wisdom suggesting that gambling problems are always progressive and enduring, this review demonstrates instability and multidirectional courses in disordered gambling.