bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Trial of Two Slow-Release Theophylline Tablets in the Treatment of Asthma; Nuelin S.A. and Theocontin Continus Tablets
Authors: Davies Peter D O , Munn Julia , Hakeem Vaseem , Davies Brian H 
Published: January 2017

Twenty-five adult asthmatic patients were entered into a double-blind random crossover comparison of Theocontin Continus tablets with Nuelin S.A. The patients received additional therapy with inhaled salbutamol and/or beclomethasone diproprionate. Four patients withdrew because of persistent unwanted side-effects, nausea and headaches in three, and mental confusion in one, and a fifth withdrew for non-medical reasons. Analysis of the results of the remaining twenty patients showed no difference between the effects of the two preparations in symptom scoring, reduction in salbutamol inhaler use and improvement in respiratory function as measured by daily PEFR, at similar serum levels. The same dosage per kilogram for either preparation gave virtually identical mean serum levels suggesting there is no difference in the rate of absorption between the two preparations.
Nimesulide for the Treatment of Painful Inflammatory Process in the Ear, Nose and Throat Areas: A Double-Blind Controlled Study with Benzydamine
Authors: Milvio Carlo 
Published: January 2017

Nimesulide, 4-nitro-2-phenoxymethanesulphonanilide, a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug endowed with potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities, was tested at a daily dose of 200 mg b.i.d. against Benzydamine on a double-blind basis, in a randomized trial with fifty out-patients suffering from inflammatory ear, nose and throat diseases (otitis media, sinusitis, rhinitis). Nimesulide treatment brought about an immediate and significant improvement in over-all pain, exudation, oedema and headache and produced a rapid lowering in body temperature. The recovery was more rapid and significant in patients with Nimesulide than in those with Benzydamine. The signs and symptoms under consideration reached almost complete resolution within the set treatment-period of 10 days. Clinical tolerability of Nimesulide was better than that of Benzydamine: one case of moderate gastric pyrosis and drowsiness was complained of by the Nimesulide-treated patients versus eleven cases of gastro-intestinal discomfort, mouth dryness, and/or drowsiness which were complained of by the Benzydamine-treated patients
Use of Biocompatible Orthopaedic Polymer for Fracture Treatment and Reconstructive Orthopaedic Procedures
Authors: Merendino J , Sertl G , Skondia V 
Published: January 2017

For many years attempts have been made to develop materials for use in the surgical treatment of fractures. So far only metal implants have been used. Soviet research has now succeeded in developing a copolymer of polyvinyl-pyrrolidone and methyl methacrylate reinforced by polyamide fibres and calcium gluconate which is reported to have comparable strength of metal implants but superior flexibility. It can be trimmed and shaped at the time of surgery, has no irritative reactions or release of toxic components, and above all is biocompatible. Clinical studies have been going on for 10 years in various Soviet medical centres and the total number of cases treated with the biocompatible polymer implants is well over 1000. In no case was a repeat operation necessary to remove the implant. Control X-rays (as well as animal data) showed that biodestruction of the implants is complete within 1·5 to 3 years depending on their sizes. The first operations outside the Soviet Union have been recently performed in Belgium. In the Soviet Union this material has also been used to treat pathologic fractures and in reconstructive surgical procedures such as leg lengthening. Pendant de nombreuses annees, on s'est efforce de mettre au point des materiaux susceptibles d'etre utilises dans le traitement chirurgical des fractures. Jusqu'ici, seuls des implants metalliques avaient ete employes. La recherche sovietique a reussi a developper un copolymere de polyvinyl-pyrrolidone et de methacrylate de methyle renforcé par des fibres de polyamide et du gluconate de calcium qui aurait une resistance mecanique comparable mais avec une plus grande souplesse, une grande facilite de faconnage au moment de l'intervention, une absence de reactions d'irritation et de liberation de produits toxiques et, surtout, des proprietes de biocompatibilite et de stimulation osseuse. Les etudes cliniques sont en cours depuis dix ans dans differents centres medicaux d'URSS et le nombre de cas depasse actuellement les 1000. En aucun cas, il n'a ete necessiare de reoperer pour enlever l'implant et les radiographies de controle (ainsi que les donnees sur animaux) ont montre que la biodestruction du copolymere est totale au bout de 1,5 a 3 ans selon son diametre. Les premieres interventions en dehors de l'URSS ont ete pratiquees recemment en Belgique. En URSS ce materiau a egalement ete utilise dans le traitement des fractures pathologiques et dans les procedures de reconstructions chirurgicales telles que l'allongement du membre inferieur.
Infliximab Monotherapy for Refractory Psoriasis: Preliminary Results
Authors: Cassano N. , Loconsole F. , Amoruso A. , Coviello C. , Filieri M. , Filotico R. , Del Vecchio S. , Vena G.A. 
Published: January 2017

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha plays an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Infliximab is an anti-TNF-alpha chimeric monoclonal antibody, which is licensed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. Some reports have shown the efficacy of infliximab, either in monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate, for the treatment of psoriatic arthropathy and psoriasis. The efficacy and tolerability of infliximab monotherapy was evaluated in 29 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis, unresponsive to conventional treatments. Fourteen patients suffered from concomitant arthropathy. Patients received intravenous infliximab, 5mg/kg, at weeks 0, 2, and 6. After this 3-dose-induction regimen, patients were followed-up at monthly intervals and retreated with a single-dose infusion in case of relapse of signs and symptoms. Clinical assessment was performed using the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) to monitor psoriasis activity; pruritus and joint pain were assessed on a scale of 0 to 3. A marked improvement of skin lesions and subjective symptoms was noted in the majority of patients; an excellent reduction of PASI score (⩾75%) was observed in 13.8% of cases at week 2, 71.4% at week 6 and 78.6% at week 10. During the follow-up period, some patients maintained satisfactory clinical results without requiring any additional infusions. In general, skin lesions showed a trend towards a more prolonged and sustained improvement as compared with subjective symptoms. Treatment was well tolerated and no serious adverse events occurred.
Platelet Activating Factor Inhibits Both the Proliferation and the Differentiation of Activated B Lymphocytes in Response to Interleukin-2
Authors: Dugas B. , Kolb J.P. , Paul-Eugene Nathalie , Mencia-Huerta J.M. , Braquet P. 
Published: January 2017

The role of the platelet activating factor in human B lymphocyte responses to Interleukin-2 was examined and compared with that of Interleukin-4 by assessing the ability of this molecule to modulate proliferation and differentiation. Highly purified B lymphocytes were prestimulated for 48 h with Staphylococcus aureus Cowan Strain I and then were cultured with Interleukin-2 alone or in combination with either Interleukin-4 or the platelet activating factor and the proliferation (after 3 days) and the immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM) production (after 7 days) were evaluated. When SAC-activated B lymphocytes were preincubated overnight with PAF (0.0001 to 1 μM) or with IL-4 (1 to 100 U/ml) both the IL-2-induced proliferation and immunoglobulins secretion were inhibited. This inhibition was not a reflection of a decreased expression of the IL-2 receptor (CD25) because this expression was not modified on SAC-activated B lymphocytes after preincubation with either PAF or IL-4. Moreover, this suppression effect was not the result of a delayed response to IL-2. The PAF-induced suppression was overcome in the presence of PAF antagonists (BN 52021 and BN 50730) but was not modified in the presence of a neutralizing anti-IL-4 antiserum. On the other hand, the IL-4 mediated suppression was totally reversed in the presence of the neutralizing anti-serum and only marginally reversed in the presence of the PAF antagonists. These results indicate that both PAF and IL-4 may exert a number of immunoregulatory actions on human B lymphocyte proliferation and differentiation. They interfere with the stimulation of activated B lymphocytes by IL-2 and could play an important immunoregulatory role in the determination of isotypic regulation in the specific humoral responses.
Dexamethasone Modulates IL-13 and IL-10 Expression
Authors: Cannarile L. , Venditti G. , Ayroldi E. , Delfino D.V. , Migliorati G. 
Published: January 2017

Interleukin (IL-)-10 and IL-13 are Th2-cell-associated cytokines with a variety of biologic activities in immune and inflammatory responses. It is known that glucocorticoids (GCs) modulate inflammatory and immune functions. In fact, GCs are involved to regulate the transcription of cytokines which are relevant in chronic inflammation and cell-mediated immune response. In the present study we analyzed, in vitro, the effects of DEX on the expression of the IL-10 and IL-13 lymphokines in murine spleen and thymus cells. DEX-stimulation induced down-regulation of the expression of IL-10 and IL-13 mRNA. This effect was already evident 0.5 hr after treatment and persisted in time, in both resting and activated lymphocytes. These results suggest that GCs could have inhibitory effect on Th2 cytokine production.
Gastric Asthma: A Vagally-Mediated Disease
Authors: Bruno G. , Andreozzi P. , Bagalino A. , Graf U. 
Published: January 2017

Many evidences show that bronchial asthma may be triggered or enhanced by gastroesophageal reflux (GER) even if standardized methods to detect this particular syndrome defined as “gastric asthma” are not available. The Bernstein test suitably modified was performed in 6 adult asthmatic outpatients when they were symptom-free. These subjects were also suffering from recurrent epigastric pain. The patients resulted positive to ultranebulized fog bronchial challenge and all had a moderate- severe alteration of the competency of the lower esophageal sphincter, shown by endoscopy. Functional lung parameters were significantly reduced after esophageal acidification when they were compared to basal values. Is the linkage between GER and asthma important in clinical practice? In asthmatic patients GER represents an important trigger for broncoconstriction through a vagal mediated reflex. The modified Bernstein test represents a reproducible method and may be well used to identify “gastric asthma”, particularly when this picture is “silent”, less evident, or it is not rightly considered. Moreover, its recognition is very relevant to therapeutic problems, also when it is in a subclinical stage. In fact, many “excellent” drugs used for bronchial asthma treatment may have undesirable effects for the gastric tract causing abnormalities such as GER that is so damaging in the development of “gastric asthma”.
Protocols for the Use of Cyproterone, Medroxyprogesterone, and Leuprolide in the Treatment of Paraphilia
Authors: Reilly Dan R , Delva Nicholas J , Hudson Robert W 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To propose a protocol for minimizing medical complications associated with the use of cyproterone, medroxyprogesterone, and depot leuprolide to treat paraphilia. Method Review of the relevant literature. Results Certain patient populations should not be treated with these medications, and medical complications associated with each can be detected early and avoided. Conclusions For each drug, a series of screening tests prior to use and scheduled testing during use can minimize potential medical complications.
The Classification of Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder
Authors: Szatmari Peter 
Published: January 2017

Objective: The current classification of the pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) as conceptualized in both the DSM-IV and ICD-10 is deeply unsatisfying to many parents, front-line clinicians, and academic researchers. Is the diagnostic validity of the various disorders simply lacking empirical data for full substantiation, or does the overall conceptualization of the category have more fundamental problems, not reflecting the “true” nature of the phenomena? This paper argues the latter hypothesis. I review the historical development of the classification of PDD, summarize recent empirical data on issues of reliability and validity, and suggest a new approach to classification and understanding.
Prevalence of Problem Gambling in Adolescents: Findings from the 1999 Ontario Student Drug Use Survey
Authors: Adlaf Edward M , Ialomiteanu Anca 
Published: January 2017

Objectives: To describe the prevalence of gambling disorders in adolescent students in Ontario. Method Data were based on a random survey of 2371 Ontario students in grades 7 to 13 using the South Oaks Gambling Screen revised for adolescents (SOGS-RA). Results In total, 5.8% of students met the criteria for past-year problem gambling, and an additional 7.5% met the criteria for at-risk gambling. Gambling disorders were significantly higher among male students than female, but did not differ significantly by age or region. Conclusion The prevalence of gambling disorders among adolescents warrants thorough investigation and ongoing monitoring.
Interventions to Reduce School Bullying
Authors: Smith Peter K , Ananiadou Katerina , Cowie Helen 
Published: January 2017

In the last 2 decades, school bullying has become a topic of public concern and research around the world. This has led to action to reduce the problem. We review interventions targeted at the school level (for example, whole school policy, classroom climate, peer support, school tribunal, and playground improvement), at the class level (for example, curriculum work), and at the individual level (for example, working with specific pupils). Effectiveness of interventions has been sporadically assessed. We review several systematically evaluated, large-scale, school-based intervention programs. Their effectiveness has varied, and we consider reasons for this. We suggest ways to improve the evaluation and comparability of studies, as well as the effectiveness of future interventions.
Genetic Associations between Delusional Disorder and Paranoid Schizophrenia: A Novel Etiologic Approach
Authors: Debnath Monojit , Das Sujit K , Bera Nirmal K , Nayak Chitta R , Chaudhuri Tapas K 
Published: January 2017

Objectives: Genetic associations between delusional disorder and paranoid schizophrenia are not well understood, although involvement of biological factors has been suspected. We investigated the incidence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I alleles in patients with delusional disorder and paranoid schizophrenia, first, to explore a possible immunogenetic etiology of these paranoid disorders and, second, to determine whether they share similar etiologic mechanisms. Method: We employed a nested case–control study design. Psychiatric reference data were available for 38500 patients attending a hospital-based psychiatric outpatient department between 1998 and 2005. We enrolled 100 patients with delusional disorder and 50 patients with paranoid schizophrenia as the subject cases, using DSM-IV criteria. We considered equivalent numbers of healthy volunteers matched for age and ethnic background as control subjects. All subjects came from an India-born Bengali population. We applied the polymerase chain reaction–based molecular typing method to all patients and healthy subjects. Results: The HLA-A*03 gene is significantly associated with delusional disorder as well as with paranoid schizophrenia. This HLA gene alone or in linkage disequilibrium with other HLA genes or other closely linked non-HLA genes may influence susceptibility to delusional disorder and paranoid schizophrenia. Conclusions: The study reveals important associations between HLA genes and paranoid disorders. Delusional disorder and paranoid schizophrenia may share similar etiologic mechanisms. This preliminary observation may help our understanding of the genetic basis of these paranoid disorders.
Pharmacologic Response to a Diagnosis of Late-Life Depression: A Population Study in Quebec
Authors: Sewitch Maida J , Blais Régis , Rahme Elham , Galarneau Sophie , Bexton Brian 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To identify predictors of receiving psychoactive medication and receiving recommended first-line pharmacotherapy in individuals with newly diagnosed late-life depression. Methods: We undertook a retrospective database cohort study of 5258 beneficiaries of the Quebec provincial health insurance plan between 1999 and 2002. Subjects were aged 65 to 84 years and diagnosed with depression by primary care physicians or psychiatrists between October 2000 and March 2001; they had no depression diagnosis in the previous year. We defined receipt of psychoactive medication as having a pharmacy claim in the year following the depression diagnosis. We determined receipt of recommended first-line pharmacotherapy from the first psychoactive medication dispensed following diagnosis and defined it accordingly; we defined first-line pharmacotherapy according to the 2001 Canadian Psychiatric Association guidelines. We used multivariate generalized estimating equations models to identify the determinants of the 2 outcomes. Results: A total of 4421 (84.1%) patients received psychoactive medication following diagnosis; 2623 (59.3%) patients had not received antidepressants in the previous year. Of these, 1310 (49.9%) received recommended first-line pharmacotherapy. Independent predictors of receiving psychoactive medication were female sex, depression not otherwise specified (NOS), increasing comorbidity, and living in rural areas. Independent predictors of receiving recommended first-line pharmacotherapy were male sex, depression NOS, receiving medication in the month following diagnosis, and having the same physician diagnosing and treating the patient. Conclusion: Male sex and continuity of care predicted that patients had the recommended medication dispensed.
Does Mindfulness Meditation Improve Anxiety and Mood Symptoms? A Review of the Controlled Research
Authors: Toneatto Tony , Nguyen Linda 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To review the impact of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on symptoms of anxiety and depression in a range of clinical populations. Method: Our review included any study that was published in a peer-reviewed journal, used a control group, and reported outcomes related to changes in depression and anxiety. We extracted the following key variables from each of the 15 studies identified: anxiety or depression outcomes after the MBSR program, measurement of compliance with MBSR instructions, type of control group included, type of clinical population studied, and length of follow-up. We also summarized modifications to the MBSR program. Results: Measures of depression and anxiety were included as outcome variables for a broad range of medical and emotional disorders. Evidence for a beneficial effect of MBSR on depression and anxiety was equivocal. When active control groups were used, MBSR did not show an effect on depression and anxiety. Adherence to the MBSR program was infrequently assessed. Where it was assessed, the relation between practising mindfulness and changes in depression and anxiety was equivocal. Conclusions: MBSR does not have a reliable effect on depression and anxiety.
Psychometric Properties of the Dominic Interactive in a Large French Sample
Authors: Shojaei Taraneh , Wazana Ashley , Pitrou Isabelle , Gilbert Fabien , Bergeron Lise , Valla Jean-Pierre , Kovess-Masfety Viviane 
Published: January 2017

Objectives: To examine the psychometric properties of the Dominic Interactive (DI) in school-aged children in a different cultural environment than Quebec. Methods: In a large French region, 100 schools and 25 children (aged 6 to 11 years) per school were randomly selected. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires to children (DI), parents (sociodemographic characteristics, mental health services use), and teachers (child school achievement). DI psychometric properties were assessed by examining: the distribution of each DI diagnosis; comorbidity between diagnoses; alpha cœfficients measuring internal consistency; and correlates of psychopathologies with sociodemographic status and health care services use. Estimates of DI properties were compared with those from a sample of community children in Quebec. Results: Complete data were available for 1274 children (54.4%). The internal consistency of each DI diagnosis of the French version was reasonable, with Cronbach's alpha cœfficients ranging from 0.62 to 0.89. The psychometric properties and comorbidity were consistent with the version from Quebec. Conclusions: The satisfactory psychometric properties of the DI along with other demonstrated advantages of this instrument (children enjoy the activity, parents approve of it, and it is cost-effective) and its cultural adaptability support the consideration of the DI for epidemiologic studies in diverse cultures.
A Controlled Before-and-after Evaluation of a Mobile Crisis Partnership between Mental Health and Police Services in Nova Scotia
Authors: Kisely Stephen , Campbell Leslie Anne , Peddle Sarah , Hare Susan , Pyche Mary , Spicer Don , Moore Bill 
Published: January 2017

Objectives: Police are often the front-line response to people experiencing mental health crises. This study examined the impact of an integrated mobile crisis team formed in partnership between mental health services, municipal police, and emergency health services. The service offered short-term crisis management, with mobile interventions being attended by a plainclothes police officer and a mental health professional. Methods: We used a mixed-methods design encompassing: a controlled before-and-after quantitative comparison of the intervention area with a control area without access to such a service, for 1 year before and 2 years after program implementation; and qualitative assessments of the views of service recipients, families, police officers, and health staff at baseline and 2 years afterward. Results: The integrated service resulted in increased use by people in crisis, families, and service partners (for example, from 464 to 1666 service recipients per year). Despite increased service use, time spent on-scene and call-to-door time were reduced. At year 2, the time spent on-scene by police (136 minutes) was significantly lower than in the control area (165 minutes) (Student t test = 3.4, df = 1649, P < 0.001). After adjusting for confounders, people seen by the integrated team ( n = 295) showed greater engagement than control subjects as measured by outpatient contacts (b = 1.3, χ2 = 92.7, df=1, P< 0.001). The service data findings were supported by the qualitative results of focus groups and interviews. Conclusions: Partnerships between the police department and mental health system can improve collaboration, efficiency, and the treatment of people with mental illness.