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SUMMARY Using five non-invasive tests, abnormalities of cardiovascular reflex function were found in 20 of 50 patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux. Abnormalities of pupil cycle time, an index of non-vagal parasympathetic function, were found in only a few patients, implying that the cardiovascular abnormalities observed were not part of a generalised parasympathetic defect. The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that an abnormality of vagal function may contribute to the pathogenesis of gastro-oesophageal reflux.

Purpose The purpose of this article is to explore the disclosure of corporate sustainability (CS) practices and to examine the association between sustainability performance and financial performance in Asian context considering firms from India and Japan. Design/methodology/approach The present study is based on secondary data collected from annual reports and CS reports of 28 and 35 listed non-financial firms from India and Japan from 2009 to 2014. Content analysis (binary coding system) is employed to calculate the sustainability disclosure score based on Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI) framework. Market-to-book ratio is used to measure the financial performance. These scores are further used to examine the impact of CS performance on financial performance employing both the panel data model and logit regression model. Findings The study finds that the average level of disclosure is more in case of Japanese firm as compared to Indian firms. Using both the regression model, the study finds the influence of CS performance on financial performance is positive and significant for both the nations. However, the influence of CS performance is more in case of Japan than that of India. Moreover, the study also reveals that environmental factor is more dominating in influencing the financial performance in Japan. Whereas, in India, it is the social factor that dominates the financial performance. Originality/value It is the first comprehensive study in Asia analyzing the CS practices using both the panel data regression model and logit regression model.

SUMMARY The oral administration of mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid) resulted in the exacerbation of ulcerative colitis in two patients intolerant to sulphasalazine whose colitis had previously been quiescent. Although sulphasalazine intolerance is usually attributable to the sulphapyridine moiety, the possibility of salicylate sensitivity should be considered in colitic patients who fail to respond appropriately to sulphasalazine or who experience abdominal pain or diarrhoea while taking the drug.Mesalazine (Asacol, Tillotts Laboratories) is an oral 5-aminosalicylic acid coated with an acrylic based resin (Eudragit S) which is released in the terminal ileum and colon. It has a similar clinical effect to sulphasalazine in maintaining remission in patients with ulcerative colitis and its use has been advocated in patients intolerant of sulphasalazine.'' Exacerbation of diarrhoea and abdominal pain in patients receiving sulphasalazine for ulcerative colitis is unusual but well documented and has usually been attributed to the sulphapyridine moiety.15 Ulcerative colitis, however, has been reported to be exacerbated by salicylate therapy alone.`We report two patients intolerant of sulphasalazine who developed a severe exacerbation of ulcerative colitis after the administration of 5-aminosalicylic acid. Case 1In June 1976, a 51 year old man (WM) was admitted to hospital with fever and bloody diarrhoea. The diagnosis of ulcerative panproctocolitis was established on barium enema, sigmoidoscopy and rectal biopsy and treatment with prednisolone 40 mg/day and sulphasalazine 4 g/day introduced. Severe recurrent anaemia in the absence of bleeding or haemolysis and requiring blood transfusions, fever and the development of pleuritic chest pain with Addrress lor corrcspondeicc lDr M J Ford. ILcith l-ospitltl Mill Lainc.

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