Potassium conservation with amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide (‘Moduret’) in thiazide-induced hypokalaemia in hypertension

Summary

A double-blind study was carried out in 24 hypertensive patients with thiazide-induced hypokalaemia (serum potassium <3.2 mmol/l) to compare the effects of treatment with an amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide combination or hydrochlorothiazide alone. The study was divided into three phases: (i) potassium repletion (Weeks 0 to 4) with oral potassium chloride (40 mmol/day), (ii) stabilization (Weeks 4 to 6) of normokalaemia, and (Hi) active drug treatment (Weeks 6 to 14), patients being allocated at random to receive one or other of the two treatments. Dosage was 2 tablets per day of the 5?mg amiloride plus 50?mg hydrochlorothiazide combination or of 50?mg hydrochlorothiazide alone. The results showed that blood pressure control was comparable in both treatment groups but hydrochlorothiazide alone caused a statistically significant reduction in serum potassium levels compared to the drug combination. Apart from 1 patient who developed hypokalaemia on hydrochlorothiazide alone, no other side-effects of treatment were reported.     

Affected in the nightclub. A case study of regular clubbers’ conflictual practices in nightclubs

The nightclub as a space is presented as a free and hedonistic place for pleasure. This space is also part of a wider socio-spatial-economic framework in which various forms of regulation apply to clubbers and the cultivation of affects. This paper researches marginal and contested forms of experiences within a club as a way of understanding the complexities of pleasure. The study does so by addressing experiences through the concept of affects, which is situated within a framework of a non-representational theory of space. Anxiety, pride, anger, shame and embarrassment are embodied simultaneously with the affects of love, joy, sympathy and so on. Alcohol, illicit drugs, bouncers, music and other human or non-human actants are part of the place. It is within this heterogeneous assemblage that affects become embodied. The data consists of 273 cases from a large Copenhagen nightclub where guests have complained about being rejected or being given quarantine. The paper suggests that if the space of the club is approached as being more than a mono-affectual space of either risk or pleasure, then it would be possible to reduce conflicts and produce more inclusive spaces.     

Truth and D.A.R.E.: Is D.A.R.E.’s new Keepin’ it REAL curriculum suitable for American nationwide implementation?

Abstract

The study investigates the effectiveness and appropriateness of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Keepin’ it REAL (KiR) curriculum – America’s most prevalent in-school prevention programme – using a modified systematic review procedure as adapted from the Cochrane Handbook. No published studies research the D.A.R.E. version of KiR, and so we consider the Keepin’ it REAL intervention as a whole. After reviewing the abstracts of 677 studies matching relevant keyword searches, 11 studies matched inclusion criteria (e.g. testing effectiveness on substance use). The systematic review yields mixed results for the effectiveness of the Keepin’ it REAL intervention. Concerns remain regarding the appropriateness of the KiR D.A.R.E. programme: (1) KiR has only been tested on a narrow audience and may not be appropriate for D.A.R.E.’s larger audience, (2) KiR may not be effective in reducing substance use among elementary school students and (3) the specific versions of KiR implemented by D.A.R.E. (KiR D.A.R.E. and KiR D.A.R.E. Elementary) have yet to be tested for efficacy. The authors recommend independent, randomised trials for the KiR D.A.R.E. curriculum and the development of a standardised measure and evaluation system for in-school substance use prevention programmes.     

A double-blind comparison between meptazinol (Wy 22811) and ‘Buscopan’ Compositum in renal colic

Summary

The analgesic effect of a single intravenous injection of 60?mg. meptazinol or of a spasmolytic-analgesic combination (‘Buscopan’ Compositum: 20?mg. hyoscine-N-butylbromide plus 2.5 g. nor-amidopyrine)was studied in a double-blind trial in 40 patients with acute renal colic. The results showed that meptazinol provided greater pain relief and was faster acting. Pain relief after meptazinol persisted for at least 1 hour in all but 1 of the 20 patients treated. Dizziness was a frequent but well tolerated side-effect of meptazinol, and nausea and vomiting were reported almost equally after both treatments.     

Section 1 A Comparative Study of Ibuprofen (‘Brufen’) And Indomethacin in Uncomplicated Arthrosis

Summary

A double-blind crossover comparison of 1200?mg. ibuprofen daily and 75?mg. indomethacin daily was carried out over an 8-week period in 39 patients with uncomplicated osteoarthrosis. The results from objective assessments of joint measurement were similar for both drugs. Only 16 patients noted any difference between the two treatment periods, and preferences, as assessed by physician and patients, were about equally in favour of each drug. There was, however, a marked order effect with preference for the second 4-week treatment period. Fewer patients reported side-effects when receiving ibuprofen.     

A clinical trial of a new long-acting nitroglycerine preparation (‘Nitrocontin’) in angina pectoris

Summary

In a double-blind crossover study of 15 patients with angina pectoris, a long-acting nitroglycerine preparation (‘Nitrocontin’) was compared against placebo. Patients received 2 tablets per day of either placebo or ‘Nitrocontin’ (6.4?mg. glvceryl trinitrate per tablet) for 4 weeks and were then crossed to the alternative preparation for a further 4 weeks. The results, as assessed by the number of attacks, consumption of glyceryl trinitrate sublingual tablets and patients' impression of improvement, showed that the active drug produced a significant reduction (p < 0.001) in the frequency of attacks. In a bicycle ergometric study, the long-acting preparation showed a signiJicant improvement (p < 0.001) in exercise performance against placebo.     

The use of marine benthic ‘key’ species in ecotoxicological testing: Amphiura filiformis (O.F. Müller) (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea)

This paper reports on the methodological aspects of toxicological testing with Amphiura filiformis (O.F. Müller), a presumed marine ‘key’ species. This infaunal ophiuroid echinoderm can be readily maintained in the laboratory, and demonstrates graded responses for surfacing (emerging from its burrow) and mortality. The sensitivity of this species to Cu²⁺, pentachlorophenol, un-ionised ammonia and dieldrin are reported. A. filiformis is moderately sensitive to copper, pentachlorophenol and un-ionised ammonia, although it is less sensitive to dieldrin than many other marine species. The 96-h LC₅₀ and EC₅₀ values obtained with the four toxicants are discussed in relation to comparative tests on the commonly used test species Crangon crangon (L). and Artemia salina (L.), as well as published data on other marine test species. The significance and potential use of ‘key’ species in ecotoxicological testing are also considered.     

St. John’s Wort Modulates the Toxicities and Pharmacokinetics of CPT-11 (Irinotecan) in Rats

CPT-11 is a DNA topoisomerase I inhibitor for the therapy of colorectal cancer, whereas St. Johns Wort (Hypericum perforatum, SJW) is a widely used herbal anti-depressant. This study aimed to investigate the effects of co-administered SJW on the toxicities and pharmacokinetics of CPT-11 and the underlying mechanisms. The body weight loss, gastrointestinal and hematological toxicities induced by CPT-11, and the pharmacokinetic parameters of CPT-11 were evaluated in rats pretreated with SJW or vehicle. Rats treated with CPT-11 alone experienced rapid decrease in body weight, whereas co-administration of SJW with CPT-11 resulted in lesser body weight loss. The gastrointestinal and hematological toxicities following CPT-11 injection were both alleviated in the presence of SJW. The rat pharmacokinetics of both CPT-11 and its metabolite SN-38 were significantly altered in presence of SJW. In conclusion, co-administered SJW significantly ameliorated the toxicities induced by CPT-11. The protective effect of SJW may be partially due to pharmacokinetic interaction between CPT-11 and SJW.     

Effects of Xanthoceraside on learning and memory impairment in mice induced by i.c.v.Aβ_(1-42)

Objective To investigate the improvement of Xanthoceraside on learning and memory impairment in mice induced by intracerebroventricular injection of Aβ1-42(i.c.v.Aβ1-42)and the possible mechanisms of its protection against AD.Methods Y-maze test,water-maze test and step-down test were used to investigate the learning and memory ability of mice;Biochemical analysis was used to detect the activity of CAT,T-AOC,ATPase and the content of MDA.Results The results showed that Xanthoceraside could significantly increase the alternation behavior in Y-maze test,shorten swimming time in water maze test and increase the latency and decrease the number of errors and the total time of shock in step-down test.Xanthoceraside markedly increased the activity of CAT,T-AOC,ATPase,at the same time,decreased the content of MDA.Conclusions Xanthoceraside can improve learning and memory impairment in mice induced by i.c.v.Aβ1-42 significantly.The mechanism may be associated with the protection against damage induced by free radicals;the inhibition of membrane lipid peroxidation and the improvement of metabolism of brain.     

A new 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone derivative in Chinese agarwood ‘Qi-Nan’ from Aquilaria sinensis

Phytochemical analysis of the high quality Chinese agarwood ‘Qi-Nan’ originating from Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Glig led to the isolation of a new 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone derivative, qinanones G (1), and four known 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones (2–5). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques (UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMR) and MS analyses. The NMR data of chromones 1–3 were first reported, and chromones 2 and 3 showed weak inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase.     

Further evaluation of phentolamine (‘Regitine’) in cardiac arrhythmias

Summary

Phentolamine (‘Regitine' Ciba), an alpha adrenergic blockade drug, was used in an acute study in various types of cardiac arrhythmias to evaluate its antiarrhythmic property. The drug was used in a dose of 0.5?mg. per?min. 1.V.for 20?min. The drug was found to be of benefit in treating VPCs, VT and second degree heart block particularly associated with congestive heart failure. Supraventricular arrhythmias responded less favourably. No side-effects were recordedduring its clinicaluse. Phentolamine is a useful addition to the existing antiarrhythmic drugs.     

Visuospatial memory impairments in users of MDMA (‘ecstasy’)

Rationale Previous studies have presented conflicting findings regarding visuospatial span deficits in MDMA (ecstasy) users, possibly attributable to a lack of distinction between simple visuospatial span and visuospatial working memory span. Both draw upon central executive processing, while the latter also involves concurrent goal-orientated visuospatial processing.Objectives This study compared visuospatial working memory span for MDMA users and controls. An additional concurrent task also loading on the central executive tested for inter-group differences related to central executive workload.Method MDMA user group (25 current users, 10 previous users and 18 non-users) was between-participants, and dual task condition (concurrent alphabetic generation, random letter generation, and no dual task) was within-participants. The visuospatial working memory task required participants to serially recall a spatial sequence while simultaneously completing a visual judgement task, and was completed on its own and under dual task conditions.Results Overall, non-users performed significantly better than both MDMA user groups. However, contrary to expectation, the performance decrement among users was no worse with concurrent random generation than under control conditions. Analyses controlling for background variables and the use of other drugs in the previous 3 months showed that the main effect of MDMA remained significant following control for intelligence, alcohol, amphetamines and cocaine, among other potential confounds. Unclear results were found following control for cannabis use.Conclusions The MDMA users experienced deficits in visuospatial working memory span. The lack of interaction between dual task condition and user group may be due to inter-group differences in central executive utilisation under different task conditions.