Induction of female sexual behavior by GTP in ovariectomized estrogen primed rats

The effect of both intrahypothalamic and systemic administration of guanosine triphosphate (GTP) on lordosis behavior was studied in ovariectomized and ovariectomized-adrenalectomized, estrogen-primed rats (estradiol benzoate, 4 μg). This estrogen dose per se induced only weak or no lordosis behavior. Injection of GTP into the medial hypothalamic area (100 μg in 2.5 μl) elicited lordosis behavior with relatively short latency in 6 out of 7 rats. Systemic administration of GTP in a dose range of 0.8 mg to 5.0 mg to ovariectomized estrogen-primed rats, stimulated intense lordosis behavior in all subjects. Weak lordosis responses were displayed within the first 12 hr after GTP injection, but at 48 hr all rats were highly estrous. Lordosis behavior remained for up to eight days, its duration being related to the dose of GTP administered. GTP (2 mg) induced lordosis behavior in ovariectomized, adrenalectomized estrogen-primed rats, thus excluding the participation of adrenal steroids in this effect. The results are interpreted in terms of the stimulation of adenyl cyclase-cAMP systems by GTP.     

Multiple Separations in Microfabricated Channels: From Biological Microenvironments to DNA

A continuous sample introduction and separation scheme is presented as an alternative to the current slab gel and microfabricated chip technologies for biological separations. This new technique involves continuous sample introduction via a conventional small bore capillary coupled to a small dimension rectangular channel. Both free zone and size based separations have been carried out in the rectangular channel. Laser induced fluorescence and electrochemical detection schemes have been employed with this technique. Some of the areas this technology has been used to investigate include monitoring dynamic events from microenvironments, monitoring analytes over long periods of time, and performing DNA separations.     

Evaluation of the clonidine-suppression test in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma

Summary In this study we examined the preoperative value of the clonidine-suppression test in 15 patients with surgically proved pheochromocytomas. The result of the clonidine-suppression test was pathological (epinephrine plus norepinephrine above 500 ng/l 3 h after clonidine) in 10 of 15 patients (66%). These patients had relatively large tumors and higher basal norepinephrine plasma levels. Out of the 5 cases without a pathological clonidine test 4 had normal basal plasma catecholamine levels with the result that the clonidine test could not be properly applied and 1 case produced a false negative result. These 5 cases generally had smaller tumors and lower plasma catecholamine levels. Two of these cases had basally raised epinephrine values. The other three cases had either a paradoxical increase or a suspiciously low fall (less than 25%) in norepinephrine within the normal range. We conclude that the clonidine-suppression test is only reliable for the diagnosis of relatively large pheochromocytomas.Abbreviations MIBG metaiodobenzylguanidine - HPLC High-performance liquid chromatography     

Flush solution 2, a new concept for one-to-three-day hypothermic renal storage preservation. Functional recovery after preservation in Euro-Collins, Collins' C2, hypertonic citrate, and F.2 solution

Experiments were performed on the quality of renal functional recovery after 24, 48, or 72-hr hypothermic storage preservation of canine kidneys in Euro-Collins solution (EC), Collins' solution C2, hypertonic citrate solutions (HC, HC-D2O), or our new flush solution 2 (F.2). Clearance tests (inulin, paraaminohippuric acid, and creatinine) and resorption rates for sodium, potassium, and glucose indicated a high superiority in the early functional recovery of F.2-preserved kidneys after all preservation periods tested. The excellent function after preservation in F.2 contrasted especially with the poor or even absent function after 72-hr preservation in HC and HC-D2O or EC. Thus F.2--a hyperosmolar solution containing sucrose with a balanced Na-K relation on the basis of "heavy water" (D2O)--is especially suitable for preservation up to 72 hr if cyclosporine is used for immunosuppression in the recipient. The recipient can be supplied with an organ with immediate good functional recovery because cyclosporine banishes the higher risk for rejection of these well-functioning organs; simultaneously, the possibility for continuous functional supervision allows avoidance of nephrotoxic side effects from the immunosuppressant.     

Issues and advances in pain control in children

Increased interest in the topic of pain has resulted in pharmacologic advances that provide new possibilities for pain relief in children. It has also resulted in new nonpharmacologic therapies that are now being used more frequently with children. It is hoped that these advances will continue so that health care providers will have a larger repertoire of pain control methods effective with children, and so that the traumatic aspects of hospitalization and health care can be reduced greatly. The pain experienced by children has heretofore been on the backroads of scientific and scholarly development. As a result, we actually know very little about pediatric pain, its measurement, and its treatment. The literature and research cited previously are strikingly limited for providing a base of knowledge to guide clinical practice. We avoided a "cookbook" approach to the discussion on pain control, because there are many of those available. Instead, we presented a summary of the research that is currently available in the attempt to help nurses better recognize the limitations in what we know with certainty about this important topic. We hope that this knowledge will spur readers to examine their own beliefs and knowledge, question former assumptions about pediatric pain, and promote a more inquiring approach to assessment and management of children's pain. Pain is a multidisciplinary problem. Although health care providers from the various disciplines each approach the pain problem from different angles, each approach has its place in the overall picture of solving the problems of pediatric pain control. Nurses have been and will continue to be a vital part of clinical and scientific advancements to move pediatric pain out of the realm of mystery and into the realm of the known.     

Computed tomography in the differential diagnosis of the enlarged retrorectal space

The value of computed tomography (CT) in the differentiation of an enlarged retrorectal space was analyzed in 132 cases. Classification of barium enema findings into those with simultaneous mucosal alterations and those without any visible lesions of the rectal mucosa seems to be useful. Computed tomography helps in those cases without mucosal changes to differentiate between retrorectal fibrosis, tumorous masses, and inflammatory diseases of the colon. It also demonstrates the lack of pathologic lesions in equivocal cases of pelvic lipomatosis and so-called "normal variants." If simultaneous mucosal involvement on barium enema--especially in rectal carcinoma or recurrent carcinoma of the rectum--is found, CT may show the perirectal extension of tumorous masses and thus help to clarify local operability.     

Reimbursement models to tackle market failures for antimicrobials: Approaches taken in France,Germany, Sweden,the United Kingdom,and the United States

IntroductionThe pipeline of new antibacterials remains limited. Reasons include low research investments, limited commercial prospects, and scientific challenges. To complement existing initiatives such as research grants, governments are exploring policy options for providing new market incentives to drug developers.Materials and methodsReimbursement interventions for antibacterials in France, Germany, Sweden, US, and UK were reviewed and analysed by the authors.ResultsIn France, Germany, and the US, implemented interventions centre on providing exceptions in cost-containment mechanisms to allow higher prices for certain antibacterials. In the US, also, certain antibacterials are granted additional years of protection from generic competition (exclusivity) and faster regulatory review. The UK is piloting a model that will negotiate contracts with manufacturers to pay a fixed annual fee for ongoing supply of as many units as needed. Sweden is piloting a model that will offer manufacturers of selected antibacterials contracts that would guarantee a minimum annual revenue. A similar model of guaranteed minimal annual revenues is under consideration in the US (PASTEUR Act).ConclusionsThe UK and Sweden are piloting entirely novel procurement and reimbursement models. Existing interventions in the US, France, and Germany represent important, but relatively minor interventions. More countries should explore the use of novel models and international coordination will be important for ‘pull’ incentives to be effective. If adopted, the PASTEUR legislation in the US would constitute a significant ‘pull’ incentive.     

Symptomatic native arterial occlusions: early experience with "over-the-wire" thrombolysis

"Over-the-wire" thrombolysis was successfully accomplished in eight patients with symptomatic lower-extremity ischemia. The authors used a 5-F catheter with multiple side holes designed to pulse-spray urokinase directly over the guidance of a 0.035-inch guide wire. The mean occlusion length was 11.5 cm (range, 5-27 cm). Complete thrombolysis was achieved after delivery of a mean of 480,000 IU of urokinase in a mean infusion time of 48 minutes. One embolic complication was successfully treated with the catheter-wire system. No bleeding complications occurred. Over-the-wire thrombolysis is an alternative method of administering urokinase for the treatment of arterial occlusions.