Cryorenin in the newborn human and lamb

Renin and big renin (cryorenin) were measured in the plasma of 78 babies at birth, and studied in six newborn lambs 2–3 weeks of age in response to angiotensin II (0.25 μg/kg per min) infusion. There were (mean ±S.E.M.) 15.9 ±2.0 ng/ml per h of renin and 11.1 ± 2.3 of cryorenin, measured as plasma renin activity (PRA) in newborn cord blood. Cryorenin and renin decreased in parallel in the newborn lamb from 19 ± 2.3 ng/ml per h and 28.6 ± 2.7 to 6.5 ± 1.8 (P < 0.001) and 15.9 ± 1.8 (P < 0.01), respectively after 30 min of the angiotensin II infusion. Mean aortic blood pressure increased 30 mm Hg. These data suggest that cryorenin levels are high in the newborn lamb and human, and that both cryorenin and renin are under angiotensin II control in the newborn lamb.     

COMBINED CAROTID CORONARY RECONSTRUCTIONS—SYNCHRONOUSA OR SEQUENTIAL?*

Analysis of 16 synchronous with 26 sequential combined carotid coronary reconstructions showed no statistical advantage of either approach. Sequential operations are more convenient but increase the total operating time by an hour or so. Synchronous operations can be carried out without carotid shunting despite hypotension provided hypothermia is established. In other circumstances the internal carotid back pressure is used to indicate the need for carotid shunting. In the 42 patients there were three strokes (7%) including one fatal stroke (2%) and two myocardial infarctions, both fatal (5%).     

Effects of plasmapheresis on the course of experimental allergic neuritis in rabbits

Experimental allergic neuritis was induced in 30 rabbits with extract of bovine peripheral nerve in complete Freund's adjuvant. Of the 22 animals that completed the study, nine animals were plasmapheresed within two weeks of inoculation and 13 animals served as controls. The plasmapheresed animals developed a less severe form of EAN than the controls. Differences were apparent in clinical weakness, weight loss, degree of dispersion of the muscle action potential and histological changes.     

Neuropsychiatric manifestations of bromide ingestion

Two cases of bromide intoxication are reported. Although the serum bromide levels were not particularly high, they were related to typical neurological and psychiatric features of bromism. The authors wish to suggest that the rare syndrome of bromism be considered in the differential diagnosis of obscure or refractory neuro-psychiatric symptomatology.     

Vitiligo in association with human immunodeficiency virus infection

Autoimmune disorders such as vitiligo have been previously reported in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We describe a case of vitiligo in association with HIV where a rising CD4 lymphocyte count due to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) closely correlated with changes in the skin. This effect, to our knowledge, has not been previously observed.     

Single- versus multiple-dose mezlocillin prophylaxis in emergency cesarean section

163 patients undergoing emergency cesarean section were prospectively and randomized evaluated to determine the effect of mezlocillin in reducing postoperative morbidity. We compared a single 5-gram preoperative dose and a perioperative 3-dose regimen, each of 2 g, with a placebo. Postoperative morbidity was reduced from 65% in the placebo group to 20% in the groups receiving mezlocillin (p less than 0.005). The incidences of febrile morbidity, endometritis and urinary tract infection were all significantly lower in both groups given mezlocillin. There was no difference in the reduction of morbidity between the two groups receiving mezlocillin. The main advantages of the prophylaxis included a shorter hospitalization and the absence of serious infections in the treated groups.     

Performance of carotid stenting, vertebroplasty, and EVAR: how many are we doing and why are we not doing more? A survey by the Canadian Interventional Radiology Association.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the percentage of interventional radiologists who currently perform 3 interventional procedures: carotid stenting, vertebroplasty, and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in Canada, and impediments to their future performance by other interventional radiologists. METHODS: An anonymous online survey was emailed to all members of the Canadian Interventional Radiology Association (CIRA). The survey was open for a period of 2 months. RESULTS: A total of 75 survey responses were received (of an estimated 247). Carotid stenting, vertebroplasty, and EVAR were performed at 40%, 59%, and 46% of respondents' centres respectively. Wait times, from referral to consultation, and from consultation to procedure, were both typically between 2 to 4 weeks, longer for EVAR. Of respondents currently not performing these procedures, 26%, 28%, and 16% anticipated beginning to perform carotid stenting, vertebroplasty, and EVAR, respectively, in the proceeding year from time of survey. Of respondents who wished to perform the procedure, the greatest impediments were a lack of training, lack of a referral base, and lack of support from their radiology department and (or) colleagues. CONCLUSIONS: Although carotid stenting, vertebroplasty, and EVAR were being performed at about one-half of respondent's centres, and there will likely be greater adoption of the procedures in the near future, there remain substantial impediments. The greatest impediments to additional radiologists performing these procedures were a lack of training, lack of referral base, and lack of support from their radiology department and (or) colleagues. The former impediment suggested an unmet need for additional training courses.     

Tumour-promoting ability of mancozeb, a carbamate fungicide, on mouse skin

In this study the tumour-promoting activity of a carbamate fungicide,mancozeb, has been observed following topical application onmouse skin in a two-stage initiation-promotion protocol forcarcinogenesis. Female Swiss albino mice were initiated witha single subcarcinogenic dose (52µg) of 7, 12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracenepainted on the interscapular region. Seven days after initiationthe mice underwent topical application of mancozeb (100 mg/kgbody wt) three times per week as promoter. Development of tumourswas observed after 12 weeks of mancozeb application in 1/14animals and 100% tumorigenesis was recorded after 17 weeks ofmancozeb application. On histological examination, these tumourswere found mostly to be benign in nature, e.g. squamous cellpapillomas and keratocanthomas.