In vivo release of [H]GABA in cat caudate nucleus and substantia nigra. I. Bilateral changes induced by a unilateral nigral application of muscimol

Push-pull cannulae were implanted in both caudate nuclei and both substantiae nigrae (SN) of halothane-anesthetized cats and the release of [³H]GABA, continuously synthesized from [³H]glutamine, was measured in these structures during 4 h of superfusion. In some experiments, multi-unit neuronal activity was recorded at the tip of the nigral push-pull cannulae, using a bipolar electrode. Two hours after the onset of superfusion with [³H]glutamine, 10⁻⁶M of muscimol was added (for 1 h) in the superfusion medium delivered to one SN. This treatment increased locally the release of [³H]GABA and enhanced the neuronal activity of the nigral cells in the zona reticulata. An increased release of [³H]GABA was also observed in the contralateral SN, in association with an inhibition of the activity of the zona reticulata cells. The unilateral nigral application of muscimol also induced asymmetric changes in the release of [³H]GABA in both caudate nuclei, since [³H]GABA release was increased ipsilaterally and reduced on the contralateral side. The present findings are considered in relation to possible GABAergic neuronal populations affected by this local pharmacological treatment.     

Hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism in diabetic patients with chronic renal failure

Plasma renin activity, plasma aldosterone levels and renal tubular capacity to excrete hydrogen ions were studied in 13 patients suffering from diabetes mellitus with a creatinine clearance of less than 40 ml/min. The results were compared with those obtained in a control group, in a group of nondiabetic subjects with chronic renal failure (CRF) and in a group of diabetic patients without CRF. Twelve of the thirteen diabetic patients with CRF had data characteristic of hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism associated with type IV renal tubular acidosis. On comparing the results with those of the other two groups of patients, it was observed that the manifestations of the latter two groups considered separately were different from those of the problem group, although in the diabetic patients with normal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) hyporeninism but not hypoaldosteronism was present accompanied by a lower net acid excretion (p less than 0.001) due to a lower excretion of NH4 (p less than 0.05) and titratable acid (p less than 0.001) when the patients were challenged with an NH4Cl overload. We believe that a conjunction of diabetes and renal failure is necessary for the diabetic patients with a decrease in GFR to show hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism and type IV tubular acidosis.     

Eremophilanes from Senecio mairetianus and some reaction products

Eight new eremophilanolides (1, 2, 4-7, 9, and 10), a new eremophilane (13), and several known compounds were isolated from the roots and aerial parts of Senecio mairetianus. The chemical structures were proposed taking into consideration spectroscopic analyses and chemical transformations. X-ray diffraction analysis of 2, 4, and 9 confirmed their structures. The stereochemistry of 1,10-epoxy-8alpha-methoxyermophilanolide (3) was determined. Compounds 4-7, 9, and 10 are possible artifacts obtained by preparation of the alkaloidal extract.     

Medpor alternative for microtia repair

Autologous costal cartilage has been the material of choice for framework in auricular reconstruction. However, the advent of porous high-density polyethylene (Medpor) has provided an effective alternative in microtia repair. A ready-to-use allopastic material, Medpor has distinguished itself from other implants via its durability, tensile strength, biocompatibility, and malleability. Results from clinical experience and bench research support this claim. When using this material, the authors noted impressive results with low associated morbidity.     

Prevalence of pathological gambling in the general population around Paris: preliminary study

Introduction

Pathological gambling is characterized in the DSM IV-TR as one of the disorders of impulse control. Problem gambling is also part of what is considered as behavioural addictions, the criteria of which have been defined by Goodman, with intrusive thoughts about the game, spending more and more to play, unable to control, reduce or stop gambling despite negative consequences, etc.

Aim of the study

There is no epidemiological study in France on the prevalence of pathological gambling. We wanted to study the prevalence of pathological gambling in a sample of 529 persons: 368 gamblers of Pari Mutuel Urbain and La Française des Jeux, and 161 persons in the general population. The study took place between January 2008 and June 2009.

Methods

As instruments, we used: the South Oaks Gambling Scale (SOGS) for screening of pathological gambling and the BIS-10 for impulsiveness’ evaluation, the HAD scale to assess anxiety and depression and the ASRS for the evaluation of attention deficit disorder/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Results

The rate of pathological gambling in the general population is 1.24% (this result is similar to those found in other places, such as in Quebec). In the general population, the rate of play at risk is of 5.59%. Among the population of gamblers, the rate for pathological gambling (JP) amounted to 9.23% and risk gambling to 10.86%. Men are overrepresented in the group of pathological gamblers (88.9%), also with consumption of alcohol and tobacco. Suicide attempts are more important than in the general population, but the difference was statistically significant. Depression and anxiety are particularly high, 40% of gamblers with an anxiety score significantly higher.

Discussion

The results indicate rates close to those of other countries, such as Canada. It would be necessary to establish follow-up studies of populations and patients, as well as specific studies on people who frequent casinos, racetracks and internet gambling. The importance of the phenomenon is obvious, because almost 20% of players have a gambling problem or risk and these people do not consult despite their psychological problems, family, work, debts.     

The existing profile of nosocomial infections in municipal hospitals of general surgery

Nosocomial infections (NIs) are identified in health care facilities around the world as one of the main health problems and mortality of hospitalized patients, which are why continuous monitoring is required and also their prevention and control measures. In two urban hospitals for general surgery (A and B) we studied 1209 files in hospital A and 739 files in hospital B, retrospectively, for a period of eight months. Official reported frequency was 0.88% IN (A) and 0% (B). The frequency of retrospectively identified NIs cases was 9.34% (A) and 9.60% (B) surgical of which wound infections represented 8.68% (A) and 9.60% (B) of all admissions, respectively 92.92% (A) and 100% (B) of all reported cases of NIs. NIs' frequency is significantly higher than officially reported, which encroaches on taking complex appropriate professional and effective prevention and control measures, affecting the quality of care, complicating the underlying disease causing it and can evolutivity and squeals, or cause patients' death.