Flerobuterol: a potential antidepressant drug related to β-adrenergic agonists. Experimental profile in mice

The potential antidepressant effect of flerobuterol (dl-(fluoro-2 phenyl)-1 t-butylamino-2 ethanol), a new drug related to beta-adrenoceptor agonists, was evaluated and compared with imipramine and salbutamol using classical psychopharmacological tests in mice. Like imipramine and salbutamol, flerobuterol (0.5-32 mg kg-1, ip) fully prevented apomorphine (16 mg kg-1, sc)- and partly reversed reserpine- and oxotremorine-induced hypothermia. At higher doses (16-32 mg kg-1), flerobuterol enhanced the toxic effects of yohimbine. Unlike imipramine, flerobuterol and salbutamol did not reduce immobility duration in the behavioural despair test. Salbutamol and flerobuterol decreased locomotor activity. Flerobuterol did not induce mydriasis, did not prevent oxotremorine-induced tremors or salivary and lacrimal gland secretion and did not reduce reserpine-induced palpebral ptosis. Propranolol (8 mg kg-1, ip) but not alpha-methyl-paratyrosine (75 mg kg-1, ip) prevented the flerobuterol-induced antagonism of apomorphine-induced hypothermia. Our results suggest that flerobuterol demonstrates potential antidepressant activity, which could be related to beta-adrenoceptor activation in mice.     

CT19PTRICUSPID VALVE REPAIR IN ‘TORRENTIAL TRICUSPID REGURGITATION’ FOLLOWING PERMANENT PACEMAKER LEAD EXTRACTION – A CASE REPORT

Introduction Traumatic tricuspid regurgitation secondary to blunt chest trauma has been reported in literature. We report our experience with a case of ‘Torrential Tricuspid Regurgitation’ following permanent pacemaker lead extraction which was successfully treated with tricuspid valve repair and annuloplasty. Report A 67 year old woman was treated for Sick sinus syndrome with permanent pacemaker implant. She had three generator changes for end of life and repositioning.Erosion of generator, led cardiologist to plan lead and generator extraction with the surgical backup. During lead extraction a small piece of papillary muscle was avulsed. The patient remained hemodynamically stable in the theatre. However in ward she developed right sided cardiac failure not responding to conservative therapy. A transthoracic echo (TTE) revealed torrential tricuspid regurgitation with a freely mobile posterior leaflet with attached chordae and avulsed papillary muscle.During surgery the tricuspid valve was successfully repaired and transesophageal (TOE) images showed trivial to mild tricuspid regurgitation at the end of repair procedure. Additional procedure also included ligation of both atrial appendages and implantation of epicardial leads and pacemaker. Patient made good recovery from operation. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge this is first report of repair of tricuspid valve in ‘Torrential Tricuspid Regurgitation’ following pacemaker lead extraction. We share our experience with tricuspid valve repair technique and annuloplasty.     

Suppurative corneal ulceration in Bangladesh

Suppurative keratitis is an important preventable cause of blindness, particularly in the developing world. This study analyses 142 cases of suppurative keratitis referred to Chittagong Eye Infirmary, Bangladesh. Some 53.5% of cases were bacterial and 35.9% were fungal. The five most common pathogens were: Pseudomonas sp. 24%, Streptococcus pneumoniae 17%, Aspergillus sp. 13%, Fusarium sp. 7% and Curvularia sp. 6%. Gram stain and culture results were consistent in 62.6% of cases. Previous antibiotic treatment was a significant factor for failure of culture isolation and less so for Gram stain failure. On Gram stain, 55.9% of pseudomonal cases were missed, but only 2% of fungal cases were missed. Over all, Gram stain had a sensitivity of 62% and positive predictive value of 84% for bacterial cases, and 98% and 94% for fungal cases, respectively. Fungal ulcers were typically filamentous, but an antecedent history of trauma was not common. The most frequent injury was due to rice grains, but the inoculum appeared to be introduced during eye washing with contaminated water. Pseudomonal ulcers occurred most frequently in the monsoon season, and Fusarium cases were seen only in the hot, dry season.     

Mass media campaign--A Su Salud

A mass media health promotion program directed toward reducing future cancer trends among Mexican Americans, the largest subgroup of Hispanics in the United States, by decreasing smoking and encouraging smoking prevention and other health practices is described. Included is an outline of the program design and its significant features and a discussion of social modeling, the theoretical approach which provides a framework for the program. The development of the program, including the role focus groups played in the identification of areas to be targeted by the program, and the production and implementation of the mass media campaign based upon the targeted program areas are also discussed.     

科室主任管理职能与基本素质探讨

人力资源在管理中发挥着重要作用，其中，科室主任作为医院人力资源的重要组成部分，在医院惯性运行和可持续发展中扮演着重要角色。因此，科室主任因其技术和管理双重职责所具备的管理职能、基本素质和领导艺术在日常工作中显得尤为关键。     

X-linked hypophosphatemia: Normal renal function despite medullary nephrocalcinosis 25 years after transient vitamin D2-induced renal azotemia

Nephrocalcinosis (NC) detected by ultrasound is a recognized abnormality for some patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) who received vitamin D₂ and inorganic phosphate therapy, but is commonly observed in XLH patients treated with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ and inorganic phosphate supplementation. Nevertheless, long-term follow-up of kidney function in XLH patients with NC detected ultrasonographically has not been reported. We investigated two women with XLH, ages 31 (patient 1) and 39 (patient 2) years, each of whom had suffered at least one documented episode of vitamin D₂-induced hypercalcemia and renal azotemia during childhood. Patient 2 had also been treated with inorganic phosphate. No medications for XLH had been taken during adulthood. Renal ultrasonography at our institution demonstrated marked bilateral medullary NC in both women. No other explanation was found for their NC that apparently occurred several decades earlier from medical therapy for XLH. Detailed studies (including creatinine clearance, β₂-microglobulin excretion, and fasting urinary osmolality and acidification) revealed no impairment of kidney function in either patient. Our findings indicate that subradiographic medullary NC acquired during medical therapy for XLH may persist for decades, but with no adverse renal sequelae. Definitive (long-term) assessment of kidney function in the XLH population with NC, however, will be necessary to fully understand the risk of current medical treatment for this most common heritable form of rickets.