Serum, erythrocyte and urinary concentrations of iron, copper, selenium and zinc do not change during an incremental test to exhaustion in either normothermic or hyperthermic conditions.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the performance of an incremental exercise test until exhaustion in normothermic and hyperthermic conditions on serum, erythrocyte and urine concentrations of Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Selenium (Se) and Zinc (Zn). METHODS: Nineteen adult males (age: 22.58 ±â€¯1.06 years) performed two maximum incremental exercise tests on a cycloergometer in normothermia (22 ±â€¯2 °C) and hyperthermia (42±2 °C) separated by 48 h. Urine, serum and erythrocyte samples were collected before and after each test. RESULTS: Serum Se (p < 0.01) and Cu (p < 0.05) levels were altered after each test, but the significance disappeared with the correction for haematocrit. The rest of the values did not undergo alterations in either condition. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that a higher stimulus is necessary to obtain changes in these minerals. The study reveals the need to correct serum concentrations concerning possible changes in these volumes after an acute effort.

Ethyl-cellulose rumen-protected methionine alleviates inflammation and oxidative stress and improves neutrophil function during the periparturient period and early lactation in Holstein dairy cows.

The periparturient period is the most critical phase in the productive cycle of dairy cows and is characterized by impairment of the immune system. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of feeding ethyl-cellulose rumen-protected methionine (RPM) starting at d -28 from expected parturition through 60 d in milk on biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and liver function as well as leukocyte function. Sixty multiparous Holstein cows were used in a block design and assigned to either a control or the control plus ethyl-cellulose RPM (Mepron, Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH). Mepron was supplied from -28 to 60 d in milk at a rate of 0.09% and 0.10% dry matter during the prepartum and postpartum period. That rate ensured that the ratio of Lys to Met in the metabolizable protein was close to 2.8:1. Blood samples from 15 clinically healthy cows per treatment were collected at d -30, -14, 1, 7, 21, 30, and 60 and analyzed for biomarkers of liver function, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Neutrophil and monocyte function in whole blood was measured in vitro at -14, 1, 7, 21, and 30 d in milk. The statistical model included the random effect of block and fixed effect of treatment, time, and its interaction. Compared with control, ethyl-cellulose RPM increased plasma cholesterol and paraoxonase after parturition. Among the inflammation biomarkers measured, ethyl-cellulose RPM led to greater albumin (negative acute-phase protein) and lower haptoglobin than control cows. Although concentration of IL-1ß was not affected by treatments, greater IL-6 concentration was detected in response to ethyl-cellulose RPM. Cows supplemented with ethyl-cellulose RPM had greater plasma concentration of ferric-reducing antioxidant power, ß-carotene, tocopherol, and total and reduced glutathione, whereas reactive oxygen metabolites were lower compared with control cows. Compared with control, ethyl-cellulose RPM enhanced neutrophil phagocytosis and oxidative burst. Overall, the results indicate that ethyl-cellulose RPM supply to obtain a Lys-to-Met ratio of 2.8:1 in the metabolizable protein during the periparturient period and early lactation is an effective approach to help mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation as well as enhance liver and neutrophil function in dairy cows.

Influence of the incorporation mode of sugar beet pulp in the finishing diet on the digestive tract and performances of geese reared for foie gras production.

The aim of this work was to study the effects of incorporating sugar beet pulp (SBP) into the diet of geese in two feeding systems (complete pelleted feed or loose-mix feeding system) on crop development and performance. A total of 480 1-d-old male geese were divided into three groups whose diet differed from d 56 to 90: a complete pelleted diet containing 50% corn (control diet: AMEn 11.5 MJ/kg; CP 161 g/kg), and no SBP; a complete pelleted diet containing 50% corn and 10% SBP (SBPcp diet: AMEn: 11.5 MJ/kg; CP: 161 g/kg); and a mix in the same feeder (SBPlm diet) of 500 g/kg of protein-rich pellets containing 20% SBP (SBPprp: AMEn: 9.0 MJ/kg; CP: 250 g/kg) and 500 g/kg of whole corn (WC: AMEn: 14.0 MJ/kg; CP: 72 g/kg). Body traits, including crop volume, were measured at d 91. From d 91 to 106, 88 birds/group were overfed with a mixture containing mainly corn and water before slaughter to measure fatty liver performance. Feed intake from d 56 to 90 was higher (+10%; P = 0.004) in the SBPcp group than the other two, but at d 90, the body weight (BW) of the birds was higher (+7%; P = 0.002) in the SBPlm group than the other two. At d 91, the volume of the crop was greater in the SBPcp group (80.4 mL/kg of BW, P < 0.001) than in the control group (60.3 mL/kg of BW), the SBPlm group being intermediate (64.1 mL/kg of BW). Feed intake (13,321 g), weight gain (2,733 g), and feed-to-gain ratio (4.9) during the overfeeding period, as well as fatty liver weight (963 g) and commercial grading, were similar (P > 0.05) between the three groups. In conclusion, the use of sugar beet pulp in the diet of finishing geese helps the adaptation of the digestive tract to the overfeeding period, even in a loose-mix feeding system based on whole corn.

Ethyl-cellulose rumen-protected methionine enhances performance during the periparturient period and early lactation in Holstein dairy cows.

The onset of lactation in dairy cows is characterized by severe negative energy and protein balance. Increasing Met availability during this time may improve milk production, hepatic lipid metabolism, and immune function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding ethyl-cellulose rumen-protected methionine (RPM; Mepron, Evonik Nutrition and Care GmbH, Hanau-Wolfgang, Germany) on the performance of dairy cows during prepartum and early-lactation periods. Sixty multiparous Holstein cows were used in a block design and assigned to either a control or an ethyl-cellulose RPM diet. Ethyl-cellulose RPM was supplied from -28 to 60 d relative to parturition at a rate of 0.09% and 0.10% of dry matter during the prepartum and postpartum periods, respectively. That rate ensured that the ratio of Lys to Met in metabolizable protein was close to 2.8:1. Cows fed ethyl-cellulose RPM had dry matter intakes (DMI) that were 1.2 kg/d greater during the prepartum period and consequently had overall greater cumulative DMI than cows in the control group. Compared with controls, during the fresh period (1-30 d in milk; DIM) feeding ethyl-cellulose RPM increased DMI by 1.7 kg/d, milk yield by 4.1 kg/d, fat yield by 0.17 kg/d, milk protein yield by 0.20 kg/d, 3.5% fat-corrected milk by 4.3 kg/d, and energy-corrected milk by 4.4 kg/d. Although ethyl-cellulose RPM supplementation increased milk protein content by 0.16 percentage units compared with the control during the fresh period, no differences were observed for milk fat, lactose, and milk urea nitrogen concentration. During the high-producing period (31-60 DIM), cows fed ethyl-cellulose RPM increased DMI and milk yield by 1.45 and 4.4 kg/d, respectively. Ethyl-cellulose RPM also increased fat yield by 0.19 kg/d, milk protein yield by 0.17 kg/d, 3.5% fat-corrected milk by 4.7 kg/d, and energy-corrected milk by 4.8 kg/d compared with controls. Ethyl-cellulose RPM supplementation reduced plasma fatty acids in the fresh period and decreased γ-glutamyl transferase, indicating better liver function. In conclusion, when lysine was adequate, feeding ethyl-cellulose RPM to achieve a ratio close to 2.8:1 in metabolizable protein improved dairy cow performance from parturition through 60 DIM. The greater milk production was, at least in part, driven by the greater voluntary DMI and better liver function.

Effect of incorporating sugar beet pulp in the finisher diet on performance of geese.

The aim of this work was to study the effects of incorporating sugar beet pulp (SBP) into the diet on the development of the crop and performance of geese. A total of 480 1-day-old ganders were divided into three groups differing in the composition and mode of distribution of the diet offered from day 56 to 89. The following two diets were used: a standard diet (nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy, AMEn 11.44 MJ/kg; 160 g/kg CP) or a diet containing 10% of SBP (SBP diet; AMEn 11.47 MJ/kg; 160 g/kg CP). The swelling capacity (SC) hydration was higher for SBP than for the standard diet (3.62 v. 2.72 ml of H2O/g of dry matter at 60 min; P<0.05). In the Control group, birds were fed with a controlled time of access to a standard diet. Other birds were fed the SBP diet with a controlled time of access (SBPt group) or a controlled quantity offered (SBPq). From day 90 to 104, 88 birds/group were overfed with a mixture containing mainly corn. Body traits including volume of the crop were measured at day 89. Fatty liver weight and commercial grading were measured at d 104. Feed intake from day 56 to 89 was higher in the Control group than in the SBPt group (8097 v. 7545 g; P<0.05), feed intake in the SBPq group being intermediate (7801 g); however, live weights (LW) of the birds were similar in the three groups measured at day 89 (5746 g; P>0.05). At day 89, the volume of the crop tended to be higher in the SBPt compared with the Control group (52.8 v. 48.8 ml/kg of LW; P=0.101). After overfeeding, feed intake (12 922 g), weight gain (2412 g), LW (8170 g), fatty liver weight (875 g) and commercial grading of the fatty liver were similar (P>0.1) for all the three groups. Therefore, SBP could help adapt the digestive tract of waterfowl to high feed intake through an increase in the crop volume, but its method of use - that is, level of incorporation and mode of distribution - should continue to be investigated.

Reciprocal style polymorphisms are not easily categorised: the case of heterostyly in Lithodora and Glandora (Boraginaceae).

Interest in reciprocal floral polymorphisms, such as heterostyly, has increased in recent decades because they can be used as suitable model systems to study mechanisms of outbreeding and disassortative mating in plants. Heterostylous plants are characterised by the presence of discrete morphs that differ in sex organ position and in some other ancillary traits. As regards sex organ deployment, different types of polymorphisms have been described, depending on number and type of discrete classes present in populations and degree of reciprocity between them. However, a clear-cut characterisation of stylar polymorphisms does not appear to be the best approach when there is great variability among populations because of continuous variation of some of traits examined. A recent study in Lithodora sensu lato (recently split into two separate genera, Lithodora and Glandora) showed a wide variation in sex organ position across species in the genus, which warrants precise population analysis of stylar polymorphism and its reciprocity. We provide a detailed morphometric analysis of flower sexual traits and include those considered to be ancillary characters. We report a wide variation in these traits in populations of Lithodora s.l. and highlight the subjectivity of the former characterisation of style polymorphism based on visual inspection. Ancillary traits appear repeatedly in Lithodora and Glandora, particularly in the latter. The appearance of these traits seems to be related to greater reciprocity between sexual whorls in Glandora, with the exception of G. prostrata. These results agree with evolutionary steps proposed in the build-up of heterostyly according to some evolutionary models. We also examined variation in polymorphisms in light of current models for evolution of heterostyly, and, more specifically, we sought to verify the prediction that flower traits as a whole (i.e., flower integration) respond to selective pressure to assure the exact location of pollen on the pollinator body. Most reciprocal populations and species, where between-morph pollen transfer is expected to be higher, would show greater integration. Our results confirm this hypothesis.

Pollinator shifts and the loss of style polymorphism in Narcissus papyraceus (Amaryllidaceae).

Darwin proposed that the driving force for the evolution of style polymorphisms is the promotion of cross-pollination between style morphs, through accurate placement of pollen on the pollinator's body. This hypothesis has received much attention, but the effect of different pollinators in the fitness of morphs remains poorly understood. Narcissus papyraceus is a style dimorphic species (long -L- and short -S- styled) with isoplethic (1 : 1) and L-monomorphic populations, mainly visited by long-tongued (LT) nocturnal and short-tongued (ST) diurnal pollinators, respectively. We studied natural female fertility of morphs, and assessed the role of diurnal and nocturnal pollinators. We also quantified female fertility of the morphs in experimental populations with different morph ratio, exposed to predominately long- or short-tongued pollinators. We found that with LT pollinators, both morphs were successfully pollinated in all morph ratio conditions, suggesting that these insects could be involved in maintenance of the polymorphism, although other factors may also play a role. However, with ST pollinators, S-plants displayed less fertility than L-plants, and mating among L-plants was favoured, implying that the polymorphism is lost. These results underscore the role of pollinators on variations in style polymorphism.

Un programa de mejora de la calidad asistencial de los problemas de salud mental en prisión. Evaluación de resultados después de 6 años (2000-2005) / A quality improvement program for mental health care in prison. An evaluation of the results (2000-2005)

Introducción: Este trabajo describe los resultados de un programa de mejora de la calidad asistencial de los problemas de salud mental en los reclusos después de seis años de puesta en marcha (2000-2005) en la prisión de Zuera (Zaragoza). Material y Métodos: El programa se estructura en ciclos anuales, en 2000 se estudió la demanda asistencial de problemas de salud mental en la consulta de atención primaria. En 2001 la demanda compulsiva de psicofármacos. En 2002 la prevalencia de trastornos mentales en una muestra aleatoria de 60 internos. En 2003 y 2004 la relación entre trastorno mental e inadaptabilidad, primero relacionando sanciones por comportamientos agresivos en una muestra aleatoria de 60 internos con trastornos mentales y después relacionando comportamientos inadaptados en una muestra aleatoria de 520 reclusos, y consumo de psicofármacos. En 2005 el funcionamiento del módulo de la enfermería de la prisión como recurso asistencial para internos con una enfermedad mental grave, recogiendo durante 7 meses datos de los ingresos en ese módulo. Resultados: El 50% de las consultas de atención primaria, tuvieron relación con un problema de salud mental. El 59% de los reclusos presentaron algún tipo de trastorno mental, patología dual en el 56,6% y Trastorno de la Personalidad en el 30%. Un 20% de los reclusos necesitaron una derivación al psiquiatra consultor, el motivo más frecuente de la derivación; 46% de los casos fue un comportamiento inadaptado y/o incongruente, el diagnóstico más frecuente; en el 23% fue el Trastorno Depresivo asociado a Trastorno por Uso de Sustancias Psicoactivas. Observamos una correlación entre el número de sanciones motivadas por conductas agresivas y el diagnóstico de Trastorno de Personalidad. Lo mismo entre la inadaptabilidad puntuada mediante una escala objetiva y el consumo de psicofármacos. El 50% de los ingresos en la enfermería de nuestro centro estuvo motivado por un trastorno mental, el 43% ingresó directamente desde el juzgado. Discusión: Una limitación de este trabajo es que se describen una serie de hallazgos relativos a la calidad de la asistencia de los problemas de salud mental, sin proponer las correspondientes mejoras a aplicar, lo que se deja para estudios posteriores. Hay una necesidad importante de asistencia a problemas de salud mental en los reclusos. Las patologías que producen conductas inadaptadas, entendidas como expresión de relaciones interpersonales inadecuadas son las más prevalentes, asociadas además al uso de sustancias psicoactivas. Se propone el modelo del psiquiatra consultor integrado en el equipo de atención primaria como mejor respuesta a esta demanda asistencial. Las enfermerías de los centros, insuficientemente dotadas para ello, se ven obligadas a acoger a un tipo de paciente mental que ha cometido alguna clase de delito generalmente violento que no es ingresado en un dispositivo especializado extrapenitenciario, probablemente por la falta de medidas de seguridad de estos dispositivos

Introduction: We describe the results of a program to improve the quality of mental health care amongst inmates after six years (2000-2005). Materials and Methods: We designed a series of studies lasting one to two years and used them as a basis for the program. In 2000 we studied demand for primary health care in the treatment of mental health problems in the prison health centre. In 2001 compulsive demand for psychotropic medication was studied. In 2002 the existence of mental disorders in a random sample of 60 inmates. In 2003 and 2004 we studied the relationship between mental disorder and adjustment problems, first by relating sanctions for aggressive behaviour with mental disorders using a random sample of 60 inmates and then relating inappropriate adjustment behaviours with use of psychotropic medication in a random sample of 520 inmates. In 2005 we studied the functioning of the prison health care centre as a resource in the treatment of inmates with severe mental illness by taking data from admissions over a seven month time period. Results: 50% of the primary health care consultations were related in one or another with a mental health problem. 59% of the inmates showed symptoms of some type of mental disorder, 56.6% of those being addictive disorders while the other 30% were Personality Disorders. 20% of the inmates required referral to the consultant psychiatrist, the most common cause of referral being inappropriate or maladjusted behaviour (46%) and the most common diagnosis Depressive Disorder associated with Addictive Disorder (psychoactive substances). We could see a correlation between the number of sanctions for aggressive conduct and the diagnosis of Personality Disorder. A similar correlation could be seen between adjustment problems marked on an objective scale and the use of psychotropic medication. 50% of the inmates in the health centre sick bay were there because of mental disorder, and 43% had been admitted directly after sentencing. Discussion: A limitation of this study is that it only goes as far as describing a set of findings about the quality of mental health care and does not propose any relevant improvements. This work shall be left for later studies. There is clearly a great need for mental health care amongst prisoners. Pathologies that cause inappropriate behaviour, most commonly understood as the expression of inadequate interpersonal relationships, are the most common disorders and are generally associated with psychoactive substance abuse. The model we propose is that of the consultant psychiatrist working in close co-operation with the primary health care team as the best answer to this type of health care need. Health care centres are not sufficiently equipped to respond to the situation and have no other option but to accept patients who have usually committed some type of violent crime and who have not been admitted to specialised centres outside prison, usually because adequate security measures are lacking

Mating patterns, pollen dispersal, and the ecological maternal neighbourhood in a Prunus mahaleb L. population.

Gender polymorphism, plant-animal interactions, and environmental heterogeneity are the three important sources of variation in mating system and pollen dispersal patterns. We used progeny arrays and paternity analysis to assess the effects of gender type and density level on variation in mating patterns within a highly isolated population of Prunus mahaleb, a gynodioecious species. All the adult trees in the population were sampled and located. The direct estimate of long-distance insect-mediated pollination events was low (< 10%). Gender expression deeply influenced the mating system, decreasing the outcrossing rates (t(m)) and the pollen pool diversity in hermaphrodite trees. Long intermate distances (> 250 m) were significantly more frequent among female mother trees. Variation in local tree density also affected pollen pool diversity and intermate distance, with a higher effective number of fathers (k(e)) and longer intermate distances for female trees in low-density patches. A canonical correlation analysis showed significant correlations between mating variables and the maternal ecological neighbourhood. Only the first canonical variable was significant and explained 78% of variation. Outcrossing rates tended to decrease, and the relatedness among the fathers tended to increase, when mother trees grew in dense patches with high cover of other woody species and taller vegetation away from the pine forest edge. We highlight the relevance of considering maternal ecological neighbourhood effects on mating system and gene flow studies as maternal trees act simultaneously as receptors of pollen and as sources of the seeds to be dispersed.

Folic acid supplementation does not prevent ribavirin-induced anemia

Treatment of chronic hepatitis C consists of inteferon plus ribavirin. The major adverse effect of ribavirin is hemolytic anemia, a complication that limits therapy. Folic acid supplementation is used to improve erythropoiesis in chronic hemolytic anemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of folic acid supplementation in the prevention of ribavirin-induced anemia in patients being treated for hepatitis C. Twenty one patients enrolled in treatment protocols for hepatitis C received folic acid 1 mg daily and 22 did not. Groups were similar in age, gender, ribavirin dose and baseline hemoglobin. Folic acid supplementation had no effect in the decrease in hemoglobin or the measured parameters of hemolysis. No difference between males and females was noted for hemoglobin decrease or lowest hemoglobin levels. In our study, folic acid showed no beneficial effect in the prevention of ribavirin-induced anemia.

Antithrombotic effect of ticlopidine in an experimental model of retinal vein occlusion.

PURPOSE: Ticlopidine inhibits adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation and may be effective in patients with retinal vein occlusions (RVO). This study tests the efficacy of ticlopidine in an animal model of RVO. METHODS: Rose bengal-mediated argon laser photothrombosis of retinal veins was created in rabbits pretreated with oral ticlopidine, aspirin, or saline. The number of laser spots necessary to produce a partial or complete RVO was recorded and tabulated. RESULTS: Pretreatment with ticlopidine significantly increased the number of laser spots needed to produce a partial (P =.02), or a complete (P =.002) RVO as compared to the control group. Pretreatment with ticlopidine significantly increased the number of laser spots needed to produce a partial RVO (P =.02). Pretreatment with aspirin significantly increased the number of laser spots needed to produce a complete RVO (P =.002). CONCLUSION: Ticlopidine may be a useful antiplatelet agent for the treatment of patients with RVO. Patients treated with ticlopidine should be monitored for the possible development of hematologic disorders.

Recombinant, chimaeric live, attenuated vaccine (ChimeriVax) incorporating the envelope genes of Japanese encephalitis (SA14-14-2) virus and the capsid and nonstructural genes of yellow fever (17D) virus is safe, immunogenic and protective in non-human primates.

Yellow fever 17D virus, a safe and effective live, attenuated vaccine, was used as a vector for genes encoding the protective antigenic determinants of a heterologous member of the genus Flavivirus, Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus, the leading cause of acute viral central nervous system infection and death throughout Asia. The viral envelope (prM and E) genes of a full-length cDNA clone of YF 17D virus were replaced with the corresponding genes of JE SA14-14-2, a strain licensed as a live, attenuated vaccine in China. Full-length RNA transcripts of the YF/JE chimaera were used to transfect Vero cells. The progeny virus (named 'ChimeriVax-JE'), was used to define safety after intracerebral (i.c.) inoculation of rhesus monkeys. Monkeys (N = 3) inoculated with a high dose (6.6 log10 pfu) developed a brief viremia, showed no signs of illness, developed high titers of anti-JE neutralizing antibody, and had minimal brain and spinal cord lesion scores according to criteria specified in the WHO monkey neurovirulence test. A control group of 3 monkeys that received a lower dose (4.2 log10 pfu) of commercial YF 17D vaccine had slightly higher lesion scores. To develop a lethal monkey model of JE for vaccine protection tests, we inoculated groups of monkeys i.c. or intranasally (i.n.) with a JE virus strain found to be highly neurovirulent and neuroinvasive for mice. Monkeys inoculated i.c., but not i.n., developed severe encephalitis after an incubation period of 8-13 days. The ChimeriVax-JE virus was passed in a cell line acceptable for human use (diploid fetal rhesus lung) and 4.3 or 5.3 log10 pfu were inoculated into groups of 3 monkeys by the subcutaneous route. All 6 animals developed brief viremias (peak titer < 2.0 log10 pfu/ml) and subsequently had anti-JE but no yellow fever neutralizing antibodies. On day 64, the monkeys were challenged i.c. with 5.5 log10 pfu of virulent JE virus. The immunized animals had no detectable viremia post-challenge, whereas 4 unimmunized controls became viremic. Only 1 of 6 (17%) vaccinated monkeys but 4 of 4 (100%) unvaccinated controls developed encephalitis. Histopathological examination 30 days after challenge confirmed that the protected, immunized animals had no or minimal evidence of encephalitis. These data demonstrated the ability of the ChimeriVax-JE to induce a rapid humoral immune response and to protect against a very severe, direct intracerebral virus challenge. Target areas of neuronal damage and inflammation in monkeys infected IC with wild-type JE, the chimaeric virus and YF 17D were similar, indicating that the histopathological scoring system used for the WHO yellow fever monkey neurovirulence test will be applicable to control testing of chimaeric seed viruses and vaccines.

Abnormal responses to electrocutaneous stimulation in fibromyalgia.

OBJECTIVE: As disturbed nociception may be relevant to the pathogenesis of fibromyalgia, nonnoxious electrocutaneous stimulation was used as a tool to investigate nociceptive status. METHODS: Perception threshold and pain tolerance were studied in the upper limbs of 10 patients with fibromyalgia and 10 healthy volunteers. RESULTS: Perception threshold did not differ between the groups but the marked reduction in pain tolerance found in patients with fibromyalgia was accompanied by spread and persistence of dysesthesiae. CONCLUSION: The upper limbs of patients with fibromyalgia resembled regions of secondary hyperalgesia, which may imply that perturbation of central nociceptive mechanisms is involved in the pathogenesis of this syndrome.

Improvement of yellow nail syndrome with oral zinc supplementation.

An unusual case of yellow nail syndrome (YNS) is reported. Total resolution of yellow nails and lymphoedema was observed following oral zinc supplementation for 2 years. A few years later, the patient developed a classical seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA). YNS, alone or associated with RA remains a rare clinical condition. The reported beneficial effects of zinc supplementation in YNS, as well as in several other pathological conditions, raise interest about the role of this trace element and its potential therapeutic implications and suggest further investigations are necessary.

The effect of labetalol on urinary prostacyclin secretion during surgery.

The effects of labetalol on the secretion of prostacyclin and plasma-renin activity (PRA) were evaluated, relative to a control group in 24 patients undergoing hip osteotomy. They were randomly assigned to two groups (G-I and G-II) with 12 patients each. Patients allocated to both groups received standard anaesthesia (thiopentone, pancuronium, fentanyl and nitrous oxide). Patients belonging to Group II were given labetalol at a dose of 0.8 mg kg-1. The stable metabolite of PGI2, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha was quantified from urine samples by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Cortisol, PRA and aldosterone were determined from blood samples. A significant increase in 6-keto-PGF1 alpha elimination was observed in G-I. Labetalol administration partially but significantly inhibited this increase. We believe that prostacyclin is involved not through the beta 1 but through the alpha 1 receptors in the secretion of renin.

Mycobacterium chelonei infection: successful treatment based on a radiometric susceptibility test.

A patient with Mycobacterium chelonei infection was treated with erythromycin stearate and streptomycin. The choice of antibiotics was based on a rapid radiometric susceptibility test developed in our laboratory.