Metabolic rate changes proportionally to circadian frequency in tau mutant Syrian hamsters.

The tau mutation in Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) is phenotypically expressed in a period of the circadian rhythm of about 20 h in homozygotes (SS) and about 22 h in heterozygotes (S+). The authors investigate whether this well-defined model for variation in circadian period exhibits associated changes in energy metabolism. In hamsters of the three genotypes (SS, S+, and wild type [WT]), oxygen consumption measurements were performed at 28 degrees C (thermoneutral), 18 degrees C, and (after acclimatization) 10 degrees C. After correction for body mass, SS tau mutant hamsters had a higher overall metabolic rate (average oxygen consumption per hour over 24 h) and a higher resting metabolic rate (the lowest 30-min oxygen consumption in the subjective day) than did WT hamsters at all ambient temperatures. S+ hamsters were intermediate in both after taking body mass into account. The differences in metabolism among the three genotypes indicate that the increase in metabolic rate was statistically indistinguishable from a proportional increase in circadian frequency. The oxygen consumption totals per circadian cycle (24 h for WT, 22 h for S+, and 20 h for SS mutants) were not statistically different among the genotypes after correcting for body mass. The possible roles of pleiotropic effects, of linkage to genes involved in growth and metabolism, and of early ontogenetic influences are briefly discussed.

Update on contraception.

PIP: Genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics are likely to play an expanded role in the provision of family planning services. A recent survey of GUM clinics in the UK indicated that 71.4% provided emergency contraception and 48.1% provided routine contraception services. To facilitate the ability of GUM practitioners to provide contraceptive counseling and supplies to both men and women, this article reviews the current state of emergency contraception, combined oral contraceptives (OCs), modern IUDs, the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system, female condoms, and the personalized computerized contraceptive system Persona. Also reviewed are current issues regarding the possible impact of combined OCs on an increased risk of venous thromboembolism and breast cancer.^ieng

A case cluster of possible tissue invasive gonorrhoea.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a cluster of patients presenting with severe symptoms and infected with an unusual strain of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. SETTING: A north London Department of Sexual Health. PATIENTS: Five patients were linked by reported sexual contact or other epidemiological evidence as part of a cluster of gonococcal infection. Cultured N gonorrhoea were subtyped by serological (serovar) and cultural (auxotype) methods and antibiotic sensitivities measured by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). RESULTS: Four of the patients had severe gonorrhoea-related systemic or extragenital symptoms: disseminated gonococcal infection with oligoarthritis (1 patient), acute pelvic inflammatory disease (1 patient, who was also chlamydia positive) and tender inguinal adenopathy (2 patients). The fifth patient was asymptomatic. N gonorrhoeae was isolated in four of the patients. All four organisms had identical MICs. Three of the organisms were subtyped and found to be the same rare strain (serovar 1A1, auxotype NR). CONCLUSION: This case cluster provides evidence for strain-related virulence in an uncommon gonococcal subtype.

The late Sir Thomas Reynes: a medieval identification.

In the analysis of a 14th century skeleton believed to be that of Sir Thomas Reynes III, a knight who had fought at Crecy, palaeopathology was applied to try to establish a positive identification. The remains were exposed during recent repairs to a 14th century monument in the chapel at Clifton Reynes, Buckinghamshire. It was thought that the skeleton had been moved and reinstated during the 18th century. Evidence is presented to demonstrate that the identification of these remains as those of Sir Thomas Reynes is not incompatible with the anthropological and palaeopathological findings.