Multi-component assembly of the bicyclic core associated with the tRNA synthetase inhibitors SB-203207 and SB-203208. Application to the synthesis of biologically active analogues.

The ketone (+/-)-5, which embodies the bicyclic core associated with the title tRNA synthetase inhibitors 1 and 2, has been prepared via a three-component coupling reaction involving 2-(hydroxymethyl)cyclopent-2-enone (15), methylamine (6) and propiolamide (10); straightforward elaboration of the readily derived acetates (-)-21 and (+)-21 has provided the biologically active analogues 23 and 24, respectively, of the title compounds.

Analogues of SB-203207 as inhibitors of tRNA synthetases.

SB-203207 and 10 analogues have been prepared, by elaboration of altemicidin, and evaluated as inhibitors of isoleucyl, leucyl and valyl tRNA synthetases (IRS, LRS, and VRS, respectively). Substituting the isoleucine residue of SB-203207 with leucine and valine increased the potency of inhibition of LRS and VRS, respectively. The leucine derivative showed low level antibacterial activity, while several of the compounds inhibited IRS from Staphylococcus aureus WCUH29 more strongly than rat liver IRS.

CleftNet (Scotland): a network for the treatment of cleft palate speech using EPG.

Electropalatography (EPG) has proven its effectiveness in changing abnormal articulatory placement in cleft palate speech but clinicians often do not have ready access to such equipment. In order to improve access to EPG therapy, a network has been established which electronically links cleft palate centres throughout Scotland with EPG specialists based at Queen Margaret College (QMC), Edinburgh. The network was set up through a collaborative project entitled 'CleftNet Scotland', funded by the Scottish Office Department of Health. In this paper, the rationale and overarching aims of CleftNet Scotland are described and the efficacy of this form of EPG therapy illustrated by descriptions of two cases.

Tests of six continuous flow CPAP devices.

Six continuous flow CPAP devices were tested for pressure fluctuation and stability of inhaled oxygen concentration under conditions of simulated respiration. Four of the systems, the Ambu, Auspap, Downs'-Vital Signs and the Dräger are commercially available and two, the Prince Henry (PHH) and the Prince of Wales (POW) systems were assembled from Bird respirator parts, which were available in the respective Intensive Care Units. All appeared to be clinically effective. The Ambu offers convenience and economy of gases, the Dräger showed the least pressure fluctuations. Three of the four commercial systems lacked certain safety features which could more easily be added to the two non-commercial devices.

Does the radial arterial line degrade the performance of a pulse oximeter?

The presence of radial arterial lines may diminish distal digital perfusion. Using a pair of pulse oximeters on the index fingers of cannulated and noncannulated arms the saturation and oximeter pulse strength were assessed. Three hundred paired measurements in fifty consecutive Intensive Care patients were undertaken more than two hours after cannula insertion. The pulse strength was 19.7 (SD 6.1) and 19.7 (SD 5.7) on the cannulated and noncannulated sides while the saturation was 97.3 (SD 2.3) and 97.1 (SD 2.4) respectively. These differences are not clinically important and the study demonstrates that reliable pulse oximetry measurements may be made distal to a radial artery cannula. It is recommended that in each individual the placement of the sensor be such as to ensure the best signal and the most stable saturation readings.

A comparison of fifteen pulse oximeters. Part I: A clinical comparison; Part II: A test of performance under conditions of poor perfusion.

Fifteen pulse oximeters were compared. Their physical characteristics, price, warranty, information handling and displays were catalogued. Times for changes in data display and susceptibility to interference were assessed. A model for comparison of oximeters under conditions of poor perfusion was developed using a tourniquet to progressively diminish limb perfusion pressure (systolic minus tourniquet pressure). The oximeters evidenced a wide variety of features and performance in poor perfusion states. Instruments lacking a beep varying in pitch with saturation or a waveform/pulse bar display of plethysmograph signal were considered less satisfactory. The majority of instruments, with some notable exceptions, performed remarkably well in a state of diminished perfusion. The study demonstrates that purchasers of pulse oximeters need to exercise care in assessing the suitability of particular instruments to their specific requirements.

Lesions caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in the scrotum of rams.

Palpable lesions within the scrotum but not associated with the testis or epididymis were detected in 20 of 200 merino rams in 3 flocks during routine veterinary examination. In 13 of 15 rams further examined Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis was isolated from the lesions, which were typical CLA type abscesses. C. pseudotuberculosis was not shed in semen, and semen quality was normal in all affected rams.

The effect of testosterone and an anti-oestrogen on hypertrophy of bulbourethral glands of wethers grazing oestrogenic pastures.

Testosterone implants (70 mg), but not an oral anti-oestrogen, prevented hypertrophy of the bulbourethral glands of wethers grazing oestrogenic pastures for 18 weeks.