Initial experience of clinical pharmacology and clinical pharmacy interactions in a clinical pharmacokinetics consultation service

International statistics indicate that there is a close correlation between the consumption of saturated fats (dairy fats and meat fats) and the mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD), and this conception has been confirmed by many epidemiological studies. Such studies alone, however, cannot prove the existence of a cause-and-effect relationship between these two variables; dietary intervention trials are needed. The Finnish Mental Hospital Study was such a trial, conducted in two hospitals near Helsinki in 1959--1971. Practically total replacement of dairy fats by vegetable oils in the diets of these hospitals was followed by a substantial reduction in the mortality of men from CHD. Total mortality also appeared to be reduced. As to the causes of death other than CHD, none was significantly influenced by dietary change. This was also true for malignant neoplasms. To alleviate the burden of CHD on public health, many investigators have recommended important changes in the quantity and quality of dietary fats.     

Satiety elicited by the C-terminal octapeptide of cholecystokinin-pancreozymin in normal and VMH-lesioned rats

The frequency and severity of CNSLD was studied in workers of an Hungarian firm (Ganz-Mavag) by means of questionnaire. Symptoms of CNSLD can be found more frequently in workers with air pollution than in those without. The symptoms of CNSLD show an age-dependence with regard to frequency and grade of severity, the single symptoms of CNSLD not occurring simultaneously and changing in their proportional frequency.     

Effect of bromo-ergocryptine on serum hPRL, hLH, hFSH, and estradiol 17-beta in women with galactorrhea-amenorrhea

Fourteen women with amenorrhea-galactorrhea were treated with bromo-ergocryptine. Serum prolactin hPRL, hLH, hFSH, estradiol 17-beta (E2), and progesterone values were determined before and during treatment. No consistent pretreatment hormonal pattern was found. During treatment hPRL levels fell in 13 of 14 patients, and E2 rose in 12 of 14 patients. Levels of hLH became normal, and amounts of hFSH did not change. Galactorrhea lessened in all cases and ceased in 11. Menses resumed in 11 patients and 3 women became pregnant. Cessation of galactorrhea and resumption of menses occurred irrespective of initial hPRL or hLH levels. It is suggested that improvement of galactorrhea and resumption of menses in some patients with normal hPRL values are the result of increased serum E2 levels and may be due to a direct action of bromo-ergocryptine on the ovary. Bromo-ergocryptine may also be effective in treatment of amenorrhea, unassociated with galactorrhea or elevated hPRL levels.     

A new case of the unstable haemoglobin Genova (alpha 2 beta 2 28 (beta 10) leu leads to pro) in Canada: as a result of sporadic mutation and causing Heinz body haemolytic anaemia

The first case of the unstable Hb Genova as a result of sporadic mutation is described. It is found in a 3-year-old Canadian boy of East Indian extraction with chronic Heinz body haemolytic anaemia.     

In vitro studies to assess the antidiabetic,anti-cholinesterase and antioxidant potential of Spergularia rubra

Spergularia rubra is distributed all over the world, being its infusion used as diuretic. In spite of its large use, the antidiabetic, anti-cholinesterase and antioxidant activities of this species have not been assessed and its chemical composition is scarcely known. In the work herein a hydromethanolic extract was studied.     

Occupational exposure to HIV: considerations for postexposure prophylaxis and prevention

HIV seroconversion as a result of an occupational exposure is a terrifying concern of healthcare workers who deliver care to patients in a variety of health care settings. In this article the most recent CDC guidelines for the management of HIV exposure and postexposure prophylaxis are reviewed. Prevention of bloodborne pathogen exposures, specifically through the selection of safety devices, is recognized as an important issue.     

A SAXS study of the structure of gels formed by mixtures of polyoxyalkylene triblock copolymers

Small‐angle X‐ray scattering was used to characterise aqueous micellar gels of triblock copolymers E₁₃₇S₁₈E₁₃₇, E₈₂S₉E₈₂, E₇₆S₅E₇₆, E₆₂P₃₉E₆₂, and of two mixtures: E₁₃₇S₁₈E₁₃₇ and E₆₂P₃₉E₆₂ (Mix 1) and E₈₂S₉E₈₂ and E₆₂P₃₉E₆₂ (Mix 2), each 50/50 wt%. E = oxyethylene, CH₂CH₂O; S = oxyphenylethylene, OCH₂CH(C₆H₅); and P = oxypropylene, OCH₂CH(CH₃). Within the concentration and temperature ranges investigated (30–40 wt% copolymer, 20–80 °C), spherical micelles of copolymers E₁₃₇S₁₈E₁₃₇, E₈₂S₉E₈₂ and E₆₂P₃₉E₆₂ packed into body‐centred cubic (BCC) structures. Gels of E₇₆S₅E₇₆ were stable only at high concentrations and low temperatures, and a 70 wt% copolymer solution at T = 30 °C formed a hexagonal gel consistent with cylindrical micelles. It is likely that the mixed copolymers would form two distributions of micelles, and more complex structures were expected. However, gels of Mix 2 had well‐ordered BCC structures, while the less ordered gels of Mix 1 were also best characterised as BCC. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry