Saskatchewan dial-access drug information service

In September 1974 the colleges of pharmacy and medicine of the University of Saskatchewan began offering a drug information service to the pharmacists and physicians of Saskatchewan without charge. With the help of a radio-page system, calls are taken immediately by experienced pharmacists and pharmacologists. The cost of long-distance phone calls is borne by grants from the Saskatchewan medical and pharmaceutical associations. During the 1st year of operation 415 requests for information were received. Of 93 persons who called up to Feb. 28, 1975, 76% responded to an evaluation questionnaire; virtually all described the service as very valuable. The information received resulted in the alteration of drug therapy in one third of calls requesting information to assist in current treatment of a patient.     

Endothelin-induced inositol phosphate formation in rat kidney. Studies on receptor subtypes, G-proteins and regulation during ontogenesis

The aim of this study was to characterize the properties of endothelin (ET)-receptor subtypes mediating inositol phosphate (IP)-formation in rat kidney and their regulation during ontogenesis. In renal cortical slices of adult rats (12-16 weeks old) ET's concentration-dependently increased IP-formation with an order of potency ET-1 > ET-3. While the non-selective ET-receptor antagonist bosentan (10 microM) completely suppressed ET-induced IP-formation, the ETA-receptor antagonist BQ-123 (10 microM) inhibited it only by 70%, the ETB-receptor antagonist IRL 1038 (1 microM) by 25%; combined application of BQ-123 + IRL 1038 caused complete inhibition of ET-1-induced IP-formation. Pretreatment of isolated renal cells with pertussis toxin (PTX, 500 ng/ml) overnight did not attenuate but significantly increased ET-1-induced IP-formation. Ontogenetic studies in renal sites from neonatal, 1, 2, 3, 6, 12 and 24 weeks old rats revealed that ET-1-induced IP-formation maturation-dependently declined being highest in neonatal rats (increase: 169% over basal) and lowest in 24 weeks old rats (increase: 47% over basal). This decline in ET-induced IP-formation was accompanied by a decrease in renal ET-receptor number and the amount of immunodetectable Gq/11 (assessed by Western-blotting using the QL-antiserum). Moreover, ET-receptor subtypes changed during the maturation process: from neonates to 12 weeks old rats number and functional responsiveness of ETA-receptors declined, while that of ETB-receptors increased. We conclude that in adult rat renal cortex ET-induced IP-formation is mediated by activation of both ETA- and ETB-receptors and does not involve a PTX-sensitive G-protein. ET-induced IP-formation declines during the maturation process; this is associated with a decrease in ET-receptor number and the immunodetectable amount of Gq/11.     

Effect of calcium phosphate ceramics on gram-negative bacteria resistant to antibiotics

This paper discusses the results of an experimental study on the effect of biphase calcium phosphate ceramics (BCPC) on laboratory-isolated polyresistant Gram-negative bacteria. Monitoring of this effect in a dynamical regimen was carried out upon Enterobacter cloacae 313, Klebsiella pneumoniae 227, Serratia marcescens 206, Klebsiella oxytoca 202, as well as on the standard strain Klebsiella pneumoniae 52145 (Institute Pasteur, Paris). The results show a significant antimicrobial effect of the ceramics. Antimicrobial properties are manifested during direct contact with BCPC and these depend on the quantity and grain size of the particles, as well as on the microbiological characteristics of the test microorganisms, and particularly on their cell size.     

Evaluation of the results of gastropancreatoduodenal resection in oncological patients

The results of gastropancreatoduodenal resection (GTDR) carried out in 111 patients were evaluated. Application of said procedure was shown to be justified in cancer patients, if indications and necessary logistics are provided. The procedure should be carried out in special facilities enabling early diagnosis, adequate identification of lesions in biliopancreatoduodenal area, effective preparation and intensive care before and shortly after operation. The operating surgeon should be capable of doing reconstructive surgery at all stages of the procedure taking due account of the peculiarities of each individual case.     

Partition coefficients of selected pyridine carbamates and comparisons with their acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory potencies

Partition coefficients of a series of 2-substituted 3-(N,N-dimethyl)carbamyloxypyridines were determined in an octanol-buffer (pH 7.4) system. The values obtained were compared with the ihnibitory potencies of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. No significant difference was found for the role of hydrophobicity in the two enzyme systems.     

Diathermy procedures, light and laser coagulation, cryocoagulation. Experimental and clinical considerations

The clinical and experimental results from the methods of coagulation currently in use are presented. The advantages and disadvantages of trans-scleral methods (diathermy and cryopexy) and trans-ocular methods (Xenon arc and argon laser) are discussed. Experiments on absorption, the mode of action of intense light, the optimal time and method of application, the necessary intensity and the extent of the coagulated area are communicated. Of the trans-scleral methods, cryopexy is to be prefered. The trans-ocular methods have the advantage of a more exact localisation and dosage. Either route can often be chosen in any particular case, though at present no overriding advantage has been shown for either.