FPL 62064, a topically active 5-lipoxygenase/cyclooxygenase inhibitor

FLP 62064 [N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-3-amine] is a dual inhibitor of prostaglandin synthetase and 5-lipoxygenase. The compound had anti-inflammatory activity in vivo in a number of models. It inhibited peritoneal inflammation induced by immune-complex when given locally. When applied to the skin, FPL 62064 inhibited UV irradiation-induced erythema and PGE2 formation in the guinea pig and also oedema formation and eicosanoid production in the mouse ear produced by arachidonic acid. Co-injected with arachidonic acid in rabbit skin, FPL 62064 inhibited oedema and eicosanoid formation.     

To what extent does IQ 'explain' socio-economic variations in function?

Background  

The aims of this study were to examine the extent to which higher intellectual abilities protect higher socio-economic groups from functional decline and to examine whether the contribution of intellectual abilities is independent of childhood deprivation and low birth weight and other socio-economic and developmental factors in early life.     

Discordant repeat size and phenotype in Kennedy syndrome

Previous reports in the literature have described correlation of increasing repeat length with severity of the phenotype, in Kennedy syndrome. We describe male siblings with different repeat lengths, with lack of expression of the phenotype in the sibling with the longer repeat length. The phenotype was identical to motor neurone disease. There is variability of expression in Kennedy syndrome and repeat length even in siblings cannot be taken as a conclusive indicator of severity. CAG repeat length cannot be used to predict the natural history of Kennedy disease. The diagnosis of Kennedy syndrome should be considered in male patients presenting with atypical motor neurone disease.     

You've got a lot to answer for, Mr Bell. A review of the use of the telephone in primary care

This paper reviews the role of the telephone in delivering primary health care. It highlights the wide differences between the UK and other countries, notably the USA, in knowledge of and experience with telephone care. The volume and nature of telephone contacts in family medicine are explored before focusing on calls which may be described as consultations, both in and out of office hours. Aspects of telephone consultations examined include the quality of care, the effectiveness of training programmes and the role of other health professionals. Important gaps in the literature are identified, including the lack of comparisons between telephone and face-to-face care in terms of the quality of process and outcomes and the lack of data on costs and benefits.     

INTERFERONS IN ONCOLOGY

SUMMARY The interferons are natural glycoproteins secreted in response to various stimuli, including viral infection. They have antiviral, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory effects on different target cell populations. Since recombinant human interferons have become available, they have been tested in a wide range of malignancies. They are well established in the treatment of hairy cell leukaemia, chronic myelogenous leukaemia and multiple myeloma. Although they have documented activity against lymphoma, melanoma, renal cell cancer and carcinoid tumours, their role in the treatment of these tumours is less clear. In the common solid tumours, such as lung cancer and colorectal cancer, the use of interferons remains experimental. Here we will summarise their practice applications in oncology, using randomised studies where available to establish their place in multi-modality treatment. We will not discuss their use as antiviral or immunomodulating agents in viral and autoimmune diseases, multiple sclerosis or after organ transplantation.