The management of Chlamydia trachomatis in genitourinary medicine clinics: a national audit in 2004.

The first national audit of the management of Chlamydia trachomatis was undertaken by non-consultant career grade doctors working in genitourinary (GU) medicine clinics in the UK. During the audit period of January--March 2004, 1670 data collection forms were completed (from 830 men and 840 women with chlamydia). In all, 99% (1647) were treated appropriately; 76% (1261) were followed up, of which 12% (154) required re-treatment; 71% (1186) were managed appropriately within four weeks and 942 partners (0.

A bivalent ligand (KDAN-18) containing delta-antagonist and kappa-agonist pharmacophores bridges delta2 and kappa1 opioid receptor phenotypes.

To characterize delta- and kappa-opioid receptor phenotypes, bivalent ligands (KDAN series) containing delta-antagonist (naltrindole) and kappa(1)-agonist (ICI-199,441) pharmacophores were synthesized and evaluated by the intrathecal route using the mouse tail-flick assay and binding studies. The data have suggested that KDAN-18 (2) bridges phenotypic delta(2)- and kappa(1)-receptors. A conceptual model is presented to explain the organizational differences between the opioid receptors that give rise to the phenotypes (delta(1), delta(2), kappa(1), kappa(2)).

A bivalent ligand (KDN-21) reveals spinal delta and kappa opioid receptors are organized as heterodimers that give rise to delta(1) and kappa(2) phenotypes. Selective targeting of delta-kappa heterodimers.

In view of recent pharmacological studies suggesting the existence of delta-kappa opioid receptor heterodimers/oligomers in the spinal cord, we have synthesized and evaluated (intrathecally in mice) a series of bivalent ligands (KDN series) containing kappa and delta antagonist pharmacophores. Pharmacological and binding data have provided evidence for the bridging of spinal delta-kappa receptor heterodimers by KDN-21 and for their identification as delta(1) and kappa(2). The selectivity profile of KDN-21 and the apparent absence of coupled delta(1)-kappa(2) phenotypes in the brain suggest a new approach for targeting receptors.

Management of sexually acquired reactive arthritis in 19 North Thames GUM clinics.

Our objective was to describe how genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics in the North Thames region manage sexually acquired reactive arthritis (SARA), and to compare management with national guidelines. A self-completed questionnaire survey and retrospective case note review was conducted between September and October 2001. Clinicians in 33 clinics were asked to describe their clinic's policy on the management of SARA, and to review the last five cases seen or the last cases seen in the preceding two years, if less than five.

Intensity-dependent activation of the primary auditory cortex in functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the activation patterns of the primary auditory cortex in response to varying intensities of pure tone stimuli.

Method: A 1,000-Hz pure tone stimulus was delivered monaurally to the right ear of 12 normal-hearing right-handed volunteers in 20-second on-off cycles. Stimuli were applied at 20 and 50 dB hearing level (HL) above threshold in 12 subjects and at 0, 20, 40, and 50 dB HL above threshold in 6 subjects.

The ascending pharyngeal artery: branches, anastomoses, and clinical significance.

Neuroradiologists generally do not fully appreciate the importance of the territory of the ascending pharyngeal artery. The ascending pharyngeal artery is a small but important artery that supplies multiple cranial nerves and anastomotic channels to the anterior and posterior cerebral circulations. Several disease processes in the head and neck involve the ascending pharyngeal artery.