Bactericidal effect of beta-lactams and amikacin alone or in association against Klebsiella pneumoniae producing extended spectrum beta-lactamase.

Ten extended spectrum beta-lactamases producing strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae characterized by analytical isoelectric focusing and studied for their susceptibility to beta-lactam antibiotics, either alone or in combination with a beta-lactamase inhibitor (clavulanic acid and sulbactam) and in association with amikacin. The extended spectrum beta-lactamases were derived from either TEM (CTX-1 = TEM-3) or SHV (CAZ-4 = SHV-5). Killing curves were studied with antibiotics at clinical by achievable concentrations, at MIC and MIC x 4.

Urinary excretion of catecholamines in the night monkey (Aotus trivirgatus) (Primates, Cebidae).

A seasonal variation in the urinary catecholamines output has been demonstrated in two simians kept under constant ambient conditions : the nocturnal Aotus and the diurnal Saïmiri sciureus. In Aotus, catecholamines output (NA + A), in spring, is higher than in other Primates including man and even more so in winter. Cold exposure increases the NA + A excretion in Aotus as it does in squirrel monkey and rat but the A output is particularly prominent in Saïmiri.

Thermoregulation in the only nocturnal simian: the night monkey Aotus trivirgatus.

The night monkey, a tropical monkey, is the only nocturnal simian; its thermoregulation was studied for comparison with other nocturnal or diurnal primates and other tropical mammals. Resting metabolic rate was 2.6 W (closed-circuit method) and 2.

Concentrating capacity of the kidney and nitrogen partition in the urine in Perodicticus potto (Prosimii, Lorisidae, Lorisinae).

The concentrating ability of the kidney in Perodicticus potto was investigated. As the relation between this capacity and the thickness of the medulla has been stressed by Schmidt-Nielsen & O'Dell, the size of the various layers in the kidney was measured. Based on our observation that the potto may excrete uric acid in fairly high concentrations, the partition of nitrogen in the urine was also explored.