Nefazodone attenuates the behavioral and neurochemical effects of ethanol.

This study evaluated the influence of nefazodone, a combined 5-HT2A receptor antagonist and 5-HT reuptake inhibitor, on the behavioral and neurochemical effects of ethanol in nonselected male Wistar rats. In microdialysis experiments, ethanol (2.5 g/kg, i.p.) increased extracellular accumbal dopamine levels by 36% (p = 0.0073) compared to baseline levels, and elevated the maximal DOPAC and HVA levels by 26% (p = 0.0093) and 52% (p = 0.0010), respectively, Nefazodone (50 mg/kg, s.c.) per se increased accumbal dopamine levels by 28% (p = 0.0199) but, when injected 40 min before ethanol, reduced the ethanol-induced elevation of accumbal dopamine overflow (p = 0.0132) and decreased the ethanol-induced HVA levels (p = 0.0159). In an ethanol(6% v/v)/water free-choice paradigm, nefazodone (50 mg/kg, s.c.) decreased ethanol intake by 51% (p = 0.0251) and preference by 22% (p = 0.0251) in high- but not low-preferring rats from a nonselected Wistar strain. These results show that nefazodone modulates the mesolimbic dopamine system in a dopamine activity-dependent manner, and influences the neurochemical and behavioral effects of ethanol in the rat.

Short-course cefotaxime compared with five-day co-amoxyclav in acute otitis media in children.

This randomized, multicentre prospective study was undertaken to compare the efficacy and tolerance of a one day course of injectable cefotaxime with a five day oral course of co-amoxyclav (amoxycillin plus clavulanic acid) in the treatment of acute otitis media in children. The study was conducted in 116 patients between the ages of three months and 12 years. No significant difference in efficacy was observed between the two treatment groups, but tolerance to the treatments differed significantly. There were no unwanted side-effects in the cefotaxime group whereas 22% of children in the amoxycillin plus clavulanic acid group suffered side-effects (P 0.0007). Short-course antibiotic therapy with cefotaxime appears to be a valuable alternative to conventional treatment regimens for acute otitis media in children.

[Surgery of cancer pain. Section of the IX and V nerves in the ontocerebellar space, section of Andersch's ganglion and Jacobson's verve. Indications and results]. / Chirurgie des algies cancéreuses. Section du IX et du V dans l'espace ponto-cérébelleux, section du ganglion d'Andersch et section du nerf de Jacobson. Indications - résultats

The authors describe their experience involving 30 patients treated surgically for stubborn algesia during the development of cancers of the face and neck. Sectioning Jacobson's nerve which they suggested for 72 cases exclusively or mainly involving otalgia especially where the tumours was tonsillar, proved of great therapeutic value and took little toll of the patients. - Resection of Andersch's ganglion, difficult and often ineffective, should not be attempted. - On the other hand, when there is stubborn pharyngeal pain with otalgia, sectioning the IXth is remarkably successful. Likewise, where there is pain in the face or tongue and the floor of the mouth which fails to respond to opiates, partial microcoagulation of the pre-pontile root of the trigeminal nerve is an excellent solution. - Neurotomies of the IXth and the Vth, carried out in the cerebellopontile angle, are operations with simple sequelae. They have the outstanding advantage of permanently relieving the pain of these unfortunate patients.