involved in the action of peptide hormones, startling in its breadth of coverage. Professor Catt came armed with no less than 6 other seminars -a remarkable achievement. The greatest demand was for those on angiotensin and aldosterone, as well as those on the gonadotrophin-releasing hormones. He had detailed laboratory discussions with between 5 and 12 endocrine investigators each day, and all remarked on his perspicacity and helpfulness in discussing their research. Professor Catt proved to be indefatigable, despite what a distinguished British professor described as 'an itinerary for his destruction', and the educational value of his visits to young British researchers proved immense. Perhaps his only moments of peace and quiet were on a train, or when staying at the Domus Medica. He was, of course, entertained by the Clinical Endocrinology Trustees and also by the officers of the Section of Endocrinology.The value of such visits, however, is not just oneway, and is well exemplified by Professor Catt's remark to me that he had not previously realized how well focused is British endocrine research, nor how diverse. British endocrinology and the Section of Endocrinology in particular express their gratitude to Professor Catt and the Trustees for making such a marvellous visit possible.

From June 2009 to February 2010, the Health Protection Agency hosted a clinical network including regular teleconferences, with the aim of sharing clinical experiences of the international participants about pandemic influenza. The minutes of the teleconferences over a two month period were analysed to identify clinical themes. A systematic literature search was then undertaken to identify peer-reviewed publications that either supported or refuted these themes. Observations relating to patient demographics, clinical features and clinical management were supported by published literature. Younger adults and children were more likely to be infected, but young adults were more likely to require intensive care. Obesity, pregnancy and asthma were confirmed as risk factors for severe influenza illness. Extra-pulmonary organ dysfunction was common, often requiring specific interventions. The benefit of certain ventilatory and non-ventilatory interventions remains unclear, although they were frequently used. This global clinical networking model facilitated the real-time exchange of valuable clinical information and provided the basis for clinical practice notes.