A computer controlled infusion device for propofol was used to induce and maintain general anaesthesia in 20 children undergoing minor surgical procedures. The device was programmed with an adult pharmacokinetic model for propofol. During and after anaesthesia, blood samples were taken for measurement of propofol concentrations and it was found that the values obtained were systematically overpredicted by the delivery system algorithm. New pharmacokinetic microconstants were derived from our data which reflected more accurately the elimination and distribution of propofol in a prospective study involving another 10 children.

Prevalence estimates varied considerably due to differences in the definition used and population assessed. Standardised definitions and studies with representative national samples of MSM are required to improve our understanding of the extent of Chemsex and its associated risks. Longitudinal event-level data for SDU and Chemsex are needed to monitor impact of interventions.

The WHO (2001) recommends exclusive breast-feeding and delaying the introduction of solid foods to an infant's diet until 6 months postpartum. However, in many countries, this recommendation is followed by few mothers, and earlier weaning onto solids is a commonly reported global practice. Therefore, this prospective, observational study aimed to assess compliance with the WHO recommendation and examine weaning practices, including the timing of weaning of infants, and to investigate the factors that predict weaning at # 12 weeks. From an initial sample of 539 pregnant women recruited from the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, 401 eligible mothers were followed up at 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum. Quantitative data were obtained on mothers' weaning practices using semi-structured questionnaires and a short dietary history of the infant's usual diet at 6 months. Only one mother (0·2 %) complied with the WHO recommendation to exclusively breastfeed up to 6 months. Ninety-one (22·6 %) infants were prematurely weaned onto solids at # 12 weeks with predictive factors after adjustment, including mothers' antenatal reporting that infants should be weaned onto solids at #12 weeks, formula feeding at 12 weeks and mothers' reporting of the maternal grandmother as the principal source of advice on infant feeding. Mothers who weaned their infants at # 12 weeks were more likely to engage in other sub-optimal weaning practices, including the addition of non-recommended condiments to their infants' foods. Provision of professional advice and exploring antenatal maternal misperceptions are potential areas for targeted interventions to improve compliance with the recommended weaning practices.

The majority of units currently use an opiate as the drug of first choice as recommended. Doses utilised and second agents added vary significantly between units. Many of our findings reflect the lack of high-quality randomised studies regarding management of NAS.

Rejection continues to be the single largest impediment to successful organ transplantation. Antilymphocyte globulin, which contains antibodies that react with the leukocyte common antigen known as CD45, has proved to be one of the most effective agents for preventing rejection. We have shown earlier that a monoclonal antibody directed against the RB isoform of CD45 substantially inhibits the alloreactivity of human CD4+ lymphocytes in vitro. Here we investigate whether CD45RB could be an appropriate target for preventing renal allograft rejection in mice. Mice treated with two injections of a monoclonal antibody (MB23G2) raised against CD45RB protein all survived and had normal renal function. Furthermore, this antibody reversed acute rejection when therapy was delayed until day 4, and the mice survived for their natural lifespan. The immunosuppression achieved may find application in the prevention and treatment of transplant rejection in man.