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Detergents wrap around membrane proteins to form a belt covering the hydrophobic part of the protein serving for membrane insertion and interaction with lipids. The number of detergent monomers forming this belt is usually unknown to investigators, unless dedicated detergent quantification is undertaken, which for many projects is difficult to setup. Yet, having an approximate knowledge of the amount of detergent forming the belt is extremely useful, to better grasp the protein of interest in interaction with its direct environment rather than picturing the membrane protein "naked". We created the Det.Belt server to dress up membrane proteins and represent in 3D the bulk made by detergent molecules wrapping in a belt. Many detergents are included in a database, allowing investigators to screen in silico the effect of different detergents around their membrane protein. The input number of detergents is changeable with fast recomputation of the belt for interactive usage. Metrics representing the belt are readily available together with scripts to render quality 3D images for publication. The Det.Belt server is a tool for biochemists to better grasp their sample.

Fifty-eight coelio-splanchnic nerve blocks by alcoholisation were done for thirty-two patients at the regional Center of the Fight against Cancer at Montpellier for persistent neoplastic pain of the pancreatico-solar type. In 15 cases (46,6 p. cent), the pancreatico-solar syndrome is the initial sign of a primitive or secondary supra-mesocolic cancer. In 12 cases, the hyperalgic syndrome discloses the extension or recidive of the tumor. According to etiologies, the illnesses were as follows: --pancreatic neoplasias I or II: 13 cases, --hepato-biliary lesions I or II: 11 cases, --peritoneal carcinosis: 4 cases, --invasion of retro-peritoneal nodes: 4 cases. Epigastric pain irradiating to the left para-vertebral area are resistant to analgesias; 95 p. cent of these patients received morphinic drugs for several days, if not weeks. The splanchnic nerves were reached by a posterior high lumbar injection according to the Kappis and Labat technic. A block with 2 p. cent lidocaine is immediately followed by alcoholisation by 99,8 p. cent ethanol. According to patient status, the blocks to the left and right were done at once or at several visits. The block by lidocaine gives immediate analgesia thereby indicating the proper placement of the injection. The coeliac alcoholisation assures the neurolysis of the splanchnic nerves. The antalgic effect lasts a variable time, averaging 42 days (varying from 2 to 240 days). The antalgic action always allows the discontinuation of morphinic drugs and increases the efficacy of minor analgesics, if necessary. All the same, 18/25 received morphine during their last few days before death.

In order to evaluate long-term intrathecal morphine therapy for cancer pain, whatever its location, 121 patients (80% were ambulatory patients) treated between April 1979 and April 1985 at the Cancer Institute of Montpellier (Centre Paul-Lamarque) were assessed. Morphine was stored in a presternal insulin syringe, protected by a sterile and waterproof dressing. A bolus administration of morphine via a subcutaneous lombo-epigastric subarachnoid catheter was scheduled every 12 h. This "closed" device was opened for refilling in an operating room only. The mean follow-up was 68 days (maximum: 13 months). More than 15,000 intrathecal injections were made. The mean daily amount of morphine required was 2.3 mg (extremes: 0.75 and 21 mg). All patients developed tolerance, requiring an adjustment of morphine dosages every 30 to 45 days. With the isobaric morphine solution, good or very good analgesia was achieved in 82% of patients, even in those suffering from thoracic or otolaryngologic pain. Mechanical complications (catheter coming out of the subarachnoid space in 7.67% of cases, leakage of CSF along the catheter in 9.16% of cases) were related to the exteriorization of the proximal catheter tip. With the exception of errors in manipulation, neither infection nor clinical respiratory depression were noticed. Nausea and vomiting were frequent but resolved spontaneously within a few days. Urine retention (33%) occurred mainly in men over 65 years, after pelvic surgery or radiotherapy. Because of the absence of a defined zone of analgesia, the small volumes required and the "ready for use" preparation, intrathecal isobaric morphine therapy will lead to easy self-administration via an implanted pump in the future.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)