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Angiotensin IV is a derivative of the potent vasoconstrictor angiotensin II and it has been shown to enhance acquisition, consolidation and recall in animal models of learning and memory when

SummaryAngiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism insertion (I) or deletion (D) has been widely studied in different populations, and linked to various functional effects and associated with common diseases. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between the ACE I/D frequency in different populations and geographic location; ACE I/D allele frequency in the Lebanese population and ACE II genotype contribution to the geographic trend were also identified. Five hundred and seventy healthy volunteers were recruited from the Lebanese population. Genomic DNA was extracted from buccal cells, and amplified by polymerase chain reaction; products were then identified by gel electrophoresis. The frequencies of the different ACE I/D genotypes were determined and tested for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). To assess the relationship between ACE I/D frequency and geographic location, and to identify how the Lebanese population contributes to the geographic trend in ACE I/D frequencies, Eurasian population samples and Asians were incorporated in the analyses from the literature. The frequency of the I allele in the Lebanese population was 27% and the corresponding II genotype was at a frequency of 7 . 37% (in HWE ; P=0 . 979). The ACE I allele and genotype frequencies show an association with longitude, with frequencies increasing eastwards and westwards from the Middle East.

This article provides an overview of the current status of pharmacy education in the United Kingdom. A characteristic program is described which is based on the master of pharmacy (MPharm) model, which is an ''undergraduate'' master's degree. The type and length of training, numbers entering and leaving the profession, and criteria for admission are discussed, and an overview of the curriculum, which is normally based over 4 years, is given. The career opportunities of UK pharmacy graduates are discussed, as well as educational challenges such as plagiarism and the changing profile of schools of pharmacy, which is affecting supply and demand of pharmacists. The changing face of the profession in the UK is then addressed, including the advent of the prescribing pharmacist. PHARMACY DEGREEHistorically, entrance to the pharmacy profession required successful completion of a 3-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree followed by 1 year preregistration work under appropriate supervision. Since the turn of the century, however, the recognized qualification that permits registration with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) has been the 4-year MPharm program, followed by the compulsory 1-year work program prior to application for registration as a pharmacist. Under the Bologna agreement for educational equivalence across Europe, this is classed as an ''undergraduate masters program,'' which is a lesser qualification than the traditional MSc degree 1

Untreated hypertensive patients scored lower than normotensive controls in cognitive tests and significantly worse in cumulative recall (P < 0.05) and paired words association (P < 0.01). When compared with normotensive subjects, untreated hypertensive patients also scored significantly higher on the depression with anxiety subscale in HSC (P < 0.05). No significant influence of hypertension was found in any other examined aspect of cognition and mood. In most cases captopril improved and enalapril reversed the adverse memory effects of hypertension. High arterial blood pressure is significantly associated with an impairment of cognition and the occurrence of depression with anxiety in humans. Enalapril and, to a lesser extent, captopril reversed these deficits.