[Persistent auditory hallucinations in out-patients with schizophrenia]

Objectives: to estimate the prevalence of persistent auditory hallucinations [AHs] in a group of schizophrenic patients, to evaluate their dimensions and to identify their clinical associated factors

Method: This was a cross-sectional study carried-on 144 out-patients followed for schizophrenia, according DSM-IV-TR criteria. The assessment was consisted by the collect of epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic data and the use of the Hoffman's auditory hallucinations rating scale [AHRS], and the positive and negative symptoms scale [PANSS]

Results: The prevalence of persistent AHs [AHRS score >/= 5] was 40.3%. The mean total score of the AHRS was 10.7 +/- 7.8 for all patients and 19.4 +/- 7.7 for patients with persistent AHs. The AHs dimensions with higher sub-scores were the number, the influence and the reality of the voices. The PANSS items most related to the AHRS total score were P3 "hallucinatory activity", G1 "somatic concerns", G4 "tension" and the G5 "mannerisms and posture disorders". The clinical associated factors with persistent AHs after multivariate analysis were the absence of tobacco consumption, the hallucinatory onset of disorders, the notion of previous hospitalization and the continuous course

Conclusion: Our results support the multidimensionality of AHs and confirm the existence of inter individual differences in the characteristics of these hallucinations. Persistent AHs were associated with poor prognosis, requiring more effective therapeutic strategies

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion in spondylilytic sponydlolisthesis

Stabilization after decompression of spondylolytic spondylolisthesis is difficult because of a lack of fusional bone mass, gap between the transverse process bases and incompetent anterior disc support. Adding posterior lumbar interbody fusion [PLIF] to the procedure offers anterior support, reduction and a broad fusion base. Eleven female patients, with spondylolytic spondylolisthesis were treated by posterior decompression, pedicle screw fixation and PLIF using 2 pieces of iliac tricortical bone grafts. The patients were followed for a mean of 1 year, and were evaluated both clinically and radiologically. All 11 patients were improved except one who is still complaining of back pain due to graft collapse and non-union

On the metacercaria of paramphistomum [P] microbotherium [trematoda, digenea]: morphological, histological and histochemical study

The general morphology, histology and histochemistry of the metacercaria of the digenetic trematode P. [P.] microbothrium are described. The wall of the cyst consists of two distinct layers which contain polysaccharide materials. The outer layer, composed of mucopolysaccharides and a fair amount of proteinic material, is thin and extends ventrally and externally to form the outer layer of the base of the cyst. The inner layer is thick and coarse and has a concentrically laminated structure. This layer, which is subdivided into two sheets, is rich in proteins. There is a ventral plug at the mid-ventral region of the inner layer. The plug is rich in mucopolysaccharides but most probably it lacks proteins. The dark coloration of the body of the metacercaria is due to heavy pigmentation of its body wall