Dietary supplementation with spray-dried porcine plasma has prebiotic effects on gut microbiota in mice.

In animal models of inflammation and in farm animals, dietary inclusion of spray-dried porcine plasma (SDP) reduces mucosal inflammation. Here, we study whether these effects could be mediated by changes in the intestinal microbiota and if these changes are similar to those induced by oral antibiotics. Weaned 21-day-old C57BL/6 mice were divided into 3 groups: the CTL group, fed the control diet; the COL group, administered low doses of neomycin and colistin; and the SDP group, supplemented with 8% SDP. After 14 days, analysis of the fecal microbiome showed that the microbiota profiles induced by SDP and the antibiotics were very different, thus, SDP has prebiotic rather than antibiotic effects. At the phylum level, SDP stimulated the presence of Firmicutes, considerably increasing the lactobacilli population. It also enhanced the growth of species involved in regulatory T-lymphocyte homeostasis and restoration of the mucosal barrier, as well as species negatively correlated with expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. At the mucosal level, expression of toll-like receptors Tlr2, Tlr4 and Tlr9, and mucous-related genes Muc2 and Tff3 with regulatory and barrier stability functions, were increased. SDP also increased expression of Il-10 and Tgf-ß, as well as markers of macrophages and dendritic cells eventually promoting an immune-tolerant environment.

Current practice of French health professionals regarding Japanese encephalitis vaccination.

OBJECTIVE: Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a rare but severe disease. It is a potential threat for people traveling to endemic areas. The risk of developing JE is low (<1%), but the associated case fatality is high (30%). There is no specific treatment for JE, but a vaccine is available. We performed an observational survey to assess practices of French health professionals regarding JE vaccination. METHODS: Standardized questionnaires were sent by email to a sample of French health professionals practicing in vaccination centers. Participation was on a voluntary and anonymous basis. The questionnaires requested socio-demographic details, and included multiple choice questions. RESULTS: The response rate was 38.5%. Most participating health professionals had been working for more than three years in a vaccination center and declared not to be reluctant to perform JE vaccination. Reluctance was mostly based on the vaccine cost and on the difficulty to properly assess the risk for patients. The rapid protocol was largely preferred except in the overseas regions (P<0.05, Fisher's exact test). Traveling to South Asia and backpacking were considered at-risk conditions. Participants proposed the vaccination all year round. Most participants would not have proposed the JE vaccination for the concrete case outlined in the questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: French health professionals are globally favorable to JE vaccination. However, assessing the risk of exposure is difficult in routine practice.

Espaciador de cadera "invertido" para defectos masivos de fémur distal en infecciones periprotésicas de rodilla / "Reverse" hip spacer for massive distal femur defects in peri-prosthetic knee infections

Introducción. Los defectos óseos del fémur distal son un problema común en la cirugía de revisión de rodilla. El problema se agrava en el contexto de una infección activa. En casos extremos, esta pérdida de hueso compromete la viabilidad de un protocolo de recambio en dos tiempos usando espaciadores dinámicos, debido a la inestabilidad inherente de estos espaciadores. El uso de un espaciador prefabricado de cadera usado de manera «inversa» con una articulación tipo ball-and-socket es una opción terapéutica en casos de defecto óseo masivo e infección. Material y métodos. Se realiza una revisión retrospectiva de nuestra base de datos institucional desde enero del 2010 hasta diciembre del 2013 para localizar todos los casos de defecto femoral distal masivo en un contexto séptico en el que esta técnica ha sido utilizada. Se recogen datos epidemiológicos, características de la infección (clínicas y microbiológicas) y eventos entre los tiempos quirúrgicos. Evaluamos como objetivo principal la tasa de erradicación de la infección tras al menos 18 meses de evolución del 2.° tiempo. También evaluamos las complicaciones relacionadas con la técnica. Finalmente cada paciente completó una escala analógica visual de dolor, y un cuestionario de satisfacción (SAPS). Resultados. Finalmente seis pacientes cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. La mediana del defecto femoral fue de 117cm (rango: 32-191cm). El tiempo medio con espaciador fue de 7,6 meses. Entre las complicaciones relacionadas con la técnica solo tuvimos un caso de luxación del espaciador. A todos los pacientes, excepto uno, se le realizó el segundo tiempo, reconstruyendo la articulación con una megaprótesis cementada, con un seguimiento medio tras el segundo tiempo de 34,7 meses. Al final del seguimiento se controló la infección en todos los casos. Todos los pacientes manifestaron altos grados de satisfacción con la técnica empleada y un correcto control del dolor, con una media de la escala analógica visual de 1 (rango 0-4). Conclusión. Presentamos una técnica reproducible, segura y con una baja tasa de complicaciones. Los pacientes refieren una gran satisfacción con el procedimiento y no tuvimos casos de recidiva de la infección tras un seguimiento mínimo de 18 meses (AU)

Background. Bone loss in the distal femur is a common problem in knee revision surgeries. The problem is exacerbated in the context of an active infection. In extreme cases this bone loss could compromise the feasibility of a two-stage exchange protocol using dynamic spacers due to the inherent instability of this type of spacers. Use of a hip prefabricated spacer in a “reverse” way forming a ball-and- socket joint is a therapeutic option in cases of massive bone defect and infection. Material and methods. A retrospective review was performed of our institutional database to identify all cases of massive distal femoral defect in which this technique was used from January 2010 to December 2013. A record was made of the epidemiological data, characteristics of the infection (clinical and microbiological), and adverse event during the spacer stage. The main end-point was the infection eradication rate (minimum: 18 months of follow-up). The complications associated with the technique were also assessed. Finally, each patient completed a visual analogue pain scale, and a satisfaction questionnaire (SAPS). Results. This technique was successfully used in six cases so far, controlling the infection in all cases. Mean femoral defect was 117cm (range: 32-191cm). Mean time with spacer was 7.6 months, with no major complications. All but one patient reached second stage reconstruction with a mega-prosthesis, and mean time since second stage was 34.7 months. All patients stated high levels of satisfaction with the technique employed, as well as and low pain scores (mean visual analogue pain scale: 1; range: 0-4). Conclusion. A reproducible and safe technique is described. Patients report a high level of satisfaction with the procedure, and there were no cases of recurrence of the infection after a minimum follow-up of 18 months (AU)

"Reverse" hip spacer for massive distal femur defects in peri-prosthetic knee infections. / Espaciador de cadera «invertido¼ para defectos masivos de fémur distal en infecciones periprotésicas de rodilla.

BACKGROUND: Bone loss in the distal femur is a common problem in knee revision surgeries. The problem is exacerbated in the context of an active infection. In extreme cases this bone loss could compromise the feasibility of a two-stage exchange protocol using dynamic spacers due to the inherent instability of this type of spacers. Use of a hip prefabricated spacer in a "reverse" way forming a ball-and- socket joint is a therapeutic option in cases of massive bone defect and infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of our institutional database to identify all cases of massive distal femoral defect in which this technique was used from January 2010 to December 2013. A record was made of the epidemiological data, characteristics of the infection (clinical and microbiological), and adverse event during the spacer stage. The main end-point was the infection eradication rate (minimum: 18 months of follow-up). The complications associated with the technique were also assessed. Finally, each patient completed a visual analogue pain scale, and a satisfaction questionnaire (SAPS). RESULTS: This technique was successfully used in six cases so far, controlling the infection in all cases. Mean femoral defect was 117cm (range: 32-191cm). Mean time with spacer was 7.6 months, with no major complications. All but one patient reached second stage reconstruction with a mega-prosthesis, and mean time since second stage was 34.7 months. All patients stated high levels of satisfaction with the technique employed, as well as and low pain scores (mean visual analogue pain scale: 1; range: 0-4). CONCLUSION: A reproducible and safe technique is described. Patients report a high level of satisfaction with the procedure, and there were no cases of recurrence of the infection after a minimum follow-up of 18 months.

Temporary cement tectoplasty: a technique to improve prefabricated hip spacer stability in two-stage surgery for infected hip arthroplasty.

This technical note describes an intraoperatively custom-made, antibiotic-loaded bone cement roof, used in conjunction with a prefabricated hip spacer to improve component stability, as part of the first stage of a two-stage procedure for an infected hip implant. This technique was successfully used in seven cases who presented with extensive superior and/or posterio-superior acetabular defect, which created a risk of spacer dislocation. With this technique we were able to avoid any further dislocation in these seven cases. We believe that the technique may reduce postoperative spacer dislocation in cases with extensive acetabular defects, while improving clinical outcomes.

Impact of preoperative levels of hemoglobin and albumin on the survival of pancreatic carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic cancer presents the worst survival rates of all neoplasms. Surgical resection is the only potentially curative treatment, but is associated with high complication rates and outcome is bad even in those resected cases. Therefore, candidates amenable for resection must be carefully selected. Identification of prognostic factors preoperatively may help to improve the treatment of these patients, focusing on individually management based on the expected response. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We perform a retrospective study of 59 patients with histological diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma between 1999 and 2003, looking for possible prognostic factors. RESULTS: We analyze 59 patients, 32 males and 27 females with a mean age of 63.8 years. All the patients were operated, performing palliative surgery in 32% and tumoral resection in 68%, including pancreaticoduodenectomies in 51% and distal pancreatectomy in 17%. Median global survival was 14 months (Range 1-110).We observed that preoperative levels of hemoglobin under 12 g/dl (p = 0.0006) and serum albumina under 2.8 g/dl (p = 0.021) are associated with worse survival. CONCLUSION: Preoperative levels of hemoglobin and serum albumina may be prognostic indicators in pancreatic cancer.

Impacto de los niveles preoperatorios de hemoglobina y albúmina en la supervivencia del carcinoma de páncreas / No disponible

Introducción: El cáncer de páncreas presenta la peor tasa de supervivencia de todas las neoplasias. La resección quirúrgica es el único tratamiento potencialmente curativo, pero está grabado con una alta tasa de complicaciones y el pronóstico continúa siendo malo en aquellos casos resecados, por lo que es necesario seleccionar bien a los candidatos. Por ello, la identificación de factores pronósticos de forma preoperatoria podría contribuir a mejorar el tratamiento de estos pacientes orientando hacia pautas más personalizadas en función de la respuesta esperable. Material y métodos: Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo de 59 pacientes con diagnóstico histológico de carcinoma de páncreas entre 1999 y 2003, para identificar posibles factores pronósticos. Resultados: De los 59 pacientes, 32 eran varones y 27 mujeres, con una edad media de 63,8 años. Todos los pacientes fueron operados, realizándose cirugía paliativa en el 32% y resección tumoral en el 68%, incluyendo duodenopancreatectomías cefálicas en el 51% y pancreatectomías distales en el 17%. La mediana de supervivencia global fue de 14 meses (intervalo 1-110). Observamos que los niveles preoperatorios de hemoglobina inferiores a 12 g/dl (p = 0,0006) y de albúmina sérica por debajo de 2,8 g/dl (p = 0,021) se asocian a menor supervivencia global. Conclusión: Los niveles preoperatorios de hemoglobina y albúmina pueden ser indicadores pronósticos en el cáncer de páncreas(AU)

Introduction: Pancreatic cancer presents the worst survival rates of all neoplasms. Surgical resection is the only potentially curative treatment, but is associated with high complication rates and outcome is bad even in those resected cases. Therefore, candidates amenable for resection must be carefully selected. Identification of prognostic factors preoperatively may help to improve the treatment of these patients, focusing on individually management based on the expected response. Patients and methods: We perform a retrospective study of 59 patients with histological diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma between 1999 and 2003, looking for possible prognostic factors. Results: We analyze 59 patients, 32 males and 27 females with a mean age of 63,8 years. All the patients were operated, performing palliative surgery in 32% and tumoral resection in 68%, including pancreaticoduodenectomies in 51% and distal pancreatectomy in 17%. Median global survival was 14 months (Range 1-110). We observed that preoperative levels of hemoglobin under 12 g/dl (p = 0,0006) and serum albumina under 2,8 g/dl (p = 0,021) are associated with worse survival. Conclusion: Preoperative levels of hemoglobin and serum albumina may be prognostic indicators in pancreatic cancer(AU)

Breast cancer stem cell hypothesis: clinical relevance (answering breast cancer clinical features)

The cancer stem cells hypothesis arises from observation of normal tissue hierarchy and the demonstration of stem cells in normal tissues. Scientists continue to debate whether the putative cancer cells derive from the transformation of normal tissue stem cells or from more differentiated cells. The existence of a subpopulation of tumour cells with stem-cell-like characteristics, including very slow replication and resistance to standard chemotherapy, posses a novel therapeutic challenge. This review summarises the state of development of normal and cancer breast cells and the clinical and therapeutic relevance (AU)

Carcinoma bronquioloalveolar difuso. Presentación radiológica inusual / Diffuse bronchioloalveolar carcinoma. Unusual radiological presentation

Presentamos a un paciente con diagnóstico de carcinoma bronquioloalveolar pulmonar difuso. Se muestran las imágenes de la radiografía de tórax convencional, de la tomografía computarizada y de la histología. Se discuten los diferentes patrones de presentación radiológicos e histológicos de este tipo de tumor pulmonar

We present a patient diagnosed of diffuse bronchioloalveolar carcinoma. The images of the conventional chest x-ray, computed tomography and histology are shown. The different radiological and histological presentation patterns of this type of pulmonary tumor are discussed

Adenoma de células basales de glándula parótida. Caso clínico y revisión de la literatura / Basal cell adenoma of the parotid gland. Case report and review of the literature

El adenoma de células basales de las glándulas salivares es un tipo de adenoma monomorfo de aparición infrecuente. La localización más habitual es la superficie de la glándula parótida. Suele debutar clínicamente como una masa firme y desplazable de crecimiento lento. Histológicamente se observan células isomórficas formando nidos y trabéculas interanastomosadas, con una membrana basal prominente, separadas por un estroma laxo e hialino y ausencia de estroma mixoide o condroide. A diferencia del adenoma pleomorfo, tiende a la multicentricidad y su tasa de recurrencia después de la extirpación quirúrgica es alta. Debido a sus implicaciones pronósticas, el diagnóstico diferencial con el adenocarcinoma de células basales, el carcinoma adenoide quístico y el carcinoma de células escamosas basalioide es prioritario. Describimos un caso clínico de adenoma de células basales de la glándula parótida, realizamos una revisión de la literatura y discutimos el manejo diagnóstico y terapéutico de esta rara entidad

Basal cell adenoma of the salivary glands is an uncommon type of monomorphous adenoma. Its most frequent location is the parotid gland. It usually appears as a firm and mobile slow-growing mass. Histologically, isomorphic cells in nests and interlaced trabecules with a prominent basal membrane are observed. It is also characterized by the presence of a slack and hyaline stroma and the absence of myxoid or condroid stroma. In contrast to pleomorphic adenoma, it tends to be multiple and its recurrence rate after surgical excision is high. Due to prognostic implications, differential diagnosis with basal cell adenocarcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma and basaloid squamous cell carcinoma is mandatory. We describe a case of basal cell adenoma of the parotid gland. We also review the literature and discuss the diagnosis and management of this rare entity

Basal cell adenoma of the parotid gland. Case report and review of the literature.

Basal cell adenoma of the salivary glands is an uncommon type of monomorphous adenoma. Its most frequent location is the parotid gland. It usually appears as a firm and mobile slow-growing mass. Histologically, isomorphic cells in nests and interlaced trabecules with a prominent basal membrane are observed. It is also characterized by the presence of a slack and hyaline stroma and the absence of myxoid or condroid stroma. In contrast to pleomorphic adenoma, it tends to be multiple and its recurrence rate after surgical excision is high. Due to prognostic implications, differential diagnosis with basal cell adenocarcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma and basaloid squamous cell carcinoma is mandatory. We describe a case of basal cell adenoma of the parotid gland. We also review the literature and discuss the diagnosis and management of this rare entity.

Estadios precoces de cancer oral: pronóstico en relación con gradación histológica, linfagiogénesis intratumoral y expresión de factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular Tipo-C (VEGF-C) / Early stage oral cancer: prognosis with regard to histological grading, intratumoral lymphangiogenesis, and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C)

Los sistemas de gradación histológica se han usadoclásicamente como factor pronóstico y marcadores de comportamiento clínico en el carcinoma epidermoide intra-oral (CEI). Sin embargo, su utilidad pronóstica permanece controvertida. Nuestro objetivo ha sido evaluarla presencia de linfangiogénesis intratumoral (LI), un nuevo hallazgo morfológico, en un análisis retrospectivo de muestras de tejido en parafina dentro de un grupo de estadios precoces de CEI, relacionándolo con clásicos sistemas de gradación histológica y teniendo en cuenta su importancia pronóstica. Asimismo, pretendemos determinar si la expresión del factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular –C (VEGF-C) se correlaciona conla evolución de la enfermedad.Diseño. Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo basado en 96 casos de CEI. Todos los pacientes presentaban tumores intraorales T1-T2 y fueron tratados primariamente mediante resección local asociada con disección cervicalelectiva, la cual mostró ausencia de afectación ganglionar regional. En el grupo de 96 muestras analizamos la LI utilizando el marcador específicodel endotelio linfático PA2.26. Adicionalmente, estudiamos la expresión del VEGF-C. Todos los casos fueron clasificados de acuerdo con los sisintratutemasde gradación histológica descritos por Broders, Anneroth y Bryne. El estudio estadístico se fundamentó en el análisis univariante de supervivenciacausa-específica y supervivencia libre de recidiva según el método de Kaplan-Meier.Resultados. El grupo de pacientes con ausencia de LI mostró mejor pronóstico en cuanto a supervivencia y periodo libre de enfermedad, aunque la diferenciano mostró valores estadísticamente significativos. El estudio no mostró una relación entre la expresión de VEGF-C y la presencia de LI. Sin embargo, no observamos recidivas entre el grupo con ausencia de expresión deVEGF-C. El análisis comparativo de los sistemas de gradación histológica mostró una relación estadísticamente significativa entre los sistemas de Broders y Anneroth (p<0,01) y entre los sistemas de Broders y Bryne (p<0,001). Nuestro estudio demostró una relación inversa entre los valores de los sistemasde gradación Anneroth (p<0,01) – Bryne (p<0,001) y la presencia de LI.Conclusión. El valor clínico de los sistemas de gradación histológica puede incrementarse si se incluyen nuevos parámetros que consideren el comportamientobiológico del tumor. La expresión de VEGF-C y la presencia de linfáticos intratumorales pueden ser marcadores marcadores pronósticos de utilidad en el CEI

Objectives. Histological grading systems have been classically used as a prognostic factor and clinical behavior markers in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, their prognostic usefulness remains controversial. Our aim was to evaluate the presence of intratumoral lymphangiogenesis (IL), a new morphologicalfinding, in a retrospective analysis of paraffin embedded tissue samples that corresponded to a group of early stage oral squamous cell carcinoma cases, and to relate this with histological grading systems while keeping in mind their prognostic significance.We also wanted to determine if the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) is correlated with the evolution of the disease.Design. We performed a retrospective analysis of 96 patients with OSCC. All cases were T1-T2 neoplasms and were treated primarily by local resection and elective neck dissection that showed no neck involvement. In the group of 96 specimens, we analyzed IL using the specific marker PA2.26 for lymphatic endothelium. Also,we studied the expression of (VEGF-C). All cases were classified according to the histological grading systems described by Broders, Anneroth and Bryne. The statistical analysis was based on the univariateanalysis of cause-specific survival and disease recurrence free-survival according to the Kaplan-Meier method.Results. The group of patients without intratumoral lymphangiogenesis showed a better prognosis with regard to survival and disease-free period, but the difference was not statistically significant. The study showed no relationship between VEGF-C expression and the presence of intratumoral lymphangiogenesis. However, no recurrences were observed in the group without VEGF-C expression. The comparative analysis of the histological grading system showed a statistical relationship between the Broders and Anneroth systems (p<0.01) and between the Broders and Bryne systems (p<0.001). Our study demonstrated an inverse relationship between the valuesof the Anneroth system (p<0.01) - Bryne system (p<0.001) and the presence of intratumoral lymphangiogenesis.Conclusion. The clinical value of the histological grading systems can increase by including new parameters that take into account the biological behavior of the tumor. Expression of VEGF-C and intratumoral lymphatics may thus be useful prognostic markers for oralsquamous cell carcinoma

Aldosterone reduces crypt colon permeability during low-sodium adaptation.

Fluid and electrolyte absorption by colonic crypts depends on the transport properties of crypt cellular and paracellular routes and of the pericryptal sheath. As a low-Na(+) diet increases aldosterone and angiotensin II secretion, either hormone could affect absorption. Control and adrenalectomized (ADX) Sprague-Dawley rats were kept at a high-NaCl (HS) diet and then switched to low-NaCl (LS) diet for 3 days. Aldosterone or angiotensin II plasma concentrations were maintained using implanted osmotic mini-pumps. The extracellular Na(+) concentration in isolated rat distal colonic mucosa was determined by confocal microscopy using a low-affinity Na(+) -sensitive fluorescent dye (Sodium red, and Na(+) -insensitive BODIPY) bound to polystyrene beads. Crypt permeability to FITC-labelled dextran (10 kDa) was monitored by its rate of escape from the crypt lumen into the pericryptal space. Mucosal ion permeability was estimated by transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and amiloride-sensitive short-circuit current (SCC). The epithelial Na(+) channel, ENaC, was determined by immunolocalization. LS diet decreased crypt wall permeability to dextran by 10-fold and doubled TER. Following ADX, aldosterone decreased crypt wall dextran permeability, increased TER, increased Na(+) accumulation in the pericryptal sheath and ENaC expression even in HS. Infusion of angiotensin II to ADX rats did not reverse the effects of aldosterone deprivation. These findings indicate that aldosterone alone is responsible for both the increase in Na(+) absorption and the decreased paracellular and pericryptal sheath permeability.

Pericryptal myofibroblast growth in rat descending colon induced by low-sodium diets is mediated by aldosterone and not by angiotensin II.

Pericryptal myofibroblast growth in descending colonic crypts correlates with the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Earlier work showed that during the transition from a high-Na(+) (HS) to low-Na(+) (LS) diet there are changes in the colonic crypt wall and pericryptal sheath. As LS diet increases both aldosterone and angiotensin II, the aim here was to determine their individual contributions to the trophic changes in colonic crypts. Experiments were conducted on control and adrenalectomized Sprague-Dawley rats fed an HS diet and then switched to LS diet for 3 days and supplemented with aldosterone or angiotensin II. The actions of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor captopril, the angiotensin receptor antagonist losartan and the aldosterone antagonist spironolactone on extracellular matrix proteins, claudin 4 and E-cadherin myofibroblast proteins, alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and OB-cadherin (cadherin 11), angiotensin type 1 and TGFbetar1 membrane receptors were determined by immunolocalization in fixed distal colonic mucosa. The LS diet or aldosterone supplementation following ADX in HS or LS increased extracellular matrix, membrane receptors and myofibroblast proteins, but angiotensin alone had no trophic effect on alpha-SMA. These results show that aldosterone stimulates myofibroblast growth in the distal colon independently of dietary Na(+) intake and of angiotensin levels. This stimulus could be a genomic response or secondary to stretch of the pericryptal sheath myofibroblasts accompanying enhanced rates of crypt fluid absorption.

Piriform cortex functional heterogeneity revealed by cellular responses to odours.

The role of the piriform cortex (PC) in olfactory information processing remains mainly unknown. Indeed, until recently, only a few studies have investigated the response of PC neurons to odours and these studies did not take into account the functional heterogeneity of the PC previously described using an electrical stimulation paradigm. In this experiment, extracellular activity in response to odour was recorded in urethane anaesthetized rats in the different parts of the cortex ranging from anterior to posterior. A large percentage of cortical cells were silent at rest, and this percentage increased from anterior to posterior. Analysis of odour evoked activity revealed a large percentage of nonresponsive cells that increased from anterior to posterior. Cell activity was largely synchronized with breathing and different temporal patterns were observed. The anterior PC was characterized by odour-evoked responses phase-locked with the inhalation-exhalation transition period. By contrast, activity in the posterior PC was mainly phase-locked with inhalation or exhalation. These data confirm the spatial functional heterogeneity previously reported in the PC. Functional anatomy of the PC suggests that activity in the anterior PC can be mainly driven by afferent activity coming from the OB whereas posterior cells were certainly entrained by more complex mechanisms.

[Antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori in Reunion Island: therapeutic consequences]. / Résistance aux antibiotiques de Helicobacter pylori à l'île de La Réunion: conséquences thérapeutiques.

The aims of this paper were to assess resistance of Helicobacter pylori to antibiotics included in the so-called French triple regimens and to identify the possible causes of therapeutic failure in Reunion island. Antibiotic resistance was determined for 109 strains. All the strains were sensitive to amoxicillin and tetracycline, 93.6% were sensitive to ciprofloxacin, 92.7% to erythromycin and 60.6% to metronidazole. Fifty three patients who had previously tested positive for H. pylori received for one week regimen of amoxicillin (1 g bd), clarithromycin (0.5 g bd) and omeprazole (20 mg bd). Eradication rate after therapy was of 73.6%. Therapeutic failure was analysed for 9 patients using random amplified polymorphic DNA and the presence or not of antibiotic resistance. One cause of failure is clarithromycin resistance. These data show that triple therapy can be used in Reunion Island. In case of failure, sensitivity must be detected because the rate of resistance to metronidazole is over 30%.

Electrical properties of the intestinal mucosa of the chicken and the effects of luminal glucose.

Transmural potential difference (PD), short-circuit current (Isc), and electrical resistance (R) were measured in the isolated mucosa of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, proximal cecum, and rectum in order to characterize the electrical properties of the chicken small and large intestine. The chicken intestine was classified into three categories, regarding its electrical characteristics: 1) the duodenum, with four to five times higher R than the other segments and the lowest PD; 2) the group formed by the jejunum, the ileum, and the proximal cecum, with high PD and low R; 3) the rectum, with low PD and low R. In all segments, the addition of D-glucose into the luminal side stimulates Isc, and this effect can be reversed by phloridzin, indicating that the glucose-induced Isc increase is due to Na+-D-glucose co-transport. The effect of glucose is maximal in the rectum, with a fivefold Isc increase, suggesting that this segment may have an important role in the absorption of Na+ as well as of nutrients co-transported with Na+.

[Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis: Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease. Apropos of 6 cases]. / Linfadenitis necrotizante histiocitaria: enfermedad de Kikuchi-Fujimoto. A propósito de 6 casos.

Necrotizing Histiocytic Lymphadenitis or Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is a benign process of lymphatic system that consists of lymphadenopathy which may be accompanied by fever, rash and some haematological alterations as anaemia. It affects usually young people, mostly women. Although it is more frequent in Oriental countries, there have been some notices about this disease in Europe recently. We present six patients that have been diagnosed in our Hospital between 1986 and 1996. All presented as cervical masses and fever. The diagnostic procedure was the lymph node biopsy, which showed the typical pathology of this disease: some foci of necrosis which contained plasmocytoides cells and atypical lymphocytes. It is also suggestive of this entity the absence of polymorphonuclear cells. Then, the diagnosis of the Necrotizing Histiocytic Lymphadenitis is made by the histology. The treatment is symptomatic. In all cases the evolution is the whole remission of symptoms. In our patients the illness was self-limited and none presented any other symptom. Our proposal with this article is to remind the clinicians of this entity when people ask for cervical masses and fever.

infadenitis necrotizante histiocitaria: enfermedad de Kikuchi-Fujimoto.A propósito de 6 casos# / istiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis: kikuchi-fujimoto disease: report of six cases#

La Linfadenitis Necrotizante Histiocitaria o Enfermedad de Kikuchi-Fujimoto es un proceso benigno del sistema linfático caracterizado por linfadenopatías y que puede acompañarse de síndrome febril prolongado, rash cutáneo, alteraciones hematológicas leves como anemia o trombopenia. Suele aparecer en personas de edad joven, generalmente mujeres. Aunque inicialmente se había descrito en países orientales, en los últimos años se han publicado varios casos en Europa. En este trabajo incluimos los datos de seis pacientes que fueron estudiados en nuestro Hospital entre los años 1986 y 1996. Los seis pacientes estaban siendo estudiados por la presencia de fiebre y tumefacciones cervicales. La prueba diagnóstica en todos ellos fue la realización de una biopsia de una de las adenopatías. Ésta mostraba en todos los casos la histología característica de la enfermedad, que consiste en la observación de focos de necrosis dispersos por el ganglio, además de la presencia de histiocitos atípicos y células plasmocitoides. También es un dato característico en esta enfermedad la ausencia de polimorfonucleares neutrófilos. El diagnóstico de la Linfadenitis Necrotizante Histiocitaria es, por tanto, anatomo-patológico. En cuanto a la evolución y pronóstico, es un proceso autolimitado, benigno, que hasta la fecha no se ha relacionado con la aparición posterior de procesos linfoproliferativos, infecciosos u otros. El tratamiento de esta entidad, cuando es necesario, es puramente sintomático. En nuestros pacientes la evolución fue a la remisión completa de los síntomas, sin que ninguno de los pacientes presentaran recaídas posteriores. Con este trabajo pretendemos llamar la atención sobre esta entidad benigna en todos aquellos pacientes que se presentan con adenopatías y fiebre (AU)

[The National Registry of Cardiac Tumors (the 1996-1997 report)]. / Registro Nacional de Tumores Cardíacos (memoria 1996-1997).

We presented the first report of the national database of heart tumors. We described the origin, development and goals reached during the years 1996 and 1997, the way the data was collected and the form used. The cases collected until 31st of December of 1997 include 165 tumors in 155 patients distributed all around the country. Age and gender distribution, way of diagnosis, morphologic classification, treatment and follow-up of this pathology is reported.