Oestrous synchronization, ovarian superovulation and intraspecific transfers from a closed breeding colony of inbred SLA miniature pigs.

The inbred SLA miniature pig is a unique animal model developed for organ transplantation studies and pre-clinical experimental purposes. Reported oestrous synchronization and superovulation treatments were examined in two SLA haplotypes (AA and DD) to allow collection of embryos for both practical embryo transfer and experimental technologies from a closed breeding colony. Pre-puberal miniature pigs were poor responders to oestrous synchronization treatments, while post-puberal sows were equivalent to commercial sows. Following superovulation, the ovulation number (corpora .hemorrhagica) was higher (p < 0.05) in the cycling sows when compared with non-cycling sows. Ovulations were equivalent to commercial pre-puberal gilts and non-cycling sows (p > 0.05). No difference in ovulation number between haplotypes was observed, which differs from the previous report (DD>AA). Collection of zygotes for pronuclear injection was the highest in the non-cycling post-puberal miniature pig group (p < 0.05), although significantly lower when compared with the commercial pig treatment groups (p < 0.05). The incidence of cystic endometrial hyperplasia in our colony was equivalent to rates observed in commercial pigs. Pronuclear visualization following centrifugation was the highest in the non-cycling miniature sow group and approximates to about 25% of ovulations and about half the rate observed in the commercial pigs (50%). Miniature pig embryos transferred between SLA haplotypes and transfer of DD embryos to commercial pigs resulted in live births at a higher efficiency than previously reported. This study demonstrates the feasibility of undertaking assisted reproductive technologies in a closed breeding colony of inbred SLA miniature pigs without compromise to the breeding programmes.

[Manubrio-sternal arthritis and behcet's disease: report of 3 cases]. / Arthrite manubrio-sternale et syndrome de Behçet: à propos de 3 observations.

Manubrio-sternal joint involvement in arthritis is described and may be evidenced by erosion, reactive sclerosis and ankylosis. Some reports of such involvement appear in the radiological literature in association with psoriatic arthritis and spondylarthropathy. Involvement of the manubrio-sternal joint in Behçet's disease is very uncommon. To our knowledge, only one case has been described. We report a case of manubrio-sternal arthritis in a women with Behçet's disease. Two others cases with suspicion of Behçet's disease are described.

[Spinal cord compression caused by extramedullary hematopoiesis foci in the course of thalassemia]. / Compression médullaire par des foyers d'hématopoïèse extra médullaire au cours de la thalassémie.

BACKGROUND: Extramedullary haematopoiesis is a physiological response to chronic anemia, observed frequently during homozygous thalassemia. It is usually asymptomatic but can be manifested by compression of adjacent organs, particularly the spinal cord. CASE REPORT: A 44-year-old woman diagnosed with thalassaemia intermedia, was admitted for difficulties to walk and sphincter disturbances. Neurologic examination suggested spinal cord compression, which is confirmed by dorso-lumbar resonance magnetic imaging. The histology obtained by laminectomy led to the diagnosis of extramedullary hematopoiesis related to thalassemia. A radiotherapy enabled with good outcome. DISCUSSION: Spinal cord compressions by extramedullary hematopoiesis during thalassemia are uncommon (75 cases in the literature) but can induce severe sequelae if the diagnostic is not rapidly obtained. Magnetic resonance imaging is the gold standard allowing precise diagnosis and spreading of extramedullary hematopoiesis. Radiotherapy and more recently hydroxyurea are the first line treatment. CONCLUSION: This observation recalls that extramedullary hematopoiesis is a differential diagnostic of spinal cord compression in patients with thalassemia. A screening of paravertebral localization of extramedullary hematopoiesis should be performed in high risk thalassemic patients.

Finite element modelling of the vibrational behaviour of the human femur using CT-based individualized geometrical and material properties.

Frequency analysis of long bones has been investigated as a tool to assess bone quality or integrity. The objective of the present paper was to develop a three-dimensional finite element model of a fresh human femur with geometrical and mechanical properties derived from quantitative computer tomography images. This model was then exercised and the results were compared to those obtained from a vibration analysis technique. The percent relative error between the numerically and experimentally derived results was found about 4%. Finally, the influence of mechanical properties on the resonant spectre was studied. The results exhibit the limitations of the vibrational technique to detect slight material changes.

[Use of a custom made femoral prosthesis in the treatment of a femoral agenesis]. / Endo-prothèse fémorale personnalisée dans le traitement d'une agénésie fémorale de l'adulte jeune.

We describe the management of femoral agenesis in a young adult. Following previous treatment, including limb lengthening by the Ilizarov technique, the patient was left with 30 cm of shortening, a hip fused in abduction and external rotation, an ankylosed knee and an ankle which had been surgically fused. We decided to create a mono-segmental stump, based on a mobile hip, in order to accommodate a suitable prosthesis. Replacement arthroplasty of the hip was first undertaken using a femoral component with a long stem which crossed the knee into the upper tibia. This allowed correction of the rotational deformity and fusion of the knee in an appropriate position. Amputation above the ankle was then carried out under the same anaesthetic. A suction prosthesis was attached to the stump. The arthrodesis of the hip was the principle factor in deciding on this procedure rather than a Van Ness operation or further lengthening. The result at 3 years is satisfactory and the patient has good mobility.

[Arthroplasty of the hip after bone fusion. Report of 13 cases]. / Arthroplastie de hanche après fusion osseuse. A propos de 73 cas.

The authors have realized this surgical procedure upon 68 patients from 1978 to 1987. The fusion was badly tolerated or initiated a decompensation in the lumbar spine, in the knees, or in the opposite hip. This type of arthroplasty is difficult because the usual anatomical marks are changed and a pre-operative schedule is necessary to restore a satisfactory abductor strength. Special implants are needed to fit the frequent femoral dystrophies. 57 patients (62 hips) have been reviewed four to five years after operation. The functional improvement was important in the lumbar spine, not as much in the knees and in the opposite hip. The result upon the operated hip was satisfying for the mobility (average flexion: 78 degrees) and for the pain which disappeared apart from scarce complications. But, the stability was not as good with 20 per cent insufficiencies of the gluteus medius, implying for these patients the use of a walking-stick, the impossibility of standing on one leg, and the Trendelenburg sign. The state of the gluteus medius is the condition of a successful operation. The electromyogram performed before the operation may show a denervation; in this case, a choice must be done between an osteotomy of femoral correction and an arthroplasty implying a risk of instability which would be said to the patient.

[C-reactive protein in inflammatory articular diseases: comparison of concentrations in blood and synovial fluid]. / La proteine C-reactive dans les affections inflammatoires articulaires: comparison des dosages sanguin et synovial.

We evaluated the diagnostic value of measuring C-Reactive Protein (CRP) in blood and in synovial fluid for the detection of inflammatory articular diseases in 154 patients. High concentrations of CRP in blood were found in microcrystalin arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica and Horton's disease. Our results show a good correlation between CRP and erythrocyte sedimentation rate for ankylosing spondylitis (p less than 0.01), systemic lupus erythematosus (p less than 0.01), rheumatoid arthritis (p less than 0.05), polymyalgia rheumatica and Horton's disease (p less than 0.05). The CRP measurement in blood did not separate seropositive versus seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus versus rheumatoid arthritis and treated versus non-treated rheumatoid arthritis. There was a good correlation between CRP concentration in blood and in synovial fluid but the concentration was lower in synovial fluid than in blood (p less than 0.01). Then, the CRP measurement in synovial fluid does not have a higher diagnostic value than in blood.

[Various aspects of cytomegalovirus infection in the adult]. / Various aspects of cytomegalovirus infection in the adult.

Cytomegalovirus infection was sought as a routine over a period of two year in 100 patients of which 34 had a suitable constitutional background [corrected] for this type infection (multiple transfusions, malignant disease, immunodepression). The authors attempt to circumscibe the main clinical aspects encountered in adults. They consider the repective diagnostic values of isolation of the virus and serological reactions. They discuss their interpretation during the course of an infection.

[Keratosis lichenoides striata associated with a pseudo-sinhum and a neurological picture (author's transl)]. / Kératose lichénoide striée et pseudo-ainhum associés à un tableau neurologique complexe

The authors reported a case which does not seem to be possibly related to any known clinical entity; an aspect of keratosis lichenoides striata is associated with an ichthyosiform condition of the trunk and a pseudo-ainhum; there is also a neurological syndrome similar to a multilocular sclerosis. This patient resembles the previous cases of the literature; however there is neither erythema nor any striation at the back of the knees. There is also a pseudo-ainhumm. Concerning this observation, a review of the literature on keratosis lichenoides striata is presented.