[Which non pharmacological interventions should be offered to patients treated with androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer? A systematic review]. / Quelles interventions non médicamenteuses proposer aux patients traités par hormono-suppression pour un cancer de la prostate ? Revue systématique de la littérature.

AIM: Prostate cancer is a frequent disease and one of the main treatments used is androgen deprivation therapy, which is a therapy with disabling side effects. Non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) are evidenced based, non-invasive interventions on human health. They are classified into five categories (physical, psychological, nutritional, digital, elemental). The NPIs sphere is booming and still remains underused in this context. METHODS: A systematic review concerning randomized controlled trials was executed according to the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). We used the "Medline" and "Kalya Research" databases. After searching and selecting eligible publications, we included 37 randomized controlled trials. RESULTS: The majority of articles concerned physical NPIs with 30 clinical studies, 3 publications dealt with nutritional NPIs, 2 with psychological NPIs and 2 articles concerned elemental NPIs. No publication about digital NPI was found. All of the studies aimed to manage and improve the side effects of treatment. No elemental NPI has demonstrated benefit. Only one psychological NPI and one nutritional NPI were effective. Five types of physical NPI protocols have shown efficacy. The main benefits related to physical abilities, body composition, osteoporosis, quality of life, fatigue, reduced cardiovascular risk and finally anxiety and depression. CONCLUSION: Non-pharmacological interventions, especially physical ones, are effective in managing and reducing the side effects associated with androgen deprivation therapy and should be offered to patients in this context.

The integrin beta1 modulator Tirofiban prevents adipogenesis and obesity by the overexpression of integrin-linked kinase: a pre-clinical approach in vitro and in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is caused by the enlargement of the white adipose tissue (WAT) depots, characterized by the hypertrophic enlargement of malfunctioning adipocytes within WAT which increases the storage of triglycerides (TG) in the lipid droplets (LD). Adipogenesis pathways as well as the expression and activity of some extracellular matrix receptors integrins are upregulated. Integrinß1 (INTB1) is the main isoform involved in WAT remodeling during obesity and insulin resistance-related diseases. We recently described Integrin Linked Kinase (ILK), a scaffold protein recruited by INTB1, as an important mediator of WAT remodeling and insulin resistance. As the few approved drugs to fight obesity have brought long-term cardiovascular side effects and given that the consideration of INTB1 and/or ILK modulation as anti-obesogenic strategies remains unexplored, we aimed to evaluate the anti-obesogenic capacity of the clinically approved anticoagulant Tirofiban (TF), stated in preclinical studies as a cardiovascular protector. METHODS: Fully differentiated adipocytes originating from C3H10T1/2 were exposed to TF and were co-treated with specific INTB1 blockers or with siRNA-based knockdown ILK expression. Lipid-specific dyes were used to determine the TG content in LD. The genetic expression pattern of ILK, pro-inflammatory cytokines (MCP1, IL6), adipogenesis (PPARγ, Leptin), thermogenesis (UCP1), proliferation (PCNA), lipid metabolism (FASN, HSL, ATGL), and metabolite transporters (FABP4, FAT, AQP7) were detected using quantitative PCR. Cytoskeletal actin polymerization was detected by confocal microscopy. Immunoblotting was performed to detect INTB1 phosphorylation at Thr788/9 and ILK activity as phosphorylation levels of protein kinase B (AKT) in Ser473 and glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK3ß) at Ser9. TF was intraperitoneally administered once per day to wildtype and ILK knockdown mice (cKDILK) challenged with a high-fat diet (HFD) or control diet (STD) for 2 weeks. Body and WAT weight gains were compared. The expression of ILK and other markers was determined in the visceral epididymal (epi) and inguinal subcutaneous (sc) WAT. RESULTS: TF reduced TG content and the expression of adipogenesis markers and transporters in adipocytes, while UCP-1 expression was increased and the expression of lipases, cytokines or PCNA was not affected. Mechanistically, TF rapidly increased and faded the intracellular phosphorylation of INTB1 but not AKT or GSK3ß. F-actin levels were rapidly decreased, and INTB1 blockade avoided the TF effect. After 24 h, ILK expression and phosphorylation rates of AKT and GSK3ß were upregulated, while ILK silencing increased TG content. INTB1 blockade and ILK silencing avoided TF effects on the TG content and the transcriptional expression of PPARγ and UCP1. In HFD-challenged mice, the systemic administration of TF for several days reduced the weight gain on WAT depots. TF reduced adipogenesis and pro-inflammatory biomarkers and increased lipolysis markers HSL and FAT in epiWAT from HFD, while increased UCP1 in scWAT. In both WATs, TF upregulated ILK expression and activity, while no changes were observed in other tissues. In HFD-fed cKDILK, the blunted ILK in epiWAT worsened weight gain and avoided the anti-obesogenic effect of in vivo TF administration. CONCLUSIONS: ILK downregulation in WAT can be considered a biomarker of obesity establishment. Via an INTB1-ILK axis, TF restores malfunctioning hypertrophied WAT by changing the expression of adipocyte-related genes, increasing ILK expression and activity, and reducing TG storage. TF prevents obesity, a property to be added to its anticoagulant and cardiovascular protective advantages.

[Renal cell carcinoma in the department of Hérault: Results over a 30 year period]. / Le cancer du rein dans le département de L'Hérault : résultats de 30 ans d'enregistrement.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the specificities of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in the department of Herault using the Herault Tumor Registry over 30 years. METHODS: Data of this study were obtained from the Herault cancer database. We analysed the evolution of RCC from 1987 to 2016, including the incidence, mortality, cancer pathology and staging at the moment of diagnosis. We compared our results with national and international data. RESULTS: We identified 3769 newly diagnosed RCC: 2628 in men (69,7%) and 1141 in women (30,3%). In 2016, RCC was the 8th most frequent cancer, both genders combined, the 7th most frequent cancer in men and the 11th in women. New cases of RCC increased by 4.2 in men and 3.3 in women over the study period. The number of localised forms increased by 9% over 20 years. In 2016, the probability of having a RCC before the age of 75 was of 2.11% for a man and of 0.62% for a woman. CONCLUSION: Over 30 years, the incidence rate of RCC increased in the department of Herault; however, mortality decreased over the same period. This analytical data should be improved by the development of the Registry of Herault Specialised in Onco-Urology (RHESOU). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

"Evita Una Muerte, Esta en Tus Manos" Program: Bystander First Aid Training for Terrorist Attacks.

BACKGROUND: The latest terrorist attacks in Europe and in the rest of the world, and the military experience in the most recent conflicts leave us with several lessons learned. The most important is that the fate of the wounded rests in the hands of the one who applies the first dressing, because the victims usually die within the first 10 minutes, before professional care providers or police personnel arrive at the scene. A second lesson is that the primary cause of preventable death in these types of incidents involving explosives and firearms is massive hemorraghe. OBJECTIVE: There is a need to develop a training oriented to citizens so they can identify and use available resources to avoid preventable deaths that occur in this kind of incidents, especially massive hemorrhage. METHODS: A 7-hour training intervention program was developed and conducted between January and May 2017. Data were collected from participants' answers on a multiple-choice test before and after undertaking the training. Improved mean score for at least 75% of a group's members on the posttraining test was considered reflective of adequate knowledge. RESULTS: A total of 173 participants (n = 74 men [42.8%]; n = 99 women [57.2%]) attended the training. They were classified into three groups: a group of citizens/ first responders with no prior health training, a group of health professionals, and a group of nursing students. Significant differences (ρ < .05) between mean pre- and post-training test scores occurred in each of the three groups. CONCLUSION: There was a clear improvement in the knowledge of the students after the training when pre- and post-training test scores were compared within the three groups. The greatest improvement was seen in the citizens/first responders group.

Vibrationally Resolved B 1s Photoionization Cross Section of BF3.

Photoelectron diffraction is a well-established technique for structural characterization of solids, based on the interference of the native photoelectron wave with those scattered from the neighboring atoms. For isolated systems in the gas phase similar studies suffer from orders of magnitude lower signals due to the very small sample density. Here we present a detailed study of the vibrationally resolved B 1s photoionization cross section of BF3 molecule. A combination of high-resolution photoelectron spectroscopy measurements and of state-of-the-art static-exchange and time-dependent DFT calculations shows the evolution of the photon energy dependence of the cross section from a complete trapping of the photoelectron wave (low energies) to oscillations due to photoelectron diffraction phenomena. The diffraction pattern allows one to access structural information both for the ground neutral state of the molecule and for the core-ionized cation. Due to a significant change in geometry between the ground and the B 1s(-1) core-ionized state in the BF3 molecule, several vibrational final states of the cation are populated, allowing investigation of eight different relative vibrationally resolved photoionization cross sections. Effects due to recoil induced by the photoelectron emission are also discussed.

A role for the outer retina in development of the intrinsic pupillary light reflex in mice.

Mice do not require the brain in order to maintain constricted pupils. However, little is known about this intrinsic pupillary light reflex (iPLR) beyond a requirement for melanopsin in the iris and an intact retinal ciliary marginal zone (CMZ). Here, we study the mouse iPLR in vitro and examine a potential role for outer retina (rods and cones) in this response. In wild-type mice the iPLR was absent at postnatal day 17 (P17), developing progressively from P21-P49. However, the iPLR only achieved ∼ 30% of the wild-type constriction in adult mice with severe outer retinal degeneration (rd and rdcl). Paradoxically, the iPLR increased significantly in retinal degenerate mice >1.5 years of age. This was accompanied by an increase in baseline pupil tone in the dark to levels indistinguishable from those in adult wild types. This rejuvenated iPLR response was slowed by atropine application, suggesting the involvement of cholinergic neurotransmission. We could find no evidence of an increase in melanopsin expression by quantitative PCR in the iris and ciliary body of aged retinal degenerates and a detailed anatomical analysis revealed a significant decline in melanopsin-positive intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) in rdcl mice >1.5 years. Adult mice lacking rod function (Gnat1(-/-)) also had a weak iPLR, while mice lacking functional cones (Cpfl5) maintained a robust response. We also identify an important role for pigmentation in the development of the mouse iPLR, with only a weak and transient response present in albino animals. Our results show that the iPLR in mice develops unexpectedly late and are consistent with a role for rods and pigmentation in the development of this response in mice. The enhancement of the iPLR in aged degenerate mice was extremely surprising but may have relevance to behavioral observations in mice and patients with retinitis pigmentosa.

Ultrafast electron dynamics in phenylalanine initiated by attosecond pulses.

In the past decade, attosecond technology has opened up the investigation of ultrafast electronic processes in atoms, simple molecules, and solids. Here, we report the application of isolated attosecond pulses to prompt ionization of the amino acid phenylalanine and the subsequent detection of ultrafast dynamics on a sub-4.5-femtosecond temporal scale, which is shorter than the vibrational response of the molecule. The ability to initiate and observe such electronic dynamics in polyatomic molecules represents a crucial step forward in attosecond science, which is progressively moving toward the investigation of more and more complex systems.

Effect of sex and final fattening on ultrasound and carcass traits in Iberian pigs.

A hundred and twenty-five castrated Iberian pigs (61 males and 64 females, from 106.9 kg of live weight at star to 160.3 kg at slaughter) was used to investigate the effect of feeding system on carcass attributes (backfat thickness and loin area measured with ultrasound before slaughter, and intramuscular fat and weights and yields of hams, forelegs and loins after slaughter). Pigs were fattened outdoor under extensive conditions. There were 4 treatments: "montanera", M; "recebo", R; "cebo a campo", C; and high oleic fed, O). Ultrasound images were collected at two rib locations (10th and 14th). M and O groups had the highest fat thickness and loin area was lower in M than in C group. M and O showed higher carcass weight and yield than the other groups. The largest ham weight was for C and the lowest for M groups. Loin weight and yield were higher in M and R than the other two groups (O and C).

Impact of preoperative immunonutrition on morbidity following cystectomy for bladder cancer: a case-control pilot study.

PURPOSE: To compare postoperative complications in patients with or without preoperative immunonutrition before cystectomy. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter, pilot, case-control study was conducted during 6 months. Patients with 7-day preoperative immunonutrition were prospectively included and compared with a retrospective, matched control group without immunonutrition. Early complication rates and the length of hospital stay were analyzed. The bilateral type I error was <0.05; the power was 90%. Thirty patients in each group were required. RESULTS: Thirty patients were included in each group, on a comparable basis. In the immunonutrition group, fewer postoperative complications (40 vs. 76.7%; p = 0.008), less paralytic ileus at D7 (6.6 vs. 33.3%; p = 0.02), fewer infections (23.3 vs. 60%; p = 0.008), and in particular less pyelonephritis (16.7 vs. 46.7%; p = 0.03) occurred. Clavien's grades for complications were higher in the control group (p = 0.04). Mortality, pulmonary embolism, anastomotic fistulae, and wound dehiscence were similar between two groups. The length of stay was reduced by 3 days in the immunonutrition group. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot case-control study, immunonutrition is associated with a decrease in postoperative complications, urinary tract infections, Clavien's grade for complications, and paralytic ileus in patients undergoing cystectomy for bladder cancer. Prospective randomized placebo control studies are needed to confirm these promising results.

Intramolecular photoelectron diffraction in the gas phase.

We report unambiguous experimental and theoretical evidence of intramolecular photoelectron diffraction in the collective vibrational excitation that accompanies high-energy photoionization of gas-phase CF4, BF3, and CH4 from the 1s orbital of the central atom. We show that the ratios between vibrationally resolved photoionization cross sections (v-ratios) exhibit pronounced oscillations as a function of photon energy, which is the fingerprint of electron diffraction by the surrounding atomic centers. This interpretation is supported by the excellent agreement between first-principles static-exchange and time-dependent density functional theory calculations and high resolution measurements, as well as by qualitative agreement at high energies with a model in which atomic displacements are treated to first order of perturbation theory. The latter model allows us to rationalize the results for all the v-ratios in terms of a generalized v-ratio, which contains information on the structure of the above three molecules and the corresponding molecular cations. A fit of the measured v-ratios to a simple formula based on this model suggests that the method could be used to obtain structural information of both neutral and ionic molecular species.

Prediction of carcass composition, ham and foreleg weights, and lean meat yields of Iberian pigs using ultrasound measurements in live animals.

The most valuable lean cuts from Iberian pigs are the hams, forelegs, and loins, which yield high quality cured meat products. This study aimed to assess the correlation between body composition measurements taken in vivo by ultrasonography in Iberian pigs and those taken on the carcass, which were then used to develop predictive models to estimate the weight and yield of these cuts. Before slaughter, 241 Iberian pigs were weighed (slaughter BW) and ultrasonically scanned. Ultrasound images were collected at 3 locations: the 10th intercostal space, caudal to the last rib to image the loin muscle, and the rear gluteal region [ultrasound gluteal backfat (u-GBF)]. After slaughter, the weight of the carcass (CW), ham (HW), foreleg (FW), and loin (LW) were determined, and the sum of these lean cuts weights (CLPW) and the corresponding yields were calculated. A portion of loin with the associated bones, backfat, and skin was obtained by cutting the carcass between the 10th and last ribs and was used to measure, at the 10th (10) and last (14) rib locations, the total backfat thickness, the area of the loin muscle (c-LA), and the thickness of the 4 backfat (BF) layers, namely, the outer (c-OBF), middle (c-MBF), outer plus middle (c-OMBF), and the inner (c-IBF). Finally, intramuscular fat percentages (IMF) were obtained from the meat samples. Corresponding measurements from the ultrasound (u) images were similarly taken at the same 2 ribs (u-BF, u-LA, u-OBF, u-MBF, u-OMBF, and u-IBF). The correlation was greatest between u-MBF10 and c-MBF10 (0.84). Most correlations between ultrasound and carcass measurements were lower at the last rib than at 10th rib. The greatest correlation of IMF10 occurred with u-IBF10 (0.40). Ham weight and HL were more correlated with u-BF10 than with u-BF14 whereas FW was more correlated with u-BF14. The u-LA was more correlated with HW, FW, and LW at the last rib than at the 10th rib. Slaughter live weight accounted for 0.84, 0.42, 0.36, and 0.54% of the variation for the prediction of CW, HW, FW, and CLPW, respectively. The u-LA10 and u-LA14 increased the variation explained by the model up to 0.89, 0.48, 0.39, and 0.62% for CW, HW, FW, and CLPW, respectively. Including u-GBF in the models also increased the R(2) values for predicting HW, LW, HY (ham yield), and LY (loin yield). In conclusion, u-LA10, u-LA14, and u-GBF may improve weight of commercial cuts and yield prediction in live Iberian pigs.

Number and spatial distribution of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells in the adult albino rat.

Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) respond directly to light and are responsible of the synchronization of the circadian rhythm with the photic stimulus and for the pupillary light reflex. To quantify the total population of rat-ipRGCs and to assess their spatial distribution we have developed an automated routine and used neighbour maps. Moreover, in all analysed retinas we have studied the general population of RGCs - identified by their Brn3a expression - and the population of ipRGCs - identified by melanopsin immunodetection - thus allowing the co-analysis of their topography. Our results show that the total mean number ± standard deviation of ipRGCs in the albino rat is 2047 ± 309. Their distribution in the retina seems to be complementary to that of Brn3a(+)RGCs, being denser in the periphery, especially in the superior retina where their highest densities are found in the temporal quadrant, above the visual streak. In addition, by tracing the retinas from both superior colliculi, we have also determined that 90.62% of the ipRGC project to these central targets.

[Executive dysfunction in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in childhood]. / Disfunción ejecutiva en el trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad en la infancia.

INTRODUCTION: The principal problem of ADHD is the difficulty to execute inhibitory control. The inhibition is an executive function that is develop during childhood. AIM: To know if other executive functions shower a lower performance in ADHD versus control group and these were different between ADHD-I and ADHD-C. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty three children, between 7 to 10 years old, participated and were assess with EMIC and Simon task. RESULTS: The results showed similar profile in working memory and verbal span. In contrast, ADHD-C showed lower performance in Simon task and more impulsively. On an other hand, ADHD-I showed lower performance in memory working tasks and planning. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest differences in the executive profile between ADHD-I and ADHD-C and these support the hypothesis of Barkley about the necessity to differ both clinical subtypes.

Disfunción ejecutiva en el trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad en la infancia / Executive dysfunction in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in childhood

Introducción. El principal problema del trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad (TDAH) es la dificultad para ejercer un adecuado control inhibitorio, y la inhibición es una de las funciones ejecutivas que se desarrolla a lo largo de la infancia. Objetivo. Conocer si existen, además del déficit inhibitorio, otras funciones ejecutivas que también se viesen afectadas en este trastorno y que puedan diferenciar los dos subtipos clínicos más frecuentes: inatento (TDAH-I) y combinado (TDAH-C). Pacientes y métodos. Se evaluaron 53 niños de entre 7 y 10 años con distintas pruebas cognitivas, con la escala Magallanes de impulsividad computarizada (EMIC) y la tarea Simon, y se comparó el rendimiento entre los dos grupos clínicos y el grupo control. Resultados. Existen déficit similares en ambos grupos clínicos en la amplitud atencional y memoria de trabajo (MT). En cambio, en la tarea Simon el TDAH-C muestra un peor rendimiento, además de mostrar mayor impulsividad cognitiva. Por el contrario, el rendimiento del TDAH-I es menor en las tareas de MT y de planificación. Conclusiones. Los resultados sugieren un perfil ejecutivo distinto en ambos subtipos, que ofrece apoyo a la hipótesis de Barkley sobre la distinción del TDAH-I del TDAH-C (AU)

Introduction. The principal problem of ADHD is the difficulty to execute inhibitory control. The inhibition is an executive function that is develop during childhood. Aim. To know if other executive functions shower a lower performance in ADHD versus control group and these were different between ADHD-I and ADHD-C. Patients and methods. Fifty three children, between 7 to 10 years old, participated and were assess with EMIC and Simon task. Results. The results showed similar profile in working memory and verbal span. In contrast, ADHD-C showed lower performance in Simon task and more impulsively. On an other hand, ADHD-I showed lower performance in memory working tasks and planning. Conclusions. These results suggest differences in the executive profile between ADHD-I and ADHD-C and these support the hypothesis of Barkley about the necessity to differ both clinical subtypes (AU)

Accidental removal of endotracheal and nasogastric tubes and intravascular catheters.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the rates of accidental removal of endotracheal tubes, nasogastric tubes, central venous catheters, and arterial catheters. To assess the efficacy of corrective measures aimed at reducing the accidental removal of these devices. DESIGN: Prospective, observational, and interventional study. SETTING: Eighteen-bed medical-surgical intensive care unit of a 650-bed tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS: Patients admitted to the intensive care unit who had any of the following devices in place for more than 24 hrs: endotracheal tube, nasogastric tube, central venous catheter, arterial catheter. MEASUREMENTS AND INTERVENTIONS: Data were collected on the date of placement of tubes and catheters, position of vascular catheters, date of removal, and reason for removal. The study involved three consecutive 6-month periods. At the end of the first and the second periods, information about rates of accidental removal was provided to the physicians and nurses. In addition, the personnel were instructed to be more vigilant and specific measures aimed at reducing the accidental removal were introduced. MAIN RESULTS: In the first period, 289 endotracheal tubes were placed and 13.1% (24.7 per 1000 days) were removed accidentally. In the second and third periods, 17.1% (25.5 per 1000 days) and 11.4% (15.1 per 1000 days) were removed accidentally, respectively. In the first period, 368 nasogastric tubes were placed and 41% (73.9 per 1000 days) were removed accidentally. In both the second and the third period, a significant reduction in the rate of accidental removal was observed (32.4% or 41.2 per 1000 days and 25.8% or 29.8 per 1000 days, respectively). A significant decrease was observed in the rates of accidental removal of central venous catheters from 7.5% (12.4 per 1000 days) in the first period to 3.6% (5.4 per 1000 days) in the second period. The rate of arterial catheters accidentally removed expressed according to the time at risk significantly decreased from 46.5 per 1000 days in the first period to 19.1 per 1000 days in the second period and 25.3 per 1000 days in the third period. CONCLUSIONS: The information provided by the rates of accidental removal expressed by patient-days is helpful to compare results obtained in populations with different times of follow-up. Education of medical personnel and limiting upper-extremity access to within 20 cm from any catheter or tube resulted in a significant reduction of patient-related removal of tubes and catheters.

Modulation of systemic hemodynamics by exogenous L-arginine in normal and bacteremic sheep.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether exogenous L-arginine, the substrate for nitric oxide synthase, modulates systemic hemodynamics in sepsis. DESIGN: Prospective, controlled study in a sheep model of sepsis. SETTING: Animal research facility in a university hospital. SUBJECTS: Adult sheep weighing between 35 and 55 kg. INTERVENTIONS: Adult sheep sedated and mechanically ventilated, were monitored with a pulmonary arterial catheter and an ileal tonometer. Four groups of sheep were studied: nonseptic, septic, nonseptic treated with L-arginine, and septic treated with L-arginine. Sepsis was induced by the intravenous administration of Escherichia coli (1.5x10(8) colony-forming units/kg for 30 mins). L-arginine was administered as an intravenous bolus (200 mg/kg for 10 mins) before the septic challenge followed by 200 mg/kg/hr for 300 mins. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Sepsis induced a state of acidosis, hyperlactatemia, hypoxemia, and gastric intramucosal acidosis. During the first 30 mins after the septic challenge, there was a decrease in cardiac index and blood pressure, and an increase in systemic vascular resistance. Thereafter, blood pressure returned to baseline values, and systemic vascular resistance fell. Treatment with L-arginine in nonseptic sheep did not induce any biochemical or hemodynamic effect. In septic sheep, treatment with L-arginine was associated with a greater increase in systemic vascular resistance during the first 30 mins, and a more marked decrease in blood pressure and systemic vascular resistance after 180 mins. CONCLUSIONS: Exogenous administration of L-arginine does not induce hemodynamic effects in normal animals, exacerbates the acute vasoconstriction associated with the intravenous infusion of E. coli and potentiates the sepsis-induced vasodilation. Our results suggest that a) nitric oxide production is not constitutively modulated by exogenous L-arginine, b) L-arginine probably enhances the sepsis-induced sympathetic discharge, and c) L-arginine becomes rate-limiting for the formation of nitric oxide at approximately 3 hrs after the initiation of the septic challenge.

Clinical experience with 80 inflatable penile prostheses.

OBJECTIVES: Prosthetic surgery for impotence has been transformed by the use of inflatable prostheses, superseding the old semi-rigid designs. Our objective is to report the functional results and the complications of this type of surgery. METHODS: 80 inflatable prostheses were implanted between October 1987 and October 1994. The mean follow-up was 3 years and assessment of the objective (mechanical functioning of the prosthesis and complications) and subjective results (sexuality of the patients) was made in 68 patients. RESULTS: There were: 54.5% functional disturbances, 7% infections, and 27.5% prosthesis removals. Most of the patients were satisfied, although only 65% returned to regular sexual activity. CONCLUSIONS: The choice between an inflatable and a semi-rigid prosthesis should be carefully discussed because of the frequent mechanical complications that have been reported for the sophisticated designs. Inflatable penile prostheses nevertheless remain the design of choice. Their reliability has been increasing since the manufacture of monobloc designs. Such a device is costly, and should be compared with that of intracavernous injections.

[Uretero-arterial fistulas: report of 2 cases and review of the literature]. / Fistules urétéro-artérielles: à propos de 2 cas et revue de la littérature.

Uretero-arterial fistulas are rare. The authors report two new cases complicating iliac vascular surgery. These fistulas occurred in a particular context: aorto-iliac disease, neoplasm and pelvic radiotherapy. Prolonged ureteric catheterisation is a risk factor found in 65% of cases. The clinical diagnosis is difficult and must be suggested in the presence of episodes of haematuria, sometimes minimal and intermittent, but often cataclysmic. The clinical context is highly suggestive of the diagnosis. The most useful complementary investigations are arteriography and retrograde ureteropyelography. Surgical treatment is complex, as it is performed in an emergency context in patients with a poor general state and it must treat both the vascular and the urological problem. Embolization can be proposed in some cases. The prognosis remains serious due to the frequency and severity of postoperative complications, which is why this disease must be investigated in all patients at risk.

[Design of a program of quality control of nursing in an intensive care unit]. / Diseño de un programa de control de calidad de enfermería en una UCI.

Although in the last few years care quality programs have started to be used in services, these are still few in nursing equipment. Our aim is to show the process we have followed to design a nursing care quality program in ICU. We developed the stages of process, where a list of general activities performed in the service was created to establish a priority later, as it was necessary, due to the high number of aspects or activities to monitor, to choose those we would use to start the quality control program. The ultimate order was settled with the following activities: 1. Surveillance of the infection. 2. Accidental withdrawal of tubes and catheters. 3. Pressure ulcers.