Study of the correlation between the magnetic and electrical properties of the La0.6Sr0.4MnO3 compound.

In this work, we investigated the relationship between the electrical and magnetic properties of the superparamagnetic (SPM) La0.6Sr0.4MnO3 (S1C0) compound prepared by the sol-gel method. The (S1C0) sample displayed a ferromagnetic metallic (FMM) behavior at low temperatures and a paramagnetic semiconductor (PMSC) behavior at high temperatures. The FMM behavior was described by the Zener Double Exchange (ZDE) polynomial law containing the contributions of the electron-electron (e-e) interactions and the electron-magnon (e-m) scattering. The PMSC behavior was described by the Mott Variable Range Hopping (Mott-VRH) transport model. The semiconductor/metallic transition temperature has been approximated at the blocking temperature. The Thermal Coefficient of Resistivity (TCR), which exhibits a linear variation around ambient temperature, can be used as a calibration curve for thermometry. Thus, our sample can be considered as a good candidate for the detection of infrared radiation used in night vision bolometer technologies.

EFSA's OpenFoodTox: An open source toxicological database on chemicals in food and feed and its future developments.

Since its creation in 2002, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has produced risk assessments for over 5000 substances in >2000 Scientific Opinions, Statements and Conclusions through the work of its Scientific Panels, Units and Scientific Committee. OpenFoodTox is an open source toxicological database, available both for download and data visualisation which provides data for all substances evaluated by EFSA including substance characterisation, links to EFSA's outputs, applicable legislations regulations, and a summary of hazard identification and hazard characterisation data for human health, animal health and ecological assessments. The database has been structured using OECD harmonised templates for reporting chemical test summaries (OHTs) to facilitate data sharing with stakeholders with an interest in chemical risk assessment, such as sister agencies, international scientific advisory bodies, and others. This manuscript provides a description of OpenFoodTox including data model, content and tools to download and search the database. Examples of applications of OpenFoodTox in chemical risk assessment are discussed including new quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models, integration into tools (OECD QSAR Toolbox and AMBIT-2.0), assessment of environmental footprints and testing of threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) values for food related compounds. Finally, future developments for OpenFoodTox 2.0 include the integration of new properties, such as physico-chemical properties, exposure data, toxicokinetic information; and the future integration within in silico modelling platforms such as QSAR models and physiologically-based kinetic models. Such structured in vivo, in vitro and in silico hazard data provide different lines of evidence which can be assembled, weighed and integrated using harmonised Weight of Evidence approaches to support the use of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in chemical risk assessment and the reduction of animal testing.

Impact of synthesis route on structural, magnetic, magnetocaloric and critical behavior of Nd0.6Sr0.4MnO3 manganite.

Nd0.6Sr0.4MnO3 polycrystalline manganite was synthesized by two different methods: the auto-combustion reaction (NSMO-AC) and the sol-gel method (NSMO-SG). The structural, magnetic, magnetocaloric and critical behavior of the samples were examined. Rietveld refinements of the XRD patterns revealed that both compounds are pure single phase indexed to the orthorhombic system adopting the Pnma space group. The nanometric size estimated using the Williamson-Hall method was confirmed by TEM micrographs. Magnetic measurements as a function of temperature indicated that both samples underwent a second order ferromagnetic (FM)-paramagnetic (PM) phase transition at Curie temperature (T C). The relative cooling power was observed to be around 95.271 J kg-1 for NSMO-AC and 202.054 J kg-1 for NSMO-SG at µ 0 H = 5 T, indicating that these materials are potential candidates for magnetic refrigeration application close to room temperature. The critical behavior was estimated using diverse techniques based on the isothermal magnetization data recorded around the critical temperature T C. The calculated values are fully satisfactory to the requirements of the scaling theory, implying their reliability. The estimated critical exponents matched well with the values anticipated for the mean-field model and the 3D Ising model for NSMO-AC and NSMO-SG, respectively, showing that the magnetic interactions depended on the process of elaboration.

Metabolism and pharmacokinetics of pharmaceuticals in cats (Felix sylvestris catus) and implications for the risk assessment of feed additives and contaminants.

In animal health risk assessment, hazard characterisation of feed additives has been often using the default uncertainty factor (UF) of 100 to translate a no-observed-adverse-effect level in test species (rat, mouse, dog, rabbit) to a 'safe' level of chronic exposure in farm and companion animal species. Historically, both 10-fold factors have been further divided to include chemical-specific data in both dimensions when available. For cats (Felis Sylvestris catus), an extra default UF of 5 is applied due to the species' deficiency in particularly glucuronidation and glycine conjugation. This paper aims to assess the scientific basis and validity of the UF for inter-species differences in kinetics (4.0) and the extra UF applied for cats through a comparison of kinetic parameters between rats and cats for 30 substrates of phase I and phase II metabolism. When the parent compound undergoes glucuronidation the default factor of 4.0 is exceeded, with exceptions for zidovudine and S-carprofen. Compounds that were mainly renally excreted did not exceed the 4.0-fold default. Mixed results were obtained for chemicals which are metabolised by CYP3A in rats. When chemicals were administered intravenously the 4.0-fold default was not exceeded with the exception of clomipramine, lidocaine and alfentanil. The differences seen after oral administration might be due to differences in first-pass metabolism and bioavailability. Further work is needed to further characterise phase I, phase II enzymes and transporters in cats to support the development of databases and in silico models to support hazard characterisation of chemicals particularly for feed additives.

Effect of Cholecalciferol therapy on serum FGF23 in vitamin D deficient patients: a randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Fibroblast growth factor-23 plays an important role in regulating systemic phosphate homeostasis, and vitamin D metabolism. However, the effect of Cholecalciferol therapy on FGF23 serum level in patients with vitamin D deficiency has not been studied, yet. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a double-blind, randomized clinical trial on 119 vitamin D deficient patients in 2016. Biochemical variables of treatment and placebo groups were analyzed after 12 weeks of 50,000 IU of Cholecalciferol vs. placebo therapy once a week, by SPSS18. RESULTS: After Cholecalciferol therapy, delta of serum PTH in treatment group was less than the controls (P < 0.001). However, delta values of serum 25(OH)D3, 1,25(OH)2D3 and FGF23 in vitamin D treated group were more than the placebo-treated ones (P < 0.001, P = 0.002, and P = 0.04, respectively). Moreover, FGF23 serum level in treatment group was associated with serum calcium (P = 0.005, r = -0.256), and serum 1,25(OH)2D3 (P < 0.001, r = 0.529). CONCLUSIONS: We propose that in these patients 1,25(OH)2D3 has a positive association with serum FGF23, and hypostasized that serum calcium might be a down regulator of serum FGF23.

Magnetocaloric study, critical behavior and spontaneous magnetization estimation in La0.6Ca0.3Sr0.1MnO3 perovskite.

A detailed study of structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of the polycrystalline manganite La0.6Ca0.3Sr0.1MnO3 is presented. The Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction pattern reveals that our sample is indexed in the orthorhombic structure with Pbnm space group. Magnetic measurements display a second order paramagnetic (PM)/ferromagnetic (FM) phase transition at Curie temperature T c = 304 K. The magnetic entropy change (ΔS M) is calculated using two different methods: Maxwell relations and Landau theory. An acceptable agreement between both data is noted, indicating the importance of magnetoelastic coupling and electron interaction in magnetocaloric effect (MCE) properties of La0.6Ca0.3Sr0.1MnO3. The maximum magnetic entropy change (-ΔS max M) and the relative cooling power (RCP) are found to be respectively 5.26 J kg-1 K-1 and 262.53 J kg-1 for µ 0 H = 5 T, making of this material a promising candidate for magnetic refrigeration application. The magnetic entropy curves are found to follow the universal law, confirming the existence of a second order PM/FM phase transition at T c which is in excellent agreement with that already deduced from Banerjee criterion. The critical exponents are extracted from the field dependence of the magnetic entropy change. Their values are close to the 3D-Ising class. Scaling laws are obeyed, implying their reliability. The spontaneous magnetization values determined using the magnetic entropy change (ΔS M vs. M 2) are in good agreement with those obtained from the classical extrapolation of Arrott curves (µ 0 H/M vs. M 2). The magnetic entropy change can be effectively used in studying the critical behavior and the spontaneous magnetization in manganites system.

Structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of 0.75La0.6Ca0.4MnO3/0.25La0.6Sr0.4MnO3 nanocomposite manganite.

The present study involves an investigation of structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) properties of 0.75La0.6Ca0.4MnO3/0.25La0.6Sr0.4MnO3 composite material. Crystal structure analysis is performed by using Rietveld refinement of the X-ray diffraction patterns. The studied composite exhibits two structural phases; the rhombohedral and the orthorhombic structures corresponding to the mother compounds; La0.6Ca0.4MnO3 and La0.6Sr0.4MnO3, respectively. The scanning electron microscopy micrographs support our findings. Magnetic measurements as a function of temperature of the composite display two successive second order magnetic phase transitions at 255 and 365 K associated to both mother compounds. Therefore, a broadening of the magnetic entropy change peak is noted. A better relative cooling power (RCP) value of 360 J kg-1 compared to those observed in mother compounds is obtained at µ 0 H = 5 T, making of this material considered as a suitable candidate for magnetic refrigeration applications near room temperature. A consistent agreement between experimental results and numerical calculations based on the rule of mixtures has been shown. The theoretical modeling of the MCE using Landau theory reveals an acceptable concordance with experimental data indicating the importance of magnetoelastic coupling and electron interaction in the MCE properties of manganite systems. The field dependence of the magnetic entropy change is applied to study the critical behavior. Our results go in tandem with the values corresponding to the mean field model. The spontaneous magnetization values determined using the magnetic entropy change (ΔS M vs. M 2) are in good agreement with those found from the classical extrapolation of Arrott curves (µ 0 H/M vs. M 2).

Detection of M2 antimitochondrial antibodies by dot blot assay is more specific than by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

AIMS: The objective of our study was, in one hand, to determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of ELISA and dot blot assay to investigate IgG M2 antimitochondrial antibodies (M2 AMA) and, on the other hand, to compare these results with those of indirect immunofluorescence technique (IIF). METHODS: Sera from patients suffering from primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) (n=55), systemic lupus erythematosus (n=21), celiac disease (n=30) and blood donors (n=75) were analyzed. M2 AMA were detected by ELISA and dot blot using pyruvate dehydrogenase purified from porcine heart and by IIF on cryostat sections of rat liver-kidney-stomach. RESULTS: IIF was more sensitive (98%) than ELISA (93%) and dot blot (91%). The specificity of AMA for PBC using IIF, ELISA and dot blot reached 100%, 92% and 100%, respectively. The PPV of IIF, ELISA and dot blot was 100%, 93% and 100%, respectively. The NPV was 98% for IIF, 92% for ELISA and 91% for dot blot. CONCLUSION: Dot blot, using purified pyruvate dehydrogenase, had a higher specificity than ELISA and may be useful in confirming the specificity of AMA in cases of doubt with IIF.

[Antihistones antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus, comparison of three assays: Elisa, dot blot and immunoblot]. / Anticorps antihistones au cours du lupus érythémateux systémique, comparaison entre trois techniques: Elisa, dot blot et immunotransfert.

AIMS: The purpose of our study is to determine and compare the sensitivity of an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), a dot blot assay and an immunoblot assay for the detection of the IgG class antihistones antibodies in a population of systemic lupus erythematosus. The correlation between antihistones antibodies and the main clinical features of SLE or between antihistones antibodies and the presence of anti-double-stranded-DNA antibodies were analysed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum samples from 126 systemic lupus erythematosus patients, classified according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology, were analysed for the presence of antihistones antibodies using a dot blot assay and an ELISA. Antihistones subfractions antibodies were assessed using the immunoblot technique on 88 out of the 126 sera. Serum samples from 50 blood-donors were analyzed as negative controls. RESULTS: The sensitivity of antihistones antibodies assessed by dot blot assay and ELISA was 69% and 54% respectively, and was lower than that of anti-double-stranded-DNA antibodies (83%). The sensitivity of the immunoblot assay for the detection of antihistones antibodies was 72%. Incidence of autoantibodies against histones H1, H2 A, H2B, H3 and H4 was 60%, 53%, 48%, 36% and 29.5% respectively. We found a correlation between the presence of antihistones antibodies, detected by the dot blot assay and ELISA, and the presence of anti-double-stranded-DNA antibodies. Antihistones antibodies detected by ELISA were correlated with renal disease in systemic lupus erythematosus; they showed a specificity, a positive and a negative predictive value for renal disease in systemic lupus erythematosus higher than those of anti-double-stranded-DNA antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity of the dot blot assay for the detection of antihistones antibodies is better than that of ELISA, but the latter technique could detect some cases negative by ELISA. Antihistones antibodies detected by ELISA have an important predictive value in the renal complications in systemic lupus erythematosus, better than that of AdsDNA. Antibodies to histone H1 were the most frequent antihistones autoandibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus and they were highly correlated with anti-double-stranded-DNA antibodies and renal disease.

Celiac disease in Tunisia: serological screening in healthy blood donors.

BACKGROUND: Recent epidemiological studies in Europe and in USA using antigliadin antibodies and antiendomysium antibodies for initial screening have shown that the overall prevalence of celiac disease (CD) is about 1:200 (0.5%). AIM: To screen for CD in healthy blood donors in Tunisia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sera from 2500 healthy blood donors (median age: 21 years, 70% men and 30% women) were screened for IgG-antigliadin antibodies and IgA-antigliadin antibodies with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All sera with positive antigliadin antibodies were tested for antiendomysium antibodies using human umbilical cord cryosections as substrate. RESULTS: Seven healthy blood donors (median age: 21 years; four men, three women) have antiendomysium antibodies. The prevalence of antiendomysium antibodies in healthy blood donors in Tunisia is 1:355 (0.28%). CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of a high specificity of the antiendomysium antibodies, it is likely that the seven blood donors identified in this study have CD. These data suggest that CD is frequent in Tunisia.

Tissue transglutaminase antibodies in celiac disease, comparison of an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and a dot blot assay.

AIMS: The purpose of our study is to determine the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a dot blot assay for the detection of IgA class anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (IgA-AtTGA) and to compare these results with those of IgA class anti-endomysium antibodies (IgA-AEA), IgA class anti-reticulin antibodies (IgA-ARA) and IgA class anti-gliadin antibodies (IgA-AGA). PATIENTS: Serum samples from 143 patients (97 children, 46 adults) with untreated celiac disease (CD) confirmed by intestinal biopsy and 74 disease controls (64 children, 10 adults) were studied. Methods. - The anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies were detected by dot blot assay and an ELISA using guinea pig tissue transglutaminase (gp-tTG) as antigen. The anti-endomysium antibodies were detected by an indirect immunofluorescence technique on cryostat sections of human umbilical cord. The anti-reticulin antibodies were also investigated by indirect immunofluorescence on cryostat sections of kidney, liver and stomach of rat. The anti-gliadin antibodies were determined by an ELISA. RESULTS: The sensitivity of an ELISA for the detection of anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies was 86% in children and 87% in adults and the sensitivity of dot blot assay was 57% in children and 54% in adults. The specificity of an ELISA and dot blot for the detection for anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies was, respectively, 96% and 88% lower than that of anti-endomysium antibodies (100%). The sensitivity of anti-gliadin antibodies was 97% in children and 91% in adults and their specificity was 85%. The sensitivity of anti-reticulin antibodies was 94% in children and 87% in adults. Their specificity was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity and specificity of an ELISA for the detection of anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies were better than that of dot blot assay. However, this dot blot assay could screen four celiac patients who have not had anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies by an ELISA. The sensitivity of anti-endomysium antibodies was better than that of anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies, anti-reticulin antibodies and anti-gliadin antibodies but in children aged less than 2 years, the sensitivity of anti-gliadin antibodies was better than that of anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies.

[Mixed connective tissue disease revealed by chronic lymphocytic meningitis in an infant]. / Connectivite mixte révélée par une méningite lymphocytaire chronique chez un nourrisson.

UNLABELLED: Mixed connective tissue disease (MTCD) is a systemic inflammatory disorder individualised by Sharp et al. in 1972. This entity is rare in children. CASE REPORT: We report an exceptional case of MTCD revealed by lymphocytic meningitis in a two-month-and-a-half-old infant. The disease was diagnosed at the age of nine months when clinical symptomatology was completed by common signs of the illness (Raynaud's phenomenon, swollen hands), systemic lupus erythematosus-like symptoms (lymphadenopathy, squamous erythema of the limbs, hepato-splenomegaly, pleuritis and ascites) and polymyositis-like findings (muscle weakness with increased serum levels of myogenic enzymes). Laboratory investigations showed an important inflammatory syndrome and the presence of speckled anti-nuclear and anti-U(1)RNP antibodies. Specific antibodies of the other connective tissue diseases were also positive (anti-DNA, anti-Sm, anti-SSA and SSB, anti-Scl 70 and JO1) pleading for the mixed feature of the illness. The follow-up after corticosteroid treatment was marked by clinical and biological improvement. But after five months, the patient died following a severe infectious complication. CONCLUSION: Chronic lymphocytic meningitis can be part of Sharp's syndrome even in infants. However, the diagnosis relies on the evidence of characteristic clinical and biological abnormalities of MTCD.

Group A streptococci in children with acute pharyngitis in Sousse, Tunisia.

A 1-year prospective study in 2 paediatric outpatient clinics in Sousse, Tunisia, aimed to determine the presence of group A streptococci in acute pharyngitis cases and carriers, and the distribution of the serotypes and biotypes. Group A streptococci were found in 9.0% of throat swabs from 155 controls and 17.7% from 474 patients (P < 0.05). Of 43 strains isolated from patients and submitted for typing, 15 different types were identified, the most common being M75 (14 strains; 32.5%), M9 (6 strains; 14.0%), M76 (5 strains; 11.6%) and M12 (4 strains; 9.3%). Three strains were non-typeable (7.0%). Biotyping of the strains showed 3 predominant biotypes: biotype 3 (n = 14), biotype 2 (n = 11), and biotype 1 (n = 7).

Group A streptococci in children with acute pharyngitis in Sousse, Tunisia

A 1-year prospective study in 2 paediatric outpatient clinics in Sousse, Tunisia, aimed to determine the presence of group A streptococci in acute pharyngitis cases and carriers, and the distribution of the serotypes and biotypes. Group A streptococci were found in 9.0% of throat swabs from 155 controls and 17.7% from 474 patients [P < 0.05]. Of 43 strains isolated from patients and submitted for typing, 15 different types were identified, the most common being M75 [14 strains; 32.5%], M9 [6 strains; 14.0%], M76 [5 strains; 11.6%] and M12 [4 strains; 9.3%]. Three strains were non-typeable [7.0%]. Biotyping of the strains showed 3 predominant biotypes: biotype 3 [n = 14], biotype 2 [n = 11], and biotype 1 [n = 7]

[Esophageal mucocele: report of 2 pediatric cases]. / Mucocèle oesophagienne à propos de deux observations pédiatriques.

Two cases of esophageal mucocele in pediatric patients are reported: two children of 5 and 9 years respectively underwent surgical isolation of the esophagus and esophagocoloplasty for caustic stenosis related to accidental ingestion of caustic soda. Clinical pattern of mediastinal compression was proved with cervical fistulous tract in one case. In both cases, thoracic computed tomography was a sensitive imaging method to demonstrate the mucocele and its extension. Esophageal mucocele is rarely described in children, especially following esophageal corrosive stricture.

[Clinical and serological characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus: 128 cases]. / Caractéristiques cliniques et sérologiques du lupus érythémateux systémique: à propos de 128 cas.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the clinical and serological characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the center of Tunisia. METHODS: We studied 128 patients with SLE aged one to 73 years. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) were detected by an immunofluorescence method. Anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibodies, anti-extractable nuclear antigen antibodies (anti-Sm, anti-SS-A, anti-SS-B and anti-RNP) and anti-cardiolipin (aCL of IgG, IgA and IgM isotypes) antibodies were detected by ELISA. RESULTS: Malar rash (71%) and anemia (71%) were the most common clinical manifestations. Arthritis was seen in 62.5%. Severe kidney damage was observed in 39%. Pericarditis and pleuritis were observed in only 23%. Neurological manifestations (16%) were uncommon. Clinical manifestations of anti-phospholipid syndrome (SAPL) were observed in 15%. ANA were detected in 100%, anti-dsDNA in 76%, anti-Sm in 55.5%, anti-SS-A in 64%, anti-SS-B in 33.6%, anti-RNP in 49%. aCL of IgG, IgA and IgM isotypes were detected in 63.5%, 49% and 40.6% of the patients respectively. The only significant positive clinical associations were those of arthritis with anti-dsDNA antibodies (p = 0.022) and malar rash with anti-SS-A antibodies (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that tunisians with SLE present, in general, a mild form of disease predominantly manifested by cutaneous, musculoskeletal and hematologic involvement but low prevalence of major organ damage.

[Mucocele of the appendix. Retrospective study of 10 cases]. / Les mucocèles appendiculaires. Etude rétrospective à propos de 10 cas.

PURPOSE: The purpose of our work was to assess the value of abdominal sonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) in the preoperative diagnosis of appendiceal mucocele. MATERIAL: and methods. We retrospectively reviewed 10 cases of mucocele of the appendix, 7 cases without pseudomyxoma peritonei, and 3 cases with pseudomyxoma peritonei. All cases were investigated radiologically by plain film and US, barium enema was performed in 3 cases and CT in 5 cases. RESULTS: Mucoceles of the appendix are rare and their clinical presentation is not specific. US confirms the appendicular involvement, but often poses the differential diagnosis with acute inflammation, abscess or localized appendicular peritonitis. CT appears as a mandatory examination since it allows accurate preoperative diagnosis period. In this series, the diagnosis was made preoperatively in the 5 cases where CT had been performed. CONCLUSION: US is useful to confirm the abnormal pattern of the appendix but does not allow accurate diagnosis of mucocele. CT is more specific and accurate for diagnosis of mucocele of the appendix.

[Anti-endomysium, anti-reticulin and anti-gliadin antibodies, value in the diagnosis of celiac disease in the child]. / Anticorps anti-endomysium, anti-réticuline et anti-gliadine, intérêt dans le diagnostic de la maladie coeliaque chez l'enfant.

Coeliac disease is associated with gluten intolerance in genetically predisposed subjects. Environmental factors, particularly of viral origin, may also play a major role. In this study, the presence of IgA class anti-endomysium antibodies (AEA-IgA), IgA class anti-reticulin antibodies (ARA-IgA) and IgA class anti-gliadin antibodies (AGA-IgA) was investigated in 120 serum samples from 120 children (60 patients with coeliac disease and 60 control subjects). The AEA were detected by indirect immunofluorescence on sections of human umbilical cord. The ARA were also investigated by the same technique in rat kidney, liver and stomach. The AGA were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In the patients with coeliac disease, the sensitivity of AEA and ARA was 86% and 76% respectively. In both cases, the specificity was 100%. In children below two years of age, the sensitivity of AEA and ARA was too low, i.e., 57% and 35% respectively. In children aged between two and 15 years, the sensitivity of AEA and ARA was 95% and 89% respectively. The sensitivity of IgA class AGA was 86%, and their specificity was 83%. In this study population, these results show that IgA class AEA are interesting markers for the diagnosis of coeliac disease in the child, and could be used in screening for coeliac disease in a high-risk population.

[Abdominal actinomycosis. Report of 4 clinical cases studied with radiography]. / Actinomycose abdominale. A propos de 4 observations radiocliniques.

We report 4 cases of pathologically proven abdominal actinomycosis. US and CT demonstrated an infiltrative abdominal mass with ill-defined margins and heterogeneous enhancement after IV contrast. The ileo-cecal region was involved in one case; the mass appeared following cholecystectomy and recurred 3 years after surgical resection in one case; and no predisposing factor was identified in the 2 other cases. In one of these, recurrence was observed 12 years after the first episode. Actinomycosis must be included in the differential diagnosis of invasive abdominal lesions with "malignant" appearance.

Distribution of rotavirus VP7 serotypes and VP4 genotypes circulating in Sousse, Tunisia, from 1995 to 1999: emergence of natural human reassortants.

Rotavirus strains circulating in Sousse, Tunisia, between 1995 and 1999 were characterized antigenically by monoclonal antibodies to the VP6 subgroup and the VP7 serotype. The VP4 genotype was determined by reverse transcription-PCR, as were the strains with untyped VP7. Only 17% of 375 children were shedding rotavirus as determined by latex agglutination assay. Most rotavirus strains were G1P[8] (50%), followed by G4P[8] and G4P[6]. Reassortant G1P[4] strains emerged in Sousse during the 1998-1999 season.