[Axillary lymph node microcalcifications disclosing breast cancer]. / Microcalcifications ganglionnaires axillaires révélatrices d'un cancer du sein.

Intra nodal calcifications associate with breast cancer are uncommon. The rare publications always describe malignant microcaocifications in axillary lymph nodes, evolving with the primary breast tumor imaged on mammography. In the reported observation, we observed calcified metastatic neoplasm in axillary nodes, preceding the intramammary lesion.

Present state of development of neo-electroencephalography.

Neo-electroencephalography (neo-EEG) is a new technique for recording and analyzing brain activity. Mathematical and computerized reconstitution yields a monopolar-like montage. Given the polymorphism of the brain's electrical activity, the computer detects the correct monopolar-like montage for each activity in steps of 0.25 Hz. Conventional EEG detects the difference in potentials between two electrodes. Through the use of monopolar-like montages neo-EEG analysis reveals the amplitude and phase that actually underlie each electrode. The report describes with precision the features of the recording extracts that have been chosen for the analysis, i.e., the number of dominant frequencies, the frequency to the nearest 0.25 Hz and the frequency spectrum for each dominant frequency, then the amplitude to the nearest 0.1 microv and phase shift to the nearest 0.001 sec at each electrode. Some examples of comparisons between neo-EEG and conventional EEG findings are shown and demonstrate the advantages of neo-EEG in detection and differentiation of organic and functional pathologies.

Potential gradient of spike and wave temporal foci detected by vertical derivation and neo-electroencephalography.

We studied the electrical pattern of spikes and waves and unitemporal foci by compared analysis. One analysis was obtained by two conventional derivations: longitudinal plus triangular and referential to a neck electrode ('vertical derivation'). The other analysis is quantified by the same vertical derivation and by a monopolar-like computerized derivation, the Neo-EEG. With Neo-EEG we obtained a differential dissociation of the spike-and-wave type, and a better analysis of the cerebral dysfunction in temporal foci than in classical EEG. This leads to a sharper diagnosis of the disease it characterizes. This study also shows that one must be aware of the inadequacies and errors resulting from conventional recording because of the bipolar derivations.

[Diffuse subcortical heterotopias of the gray matter]. / Hétérotopies sous-corticales diffuses de la substance grise.

Three cases of diffuse subcortical gray matter heterotopias in children are reported. Generalised seizures and mild mental retardation were the most frequent signs. No specific electroencephalographic pattern was recognized. Magnetic resonance imaging scans showed the thick diffuse layer of heterotopic gray matter which was surrounded by normal white matter. Gyration was normal, and no associated malformation was observed. This neuronal migrational disorder happens between the 10th and 16th gestational week. Nineteen observations (17 girls) are reported in the literature. The filiation with agyria-pachygyria and the possible genetic transmission are discussed.

[Contribution of neo-electroencephalography in adult functional and psychiatric disorders]. / Apport de la néo-électro-encéphalographie dans les troubles fonctionnels et psychiatriques de l'adulte.

Two comparative studies of the basic activity at rest, with closed eyes taken in conventional EEG and analysed in Neo-EEG are carried out in adults showing functional or psychiatric disorders. The first open study involves 18 subjects suffering from a affection called "neurodystony" and 24 depressed subjects. The second study made in double-blind compares the results of the conventional EEG with the Neo-EEG in 19 depressed patients, 28 alcoholic patients and 26 psychotic patients. The Neo-EEG discloses abnormalities in about 60% of the cases when the conventional EEG is normal. The conventional EEG as well as the Neo-EEG diagnose a greater number of low voltage in alcoholic subjects and clear abnormalities in psychotic subjects. Low voltage is never detected in psychotic patients. In depressives, the Neo-EEG shows about 65% of abnormalities of which an asymmetry of the basic frequency in the center of the two hemispheres when they are analysed separately. That asymmetry develops in parallel with the clinical state. The asymmetry is also found in psychotic patients. In nervous or neurodystonic subjects, the Neo-EEG only discloses 25% of abnormalities. The Neo-EEG appears as an easy method, able to detect dysfunctions which cannot be disclosed with the conventional EEG and useful to follow their developments. Moreover, the result of this technique brings to the fore abnormalities not detected with the conventional EEG: this eventually leads to prescribe other therapies than those initially considered.

Encapsulación de células en perlas de aliginato de calcio: posibilidades de aplicación / Cell entrapment in calcium alginate beads: possible applications

La inmovilización de células animales se ha logrado empleando diferentes vías, se ha utilizado para alcanzar cultivos de alta densidad y como una alternativa a la terapia génica de células somáticas. En este trabajo se reporta una metodología para la encapsulación de células de melanoma de Bowes y células CHO productoras de ht-PSA recombinante en perlas de alginato de calcio. Las células de melanoma de Bowes encapsuladas se emplearon para la producción de ht-PA en un reactor de cama fluidizada. Las células CHO productoras de ht-PA recombinante y encapsuladas, se inocularon en ratones y se demostró la presencia de anticuerpos específicos anti-ht-PA en estos animales

Encapsulación de células en perlas de aliginato de calcio: posibilidades de aplicación / Cell entrapment in calcium alginate beads: possible applications

La inmovilización de células animales se ha logrado empleando diferentes vías, se ha utilizado para alcanzar cultivos de alta densidad y como una alternativa a la terapia génica de células somáticas. En este trabajo se reporta una metodología para la encapsulación de células de melanoma de Bowes y células CHO productoras de ht-PSA recombinante en perlas de alginato de calcio. Las células de melanoma de Bowes encapsuladas se emplearon para la producción de ht-PA en un reactor de cama fluidizada. Las células CHO productoras de ht-PA recombinante y encapsuladas, se inocularon en ratones y se demostró la presencia de anticuerpos específicos anti-ht-PA en estos animales (AU)

[Benign grand mal epilepsy in the adult]. / L'épilepsie grand mal bénigne de l'adulte.

In two separate papers submitted to a symposium in Barcelona in December 1987 on primary, generalized grand mal epilepsy becoming manifest in adulthood, the findings were so identical that the authors thought it appropriate to make a joint publication. L. Oller Daurella, after studying 90 cases, and L. Sorel, after studying 80 cases, propose the definition of a particular form of benign grand mal epilepsy in the adult. The various characteristics of this new entity are described.

[Flunarizine in epilepsy. Evaluation of a 4-month supplementary treatment in patients resistant to treatment with existing antiepileptics]. / La flunarizine dans l'épilepsie. Evaluation d'un traitement "additif" de quatre mois chez des patients résistants au traitement antiépileptique existant.

Twenty patients affected with a form of epilepsy resistant to treatment received 10 to 20 mg of flunarizine per day in addition to the anti-epileptic medication. The majority of the patients suffered from partial epilepsy with or without secondary generalization. The flunarizine treatment was evaluated after four months. On the whole, flunarizine was well tolerated. The number of attacks was reduced by 50% or more in half the patients.

Basis and use of a true monopolar derivation: the neo-electroencephalography (N.E.E.G.).

A new method of monopolar recording is presented. This true monopolar derivation is based on a computer-reconstituted signals method: use of a reference electrode obtained by interconnecting two electrodes placed one on either side of the neck to form a common pole; detection by Fourier analysis of the various frequencies from 0 to 16 Hz in 1/4 Hz steps; continuous comparison of phase for each activity per 1/4 Hz between the signal PF left - Reference Neck (RC) and O right - Reference Neck (RC) in order to see whether the reference electrode is active or not; automatic subtraction of the value of the reference electrode from the value of all other reference channels if the reference electrode is active. The technique is available for routine purposes. The results are easy to read and provide more precise data as well as new parameters which could prove useful in current clinical practice. The first electroclinical correlations covered frequency, location of potential gradients and phase relations established for 40 adult normal subjects with a reading identified as normal, and for 60 adult pathological subjects with a reading also identified as normal. Clear differences appeared between these two types of supposedly normal readings.

[Comparative study of valproic acid and sodium valproate (author's transl)]. / Etude comparative de l'action de l'acide valproïque et du valproate sodique.

The action of valproic acid prescribed instead of sodium valproate in strictly identical conditions was analysed in 11 epileptic children and 24 adults. No change in therapeutic effect was observed in a large proportion of cases. However, blood tests showed an increase in serum levels in most cases. Thus, valproic acid can be of help in cases hitherto treated with sodium valproate, on the same basis as diphenylhydantoin; the acid form sometimes offers an advantage over the use of the sodium salt.

Comparative trial of intravenous lorazepam and clonazepam im status epilepticus.

The primary use of lorazepam, when administered intravenously (IV), has been in the treatment of acute attacks of anxiety and agitation. Recent studies have investigated its efficacy in patients with status epilepticus. The present study compared the efficacy and tolerability of lorazepam and clonazepam in the treatment of status epilepticus. Lorazepam, 4 to 10 mg IV, and/or clonazepam, 1 mg IV, was administered in 61 hospitalized epileptic patients. If needed, the dose of each agent was repeated in 20 minutes. Twenty-two patients were given lorazepam, nine were given clonazepam, and 30 were given both drugs at different times. Improvement in EEG was greater with lorazepam while the clinical symptoms responded more completely to clonazepam. Both drugs were most effective in patients with secondary generalized epilepsy. Drowsiness followed either drug. Psychomotor agitation followed either drug in 12% of patients.

[Comparative study of source leads, bipolar leads and neck reference leads (author's transl)]. / Etude comparative des montages de source, bipolaires et référentiels cou.

A twelve-channel machine was wired up in such a way that the same signals were recorded simultaneously via source leads, longitudinal bipolar leads and reference leads to an electrode at the base of the neck. This comparative study demonstrated that source leads do not provide a more accurate indication of the location of diffuse or extensive cerebral activity. On the contrary, in some cases we noted a decrease in the amplitude of the activities recorded, the suppression of certain components which were none the less present and even the appearance of a recording in phase opposition where there was no inversion of phases in the electrodes concerned.

[Computerized axial tomography and epileptic entities (author's transl)]. / La tomographie assistée par calculateur et les entités épileptiques.

On the basis of a personal classification, the authors attempt to establish a correlation between the CAT scan and various forms of epilepsy. Although some results are entirely consistent, the authors find that in a fair number of apparently lesional forms of epilepsy the CAT detects approximately the same percentage of abnormalities in cases with a history of clear pathological antecedents as in those without such antecedents. In the light of this finding, the relation between the CAT record and the true cause of epilepsy is reconsidered.

[Electroencephalogram and CAT scan in 393 cases of epilepsy. Consistency between focal EEG changes and focal CAT changes (author's transl)]. / Electroencéphalogramme et tomographie assistée par calculateur dans 393 cas d'épilepsie. Etude des correspondances des localisations EEG et des localisations dédouvertes par la tomographie assistée par calculateur.

A simultaneous study of EEG recordings and CAT scans in 393 epileptics led to the following findings:--in our population, the EEG pattern is normal in 6.8% of the cases and the CAT normal in 64.6%;--focal EEG changes give focal CAT changes in 38.6% and diffuse changes in 4.1% of the cases;--diffuse EEG changes give focal CAT changes in 18% and diffuse changes in 8.8% of the cases;--focal CAT changes give focal EEG changes in 68% and diffuse changes in 28% of the cases;--diffuse CAT changes give focal EEG changes in 27.5% and diffuse changes in 51.8% of the cases;--out of the 393 epileptics, 72 presented distinctly focal changes on simultaneous EEG and CAT records. The changes were on the same side in 80.5% of the cases. The reasons for the lack of consistency in 19.5% of the cases are discussed.

Diclofenamide in the treatment of therapy-resistant epilepsy.

An average daily dose of 33 mg of diclofenamide, a carbonic-anhydrase inhibitor, was added to the anti-epileptic medication already employed in 105 cases of severe epilepsy which had shown insufficient clinical improvement. A favourable action on seizures, often accompanied by an improvement in the EEG tracing, was observed in 83 cases. The effect was of long duration in 47 cases in that it lasted for more than a year. It persisted for one to twelve months in a further 17 cases, while in 19 patients, who had reacted favourably to the treatment, medication had to be suspended because of intolerance.