Prospective study on the prevalence and associated risk factors of cryptorchidism in 6246 newborn boys from Nice area, France.

To assess the incidence and risk factors of cryptorchidism in Nice area. A 3-year prospective study was conducted at two maternity wards involving neonatal screening of boys born ≥34weeks of amenorrhoea. Methodology was strict with examination at birth, 3 and 12months by the same paediatrician. Two strictly matched controls were included for each case. Information on child and parents (medical history, pregnancy, lifestyle) was recorded using medical chart and self-administered questionnaires. A total of 102 of 6246 boys were born with cryptorchidism (prevalence 1.6%, 95 included). Half of them were still cryptorchid at three and 12months with, however, 10% of secondary re-ascent (recurrent cryptorchidism) at 12months, justifying long-term follow-up. Cryptorchidism at birth was associated with instrumental delivery, inguinal hernia and urogenital malformations, particularly micropenis and paternal history of cryptorchidism. Our results suggest that maternal exposure to anti-rust or phthalates could be a risk factor, whereas eating fruits daily seemed somewhat protective. Prevalence of cryptorchidism in our area is on the lower bracket compared with other countries, and is associated with both familial and environmental risk factors.

Myofilament calcium sensitivity is decreased in skinned cardiac fibres of endotoxin-treated rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to determine whether myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity is altered in skinned cardiac fibres from endotoxin-treated rabbits. METHODS: Endotoxin was injected i.v. in conscious New-Zealand White rabbits at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg (groups I, II, and III) or 1 mg/kg (group IV). A fifth group was used as control. Hearts were excised 4 h (groups I and IV), 24 h (group II), or 5 days (Group III) after injection. Skinned fibres were obtained with chemical (EGTA + Brij 58) treatment of bundles isolated from papillary muscles. RESULTS: The maximal Ca(2+)-activated force (F0) of skinned cardiac fibres was not different between groups. However, [Ca2+] required to evoke 50% of F0 (Ca50) was higher in the fibres from group I than in controls (1.78 +/- 0.05 vs. 1.53 +/- 0.03 microM; P < 0.05). This effect was dose-dependent (group IV: Ca50 = 2.08 +/- 0.12 microM; P < 0.05 vs. group I), larger after 24 h (group II: Ca50 = 2.12 +/- 0.05 microM; P < 0.05 vs. group I). By 5 days, myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity had returned to normal (group III: Ca50 = 1.54 +/- 0.05 microM). CONCLUSION: Myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity is decreased in skinned fibres taken from rabbit myocardium after i.v. endotoxin injection. This effect is dose- and time-dependent, and reversible with time.

[Cutaneous atypical Mycobacterium infection with hematogenic dissemination]. / Mycobactériose atypique cutanée avec dissémination hématogène.

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria are ubiquitous non-pathogens except for subjects with deficient local or general defence systems. Nearly 80% of the cases observed in France occur in HIV+ patients. Lung, lymph node or skin infections usually simulate tuberculosis and diagnosis must be based on precise identification of the infectious strain. Recommended treatment of M. kansasii is now well established but protocols for other mycobacteria are still under evaluation. We observed a case presenting with persistent fever resistant to large spectrum antibiotics. This case occurred in a 75-year-old non-immunodepressed women who presented typical microcalcifications of the skin subsequent to blood stream dissemination.

[Raphe nucleus and corticorophic activity in pigeons]. / Nucleus raphes et activité corticotrope chez le pigeon.

Multiple electrolytic lesions were placed in the raphe area of pigeons. Basal plasma corticosterone level (B) was found not to be altered. Stress-induced adrenocortical activation was markedly reduced in raphe lesioned pigeons as compared to controls. Electrical stimulation of the nucleus raphes in permanently implanted, unrestrained and unanesthetized birds induced a significant rise in B. However the magnitude of the response to raphe stimulating was lower (1/2 approximately) and especially later than after hypothalamic stimulation since it paralleled exactly the pattern of stress induced activation.