De la necessite et de quelques difficultes du dialogue medecins-phyciciens

Sans résumé Texte basé sur une allocution faite devant le Cercle d'Etudes Cliniques et Biologiques au nom de l'Union pour le Développement de l'Electronique Médicale, Paris, France, 23 Avril 1964.     

De novo lipogenesis: role in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequent and lethal tumors worldwide. Thus, there is an urgent need to elucidate its molecular pathogenesis in order to develop novel diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic strategies for this deadly disease. Mounting evidence implies a pivotal role of proteins involved in lipid biosynthesis in the development and progression of human HCC. This review summarizes the data available on the pathogenetic relevance of lipogenic proteins in the growth of liver cancer cells, the mechanisms responsible for unrestrained lipid biosynthesis in HCC and the possible clinical implications arising from these discoveries. Altogether the data implicate the AKT-mTORC1-RPS6 signaling pathway as the main inducer of aberrant lipid synthesis in HCC and are indicative of therapeutic strategies aimed at inhibiting de novo lipogenesis for the treatment of human liver cancer.     

De profundis: spiritual transformations in Alcoholics Anonymous

The mechanism of change in Alcoholics Anonymous is described as "spiritual transformation." A.A. acknowledges that such transformation can occur gradually; however, nearly all of the examples presented in the Big Book of A.A. involve discrete and sudden experiences that resemble the phenomenon of quantum change. The sequence offered describes how spiritual transformations transpire. The sequence begins with hitting bottom, recognition of inability to control the problem. A feeling of contrition follows, describing not only sorrow for the present state, but also desire for a new way. The final step is the act of surrendering one's will to a higher power. The de profundis sequence sets the process of spiritual transformation in motion, offering stabilization to sobriety.     

Pinguecula et pterygion: étude histopathologique et ultrastructurale

Summary Two pingueculae combined with pterygia were studied by light and electron microscopy. Hyaline degeneration of the collagen, dark staining granular, von Kossa negative concretions and elastotic material were observed in both conditions together with marked changes in the fibroblasts, endothelial cells, pericytes and the basement membrane of conjunctival capillaries and small veins. The elastotic material is similar to that observed in solar elastosis, where the collagen fibers are less severely damaged. Chronic sun exposure of the pericorneal conjunctiva may damage endothelial cells primarily and disturb vascular exchanges. This would result in accelerated degeneration and regeneration of endothelial cells, in thickening of the basement membrane and, secondarily, disturbed metabolism of fibroblasts with alterations of the collagen and elastic fibers.

     

Toxoplasmose et cancer : connaissances actuelles et perspectives de recherche

Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases; it is estimated to affect a third of the world’s human population. Many studies showed that latent toxoplasmosis may cause in some patients significant adverse effects including schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. In addition, two recent studies highlighted a positive correlation between the prevalence of brain tumors and that of T. gondii at national and international scale. These studies are correlative, thus they do not demonstrate a causal link between T. gondii and brain tumors. Yet, they call for further research that could shed light on the possible mechanisms underlying this association.     

De novo 16p deletion: ATR-16 syndrome

We describe a child with α-thalassemia ascertained by newborn screening. Evaluation at 9 months of age showed minor anomalies and developmental delay. Chromosomal analysis demonstrated a de novo deletion of the most distal portion of the short arm of chromosome 16, which contains the α-globin genes. Analysis of the α-globin locus by Southern blot analysis did not demonstrate altered band sizes at this locus; however, analysis of the films using densitometry confirmed hemizygosity. This is the fifth reported case of the ATR-16 syndrome (α-thalassemia retardation-16) not complicated by duplication or deletion of other chromosomes. Am. J. Med. Genet. 72:451–454, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.