Binding capacity of various fibre to pesticide residues under simulated gastrointestinal conditions

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of the nature and quantity of various dietary fibre (cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, lignin) in diets on the binding capacity to pesticides azinphos-methyl (AZM), chlorpropham (CLP), chlorothalonil (CKL), permethrin (PER) as estimated by solubility under conditions of pH and temperature simulating those in the gastrointestinal tract (incubated at pH 2 for 30 min at 37°C, then at pH 7 for 60 min). The ratios of fibre to pesticides were determined in omnivorous diets. In this model, the binding capacity of lignin was equal to hemicellulose for PER, AZM and CLP, but it was significantly higher for CKL. Hemicellulose bound more CKL, AZM and CLP than did cellulose. Although pectin appreciably decreased all pesticides, its effect was lower than other fibres with one exception—cellulose-CKL. In the presence of equal amounts of fibre, lignin exerted the most significant effect on pesticide solubility. Hemicellulose and cellulose bind to the same extent PER and AZM. The effect of pectin was significant only on CKL and AZM when compared to the control.     

Complications caused by nonabsorbable surgical sutures]

The author presents the case of complication caused by nonabsorbable silk surgical sutures which occurred two years and seven month after cesarean section and next hysterectomy performed at the same time. The sutures caused the formation of big vesical stone as well the appearance of acute recurrent pyelonephritis and stricture of the urethra. After lithotripsy, the patient completely recovered.     

Course of the dermatophytic spectrum in tinea capitis. Apropos of 124 cases seen in Bordeaux

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of tinea capitis in the Bordeaux area (Dermatology Unit of the H?pital des Enfants, Bordeaux) during a 6-year period (January, 1979 to December, 1984). Dermatophytic infection of the hair was proven by culture in 124 patients, 21 of whom had a negative potassium hydroxide direct examination. Age and sex distribution are shown in figure 1. One case was observed in a 15 days old infant, and 4 cases in adult females (3 young black mothers of affected children, 1 elderly white woman). Table I indicates the geographical origin of the patients and the isolates identified. The incidence of anthropophilic dermatophytes has increased from 13 p. 100 to 50 p. 100 since our previous survey (1975-1978). M. langeronii (29 cases), T. soudanense (19 cases) and T. violaceum (10 cases) were isolated mostly among African immigrants from Western tropical Africa and the Maghreb. However, 4 children of French origin without any history of previous sojourn in endemic areas developed tinea capitis due to M. langeronii; the source of contamination could not be determined. Zoophilic dermatophyte infection was mainly caused by M. canis (50 cases), with cats being the most frequent source of contamination. Family cases were frequent: 64 corresponding to 28 families. This may be due to either interhuman contamination or the presence of a contact pet animal in the family. The discussion is focused on: the shift in dermatophytic isolates from tinea capitis toward anthropophilic species, notably M. langeronii, mainly caused by an increased immigration from West Africa; the relevant clinical and mycological correlations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Surgery in bronchial carcinoids: experience with 83 patients.

OBJECTIVE: With the changing clinical presentation and histopathological pattern, carcinoids are now considered as a distinct and well-defined group in the neuroendocrine tumour scale. Surgery, especially parenchyma-sparing operations, are the treatment of choice for carcinoids. METHODS: Over a 25-year period, 83 patients with typical carcinoid tumour underwent thoracotomy on in our institution. The records of the patients were reviewed and the results were evaluated. RESULTS: The diagnosis was made with radiological methods and bronchoscopy. Cough and recurrent pneumonia were the most common symptoms. A variety of surgical procedures were performed. Thirty of the 83 patients underwent tissue-saving operations. Twenty patients underwent bronchotomy excision, eight were managed with sleeve or partial sleeve resective procedures, and two underwent segmentectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative surgery is the treatment of choice of carcinoids, which were histologically typical and anatomically endobronchial. Especially for polypoid type carcinoids and for selected cases with sessile type, bronchotomy with simple excision and sleeve resections is a simple and effective method. As these types of operations produce a better functional result, they should be encouraged in these patients.     

Transferrin receptor activity as a marker in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

An immunohistochemical staining method was used to study transferrin receptors (TFR) in bladder tissue from 10 patients with benign conditions and 33 with bladder cancer. All patients with bladder cancer were followed up by cystoscopy at intervals of 3 months (mean follow-up period 11 months). The relationship between TFR activity and recurrence rates was investigated. It was not possible to demonstrate TFR in normal bladder mucosa except for the proliferating cells of the basal layer. TFR activity in malignant tissue correlated well with the histological grade and pathological stage of the tumour. Patients with low grade superficial tumours showing TFR activity had a higher recurrence rate than those with no TFR activity. It was concluded that TFR activity in low grade superficial bladder tumours is a useful marker for predicting the recurrence rate.     

The effect of ergobromocriptine on serum testosterone and prolactin levels in patients with carcinoma of the prostate

The effect of Ergobromocriptine treatment on serum testosterone and prolactin levels in 15 patients with prostatic carcinoma and 15 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia was examined. The prolactin levels which were elevated in patients with prostatic carcinoma showed a significant decrease after suppression with Ergobromocriptine. The selective effect of Ergobromocriptine on prolactin levels of patients with prostatic carcinoma may control the progression of the disease.     

Crusted (Norwegian) scabies induced by use of topical corticosteroids and treated successfully with ivermectin.

Crusted scabies is mainly observed in children with immunosuppression or mental illness. Treatment is very difficult, and relapse is frequent after topical scabicidal therapy. We describe a case of crusted scabies, induced by long-term application of a topical corticosteroid, relapsing after topical treatment and dramatically improved by ivermectin. We suggest that ivermectin is a safe and effective alternative therapy for the treatment of severe Sarcoptes scabiei infestation in children unresponsive to conventional treatment.