Tripartite interactions between tsetse flies,Sodalis glossinidius and trypanosomes—An epidemiological approach in two historical human African trypanosomiasis foci in Cameroon

Epidemiological surveys were conducted in two historical human African trypanosomiasis foci in South Cameroon, Bipindi and Campo. In each focus, three sampling areas were defined. In Bipindi, only Glossina palpalis was identified, whereas four species were identified in Campo, G. palpalis being highly predominant (93%). For further analyses, 75 flies were randomly chosen among the flies trapped in each of the six villages. Large and statistically significant differences were recorded between both (1) the prevalence of Sodalis glossinidius (tsetse symbiont) and the prevalence of trypanosome infection of the major fly species G. p. palpalis and (2) the respective prevalence of symbiont and infection between the two foci. Despite these differences, the rate of infected flies harbouring the symbiont was very similar (75%) in both foci, suggesting that symbionts favour fly infection by trypanosomes. This hypothesis was statistically tested and assessed, showing that S. glossinidius is potentially an efficient target for controlling tsetse fly vectorial competence and consequently sleeping sickness.     

EPOS - 27th Annual Meeting

Over the last 15 years, great improvements in genetic engineering and genetic manipulation strategies have led to significant advances in the understanding of the genetics governing embryological limb development. This field of science continues to develop, and the complex genetic interactions and signalling pathways are still not fully understood. In this review we will discuss the roles of the principle genes involved in the three-dimensional patterning of the developing limb and will discuss how errors in these signalling cascades correlate to congenital limb deformity in humans. This review is aimed at orthopaedic surgeons wishing to understand the principles of congenital limb deformity related to genetic signalling errors. It is by no means a comprehensive study of the molecular genetics governing the complex interactions involved in each step of limb development. There are however many syndromes involving limb deformity for which the molecular causes are unknown.     

Issues for Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Development in Europe

A review of U.S. and European clinical trials and cardiovascular prevention studies indicates a strong relation among cardiovascular disease risk factors and between metabolic factors and health behaviors established in youth. Social and behavioral determinants of risk are best modified by strategies applied in schools, families, and whole communities to provide a firm base for primordial prevention of risk factor development. This is illustrated with results from a European intervention trial and from observational studies in the young.     

Upper limb function improvement following total elbow arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Thirty-one primary total elbow replacements were implanted in 25 patients with rheumatoid arthritis between 2000 and 2004 by a surgeon. Twenty-six implants were GSB III. Seven were Coonrad–Morrey prostheses. The mean age of the patients was 70 years (40–88); 18 women, 6 men. DASH scores were recorded pre-operatively and at their latest review. Patients were also assessed according to the Mayo elbow performance score post-operatively. Mean follow-up was 29 months (8–55). The mean improvement in DASH (disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand) was 25 (+6 to −45). The mean Mayo score (Corectly is the Mayo Elbow Score, there is also a Mayo liver score and other scores prposed in this center) was 85 (15–100). One implant was removed following deep infection (3%). One implant has been revised secondary to ulnar component fracture. Our overall major complication rate was 7%.     

Changes in the plasma sodium concentration after minor, moderate and major surgery

The plasma sodium concentration, [Na]P, falls following major surgery and this fall is exacerbated by the administration of sodium-free or sodium-low intravenous fluids in the postoperative period. As a prelude to prospective, but controlled, studies we observed the range of [Na]P on admission for surgery in 477 patients. In 309 patients the extent of the change in [Na]P by the first postoperative day (delta [Na]) was related to the severity of the operation undergone (minor, moderate or major) and the volume of potentially hypo-osmolar intravenous fluid given. The mean admission [Na]P was significantly lower with increasing severity of proposed operation. A highly significant fall occurred in [Na]P following surgery of every grade; such falls in [Na]P were seen even when no potentially hypo-osmolar fluids were administered. A significant inverse relationship between admission [Na]P and delta [Na] was demonstrated. We conclude that [Na]P falls following surgery of any severity and that such falls occur even when exogenous dilution cannot be implicated as a cause.