Bath‐related thunderclap headache: Case report of a male patient

Bath‐related thunderclap headache (BRTH) is a rare entity, closed to reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. It is only described in middle‐aged women and mainly Asiatic ethnic origins. Role of estrogen is consequently discussed. We report here a case of a 36‐year‐old man, admitted for five episodes of thunderclap headaches, triggered by hot shower. This is the first male case of BRTH, opposing only a hormonal hypothesis. Furthermore, this African patient consolidates the non‐exclusivity of this affection to Asian ethnic origins.     

The association between isoinertial trunk muscle performance and low back pain in male adolescents

The literature reports inconsistent findings regarding the association between low back pain (LBP) and trunk muscle function, in both adults and children. The strength of the relationship appears to be influenced by how LBP is qualified and the means by which muscle function is measured. The aim of this study was to examine the association between isoinertial trunk muscle performance and consequential (non-trivial) low back pain (LBP) in male adolescents. Healthy male adolescents underwent anthropometric measurements, clinical evaluation, and tests of trunk range of motion (ROM), maximum isometric strength (STRENGTH) and peak movement velocity (VEL), using an isoinertial device. They provided information about their regular sporting activities, history and family history of LBP. Predictors of “relevant/consequential LBP” were examined using multivariable logistic regression. LBP status was reassessed after 2 years and the change from baseline was categorised. At baseline, 33/95 (35%) subjects reported having experienced consequential LBP. BMI, a family history of LBP, and regularly playing sport were each significantly associated with a history of consequential LBP (p < 0.05). 85/95 (89%) boys participated in the follow-up: 51 (60%) reported no LBP at either baseline or follow-up (never LBP); 5 (6%) no LBP at baseline, but LBP at follow-up (new LBP); 19 (22%) LBP at baseline, but none at follow-up; and 10 (12%) LBP at both time-points (recurrent/persistent LBP). The only distinguishing features of group membership in these small groups were: fewer sport-active in the “never LBP” group); worse trunk mobility, in the “persistent LBP” group, lower baseline sagittal ROM in the “never LBP” and “new LBP” (p < 0.05). Regular involvement in sport was a consistent predictor of LBP. Isoinertial trunk performance was not associated with LBP in adolescents.     

Treatment-related pain, definitions and help with detection

Treatment-related pain can be provoked, iatrogenic or induced. Some of its causes are known. They guide observation and clinical examination as well as the choice of assessment strategies and steps to prevent treatment-related pain.     

Immunoassay of lymphocyte subsets in ovine palatine tonsils

By means of immunohistochemistry (IHC) and triple color flow cytometry (FCM), five commercial antibodies (anti-CD2, CD4, CD8, CD21, and CD45) were evaluated to quantify and localize the B- and T-lymphocytes in the ovine palatine tonsil. The results of both techniques were compared and evaluated. For the immunohistochemical analysis, three fixation methods were evaluated for their suitability to localize the different lymphocyte populations: 3.5% formaldehyde, zinc salts-based fixative and cryopreservation. The anti-CD45 antibody showed a positive reaction after all three fixation methods. The four other antibodies tested (anti-CD2, CD4, CD8 and CD21) were compatible with zinc salts-based fixation and cryopreservation. The CD21+ B-lymphocytes were localized in the tonsillar lymphoid follicles, while the CD2+ T-lymphocytes were abundant in the interfollicular regions and rare within the lymphoid follicles. The CD8+ T-cells were concentrated adjacent to the follicles, while the CD4+ T-cells were localized in the interfollicular zones as well as in the follicles. Both by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry, a quantification of the different lymphocyte subsets was made. When comparing the results, a reversed B/T cell ratio was noticed. Possible explanations for this observation are discussed.     

Interpretation of real-time PCR results for hepatitis C virus RNA when viral load is below quantification limits

Hepatitis C virus RNA quantification results obtained in 18 laboratories using real-time PCR methods with 10 negative samples and 22 sample dilutions (viral loads of 0.5 to 500 IU/ml) showed a score of correct results of up to 93.5%. However, 55.6% of the laboratories did not follow the recommendations for the interpretation of their results, leading to ambiguous conclusions.