Quantitative assessment of human spermatozoa chromatin stainability by flow cytometry: preliminary study.

The authors report a human sperm suspension method to assess quantitatively the stainability of the spermatozoa chromatin. Analysis of 15 ejaculates demonstrated the existence of a constant percentage of stained DNA in different ejaculated spermatozoa. The condensed chromatin stainability was then compared to the in vitro decondensed chromatin stainability with the finding of an increased uptake of fluorochrome in relation with the nuclear chromatin decondensation. The quantitative spermatozoa chromatin stainability and its decondensation aptitude may be of importance in sperm physiology.     

Bronchial carcinoma following pulmonary and thoracic wall actinomycosis: report on one case with emphasis on CT findings

A case of bronchial carcinoma following pulmonary and thoracic wall actinomycosis is presented. Although pulmonary defense mechanisms are known to decrease with actimyces infection, the development of malignancy following chronic inflammation as in our case, has not in our knowledge been previously reported.     

Coherent X-ray diffraction from collagenous soft tissues

Coherent X-ray diffraction has been applied in the imaging of inorganic materials with great success. However, its application to biological specimens has been limited to some notable exceptions, due to the induced radiation damage and the extended nature of biological samples, the last limiting the application of most part of the phasing algorithms. X-ray ptychography, still under development, is a good candidate to overcome such difficulties and become a powerful imaging method for biology. We describe herein the feasibility of applying ptychography to the imaging of biological specimens, in particular collagen rich samples. We report here speckles in diffraction patterns from soft animal tissue, obtained with an optimized small angle X-ray setup that exploits the natural coherence of the beam. By phasing these patterns, dark field images of collagen within tendon, skin, bone, or cornea will eventually be obtained with a resolution of 60–70 nm. We present simulations of the contrast mechanism in collagen based on atomic force microscope images of the samples. Simulations confirmed the ‘speckled’ nature of the obtained diffraction patterns. Once inverted, the patterns will show the disposition and orientation of the fibers within the tissue, by enhancing the phase contrast between protein and no protein regions of the sample. Our work affords the application of the most innovative coherent X-ray diffraction tools to the study of biological specimens, and this approach will have a significant impact in biology and medicine because it overcomes many of the limits of current microscopy techniques.     

Shoulder arthroscopy,anatomy and variants – part 2

In part 1 of this article we have described the history of shoulder arthroscopy and its current indications. We introduced concepts useful in the execution and interpretation of shoulder arthroscopy and introduced some technical tips to help those starting out, or developing their expertise, in this surgical skill. In part 2 we will focus on the range of findings that arthroscopy can yield, which can at first be daunting and confusing. The spectrum of normal findings is quite wide and substantial experience is needed simply to recognise what is within this spectrum and what should be considered pathological. Furthermore some pathological findings can be subtle or obscure, and easily missed if the arthroscopy is not complete and correlated carefully with the examination under anaesthesia.     

A randomized comparison of four omeprazole-based triple therapy regimens for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori in patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori eradication rates in France after therapy with omeprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin are among the lowest in Europe. This study evaluated alternative eradication regimens. METHODS: Helicobacter pylori-positive patients (n=323) with non-ulcer dyspepsia were randomized to receive one of four 1-week regimens consisting of omeprazole, 20 mg b.d., plus either: amoxicillin, 1000 mg b.d., and clarithromycin, 500 mg b.d. (OAC); bacampicillin, 1200 mg b.d., and clarithromycin, 500 mg b.d. (OBC); clarithromycin, 250 mg b.d., and metronidazole, 500 mg b.d. (OCM); or amoxicillin, 1000 mg b.d, and azithromycin, 500 mg on day 1 and 250 mg on days 2-5 (OAAz). Eradication was confirmed by urea breath test 4-6 weeks after treatment. Susceptibility testing was performed in the case of eradication failure. RESULTS: The eradication rate with OAAz was 38% (95% CI, 25.6-49.4) on intention-to-treat analysis, which was lower (P < 0.05) than with the other regimens [OCM, 61% (50.0-72.8); OBC, 65% (54.0-76.5); OAC, 72% (61.8-81.8)]. Of the strains isolated following treatment failure with OAC, OBC or OCM, 84% were clarithromycin resistant. CONCLUSIONS: OAC remains the reference treatment for H. pylori eradication in France, although bacampicillin offers a useful alternative to amoxicillin. Susceptibility testing should be considered after unsuccessful eradication therapy.