1例具有正常免疫活性的成人患肺炎球菌性蜂窝织炎

肺炎链球菌是蜂窝织炎的罕见病因,多发生于慢性疾病和因药物或酗酒导致免疫抑制的患者。作者报道1例具有正常免疫力的患者出现肺炎球菌性蜂窝织炎。1例具有正常免疫活性的成人患肺炎球菌性蜂窝织炎@Bachmeyer C.$Service de Médecine Interne, Hopital Tenon, 4 rue de la Chi     

Lack of association between alcohol-dependence and D3 dopamine receptor gene in three independent samples

Numerous studies on the involvement of dopamine receptors in the genetics of alcoholism focused on associations between a polymorphism of the D2 dopamine receptor (DRD2) gene and alcohol dependence. However, the results of these studies are conflicting. Another receptor, the D3 dopamine receptor (DRD3), may be of additional interest since it is specifically located in the limbic area, and in particular in the nucleus accumbens which plays a significant role in the reward process of addiction behavior. We thus tested the association in three independent samples of alcoholic patients, with different origins and various inclusion criteria. No difference in the DRD3 gene polymorphism emerged between controls and alcoholic patients, regardless of their origin, inclusion criteria, or presence or absence of the DRD2 TaqI A1-allele. Despite the fact that more information could have been considered and that association studies provide limited information, there is good evidence that this DRD3 polymorphism does not play a major role in the genetic component of alcoholism. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Minimum 10-year follow-up results of ALPINA cementless hydroxyapatite-coated anatomic unicompartmental knee arthroplasty

One hundred and one unicompartmental knee arthroplasties (UKA) were done between 1996 and 2000 with ALPINA^® UNI, a cementless hydroxyapatite-coated anatomic prosthesis. Sixty-five knees were available for the long-term follow-up at a mean of 11 years. The mean IKS improved from 119.3 ± 16.8 points preoperatively to 171.4 ± 25.3 at the latest follow-up (p < 0.0001). Eighty-nine percentage of the knees were rated good and excellent. The mean knee flexion has significantly improved from 120°5 preoperatively to 127°3 at the latest follow-up (p < 0.01). Eleven revision procedures were done: 1 for early knee degeneration on rheumatoid arthritis, 1 for degeneration of osteoarthritis in the opposite compartment of the knee, 1 for unexplained pain and 1 for late ACL rupture, all these 4 cases were replaced by total knee arthroplasties; 3 revisions by another UKA were done due to polyethylene insert fracture; and 4 partial revision were done for bearing exchange due to severe polyethylene wear. When revision for any reason was defined as the end point, the 13-year Kaplan–Meier survival rate was 88 % (95 % CI 81–95 %) and when revision due to implant mechanical failure (excluding degeneration of osteoarthritis in the opposite compartment of the knee and bearing exchange only) was defined as the end point, the 13-year survival rate was 94 % (95 % CI 89.1–99.1 %).     

Localisation and pharmacological characterisation of D-2 dopamine receptors in rat cerebral neocortex and cerebellum using [125I]iodosulpride

Dopamine D-2 receptors were characterised in membranes from all areas of rat cerebral cortex and from cerebellum tested, by using [125I]iodosulpride, a highly selective ligand. The IC50 values of a large variety of dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic agents against [125I]iodosulpride binding in parietal cortex or cerebellum were highly correlated with their IC50 values against [125I]iodosulpride (or [3H]domperidone) binding in striatum. Moreover in the presence of a guanylnucleotide, 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate (GppNHp), the dopamine inhibition curves of [125I]iodosulpride binding were shifted similarly to the right in the three regions. The density of D-2 receptors in cerebellum and in most areas of the cerebral cortex represented about 1% and 2%, respectively, of their density in striatum whereas the corresponding value in frontal cortex was 4%. Labelling on autoradiographic sections was localised to superficial (I-III) and deep layers (V) of the parietal cortex and to the molecular layer of the cerebellum.     

Comparison of efficacy and safety assessment of fluvastatin in patients <65 years versus > or =65 years of age

This pooled analysis of 30 completed clinical trials assessed the efficacy and safety of fluvastatin in patients <65 (n = 8,037) and patients > or =65 years of age (n = 3,717). The results demonstrated that in patients > or =65 years of age, lipid changes with fluvastatin therapy are equivalent to or slightly better than those observed in patients <65 years of age. Treatment with fluvastatin produced a significantly lower incidence of major cardiovascular clinical end points (major adverse cardiac events [MACEs]) and an increase in the time to a first MACE in the older population. The incidence of adverse events, particularly those of concern with statin therapy, was similar between the placebo- and fluvastatin-treated patients and between the different age groups. In conclusion, data derived from the pooled analysis with fluvastatin demonstrate that cardiovascular events are reduced in older high-risk patients to a greater extent compared with younger patients. Furthermore, this pooled analysis supports the use of fluvastatin to lower cholesterol levels in older high-risk patients.