Ultrastructural evidence for the uptake of a neurotoxic snake venom phospholipase A2 into mammalian motor nerve terminals

A mutant form of ammodytoxin A, a neurotoxic phospholipase A₂ from the venom of the long nosed viper Vipera ammodytes ammodytes, was prepared by site-directed mutagenesis, conjugated to a nanogold particle and inoculated into the antero-lateral aspect of one hind limb of female mice. Eight hours later the mice were killed, the soleus muscles of both ipsi- and contra-lateral hind limbs were removed, exposed to a silver enhancing medium and then prepared for transmission electron microscopy. Silver-enhanced particles were subsequently found concentrated in the peri-synaptic area, particularly within the synaptic gutter and the deep synaptic folds, and in many cases had been taken up into the cytoplasm of the terminal boutons of the motor axon. The results suggest that the presynaptic neurotoxicity of snake venom phospholipases A₂ involves several components of the neuromuscular apparatus, including intracellular organelles of the motor nerve terminal.     

Traitement médical de la diverticulite sigmoïdienne

Diverticulosis is a common colonic disease in industrialized societies and its prevalence increases with age. Acute diverticulitis is defined by diverticular and peridiverticular inflammation and infection. For most patients, outpatient therapy is possible and hospitalization is only indicated if the patient is unable to eat, suffers from an acute attack, has complications or if symptoms fail to improve despite adequate outpatient therapy. The treatment of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis usually consists of broad-spectrum antibiotics covering both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Antimicrobial therapy is given for 7 to 10 days but the duration of the treatment can be longer if there are complications. If there is no clinical improvement within 2 or 3 days, repeat CT imaging is appropriate, as this may reveal an abscess, phlegmon or fistula, which might necessitate percutaneous drainage or surgery. The published literature does not support the recommendation of any prophylactic diet or medical treatment for reducing the risk of first or recurrent diverticulitis in patients with diverticulosis.