Effects of subinhibitory concentrations of pefloxacin on the adherence of Staphylococcus aureus to human cells

The adherence of bacterial strains to eukaryotic cells can be influenced by subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics. The effect of sub- and infra-MICs of pefloxacin, a new broad-spectrum antibacterial quinolone, on the adherence of Staphylococcus aureus to human buccal cells, was studied. Six S. aureus strains belonging to several serotypes and all sensitive to pefloxacin were pretreated with serial twofold dilutions of the drug (from 1/2 to 1/1024 the MIC). After the adhesion test, 100 buccal cells were counted in randomly chosen microscopic fields using a Nomarski interference microscope and attachment was measured as the percentage of cells with at least 50 or more adhering bacteria. Sub-MICs (1/2 and 1/4 the MIC) of pefloxacin increased the diameter of the six staphylococci. All of the strains, grown in the presence of pefloxacin, exhibited a markedly altered capacity for adhesion to buccal cells. The highest significant decrease was observed for 1/2 to 1/8 the MIC, although infra-MICs such as 1/1024 the MIC also decreased the attachment of S. aureus to buccal cells. These results were compared with those obtained with other antibiotics active against S. aureus.     

Peste des petits ruminants

The peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is proving to be a disease which has an increasingly significant economic impact on a number of countries in Africa and the Middle East, and possibly also on the Indian sub-continent. The antigenic relationships which exist between the PPR and rinderpest viruses pose problems for diagnosis which complicates rinderpest control and eradication programmes. Progress has recently been made in regard to diagnosis (specific nucleic probes and monoclonal antibodies), as well as control (homologous vaccine). International legislation remains to be established and epidemiological surveys should be conducted in order to determine the exact geographical distribution of the disease.     

Sinus histiocytosis with extensive adenopathy in a Mali child

Destombes, Rosai and Dorfman's sinus histiocytosis (HS) is a rare disease. Many cases have been reported in Africans, particularly in children. Case reported here is the second malian clinical report. Its particularities are difficulties for the histological diagnosis with confusion with Hodgkin's disease, a temporary decrease of adenopathies after vincristine therapy, an eosinophilic infiltrate of lymph nodes and a long evolution during at least 4 years. The pathological physiology of HS remains uncertain. The benign natural course of the disease does not justify employment of chemotherapy.     

Major eosinophilia in bronchial cancer in an African man

Paraneoplasic syndromes an unusual cause of eosinophilia in tropical countries. We report a case of major eosinophilia in a black Malian's bronchopulmonary cancer. A decrease of eosinophilia under antineoplastic chemotherapy is noted. Several physiopathologic hypothesis have been propounded in the literature, particularly the secretion by the tumour of a stimulating hormone for the production of eosinophil cells by the bone marrow.     

Neurofibrome isolé du sinus maxillaire

ObjectiveTo illustrate the rarity and difficulty diagnosing maxillary sinus neurofibroma through a case report.Patients and methodsA 35-year-old female consulted our department for left cheek swelling evolving over 6 months, upper gum swelling, and a dental occlusion disorder.ResultsA computed tomography scan showed a tumor of the left maxillary sinus with bone destruction. Histological examination of a biopsy fragment found an in situ carcinoma. A maxillary resection was performed to excise the tumor. Histological examination of the specimen showed a neurofibroma. No sign of recurrence was noted after 8 months of follow-up.ConclusionThe difficulty diagnosing maxillary sinus neurofibroma is related to its nonspecific clinical and radiological signs. Consequently, the otorhinolaryngologist must keep this rare histological variety in mind within the range of tumors of the paranasal sinuses.     

From evidence to community practice in work rehabilitation: the Quebec experience

BACKGROUND: The causes of prolonged disability due to back pain are multiply determined, involving medical, social, and environmental factors. Possible solutions to the problem of prolonged back pain disability have emerged from recent research but few efforts have been made to transfer evidence-based programs to large community settings. OBJECTIVE: This article describes three phases of the process of transfer of evidence from rehabilitation research to community practice in the province of Quebec. METHODS AND RESULTS: Phase A: Based on literature review and expert knowledge, the Sherbrooke model was developed and assessed through a population-based, randomized clinical trial. Results at 1-year follow-up showed quicker return to regular work and improvement of quality of life; the 6-year follow-up showed the cost-effectiveness of the method. Phase B: Based on the Sherbrooke model experience and recent evidence, a new program addressing the disability paradigm was developed and implemented in the province of Quebec (Canada). Results at 1- and 3-year follow-ups showed that only 24% of workers were not working owing to their musculoskeletal disorder. The program is presently being tested through a population-based, randomized clinical trial in a population of construction workers. Phase C: To implement the program at a provincial level, a network for management, research and education in work rehabilitation was developed. An external assessment is presently planned to evaluate return to work and economic outcomes and quality of implementation of the program in various settings.     

Cardiac leiomyosarcoma of the right atrium in a teenager: unusual manifestation with a lifetime history of atrial ectopic tachycardia

A 16-year-old girl presented with atrial fibrillation. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed a right atrial leiomyosarcoma. Her past medical history was remarkable for incessant atrial ectopic tachycardia (AET) beginning in early infancy and continuing throughout childhood and adolescence that was refractive to medical and nonpharmacological treatment. After combined surgical and medical therapy, normal sinus rhythm was restored and the patient is currently in complete remission with no recurrent symptoms or atrial arrhythmias at 31 months after surgery and 23 months after the discontinuation of chemotherapy. Atrial tachycardia may be the first, and for prolonged periods, the only manifestation of a cardiac tumor and should prompt thorough investigation of its underlying morphological substrate.