Differential effects of serotonin (5-HT) lesions and synthesis blockade on neuropeptide-Y immunoreactivity and 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B/1D and 5-HT2A/2C receptor binding sites in the rat cerebral cortex

The present study was aimed at comparing the effects of serotonin (5-HT) synthesis blockade using chronic administration of p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) and 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine injections of variable volume (3 vs. 6 microl) on the density of NPY immunoreactive (Ir) neurons and binding of [3H]8-OH-DPAT, S-CM-G[125I]TNH2 and [125I]DOI to 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B/1D, and 5-HT2A/2C receptors in rat cortical regions. Three weeks after large but partial (89% depletion in 5-HT tissue concentration) lesions of 5-HT neurons no changes in neither NPY immunoreactivity nor 5-HT receptor binding were detected. The complete 5,7-DHT lesions produced increases in the number of NPY-Ir neurons in the upper regions of the cingular (134%), frontal (140%) and parietal cortex (48%) and corresponding decreases in 5-HT2A/2C binding (16-26%). No changes in 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B/1D binding were observed after lesions of this kind. After PCPA treatment, decreases in NPY-Ir neurons density (22-40%) and increases in 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B/1D receptor binding sites (20-50%) were distributed in both upper and deeper cortical regions. The lack of effect of the partial lesion suggests that spared 5-HT neurons may exert compensatory mechanisms up to a large extent. The changes in NPY immunoreactivity and 5-HT2A/2C binding detected in the upper regions of the cortex after complete 5-HT lesions probably result from local cellular rearrangements, whereas blocking 5-HT synthesis has more widespread influence on NPY neurons and on 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B/1D receptor subtypes. Moreover, decreases in DOPAC concentrations detected only after complete lesions suggest that the involvement of catecholaminergic transmission may also differentiate 5,7-DHT and PCPA treatments. Altogether, these data suggest that different receptor subtypes might be involved in 5-HT-NPY relationships.     

Rubber band ligation of hemorrhoids: relapse as a function of time

Rubber band ligation is a well established treatment of internal second-degree hemorrhoids. Up to now, the long-term results (> 5 years) of this method have not been assessed. The aim of this study was to determine the long-term success rate of rubber band ligation in patients with a first episode of second-degree hemorrhoids not responding to medical treatment (local cream with laxative). A total of 92 patients who were treated between 1979 and 1997 for second-degree hemorrhoids responded to a questionnaire. The need for complementary conservative (sclerotherapy, cryotherapy or rubber band ligation) or surgical treatment was considered indicative of relapse. The collected data were analyzed according to the Kaplan-Meier method. The average follow-up time was 5.6 years. There were 21 patients who suffered a relapse. The probability of successful treatment was 0.77 (range: 0.67-0.88) after 5 years and 0.68 (range: 0.5-0.86) after 10.6 years. We conclude that rubber band ligation represent an efficient long-term treatment for second-degree hemorrhoids. Approximately two thirds of the patients are cured after 5 years and more than a half after 10 years.     

Pure red cell aplasia associated with large granular lymphocytic leukemia: a rare association in Western countries

The coexistence of large granular lymphocytic leukemia (LGLL) and pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) has been previously described, but is rare in Western countries (7% in a recent series of LGLL cases). We present the clinical features, hematological parameters and immunophenotype of two patients with PRCA associated with CD3+ LGLL.     

Discontinuation of treatment with IFN-beta leads to exacerbation of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in Lewis rats. Rapid reversal of the antiproliferative activity of IFN-beta and excessive expansion of autoreactive T cells as disease promoting mechanisms

BACKGROUND: It is important for HIV/AIDS control programmes to determine population knowledge on AIDS in order to develop appropriate Information, Education and Communication (IEC) messages. The objectives of our study were to determine the seroprevalence of HIV and syphilis among pregnant women, female prostitutes and long-distance truck drivers and to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practice (KABP) with respect to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in these three groups in Burkina Faso. METHODS: We performed three cross-sectional serosurveys including face-to-face interviews on KABP between October 1994 and February 1995 in three population groups. RESULTS: Overall, 1,294 pregnant women, 236 long-distance truck drivers and 426 female prostitutes were recruited. HIV seroprevalence was 8% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 6.6-9.6) among pregnant women, 18.6% (95% CI: 13.9-24.2) among long-distance truck drivers and 58.2% (95% CI: 53.4-62.9) in female prostitutes. The prevalence of syphilis was 2.5%, 9.3% and 15%, respectively. Most pregnant women (98%), long-distance truck drivers (96%) and female prostitutes (98%) had already heard of AIDS. However, the level of knowledge of HIV transmission routes, of risk factors for HIV transmission and of available preventive measures was very low. Consequently, 41% of pregnant women, 40% of long-distance truck drivers and an alarming 61% of female prostitutes reported that they did not feel themselves at risk for HIV. In each group, high levels of knowledge on AIDS were associated with increased awareness of AIDS risk and the adoption of preventive behaviours. Level of education was associated with knowledge of AIDS and condom use. However, in the 12 months preceding the surveys, condom use was very low among pregnant women (0.1%), long-distance truck drivers (18%) and among female prostitutes (42%). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that HIV is widespread in Burkina Faso and that there is an urgent need to develop and evaluate HIV prevention strategies in the general population and among core groups such as female prostitutes and long-distance truck drivers. Interventions must include information campaigns, condom promotion and distribution, and sexually transmitted diseases control.     

Distribution of bacteria with the arylsulfate sulfotransferase activity

We herein report a simple method using intestinal clamps to prevent intraoperative contamination during an immediate mucocutaneous suture of the intestinal stoma. Using this technique, a protruded intestinal stoma can be constructed reliably without soiling. The technique can be used both for constructing an end as well as a loop intestinal stoma.