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Biomedical subjects

B Courtois

Publications and source records attributed to B Courtois.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Effects of salts on production and on O-acetylation of glucuronan excreted by the Rhizobium meliloti M5N1 CS strain.

Acetylation determined by 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and production of the glucuronan excreted by the Rhizobium meliloti M5N1CS strain during cultivation in RCS medium with and without added magnesium salts have been studied. These salts induce an increase in the degree of substitution and the molar ratio of 2,3-di-O-acetyl residues. A decrease in production is observed after 75 h of fermentation as the magnesium salt concentration increases. The presence of manganese and sodium salts in the culture induces inhibition of exopolysaccharide (EPS) production. However, the structure of the EPS is similar to that of the EPS produced by standard fermentation, without modification in the degree of substitution.

Acetylation↗

Cyclic (1-->2)-beta-D-glucans excreted by the glucuronan-producing strain Rhizobium meliloti M5N1CS (NCIMB 40472) and by the succinoglycan-producing strain Rhizobium meliloti M5N1.

During fermentation, the mutant strain Rhizobium meliloti M5N1CS, which induces nodule formation on alfalfa roots, produces a partially acetylated (1-->4)-beta-D-glucuronan. In addition to this exopolysaccharide of high molecular weight, the mutant strain produces oligoglucoronates and cyclic (1-->2)-beta-D-glucans with degrees of polymerization from 17 to 30. Under the conditions applied, magnesium has no effect on cyclic glucan production by the mutant strain, but the succinoglycan production by the wild-type strain Rhizobium meliloti M5N1 increases.

Acetylation↗

Physicochemical properties of extracellular (1-->4)-beta-D-glucuronan produced by the Rhizobium meliloti M5N1CS strain during fermentation: evidence of degradation by an exoenzyme activated by Mg2+.

The mutant Rhizobium meliloti M5N1CS (NCIMB 40472) produced a partially acetylated (1-->4)-beta-D-glucuronan during fermentation. The polysaccharide (EPS) extracted from broth during fermentation by microfiltration and ultrafiltration (using a 100 kDa cut-off membrane) was characterized by size exclusion chromatography. The weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the EPS decreased from 7.5 x 10(5) to 5 x 10(5) between 27 and 75 h of fermentation. When MgSO4.7H2O (0.8 gl-1 per day) was present in the medium during the same period, the Mw of the EPS decreased to 1.5 x 10(5). Since EPS degradation was detected after microfiltration of the fermentation medium supplemented with magnesium, the Mw decrease of the EPS extracted during fermentation may be explained by enzymic degradation of the polymer activated by Mg2+ ions.

Bacterial Proteins↗

[Flaps for covering extensive losses of cutaneous substance on the upper limb. Apropos of 15 cases].

The authors report on their recent experience concerning flap treatment of upper limb complex trauma, based on 15 cases. Proper wound care, and the use of healthy, well vascularised tissues for coverage is of paramount importance for good results, whose quality mostly depends on the severity of initial lesions. The results of this series are encouraging and appear to be a consequence of the great possibilities offered by the cutaneous or muscular flaps used.

Adult↗

[Traumatic atlanto-axial dislocation in children: 7 cases].

Seven cases of atlantoaxial rotatory dislocation in children are reported. The CT scan permitted differentiation of the lesions in all the cases. Analysis of the results has led us to introduce two modifications for Fielding's classification: a distance between the atlas and odontoid of less than 5 mm is normal. sagittal dislocation must be included in the same classification. We propose the following therapeutic protocol: rotatory luxation without tears of the transverse ligament should receive orthopedic treatment, rotatory luxation with tears of the transverse ligament should have surgical treatment if orthopaedic treatment fails. sagittal luxation with or without rotatory fixation needs surgical treatment.

Adolescent↗

Structural characterization and rheological properties of an extracellular glucuronan produced by a Rhizobium meliloti M5N1 mutant strain.

The mutant strain M5N1 C.S. (NCIMB 40472) of Rhizobium meliloti M5N1 is able to produce during fermentation a partially acetylated extracellular (1-->4)-beta-D-glucuronan. At low concentration (1 g.l-1), in the presence of monovalent cations, this new glucuronate behaves as a thickening agent, whereas at higher concentration a thermoreversible gel is obtained. With such divalent cations as Ca2+, a thermally stable gel can be formed.

Carbohydrate Sequence↗

[Controlled mobilisation after suture of extensor tendons of the hand. Apropos of 30 consecutive cases].

From January 1988 to May 1991, 30 patients (mean age: 27 years old; range: 15 to 45) sustained 57 tendon injuries in 49 fingers. They were treated by primary repair with assisted post-operative mobilisation by a dynamic splint. Adhesion of extensor apparatus rate was 12 p. cent but only one had a functional impairment. No other complications were noted. At the thumb level (3 out of 49 fingers) the Kapandji-test was respectively at 8.8 and 9/10 without any extensor lack. At the long fingers level TAM was excellent in 91 p. cent of cases, good in 4 p. cent, fair and poor in 2 p. cent. According to Allieu classification results were good and excellent in 9 p. cent of cases. These results were better when injury was localised to or up to zone 5 according to Verdan's classification, and when there was no associated bone nor articular injuries or cutaneous defects. Subjective results were less good (70 p. cent of satisfactory results) because of pain, grip strength lack or disability. Assisted mobilisation allowed intrinsic healing and avoided adhesion when application date and rehabilitation protocol were respected. It was more beneficial for distal and complex injuries.

Adolescent↗

[Osteoid osteoma of the femoral neck in children: diagnostic problems].

The authors report a case of an osteoid osteoma of the femoral neck in a child, aged 3 1/2. This is a benign bone tumor, frequently painful with variable relief obtained with salicylates. Clinical latency is not exceptional in children, owing to the delayed diagnosis. When located in the femoral neck it is usually discovered after a delay, owing to the misleading clinical signs and the frequently normal standard x rays. The only treatment for cure is the excision of the nidus, which is usually difficult because of the anatomical location and the perioperative adjustment.

Child, Preschool↗

Anatomical basis of neurotisation of the median nerve in the hand by the radial nerve.

The sensory sequelae after lesions of the median nerve cause difficulties in treatment since few sensory transfers are available. Neurotisation of the median by sensory branches of the radial nerve have aroused little interest although they have already been used by some authors after anastomosis at the wrist or through the first or second interosseous spaces. Based on what was originally a purely anatomic study, our interest was directed to the possibilities of performing more distal neurotisation for the treatment of sensory disorders of limited extent. The chief object was to obtain faster sensory reinnervation. 30 hands were dissected and a radial branch was defined as suitable for neurotisation whose diameter approximated that of its palmar digital homolog. Only those findings constantly observed in analysis of the hands studied were taken into account. It is therefore possible to reliably define the type and site of the routes of approach as well as the sensory branches suitable for neurotisation.

Hand↗

[Luxation-fractures of the radiocarpal joint. Clinical study of 6 cases and general review].

The authors present a series of six cases of radio-carpal fracture-dislocation, which occurred between 1978 and 1989. The results were analysed with a follow-up of between 3 months and 11 years. This rare lesion (0.2% of all joint dislocations) is often caused by a severe injury, although the mechanism remains obscure. Radiological lesions consist of a combination of anterior or posterior carpal dislocation, fractures of the radial styloid and ulnar styloid processes, fracture of the anterior or posterior lip of the radius. This association of radiological lesion was also found in review of literature so that radio-carpal fracture-dislocation can be considered to be a real and a distinct entity. The authors recommend a surgical treatment, after immediate joint reduction, including stabilization with cancellous screw, sometimes Kirschner wires. However, anatomic reduction must be obtained, to ensure a good functional result.

Adult↗

[Intramuscular myxoma. Apropos of a case and review of the literature].

Having observed one case of intramuscular myxoma, the authors made a review of the literature of this rare localization. This benign soft tissue neoplasm, is well characterized by its usual latency. Physical examination is not very specific and must be completed by computed tomography scan. The surgical treatment realizes a wide excision with clear surgical margins. Diagnosis is based on histological examination. Neither metastatic spread, nor recurrence is observed.

Female↗

[The development of mucoid cysts of the mouth floor after dissection of Wharton's duct].

6 cases of traumatic lesions of the sub-lingual gland leading to the development of ranulae of the buccal floor are reported similar to those noted in studies by Delaire and Billet. These complications are rare and the causal relationship between gland trauma-ranula is confirmed, via the constant difficulty of dissection of Wharton's duct and the appearance of the ranula within a delay of 3 to 6 months.

Adult↗

[Osteopoikilosis: apropos of a familial case].

The authors have studied a case of familial osteopoikilosis. This rare radiological finding was observed in four of eight studied cases. The progressive character of the disease during the puberty was noticed.

Adolescent↗

[Is the Tru-Cut needle more efficient than the fine needle in the diagnosis of hepatic lesions? Comparative study of 45 echography-guided punctures].

A comparison of diagnostic efficiency of fine needle biopsy (22 G) versus coarse needle biopsy (Tru-Cut 14 G) was performed on ultrasound-guided liver biopsies in 45 patients. Diagnosis was established through clinical, paraclinical and pathologic features. For each patient pathologic examination of both fine needle biopsy (cytology and histology) and coarse needle biopsy (histology) were performed by a pathologist unaware of any clinical data. Of 36 malignant tumors, diagnosis of malignancy was made in 83 percent of the cases by fine needle biopsy and in 81 percent of the cases by Tru-Cut biopsy, and distinction between primary and secondary cancer, in 83 and 86 percent of cases respectively. Specificity was 100 percent with both techniques. Of 9 benign lesions, the 6 focalized fatty infiltrations were diagnosed by both fine and coarse needle biopsies. As fine needle biopsy is less invasive than coarse needle biopsy and gave equally satisfying results, we suggest that it should be used preferentially in the diagnosis of focalized liver lesions.

Biopsy, Needle↗

[Ledderhose's disease. Report of 7 cases].

Ledderhose's syndrome, or plantar fibromatosis, is a rare fibrous dystrophy and the plantar equivalent of Dupuytren's disease. It occurs mainly in adult subjects, as a plantar fibrous nodule. The authors report 7 operated cases of Ledderhose's syndrome, including one in a 14-year-old adolescent. When the plantar nodule becomes symptomatic, surgery is the only means of treatment. Plantar aponeurotomy must then be as extensive as possible to prevent recurrent.

Adolescent↗

[Nerve paralysis after surgery of the hip. Apropos of 48 cases].

This study is based on 48 cases of paralysis of the femoral or sciatic nerves complicating hip surgery, mostly total hip arthroplasty. Most of these lesions arose during difficult operations. The diagnosis was clinical and electromyographic, but it was not always made from the outset. The prognosis was better for the cases of paralysis of the femoral or peroneal nerves than for the cases of generalised sciatic paralysis in which the recovery, slower as it was, was only satisfactory in 15 cases out of 26. The treatment was primarily medical and required reeducation. A surgical treatment was considered when the electrical exploration showed no improvement after 6 weeks.

Adult↗