The galactose alpha 1-3 galactose (Gal alpha 1-3 Gal) residue is a carbohydrate widely distributed in many non-human mammals. Since Gal alpha 1-3 Gal residues are described on the cell surface of tumor cells, we have examined the possibility of their expression on human trophoblastic cells at different stages of placental implantation and in various pregnancy-associated conditions. Using immunohistochemical methods, Gal alpha 1-3 Gal was demonstrated on interstitial and vascular trophoblast during pregnancy. For villous trophoblast, the staining disappeared in second trimester pregnancies. The density of staining for Gal alpha 1-3 Gal was increased in highly invasive trophoblast (mole and choriocarcinoma) and decreased in poorly invasive specimens (spontaneous abortion, XO monosomia). No cells displaying Gal alpha 1-3 Gal at their surface were identified in some segments of spiral arteries from pre-eclamptic women. The anti-Gal antibody titer increased in the first trimester of pregnancy and in the sera of pre-eclamptic and eclamptic patients. These findings suggest that Gal alpha 1-3 Gal residues could be considered as markers for trophoblast invasive capacity and that the binding of maternal anti-Gal antibodies to the trophoblast could contribute to limit trophoblastic invasion and thus participate to the immunological control of implantation.

Antibodies↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Infections in patients in intensive care units: can the combination of a monobactam and a penicillin replace the classic combination of a beta-lactam agent and an aminoglycoside?

An open, comparative, randomized study was performed in two medical intensive care units to compare the efficacy of the combination of aztreonam and either cloxacillin or oxacillin [(cl)oxacillin] with that of the combination of tobramycin and a cephalosporin. Of the 92 patients who were included in the study, 76 were evaluable. All patients suffered from severe, mostly pulmonary, infections and received ventilatory support. The aztreonam combination yielded an 80% rate of clinical cure; mortality was 15%. Use of the aminoglycoside combination resulted in a 51% rate of clinical cure; mortality was 23%. The difference in cure rate between the two combinations was statistically significant. Adverse effects were negligible in patients who received the aztreonam combination, and superinfection was seen in only 2%. Of the patients who received the aminoglycoside combination, 20% developed a superinfection and 11% developed a new renal insufficiency. Therefore, the combination of aztreonam and (cl)oxacillin is a valuable alternative to the combination of an aminoglycoside and a cephalosporin.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

MRI of complicated anal fistulae: comparison with digital examination.

OBJECTIVES: The assessment of complicated anal fistulae is based on digital examination. Our objective was to study the potential role of MRI in this setting by comparing preoperative digital examination with MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Digital examination and MRI were prospectively and blindly interpreted in 13 patients with complicated anal fistulae. Surgical findings were used as standard. RESULTS: Complete agreement between the results of digital examination and the surgical findings was observed in 8 patients and between the results of MRI and the surgical findings in 12 patients. Digital examination misclassified two low transsphincteric fistulae as high transsphincteric and missed high secondary extensions or abscesses in three other patients. Magnetic resonance misclassified only one suprasphincteric fistula as low transsphincteric and did not overlook high secondary extensions or abscesses. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that MRI may show abnormalities not detected by preoperative digital examination.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Localization by immunofluorescent microscopy of several collagen types and of a basement membrane proteoglycan in rat glomerular epithelial and mesangial cell cultures.

Confluent cultures of rat glomerular epithelial and mesangial cells were studied by immunofluorescent microscopy, using affinity-purified antibodies directed against collagen of type I-V or an antiserum directed against a basement membrane (BM) proteoglycan. The epithelial cells were stained by antibodies directed against type I, IV and V collagen, whereas the mesangial cells were stained by all the antibodies directed against the different collagenous antigens tested. Therefore, only mesangial cells contained antigenic determinants of type III collagen. On the contrary, both cell types possessed BM proteoglycan antigens. The data suggest that rat glomerular epithelial and mesangial cells may be implicated in the biosynthesis of different components of normal (and pathological) glomerular BM.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Skin manifestations accompanying acute arsenic poisoning and its treatment].

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Acute Disease↗