Vegetables are very important sources of protein and minerals. Some of them even have medicinal properties recognized traditionally. Despite the large number of studies carried out on various vegetables and vegetable ...Vegetables are very important sources of protein and minerals. Some of them even have medicinal properties recognized traditionally. Despite the large number of studies carried out on various vegetables and vegetable crops, very few have scientifically explored the usefulness of S. macrocarpon. This study identified the main groups of chemicals and mineral elements to explain any medicinal or nutritional value. It has also identified some toxic elements contained in this vegetable. Phytochemical screening was carried out on the leaves and fruits of S. macrocarpon. Some mineral elements were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) while protein, phosphorous, iron, copper, zinc and toxic metals (lead, cadmium) were determined by Molecular Absorption Spectrophotometry. Fat, ash, moisture and vitamins were sought. The study showed that the leaves of S. macrocarpon were more nutritious than fruits (P macrocarpon require that the consumption of vegetables should be as varied as possible and that the fruit may be consumed with caution. In addition, constraints about vegetable cultivation in Cotonou could lead to research findings that could help provide techniques for producing healthy vegetables.Vitamins A and K1 were found in both parts of this vegetable very rich in water while vitamin E has not been detected. S. macrocarpon also contains lipids at various levels.展开更多
AIM:To assess,in a routine practice setting,the sus-tained virologic response(SVR) to telaprevir(TPV) or boceprevir(BOC) in hepatitis C virus(HCV) nullresponders or relapsers with severe liver fibrosis.METHODS:One hun...AIM:To assess,in a routine practice setting,the sus-tained virologic response(SVR) to telaprevir(TPV) or boceprevir(BOC) in hepatitis C virus(HCV) nullresponders or relapsers with severe liver fibrosis.METHODS:One hundred twenty-five patients were treated prospectively for 48 wk with TPV or BOC + pegylated-interferon(peg-INF) α2a + ribavirin(PR) according to standard treatment schedules without randomization.These patients were treated in routine practice settings in 10 public or private health care centers,and the data were prospectively collected.Only patients with severe liver fibrosis(Metavir scores of F3 or F4 upon liver biopsy or liver stiffness assessed by elastography),genotype 1 HCV and who were null-responders or relapsers to prior PR combination therapy were included in this study.RESULTS:The Metavir fibrosis scores were F3 in 35(28%) and F4 in 90(72%) of the patients.In total,62.9% of the patients were null-responders and 37.1% relapsers to the previous PR therapy.The overall SVR rate at 24 wk post-treatment withdrawal was 59.8%.The SVR was 65.9% in the TPV group and 44.1% in the BOC group.Independent predictive factors of an SVR included a response to previous treatment,relapsers vs null-responders [OR = 3.9;(1.4,10.6),P = 0.0084],a rapid virological response(RVR) [OR 6.9(2.6,18.2),P = 0.001] and liver stiffness lower than 21.3 kPa [OR = 8.2(2.3,29.5),P = 0.001].During treatment,63 patients(50.8%) had at least one severe adverse event(SAE) of grade 3 or 4.A multivariate analysis identified two factors associated with SAEs:female gender [OR = 2.4(1.1,5.6),P = 0.037] and a platelet count below 150 × 103/ mm3 [OR = 5.3(2.3,12.4),P ≤ 0.001].CONCLUSION:More than half of these difficult-to-treat patients achieved an SVR and had SAEs in an actual practice setting.The SVR rate was influenced by the response to previous PR treatment,the RVR and liver stiffness.展开更多
BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome and bladder pain syndrome often overlap and are both characterized by visceral hypersensitivity.Since pelvic organs share common sensory pathways,it is likely that those syndromes i...BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome and bladder pain syndrome often overlap and are both characterized by visceral hypersensitivity.Since pelvic organs share common sensory pathways,it is likely that those syndromes involve a cross-sensitization of the bladder and the colon.The precise pathophysiology remains poorly understood.AIM To develop a model of chronic bladder-colon cross-sensitization and to investigate the mechanisms involved.METHODS Chronic cross-organ visceral sensitization was obtained in C57BL/6 mice using ultrasound-guided intravesical injections of acetic acid under brief isoflurane anesthesia.Colorectal sensitivity was assessed in conscious mice by measuring intracolonic pressure during isobaric colorectal distensions.Myeloperoxidase,used as a marker of colorectal inflammation,was measured in the colon,and colorectal permeability was measured using chambers.c-Fos protein expression,used as a marker of neuronal activation,was assessed in the spinal cord(L6-S1 level)using immunohistochemistry.Green fluorescent protein on the fractalkine receptor-positive mice were used to identify and count microglia cells in the L6-S1 dorsal horn of the spinal cord.The expression of NK1 receptors and MAPK-p38 were quantified in the spinal cord using western blot.RESULTS Visceral hypersensitivity to colorectal distension was observed after the intravesical injection of acetic acid vs saline(P<0.0001).This effect started 1 h post-injection and lasted up to 7 d postinjection.No increased permeability or inflammation was shown in the bladder or colon 7 d postinjection.Visceral hypersensitivity was associated with the increased expression of c-Fos protein in the spinal cord(P<0.0001).In green fluorescent protein on the fractalkine receptor-positive mice,intravesical acetic acid injection resulted in an increased number of microglia cells in the L6-S1 dorsal horn of the spinal cord(P<0.0001).NK1 receptor and MAPK-p38 levels were increased in the spinal cord up to 7 d after injection(P=0.007 and 0.023 respectively).Colorectal sensitization was prevented by intrathecal or intracerebroventricular injections of minocycline,a microglia inhibitor,by intracerebroventricular injection of CP-99994 dihydrochloride,a NK1 antagonist,and by intracerebroventricular injection of SB203580,a MAPK-p38 inhibitor.CONCLUSION We describe a new model of cross-organ visceral sensitization between the bladder and the colon in mice.Intravesical injections of acetic acid induced a long-lasting colorectal hypersensitivity to distension,mediated by neuroglial interactions,MAPK-p38 phosphorylation and the NK1 receptor.展开更多
AIM:To assess the role of the major risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) development in the western part of North Africa.METHODS:A multicenter case control study was conducted in Tunisia,Morocco and Algeria ...AIM:To assess the role of the major risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) development in the western part of North Africa.METHODS:A multicenter case control study was conducted in Tunisia,Morocco and Algeria in collaboration with Pasteur Institutes in these countries.A total of 164 patients with HCC and 250 control subjects without hepatic diseases were included.Prevalences of HBsAg,anti-hepatitis C virus(HCV)and diabetes were assessed.HCV and HBV genotyping were performed for anti-HCV and HBsAg positive patients.RESULTS:The mean age of patients was 62±10 years old for a 1.5 M:F sex ratio.Sixty percent of HCC patients were positive for anti-HCV and 17.9% for HBsAg.Diabetes was detected in 18% of cases.Odd ratio(OR)and 95% confidence intervals(CI) were 32.0(15.8-65.0),7.2(3.2-16.1) and 8.0(3.1 -20.0)for anti-HCV,HBsAg and diabetes respectively.Multivariate analysis indicated that the three studied factors were independent.1b HCV genotype and D HBV genotype were predominant in HCC patients.HCV was the only risk factor significantly associated with an excess of cirrhosis(90% vs 68% for all other risk factors collectively,P=0.00168).Excessive alcohol consumption was reliably established for 19(17.6%) cases among the 108 HCC patients for whom data is available.CONCLUSION:HCV and HBV infections and diabetes are the main determinants of HCC development in North Africa.An active surveillance and secondary prevention programs for patients with chronic hepatitis and nutrition-associated metabolic liver diseases are the most important steps to reduce the risk of HCC in the region.Salah Berkane,Department of Gastroenterology BologhineUniversity Hospital,Bologhine 16090,Algiers。展开更多
The visualization of symmetric structure by [18F]-FluoroDeoxyGlucose-Positron Emission Tomography (FDG-PET), corresponding to adipose density in computed tomography (CT), has led to the idea that Brown Adipose Tissue ...The visualization of symmetric structure by [18F]-FluoroDeoxyGlucose-Positron Emission Tomography (FDG-PET), corresponding to adipose density in computed tomography (CT), has led to the idea that Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT) could be present in adult human. This article studies the FDG uptake in a mice model deficient on Uncoupling Protein 1 (UCP1), in a simple thermal activation protocol. Methods: FDG were injected in mice, control and knock out (K.O.) for the UCP1. Before imaging mice were placed either in cold or warm environment. BAT uptake was evaluated by ratio named RISC. Results: In warm condition, mean value of the Ratio of Inter-Scapular uptake (RISC) was 1.34 +/﹣ 0.27. After cold exposure, RISC increased 2 fold for control mice, male K.O. did not increase their RISC, female K.O. increased their RISC up to 2.45. Conclusion: Our study brought a further confirmation that FDG-PET visualised activated Brown Adipose Tissue. It gives a direct proof of the role of UCP1 in this process. The FDG uptake by cold female K.O. mice was unexpected.展开更多
BACKGROUND Liver resection is the mainstay for a curative treatment for patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),also in elderly population.Despite this,the evaluation of patient condition,liver function...BACKGROUND Liver resection is the mainstay for a curative treatment for patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),also in elderly population.Despite this,the evaluation of patient condition,liver function and extent of disease remains a demanding process with the aim to reduce postoperative morbidity and mortality.AIM To identify new perioperative risk factors that could be associated with higher 90-and 180-d mortality in elderly patients eligible for liver resection for HCC considering traditional perioperative risk scores and to develop a risk score.METHODS A multicentric,retrospective study was performed by reviewing the medical records of patients aged 70 years or older who electively underwent liver resection for HCC;several independent variables correlated with death from all causes at 90 and 180 d were studied.The coefficients of Cox regression proportional-hazards model for sixmonth mortality were rounded to the nearest integer to assign risk factors'weights and derive the scoring algorithm.RESULTS Multivariate analysis found variables(American Society of Anesthesiology score,high rate of comorbidities,Mayo end stage liver disease score and size of biggest lesion)that had independent correlations with increased 90-and 180-d mortality.A clinical risk score was developed with survival profiles.CONCLUSION This score can aid in stratifying this population in order to assess who can benefit from surgical treatment in terms of postoperative mortality.展开更多
We read with great interest the recently published article of Boudjema and collaborators(1).The authors evaluated the safety and efficacy of delayed resection(DR)versus simultaneous resection(SR)for patients with init...We read with great interest the recently published article of Boudjema and collaborators(1).The authors evaluated the safety and efficacy of delayed resection(DR)versus simultaneous resection(SR)for patients with initially resectable synchronous colorectal cancer liver metastases(CRC-SLM).The aforementioned study(METASYNC)was the first randomized controlled trial comparing two resection strategies for CRC-SLM.In the literature,large retrospective studies didn’t seem to favor one type of treatment,particularly when comparisons are based on a propensity match score(2).展开更多
文摘Vegetables are very important sources of protein and minerals. Some of them even have medicinal properties recognized traditionally. Despite the large number of studies carried out on various vegetables and vegetable crops, very few have scientifically explored the usefulness of S. macrocarpon. This study identified the main groups of chemicals and mineral elements to explain any medicinal or nutritional value. It has also identified some toxic elements contained in this vegetable. Phytochemical screening was carried out on the leaves and fruits of S. macrocarpon. Some mineral elements were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) while protein, phosphorous, iron, copper, zinc and toxic metals (lead, cadmium) were determined by Molecular Absorption Spectrophotometry. Fat, ash, moisture and vitamins were sought. The study showed that the leaves of S. macrocarpon were more nutritious than fruits (P macrocarpon require that the consumption of vegetables should be as varied as possible and that the fruit may be consumed with caution. In addition, constraints about vegetable cultivation in Cotonou could lead to research findings that could help provide techniques for producing healthy vegetables.Vitamins A and K1 were found in both parts of this vegetable very rich in water while vitamin E has not been detected. S. macrocarpon also contains lipids at various levels.
文摘AIM:To assess,in a routine practice setting,the sus-tained virologic response(SVR) to telaprevir(TPV) or boceprevir(BOC) in hepatitis C virus(HCV) nullresponders or relapsers with severe liver fibrosis.METHODS:One hundred twenty-five patients were treated prospectively for 48 wk with TPV or BOC + pegylated-interferon(peg-INF) α2a + ribavirin(PR) according to standard treatment schedules without randomization.These patients were treated in routine practice settings in 10 public or private health care centers,and the data were prospectively collected.Only patients with severe liver fibrosis(Metavir scores of F3 or F4 upon liver biopsy or liver stiffness assessed by elastography),genotype 1 HCV and who were null-responders or relapsers to prior PR combination therapy were included in this study.RESULTS:The Metavir fibrosis scores were F3 in 35(28%) and F4 in 90(72%) of the patients.In total,62.9% of the patients were null-responders and 37.1% relapsers to the previous PR therapy.The overall SVR rate at 24 wk post-treatment withdrawal was 59.8%.The SVR was 65.9% in the TPV group and 44.1% in the BOC group.Independent predictive factors of an SVR included a response to previous treatment,relapsers vs null-responders [OR = 3.9;(1.4,10.6),P = 0.0084],a rapid virological response(RVR) [OR 6.9(2.6,18.2),P = 0.001] and liver stiffness lower than 21.3 kPa [OR = 8.2(2.3,29.5),P = 0.001].During treatment,63 patients(50.8%) had at least one severe adverse event(SAE) of grade 3 or 4.A multivariate analysis identified two factors associated with SAEs:female gender [OR = 2.4(1.1,5.6),P = 0.037] and a platelet count below 150 × 103/ mm3 [OR = 5.3(2.3,12.4),P ≤ 0.001].CONCLUSION:More than half of these difficult-to-treat patients achieved an SVR and had SAEs in an actual practice setting.The SVR rate was influenced by the response to previous PR treatment,the RVR and liver stiffness.
文摘BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome and bladder pain syndrome often overlap and are both characterized by visceral hypersensitivity.Since pelvic organs share common sensory pathways,it is likely that those syndromes involve a cross-sensitization of the bladder and the colon.The precise pathophysiology remains poorly understood.AIM To develop a model of chronic bladder-colon cross-sensitization and to investigate the mechanisms involved.METHODS Chronic cross-organ visceral sensitization was obtained in C57BL/6 mice using ultrasound-guided intravesical injections of acetic acid under brief isoflurane anesthesia.Colorectal sensitivity was assessed in conscious mice by measuring intracolonic pressure during isobaric colorectal distensions.Myeloperoxidase,used as a marker of colorectal inflammation,was measured in the colon,and colorectal permeability was measured using chambers.c-Fos protein expression,used as a marker of neuronal activation,was assessed in the spinal cord(L6-S1 level)using immunohistochemistry.Green fluorescent protein on the fractalkine receptor-positive mice were used to identify and count microglia cells in the L6-S1 dorsal horn of the spinal cord.The expression of NK1 receptors and MAPK-p38 were quantified in the spinal cord using western blot.RESULTS Visceral hypersensitivity to colorectal distension was observed after the intravesical injection of acetic acid vs saline(P<0.0001).This effect started 1 h post-injection and lasted up to 7 d postinjection.No increased permeability or inflammation was shown in the bladder or colon 7 d postinjection.Visceral hypersensitivity was associated with the increased expression of c-Fos protein in the spinal cord(P<0.0001).In green fluorescent protein on the fractalkine receptor-positive mice,intravesical acetic acid injection resulted in an increased number of microglia cells in the L6-S1 dorsal horn of the spinal cord(P<0.0001).NK1 receptor and MAPK-p38 levels were increased in the spinal cord up to 7 d after injection(P=0.007 and 0.023 respectively).Colorectal sensitization was prevented by intrathecal or intracerebroventricular injections of minocycline,a microglia inhibitor,by intracerebroventricular injection of CP-99994 dihydrochloride,a NK1 antagonist,and by intracerebroventricular injection of SB203580,a MAPK-p38 inhibitor.CONCLUSION We describe a new model of cross-organ visceral sensitization between the bladder and the colon in mice.Intravesical injections of acetic acid induced a long-lasting colorectal hypersensitivity to distension,mediated by neuroglial interactions,MAPK-p38 phosphorylation and the NK1 receptor.
基金Supported by the"Direction des Programmes Transversaux de Recherches of the Institut Pasteur of Paris(PTR 130)"the "Tunisian Secretariat for Scientific Research and Technology SERST for Tunisian part of the study(LR:Hépatites et maladies viralesépidémiques)"
文摘AIM:To assess the role of the major risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) development in the western part of North Africa.METHODS:A multicenter case control study was conducted in Tunisia,Morocco and Algeria in collaboration with Pasteur Institutes in these countries.A total of 164 patients with HCC and 250 control subjects without hepatic diseases were included.Prevalences of HBsAg,anti-hepatitis C virus(HCV)and diabetes were assessed.HCV and HBV genotyping were performed for anti-HCV and HBsAg positive patients.RESULTS:The mean age of patients was 62±10 years old for a 1.5 M:F sex ratio.Sixty percent of HCC patients were positive for anti-HCV and 17.9% for HBsAg.Diabetes was detected in 18% of cases.Odd ratio(OR)and 95% confidence intervals(CI) were 32.0(15.8-65.0),7.2(3.2-16.1) and 8.0(3.1 -20.0)for anti-HCV,HBsAg and diabetes respectively.Multivariate analysis indicated that the three studied factors were independent.1b HCV genotype and D HBV genotype were predominant in HCC patients.HCV was the only risk factor significantly associated with an excess of cirrhosis(90% vs 68% for all other risk factors collectively,P=0.00168).Excessive alcohol consumption was reliably established for 19(17.6%) cases among the 108 HCC patients for whom data is available.CONCLUSION:HCV and HBV infections and diabetes are the main determinants of HCC development in North Africa.An active surveillance and secondary prevention programs for patients with chronic hepatitis and nutrition-associated metabolic liver diseases are the most important steps to reduce the risk of HCC in the region.Salah Berkane,Department of Gastroenterology BologhineUniversity Hospital,Bologhine 16090,Algiers。
文摘The visualization of symmetric structure by [18F]-FluoroDeoxyGlucose-Positron Emission Tomography (FDG-PET), corresponding to adipose density in computed tomography (CT), has led to the idea that Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT) could be present in adult human. This article studies the FDG uptake in a mice model deficient on Uncoupling Protein 1 (UCP1), in a simple thermal activation protocol. Methods: FDG were injected in mice, control and knock out (K.O.) for the UCP1. Before imaging mice were placed either in cold or warm environment. BAT uptake was evaluated by ratio named RISC. Results: In warm condition, mean value of the Ratio of Inter-Scapular uptake (RISC) was 1.34 +/﹣ 0.27. After cold exposure, RISC increased 2 fold for control mice, male K.O. did not increase their RISC, female K.O. increased their RISC up to 2.45. Conclusion: Our study brought a further confirmation that FDG-PET visualised activated Brown Adipose Tissue. It gives a direct proof of the role of UCP1 in this process. The FDG uptake by cold female K.O. mice was unexpected.
文摘BACKGROUND Liver resection is the mainstay for a curative treatment for patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),also in elderly population.Despite this,the evaluation of patient condition,liver function and extent of disease remains a demanding process with the aim to reduce postoperative morbidity and mortality.AIM To identify new perioperative risk factors that could be associated with higher 90-and 180-d mortality in elderly patients eligible for liver resection for HCC considering traditional perioperative risk scores and to develop a risk score.METHODS A multicentric,retrospective study was performed by reviewing the medical records of patients aged 70 years or older who electively underwent liver resection for HCC;several independent variables correlated with death from all causes at 90 and 180 d were studied.The coefficients of Cox regression proportional-hazards model for sixmonth mortality were rounded to the nearest integer to assign risk factors'weights and derive the scoring algorithm.RESULTS Multivariate analysis found variables(American Society of Anesthesiology score,high rate of comorbidities,Mayo end stage liver disease score and size of biggest lesion)that had independent correlations with increased 90-and 180-d mortality.A clinical risk score was developed with survival profiles.CONCLUSION This score can aid in stratifying this population in order to assess who can benefit from surgical treatment in terms of postoperative mortality.
文摘We read with great interest the recently published article of Boudjema and collaborators(1).The authors evaluated the safety and efficacy of delayed resection(DR)versus simultaneous resection(SR)for patients with initially resectable synchronous colorectal cancer liver metastases(CRC-SLM).The aforementioned study(METASYNC)was the first randomized controlled trial comparing two resection strategies for CRC-SLM.In the literature,large retrospective studies didn’t seem to favor one type of treatment,particularly when comparisons are based on a propensity match score(2).
