Comparison of intramuscular alfaxalone with medetomidine-ketamine for inducing anaesthesia in Trachemys scripta spp. undergoing sterilization

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effect of two anaesthetic protocols on heart rate (HR), time to muscle relaxation and tracheal intubation and time to surgical plane of anaesthesia, in Trachemys scripta spp. undergoing oophorectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective randomized clinical study.

ANIMALS

A total of 43 healthy female turtles.

METHODS

Morphine (1.5 mg kg-1) was injected subcutaneously 2 hours before anaesthesia induction. The turtles were randomly administered either medetomidine (0.2 mg kg-1) and ketamine (10 mg kg-1) (group MK; n = 23) or alfaxalone (20 mg kg-1) (group A; n = 20) intramuscularly followed by bupivacaine (2 mg kg-1) administered subcutaneously along the incision site. Anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane delivered in oxygen (100%). HR and the anaesthetic depth score (ADS) were recorded every 5 minutes from induction to recovery. A Friedman test followed by Wilcoxon tests with Bonferroni adjustment were used to compare these non-parametric data (HR and ADS) between groups and over time. Time to muscle relaxation of neck and limbs (TMR), tracheal tube insertion (TTTI) and stage of surgical anaesthesia (TADS≤3) were recorded and compared between groups using a Welch's t test after logarithmic transformation.

RESULTS

Median values of TMR, TTTI and TADS≤3 were 4, 9.5 and 25 minutes in group A, respectively, and 14, 20 and 35 minutes in group MK (TMR, TTTIp ≤ 0.0001; TADS≤3p = 0.001). Plane of anaesthesia was significantly deeper in group A than in group MK for the first 20 minutes (p < 0.01). HR at 10 and 15 minutes post injection was significantly lower in group MK (28 beats minute-1) than in group A (36 and 34 beats minute-1) (p < 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

After intramuscular injection in Trachemys scripta spp., tracheal intubation, muscle relaxation and a surgical plane of anaesthesia developed faster with alfaxalone than medetomidine-ketamine.

Vaccination of squirrel monkeys (Saimiri spp.) with nanoparticle based-Toxoplasma gondii antigens: new hope for captive susceptible species

Squirrel monkeys (Saimiri spp.), new world primates from South America, are very susceptible to toxoplasmosis. Numerous outbreaks of fatal toxoplasmosis in zoos have been identified around the world, resulting in acute respiratory distress and sudden death. To date, preventive hygiene measures or available treatments are not able to significantly reduce this mortality in zoos. Therefore, vaccination seems to be the best long-term solution to control acute toxoplasmosis. Recently, we developed a nasal vaccine composed of total extract of soluble proteins of Toxoplasma gondii associated with muco-adhesive maltodextrin-nanoparticles. The vaccine, which generated specific cellular immune responses, demonstrated efficacy against toxoplasmosis in murine and ovine experimental models. In collaboration with six French zoos, our vaccine was used as a last resort in 48 squirrel monkeys to prevent toxoplasmosis. The full protocol of vaccination includes two intranasal sprays followed by combined intranasal and s.c. administration. No local or systemic side-effects were observed irrespective of the route of administration. Blood samples were collected to study systemic humoral and cellular immune responses up to 1 year after the last vaccination. Vaccination induced a strong and lasting systemic cellular immune response mediated by specific IFN-γ secretion by peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Since the introduction of vaccination, no deaths of squirrel monkeys due to T. gondii has been observed for more than 4 years suggesting the promising usage of our vaccine. Moreover, to explain the high susceptibility of naive squirrel monkeys to toxoplasmosis, their innate immune sensors were investigated. It was observed that Toll-like and Nod-like receptors appear to be functional following T. gondii recognition suggesting that the extreme susceptibility to toxoplasmosis may not be linked to innate detection of the parasite.

Gastrointestinal parasites in non-human primates in zoological institutions in France

Gastrointestinal parasites are frequently encountered in captive non-human primates and infestation may have severe consequences on the animal's health status. Most of these parasites are also transmissible to humans. Nevertheless, little is known about the prevalence and monitoring modalities of gastrointestinal parasitoses in non-human primates housed in zoological institutions and there are currently no guidelines available for their detection and identification. The objective of this study was to identify the main gastrointestinal parasites that may be observed in non-human primates in zoological institutions in France, as well as to develop a decision-making tree to ease their identification. Twenty-four zoological institutions were surveyed, most of which performed fecal examinations routinely on their non-human primates (91.7%). Most institutions used flotation enrichment protocols to detect gastrointestinal parasites (95.2%) and nematodes were the most frequently encountered parasites (73.0%). A total of 252 fecal samples corresponding to 68 different non-human primate species from these institutions were analyzed using sedimentation and flotation protocols. Protozoa (47.3%) were found to be more frequent than helminths (15.6%). Furthermore, old-world monkeys exhibited a higher parasite load (93.6%) than any other non-human primate species category. Compiled data from fecal examinations allowed the development of a decision-making tree and diagnostic atlas to facilitate parasite diagnosis in captive non-human primates.

From neglect to earlier diagnosis: a qualitative meta-synthesis of psycho-social factors associated with consultation delay in advanced basal cell carcinoma

Local malignant potential of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) can lead at advanced stages to the destruction of underlying tissues and significant morbidity. The primary risk factor for progression of advanced basal cell carcinoma (aBCC) is the long duration of the tumour, which results from delay in seeking medical care. To assess the implication of psycho-social factors in the delay before the first medical consultation among patients with aBCC, in order to identify potentially targetable factors enabling earlier diagnosis. Three-step qualitative meta-synthesis: (1) systematic review of the literature; (2) structured qualitative analysis of these documents; (3) construction of a logical model. After screening, 81 articles were included. Self-neglect and denial in patients are roundly put forward as the main obstacles to consultation. We found that avoidance behaviour, mistaken interpretation and banalisation of symptoms, and fear of treatment all played a role. The strongest motivation to seek help comes from the realisation that new symptoms may be dangerous; the role of interpersonal surroundings is highlighted as helpful. Patient delay has multifactorial origins in aBCC, especially self-neglect ranging from denial of tumours to conscious refusal of treatment.

PREVALENCE OF LAWSONIA INTRACELLULARIS INFECTION IN NONHUMAN PRIMATES AND PEST RODENTS IN A ZOOLOGICAL COLLECTION

In 2016 and 2017, Lawsonia intracellularis was isolated from several pileated gibbons (Hylobates pileatus) presenting with diarrhea in Mulhouse Zoo (eastern France). To this day, infection with this bacterium has rarely been described in nonhuman primates (NHP) in captivity or in the wild and there are no data about the prevalence or transmission of the disease. This study focuses on finding the prevalence of this infection amongst Mulhouse Zoo's NHP collection and trying to identify a source of contamination responsible for this epizooty. Forty-eight real-time PCR were conducted on feces from all NHP species in the zoo and on small mammals trapped in the NHP housing structures. No NHP was experiencing symptoms at the time of the study, however test results showed that Lawsonia intracellularis can be found in 61.76% (21/34) of the group total (n = 34) and the prevalence even increases to 92.3% (12/13) in the Lemuriform infraorder (n = 13). In small mammals (n = 14), prevalence of the bacterium is 57.17% (8/14) including 77.78% in rodents (7/9). The results of this study show that several NHP species are healthy carriers and some species of small mammals can be considered as a potential source of contamination. Because of the difficulty encountered trying to isolate the bacterium, it is plausible that infections caused by Lawsonia intracellularis have been underdiagnosed to this day, and that it could be an emerging disease in Europe. Therefore, using real-time PCR to search for this bacterium seems essential in case of diarrhea occurring in nonhuman primates. Moreover, even though further studies on contamination sources need to be conducted, the issue of the presence of rodents in NHP housing structures has to be taken very seriously and tackled with the utmost care.

International variation in managing locally advanced or recurrent rectal cancer: prospective benchmark analysis

BACKGROUND

Tumour extension beyond the mesorectal plane (ymrT4) occurs in 5-10 per cent of patients with rectal cancer and 10 per cent of patients develop locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) after primary surgery. There is global variation in healthcare delivery for these conditions.

METHODS

An international benchmark trial of the management of ymrT4 tumours and LRRC was undertaken in France and Australia between 2015 and 2017. Heterogeneity in management and operative decision-making were analysed by comparison of surgical resection rates, blinded intercountry reading of pelvic MRI, quality-of-life assessment and qualitative evaluations.

RESULTS

Among 154 patients (97 in France and 57 in Australia), 31·8 per cent had ymrT4 disease and 68·2 per cent LRRC. The surgical resection rates were 88 and 79 per cent in France and Australia respectively (P = 0·112). The concordance in operative planning was low (κ = 0·314); the rate of pelvic exenteration was lower in France than Australia both in clinical practice (36 of 78 versus 34 of 40; P < 0·001) and in theoretical conditions (10 of 25 versus 50 of 57; P = 0·002). The R0 resection rate was lower in France than Australia for LRRC (25 of 49 versus 18 of 21; P = 0·007) but not for ymrT4 tumours (21 of 26 versus 15 of 15; P = 0·139). Morbidity rates were similar. Patients who underwent non-exenterative procedures had higher scores on the mental functioning subscale at 12 months (P = 0·047), and a lower level of distress at 6 months (P = 0·049). Qualitative analysis highlighted five categories of psychosocial factors influencing treatment decisions: patient, strategy, specialist, organization and culture.

CONCLUSION

This international benchmark trial has highlighted the differences in worldwide treatment of locally advanced and LRRC. Standardized care should improve outcomes for these patients.

Development of an evidence-based reference framework for care coordination interventions in France

Background

Today, the high variability of practices, the lack of common definitions and underlying concepts increases the existing difficulty to standardise, to replicate, to transpose and to assess the coordinated care. This heterogeneity makes very difficult the evaluation of performance of care coordination. The aim of the first phase of Epock study is to develop a theoretical framework for care coordination interventions in the French health system that can be used for description, implementation and evaluation of care coordination intervention in any clinical situation.

Methods

A review of systematic reviews on care coordination interventions was conducted to identify relevant models and constitutive elements of the expected reference framework for care coordination intervention. These elements resulting from the literature review have been grouped by themes, prioritised and selected by a structured consensus method (Nominal Group Technique).

Results

Four dimensions of care coordination were identified: (a) Underlying conceptual models; (b) Care organization, care and facilitation activities; (c) Actors and tools; and (d) Effects classified according to WHO’s quality of care dimensions. Among these dimensions, 4 to 28 elements have been selected to build the reference components of care coordination in France.

Conclusions

This first reference framework for care coordination interventions in France will be used during the Epock project phase 2 as a basis for comparing practices observed in oncology. This framework could be used as of now for: practice by helping to develop job descriptions and training programmes for future care coordination professionals; piloting to measure care coordination (by developing indicators for care coordination); and research, to evaluate the impact of care coordination interventions.

Key messages

Epock is a challenging French national research project for the development of an evidence-based reference framework for cancer care coordination interventions considered as a complex intervention. Epock will provide key elements for cancer care coordination intervention effective implementations and for designing further medico-economic evaluation of cancer care coordination intervention impact.

EPOCK study protocol: a mixed-methods research program evaluating cancer care coordination nursing occupations in France as a complex intervention

Background

Facing the increasing cancer incidence and cancer survivorship, many national strategic cancer plans have identified cancer care coordination as a priority for health service improvement. However, the high variability of practices, the diversity of definitions and underlying concepts increases the existing difficulty to standardise, replicate, transpose and assess care coordination within the French health system context. The EPOCK national study aims at evaluating practices and the working context of hospital-based cancer care coordination nurses, based on a previously designed reference framework for care coordination within the French health system context.

Methods

EPOCK is based on a comprehensive evaluation of nursing professions in cancer care coordination, considered as a complex intervention. Phase 1 (theoretical phase) will define and design a theoretical reference framework for care coordination in France through an international literature review, aiming to identify relevant models and all components of the expected framework and a structured consensus method, the Nominal group technique, aiming to select and prioritise the most relevant components already found in the literature review with regard to the French healthcare system; phase 2 (Operational phase) will consist in an in-depth analysis of practices, contexts, perceptions and attitudes related to care coordination occupations by nurses in oncology and all stakeholders (related professionals, patients and their caregivers) through a multicentric cross-sectional mixed-method evaluative study. The observed practices and contexts will be finally compared with the theoretical reference framework using both inductive and deductive approaches.

Discussion

This study will result in an evaluation framework identifying key models and key elements relative to cancer care coordination interventions that can be used to guide management of cancer care coordination nursing occupations within the French healthcare system. EPOCK would also assist in public decision-making to identify optimal targets, skills profiles and scope of actions for cancer coordination professions. Finally, EPOCK will describe typology of nurse practices in cancer care coordination and thus obtain precise preliminary information essential for drafting a medico-economic evaluation study of these new nursing professions’ impact.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrial.gov registration: NCT03350776, 11/22/2017.

Environmental stressors may cause equine herpesvirus reactivation in captive Grévy's zebras (Equus grevyi)

Equine Herpesviruses (EHV) are common and often latent pathogens of equids which can cause fatalities when transmitted to non-equids. Stress and elevated glucocorticoids have been associated with EHV reactivation in domestic horses, but little is known about the correlation between stress and viral reactivation in wild equids. We investigated the effect of an environmental stressor (social group restructuring following a translocation event) on EHV reactivation in captive Grévy's zebras (Equus grevyi). A mare was translocated by road transport from Zoo Mulhouse, France, to join a resident group of three mares in Tierpark Berlin, Germany. We used an indirect sampling method to assess the frequency of EHV shedding for 14 days immediately after the translocation event (termed the 'experimental period'). The results were compared with those from two control periods, one preceding and one subsequent to the experimental period. In addition, we measured fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) concentrations daily in all individuals from 6 days before, to 14 days after translocation. We found significantly higher EHV shedding frequencies during the experimental period, compared to each of the two control periods. All animals showed significantly elevated fGCM concentrations, compared to fGCM levels before translocation. Finally, we found that an increase in fGCM concentration was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of EHV shedding. Although the small number of animals in the study limits the conclusions that can be drawn from the study, taken together, our results support the hypothesis that environmental stressors induce viral reactivation in wild equids. Our results suggest that potentials stressors such as group restructuring and translocation should be considered in the management of zoological collections to reduce the risk of fatal EHV infections in novel hosts. Moreover, environmental stressors may play an important role in EHV reactivation and spread in wild equid populations.

Evidence for the possible occurrence of Grave's disease in a blue-eyed black lemur (Eulemur flavifrons)

The blue-eyed black lemur (Eulemur flavifrons) is classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as critically endangered. A 23-year-old male housed at Mulhouse Zoo presented with lethargy, polyphagia, alopecia, and chronic weight loss. Clinical examination suggested an endocrine pathology such as hyperthyroidism. Secondary examinations included cervical ultrasound, thyroid biopsy, and scintigraphy. The latter revealed elevated thyroid activity. Blood analysis was performed to measure the level of anti-receptor thyroid-stimulating hormone antibodies, which allowed us to test the autoimmune hypothesis. The high level of antibodies together with levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone and the scintigraphy images led to the diagnosis of Grave's disease. Carbimazole treatment followed by thyroidectomy resulted in a quick weight gain and general improvement in health status. The following breeding season, the treated individual sired an offspring. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of likely Grave's disease in a non-human primate.

Decision-making in fecal occult blood test compliance: A quali-quantitative study investigating motivational processes

The qualitative-quantitative study investigates the co-existence of barriers and levers to FOBT screening in 5894 individuals reluctant to be screened, identifying operational motivational patterns that may increase screening compliance. Co-occurrence analysis was performed according to three motivational conditions (barriers, levers, or both).Cluster analysis then identified motivational predictors of effective screening. One quarter of the individuals who had refused screening nevertheless expressed at least one motivation towards FOBT. As such, co-existence of barriers and levers within the same individual demonstrates ambivalence tendencies. Intrinsic motivations appear to be the most likely to increase FOBT compliance. This study finds that certain factors well-known to improve CRC screening compliance generally, may not have much impact on reluctant individuals due to ambivalence and contextual nuances. Several practical recommendations to encourage screening participation are offered, such as focusing on levers rather barriers, providing tailored education to improve awareness and readiness, and fostering intrinsic motivation with relevant approaches.

Objective vs. subjective factors in the psychological impact of vitiligo: the experience from a French referral centre

BACKGROUND

Vitiligo affects around 0.5% of the population. The burden of disease perceived by patients seems to be underestimated by the medical community.

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the impact of objective and psychological factors on the quality of life (QoL) and self-body image of patients with vitiligo.

METHODS

Demographic data, medical information and psychological factors (perceived severity, trait anxiety, trait depression, trait self-esteem, body image and QoL) were prospectively collected for all patients.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients with a mean age of 43.9 years were included in the study. Vitiligo caused overall a moderate effect on patients' QoL with a 7.17 Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) mean score (out of 30) without correlation with gender. According to distribution, no or minimal (DLQI 0-1), mild (2-5), moderate (6-11) and severe (12-20) impairment of QoL was found in five (10%), 14 (29%), 18 (38%) and 11 (23%) patients, respectively. The mean perceived severity evaluated by the patients was 4.91 based on visual analogue scale from 0 to 10. The self-body image was influenced by gender, perceived severity and disease characteristics. Perceived severity and patient personality were predictors of QoL impairment. Perceived severity of vitiligo was explained mainly by the patients' personality and less significantly by objective criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Subjective as well as objective factors should be included in the assessment of disease severity and follow-up of patients with vitiligo. A simple perceived severity scale is useful in clinical practice.

Coping and Pediatric Dentistry

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to build a tool of evaluation of the strategies the children use during a dental care.

Method:

30 children (from 6 to 15 years old), 15 parents and 10 dentists participated in semi-directive conversations and in observations.

Results:

An analysis of thematic contents of the conversations and the observations allowed to kick away five categories of strategies and to classify them according to the moment of the meeting.

Conclusion and perspectives:

Questionnaires (behaviour, relation, cognition, emotion and somatic) were built. Once validated, these tools should allow to assess the strategies used by the child during a dental care and to individualize the way of treating them.

[Life satisfaction and psychosocial outcome in severe traumatic brain injuries in Aquitaine]

OBJECTIVE

To assess late outcome and satisfaction of life of patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients who received inpatient rehabilitation in Aquitaine.

DESIGN AND PATIENTS

Seventy-nine consecutive patients out of the 158 who were hospitalized for rehabilitation in 1993 were asked for in 2000 by a phone interview including standardised scales and free talk as well.

RESULTS

The results showed that nine years on average after their injury, 65 to 85% of patients were independent for daily living, whereas 35 to 55% only were independent in social life. Most of them were satisfied with their autonomy (67%), family life (66%) and financial status (41%), but they were dissatisfied with leisure (36%), vocational adjustment (28%) and sexual life (32%).

CONCLUSION

Return to work, leisure and sexuality are major parameters of satisfaction of life after a severe TBI, and should be emphasized in goal-directed rehabilitation programs.

Satisfaction of life and late psycho-social outcome after severe brain injury: a nine-year follow-up study in Aquitaine

In view of assessing their late outcome and satisfaction of life, 79 out of 158 severe traumatic brain injury (STBI) patients who received inpatient rehabilitation in Aquitaine in 1993 were followed by phone interview. Results showed that 9 years on average after their injury, 65 to 85% of these patients were independent for daily living, whereas 35 to 55% only were independent in social life. Most of the patients were satisfied with their autonomy (67%), family life (66%) and financial status (41%), but they were dissatisfied with leisures (36%), vocational adjustment (28%) and sexual life (32%). Satisfaction of life was mostly related to age, gender, physical autonomy, need of help because of cognitive impairment and functional outcome as assessed by the Glasgow Outcome Scale. Severe traumatic brain injury (STBI) stands in industrialised countries as a major Public Health problem and a dreadful human drama for the patients, their families and the community [2]. A great number of STBI patients survive with severe disability, most of them being young adults. The most severely impaired may live only with their parents or in high-cost nursing homes. From a psychological point of view, STBI causes a total and sudden breakdown of the mental states, personality and conditions of life. Life plans and projects are definitively disrupted, satisfaction of life is deeply changed. Rehabilitation aims at improving functional outcome of persons with STBI, and at improving their overall quality of life. Planning for rehabilitation and re-entry into community of STBI patients need to be provided with precise data on their late outcome and disability level. Despite that the concepts of quality and satisfaction of life are difficult to define and moreover to assess, these are also major factors to take into account. The aims of the present study were to assess the late psycho-social outcome of patients hospitalized in Aquitaine for rehabilitation of a STBI 7 to 10 years after their injury, and to ask for their satisfaction of life and subjective feeling of quality of life.

French adaptation of the Ways of Coping Checklist

A short form (42 items) of the Ways of Coping Checklist was administered to 468 French men and women. A factor analysis of the responses yielded three factors, accounting for about 35% of the total variance, and named Problem-focused Coping, Emotion-focused Coping, and Social Support seeking. The first two dimensions are close to those generally described in the literature. Some interesting relationships of scores appeared between personality and coping, notably, between anxiety and emotion-focused coping.

Psychological adjustment to hospitalization: factorial structure, antecedents, and outcome

Using various methods of observation, the psychological status of 211 patients of both sexes was assessed after the surgery or treatment justifying their hospitalization. Intercorrelations of scores on 40 variables obtained to describe the state of the patients were submitted to a principal components analysis. The latter yielded a factor of maladjustment to hospitalization associated with various psychosociological antecedents of the patients and a short-term unfavorable development of their physical health. This dimension seems to correspond not just with personal characteristics but to involve the interaction of medical staff members and patients in a manner detrimental to patients' recovery.

[Health psychology: a new approach in the understanding of health and disease]

This article aims to present health psychology, a new discipline which recently appeared in the U.S.A., then in Europe and finally in France. It is defined as the study of interactions between psychological, sociological and biological factors which are influential in the onset, course and prognosis of somatic diseases. Health psychology insists on the moderating role of processual variables in the understanding of stress-distress relationship: perceived stress, coping, perceived control, social support. The most valid assessment methods of these constructs are also presented. Its application aims to promote healthy life-styles, prevention of diseases and the improvement of the management and care of patients.

[The measurement of "coping". French translation and validation of the Vitaliano's scale (Vitaliano et al. 1985)]

Coping is currently defined as "the various cognitive or behavioral efforts intended to master or tolerate the internal or external demands which threaten or go beyond the resources of a subject "(Lazarus & Folkman, 1984). The general objective of this work was to present the french version of a coping scale (Vitaliano et al., 1985) for the assessment of the different types of coping strategies which one can use when confronting an adversive event. Our population is composed of 501 adults (329 female and 172 males) of the age of 20 to 35 years. A Principal Component Analysis gave us a general factor of coping (12% V.T.) which gathers emotional focused strategies and problem focused strategies. The factorial analysis with varimax rotation confirmed the existence of 5 specific types of coping strategies. These are "solving problem" factor (9.4% V.T.), "avoidance with wishful thinking" factor (7.5% V.T.), "seeks social support" factor (6.5% V.T.), "positive reevaluation" factor (5.9% V.T.) and "self-blamed" (5.7% V.T.). These results allowed us to construct a valid questionnaire of 29 items measuring 5 types of coping strategies.

Adhesion of K99 fimbriated Escherichia coli to pig intestinal epithelium: correlation of adhesive and non-adhesive phenotypes with the sialoglycolipid content

Evidence for the existence of two phenotypes of piglets born to experimental herds was obtained based on the susceptibility of intestinal brush borders to adhesion of K99-positive Escherichia coli. The enterocytes of the K99-receptive piglets displayed a characteristic sialoglycolipid pattern, with a higher content of the monosialoglycolipids II3NeuGc-LacCer (GM3Gc), IV3NeuGc-nLcOse4Cer (SPGGc) and IV3NeuAc-nLcOse4Cer (SPG) and the oligosialogangliosides IV3NeuAc,II3NeuAc-GgOse4Cer (GD1a), II3(NeuAc)2-GgOse3Cer (GD2), II3(NeuAc)2-GgOse4Cer (GD1b) and IV3NeuAc,II3(NeuAc)2-GgOse4Cer (GT1b) when compared to the gangliosides of non-receptive piglets. The gangliosides from enterocytes of the non-receptive piglets were mainly the monosialogangliosides II3NeuAc-GgOse3Cer (GM2) and II3NeuAc-LacCer (GM3), only traces of the other sialoglycolipids being detected. Adhesion of 14C-labelled K99-positive E. coli cells to the piglet small intestinal sialoglycolipids, as tested by the thin-layer chromatogram overlay assay, revealed that the receptive enterocyte membrane was richer in glycolipids containing K99 receptor structures than the non-receptive enterocyte. Adhesion of K99-positive E. coli correlated with the degree of sialylation of the brush border glycolipids.

[Prevention of phenylephrine-induced acute experimental pulmonary edema in the rat using furosemide]

The intravenous, intraperitoneal or oral administration of furosemide before intravenous infusion of phenylephrin protects rats, the highest doses and the longest the time between administration of the diuretic drug and the beginning of injection, inducing the best protection. The diuretic effects of furosemide do not seem to be the only ones involved because rehydrated animals by isotonic saline solution are still protected. Moreover other diuretic drugs as acetazolamide are useless and on the other hand ethacrynic acid, without any diuretic activity in the Rat, can protect that animal from the edematous effects of phenylephrin.

[Cellular distribution of elongation factor EF1 in wheat germ]

Cellular distribution of elongation factors (EF1) from imbibed then redessicated wheat embryos is determined after purification and analytical gel electrophoresis of soluble and ribosome-bound factors. Two heavy forms (EF1 H, mol. wt, 250 000) are found in cytosol while ribosome-bound factors contain a light form (EF1L, mol. wt, 45 000) with the greatest activity and a heavy form (mol. wt, 160 000) which might well be an intermediary in the recycling of ribosomal factor EF1L to soluble factor EF1H.