A dynamical measure of the black hole mass in a quasar 11 billion years ago

Tight relationships exist in the local Universe between the central stellar properties of galaxies and the mass of their supermassive black hole (SMBH)1-3. These suggest that galaxies and black holes co-evolve, with the main regulation mechanism being energetic feedback from accretion onto the black hole during its quasar phase4-6. A crucial question is how the relationship between black holes and galaxies evolves with time; a key epoch to examine this relationship is at the peaks of star formation and black hole growth 8-12 billion years ago (redshifts 1-3)7. Here we report a dynamical measurement of the mass of the black hole in a luminous quasar at a redshift of 2, with a look back in time of 11 billion years, by spatially resolving the broad-line region (BLR). We detect a 40-μas (0.31-pc) spatial offset between the red and blue photocentres of the Hα line that traces the velocity gradient of a rotating BLR. The flux and differential phase spectra are well reproduced by a thick, moderately inclined disk of gas clouds within the sphere of influence of a central black hole with a mass of 3.2 × 108 solar masses. Molecular gas data reveal a dynamical mass for the host galaxy of 6 × 1011 solar masses, which indicates an undermassive black hole accreting at a super-Eddington rate. This suggests a host galaxy that grew faster than the SMBH, indicating a delay between galaxy and black hole formation for some systems.

Negative SPR Signals during Low Molecular Weight Analyte Recognition

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is a powerful technique for studying biomolecular interactions mainly due to its sensitivity and real-time and label free advantages. While SPR signals are usually positive, only a few studies have reported sensorgrams with negative signals. The aim of the present work is to investigate and to explain the observation of negative SPR signals with the hypothesis that it reflects major changes in ligand conformation resulting from target binding. We demonstrated that these negative unconventional signals were due to the negative complex (ligand/analyte) refractive index increment (RII) deviation from the sum of the RII of the individual entities which counterbalanced the theoretical increase of the signal triggered by the target recognition and the ligand folding. We also found that the conformation change of biomolecules can induce a negative or a positive complex RII deviation depending on its sequence and immobilization mode.

Surface plasmon resonance study of the interaction of N-methyl mesoporphyrin IX with G-quadruplex DNA

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was used to investigate the interaction between N-methyl mesoporphyrin IX (NMM) and different G-quadruplex (G4) topologies. The study was associated with circular dichroism analysis (CD) to assess the topology of the G4s when they interacted with NMM. We demonstrate the high selectivity of NMM for the parallel G4 structure with a dissociation constant at least ten times lower than those of other G4 topologies. We also confirm the ability of NMM to shift the G4 conformation from both the hybrid and antiparallel topologies toward the parallel structure.

Influence of the SPR Experimental Conditions on the G-Quadruplex DNA Recognition by Porphyrin Derivatives

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is a powerful technique to study the interactions of ligands with analytes and therefore a number of biosensor surfaces and injection methods have been developed so far. However, many experimental parameters can affect the interactions and consequently the affinity measurements. In particular, the interactions of positively charged analytes (often used for anionic nucleic acids targets) can be influenced by the sensing surfaces (e.g., negatively charged), leading to significant nonspecific interactions as well as regeneration problems. The aim of the present work is to investigate the effect of different parameters, including ionic strength, SPR biosensor (i.e., nature of the surfaces), and the injection method on the recognition of porphyrin G-quadruplex ligands. We demonstrate that the injection method does not influence the affinity whereas the ionic strength and the nature of the surface impact the recognition properties of the porphyrin for the G-quadruplex DNA. We also found that self-assembled monolayer coating surface presents many advantages in comparison with carboxymethylated dextran surface for SPR studies of G-quadruplex DNA/ligand interactions: (i) the electrostatic interaction with charged analytes is less important, (ii) its structure/composition is less sensitive to the ionic concentration and less prone to unspecific adsorption, (iii) it is easily homemade, and (iv) the cost is approximately 10 times cheaper.

In vitro biocompatibility of a dentine substitute cement on human MG63 osteoblasts cells: Biodentine™ versus MTA(®)

AIM

To compare the in vitro biocompatibility of Biodentine™ and White ProRoot(®) mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA(®) ) with MG63 osteoblast-like cells and to characterize the cement surface.

METHODOLOGY

A direct contact model for MG63 osteoblast-like cells with cements was used for 1, 3 and 5 days. Four end-points were investigated: (i) cement surface characterization by atomic force microscopy (AFM), (ii) cell viability by MTT assay, (iii) protein amount quantification by Bradford assay and (iv) cell morphology by SEM. Statistical analyses were performed by analysis of variance (anova) with a repetition test method.

RESULTS

The roughness of the cements was comparable as revealed by AFM analysis. The MTT test for Biodentine™ was similar to that of MTA(®) . Biodentine™ and MTA(®) induced a similar but slight decrease in metabolic activity. The amount of total protein was significantly enhanced at day three (P < 0.05) but slightly decreased at day five for both tested samples. Biodentine™ was tolerated as well as MTA(®) in all cytotoxicity assays. SEM observations showed improvement of cell attachment and proliferation on both material surfaces following the three incubation periods.

CONCLUSION

The biocompatibility of Biodentine™ to bone cells was comparable to MTA(®) .

p73-deficient mice have neurological, pheromonal and inflammatory defects but lack spontaneous tumours

p73 (ref. 1) has high homology with the tumour suppressor p53 (refs 2-4), as well as with p63, a gene implicated in the maintenance of epithelial stem cells. Despite the localization of the p73 gene to chromosome 1p36.3, a region of frequent aberration in a wide range of human cancers, and the ability of p73 to transactivate p53 target genes, it is unclear whether p73 functions as a tumour suppressor. Here we show that mice functionally deficient for all p73 isoforms exhibit profound defects, including hippocampal dysgenesis, hydrocephalus, chronic infections and inflammation, as well as abnormalities in pheromone sensory pathways. In contrast to p53-deficient mice, however, those lacking p73 show no increased susceptibility to spontaneous tumorigenesis. We report the mechanistic basis of the hippocampal dysgenesis and the loss of pheromone responses, and show that new, potentially dominant-negative, p73 variants are the predominant expression products of this gene in developing and adult tissues. Our data suggest that there is a marked divergence in the physiological functions of the p53 family members, and reveal unique roles for p73 in neurogenesis, sensory pathways and homeostatic control.

Monoallelically expressed gene related to p53 at 1p36, a region frequently deleted in neuroblastoma and other human cancers

We describe a gene encoding p73, a protein that shares considerable homology with the tumor suppressor p53. p73 maps to 1p36, a region frequently deleted in neuroblastoma and other tumors and thought to contain multiple tumor suppressor genes. Our analysis of neuroblastoma cell lines with 1p and p73 loss of heterozygosity failed to detect coding sequence mutations in remaining p73 alleles. However, the demonstration that p73 is monoallelically expressed supports the notion that it is a candidate gene in neuroblastoma. p73 also has the potential to activate p53 target genes and to interact with p53. We propose that the disregulation of p73 contributes to tumorigenesis and that p53-related proteins operate in a network of developmental and cell cycle controls.

Fibroblast growth factor-2 binds to the regulatory beta subunit of CK2 and directly stimulates CK2 activity toward nucleolin

The presence of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) in the nucleus has now been reported both in vitro and in vivo, but its nuclear functions are unknown. Here, we show that FGF-2 added to nuclear extract binds to protein kinase CK2 and nucleolin, a CK2 natural substrate. Added to baculovirus-infected cell extracts overexpressing CK2 or its isolated subunits, FGF-2 binds to the enzyme through its regulatory beta subunit. Using purified proteins, FGF-2 is shown to directly interact with CK2 and to stimulate CK2 activity toward nucleolin. Furthermore, a mitogenic-deficient FGF-2 mutant protein has an impaired ability to interact with CK2 and to stimulate CK2 activity using nucleolin as substrate. We propose that in growing cells, one function of nuclear FGF-2 is to modulate CK2 activity through binding to its regulatory beta subunit.

[Thoracic electric bioimpedance. A non-invasive method for the measurement of cardiac output]

Bioimpedance offers a simple non-invasive means of measuring systolic ejection volume and heart rate and thus cardiac output. Four pairs of electrodes are placed on precise locations on the chest and stroke volume is calculated according to the equation developed by Kubicek in 1966 and modified by Sramek in 1980. The aim of this work was to evaluate this method in patients with heart disease. In a series of 50 patients, the coefficient of correlation for cardiac index between impedance values (2.52 +/- 0.71 ml/min/m2) and thermodilution values (2.74 +/- 0.69 ml/min/m2) was 0.63 (p < 0.01). The mean difference was -0.2 l/min/m2 (confidence interval +1 l/min/m2 to -1.4 l/min/m2). There was no statistical correlation in patients with complete left bundle branch block, severe mitral or aortic regurgitation or dilatation of the aorta. In a group of 11 healthy volunteers, there was a good correlation between two measures taken at a 2 day interval (r = 0.95). The coefficient of variation ranged from 1.2 to 7% for ejection volume. Bioimpedance is reproducible and simple, authorizing its use for non-invasive monitoring of cardiac output in a given patient in various clinical situations.

Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) in the nucleus: translocation process and targets

FGF-2 (basic fibroblast growth factor) was recently detected in the nucleus of a variety of cell types. The large isoforms contain a functional nuclear localization signal that allows their nuclear accumulation in producing cells, while a small amount of FGF-2 added exogenously to target cells is translocated to the nucleus in phase G1 of the cell cycle according to an unknown process. We report here using Chinese hamster ovary cell mutants bearing deficiency in heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) synthesis that HSPGs are required for transport of exogenous FGF-2 to the nucleus. Furthermore a co-transport was suggested since an active complex containing FGF-2 and HSPGs was isolated from nuclei of treated cells. Several FGF-2 nuclear targets were described. In vivo as in vitro, it activates rDNA transcription and it binds to a specific DNA sequence that is present in the non-transcribed spacer of ribosomal genes. In vitro, FGF-2 has a strong affinity for histone H1 and it activates the protein kinase CKII. In the nucleus FGF-2 could regulate gene expression through modulation of chromatin structure.

The design of original antimalarial drugs. An example of phospholipid metabolism

The aim of our program was to find an original chemotherapeutical treatment (and eventually a preventive treatment) of malaria, an illness largely predominant in developing countries, by interfering on an essential metabolism developed by Plasmodium during its erythrocytic phase. Apart from what has been learnt about metabolism and the pharmacological target, a crucial step has been taken during this contract by passing from micromolar in vitro active concentrations (during 1986-1990) to nanomolar ones (during 1990). These compounds should naturally short-circuit resistance phenomena already established against drugs in current use, as has already been verified on polypharmacoresistant strains or isolates of P. falciparum. The administration of a therapeutic dose of our molecules would now appear to be possible in all cases.

[Late myocardial infarction after closure of coronary artery fistula]

Congenital coronary cardiac fistulae are rare conditions for which surgery is the usual indication. The authors report on the case of one female patient of 28 years with a coronary cardiac fistula responsible for exertional dyspnoea and relapsing pulmonary infections. The diagnosis was suggested by a continuous murmur and was confirmed by Doppler echocardiography and catheterization which showed a dilated, sinuous circumflex artery (2 cm) leading into the right atrium. Surgical closure of the fistula was complicated by an early myocardial infarction and a relapse in the same area with resulting mitral insufficiency. The surgical treatment of coronary cardiac fistulae is widely documented in the literature and recent series demonstrate that good results are usually obtained: however, a late infarction has not been described. The constitution of thrombi in the collateral vessels deriving from the distended vessel probably accounts for the particular evolution noted in this specific case.

[Transient reduction of ventricular tachycardia with adenosine-5'-triphosphate. A possible action of ATP on purinergic receptors]

The authors report the case of a 46 year old man in whom a regular, wide complex tachycardia was terminated temporarily by the injection of adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP:Striadyne); endocavitary electrophysiological studies showed the tachycardia to be of ventricular origin. After aminophylline, an inhibitor of certain purinergic receptors, the tachycardia could be reproduced at will and was sustained whereas only short runs of tachycardia could be induced under basal conditions. The mode of action of the ATP on this type of tachycardia could be a direct effect of the molecule on the purinergic receptors specifically inhibited by aminophylline.

[So-called uremic heart diseases]

The overall cardiovascular mortality in patients with chronic renal failure is about 30 per cent of which 10 per cent is attributed to myocardial infarction. This prevalence led some workers to propose a hypothesis of "accelerated atherosclerosis" due to the hyperlipidaemia observed in 30 to 70 per cent of patients. However, the concept of accelerated atherosclerosis, which was based essentially on clinical studies, has been questioned. Pericardial effusion is a common complication of chronic renal failure and has been reported in over 62 per cent of patients in echocardiographic studies. There are many causes and symptoms are often mild; systematic echocardiographic examination of patients with renal failure undergoing haemodialysis has shown 32 per cent of pericardial effusions to be asymptomatic. There are two potential complications: cardiac tamponade and, lesser frequently, constrictive pericarditis. Cardiac failure is a common cause of death in patients undergoing long-term dialysis. The myocardial histological appearances are those of fibrosis, the etiology of which is not fully understood although the dialysis membranes and hypotensive episodes occurring during haemodialysis have been thought to play a role. Left ventricular hypertrophy and fibrosis may give rise to ventricular arrhythmias which could explain some of the cases of sudden death observed in patients with renal failure and often wrongly attributed to ischemic heart disease. Another form of myocardial disease which is observed later is characterised by an alteration of systolic function with left ventricular dilatation and hypokinesia and increased end diastolic pressures without an increase in left ventricular wall thickness. Valvular heart disease may also result from renal failure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Free cortisol of human plasma in the first three months of life

Total cortisol as well as percentage and absolute free cortisol values were determined in 75 full-term, 88 premature and 38 small-for-age (born at term) infants in the first 3 months of life. Equilibrium dialysis and radioimmunoassay were used to estimate the percentage value of the unbound fraction and the value of total cortisol from which absolute free cortisol level was calculated, respectively. A systematic decrease in the free cortisol value was observed in all the three groups of infants during the study period (in full-term infants from 32.3 to 19%, in prematures from 36.6 to 20.8%, and in small-for-age infants from 32.3 to 19.2%). A comparison between the percentage values of free cortisol in the groups studied revealed only slight differences which were not significant. The absolute free cortisol values in full-term infants were highest immediately after birth (4.05 micrograms/dl), then they fell to the lowest level of 0.67 micrograms/dl observed between the third and fifth days of life, and increased afterwards reaching the level of 1.89 micrograms/dl in the third month. The absolute free cortisol values in premature newborns at 3-5 days of life exceeded the values observed in full-term subjects. The pattern of free cortisol in the prematures seems to be 'delayed' as compared with that in full-term newborns. The absolute free cortisol values in small-for-age infants were much more similar to those found in the full-term subjects, than to those in premature babies.

[Conradi-H:unermann chondrodysplasia punctata and fetal alcoholism]

Fetal alcoholism induces an extremely wide spectrum of embryopathies. In addition to the classical fetal alcohol syndrome, alcohol is also the cause of numerous fetal malformations. A case of Conradi-Hünermann type chondrodysplasia punctata is reported. Maternal alcohol ingestion was reported during gestation.

[F.G. syndrome: a rare and/or extremely polymorphic syndrome?]

We report a case of mental retardation associated with multiple congenital anomalies suggesting an F.G. syndrome. We discuss problems concerning genetic counselling and the management of future pregnancies. Unfortunately, no concrete strategy, concerning prenatal diagnosis, can be proposed.

[DNA amplification in the study of polymorphisms linked to the cystic fibrosis gene]

The highly specific polymerase chain reaction recently described can be used to amplify selectively several polymorphic regions of DNA genetically close to the cystic fibrosis gene. This method, providing automated, revolutionizes the classical methods of prenatal diagnosis and carrier detection.

[Hereditary congenital lymphedema with pseudosexual ambiguity]

A case of uncommon genital lymphedema in a newborn girl like a pseudo sexual ambiguity is reported. The karyotype was 46, XX. Lymphedema of the lower limbs in the patient and in the mother's family confirmed a None-Milroy disease. Different considerations about genetic counseling in hereditary lymphedema, isolated or associated with others anomalies, are developed.

[Transient symptomatic neonatal hyperammonemia]

Premature newborns suffering from respiratory distress and asphyxiated term newborns may present transient symptomatic neonatal hyperammonemia associated with reversible neonatal coma. As they survive they may develop normally; however the authors emphasize the importance of concomitant hemodynamic disorders and the extreme frequency of brain hemorrhage and ischemia. Ultrasonography or tomodensitometry are necessary for prognosis.

[Brain abscess in the neonatal period]

Cerebral abscess is considered as a rare lesion with severe prognosis in neonates. The present means of cerebral imaging allow for a better estimation of its frequency, a more precise diagnosis of the evolutive stage and the estimation of the efficacy of the treatments. Incision-drainage associated with antibiotic treatment was successful in children. Two cases of neonatal cerebral abscesses treated and cured according to this protocol are reported.

[Reinfection after rubella and congenital polymalformation syndrome]

A case is reported of a term newborn with intra uterine growth retardation and numerous malformations such as complex heart disease, abnormalities of distal limbs, cleft palate. Death occurred after two days. The diagnosis of rubella embryopathy was confirmed by the following criteria: a high level of rubella antibodies in mother and newborn (1/1000) an isolation of rubella virus from the infant's urine. Diagnosis of rubella after reinfection was documented by a high level of antibodies in the mother three years before this pregnancy. Other observations reported in literature confirm the extreme rarity of congenital rubella after reinfection.

[Fatal Marfan syndrome in the neonatal period]

Case-report of neonatal Marfan Syndrome with at birth the following observations: arachnodactyly, excessive length of arm, cardiac anomalies with hemodynamic troubles leading to death within 4 days. Anatomical data of the postmortem examination and histologic anomalies of the aorta confirm the diagnosis. No case of Marfan syndrome are to be found among forebearers. These characteristics underline the rarity, the gravity of the pronostic and the often sporadic appearance of the Marfan syndrome when revelated in the neonatal period.

Variations of lactose and oligosaccharides in milk from women of blood types secretor A or H, secretor Lewis, and secretor H/nonsecretor Lewis during the course of lactation

Variations of lactose and oligosaccharides in human milk were studied over a 3-month lactation period by dialysis, chromatography on Bio-gel P-2 column, paper chromatography, colorimetric analysis and gas chromatography. Milk samples were collected from donors of various blood and secretor types. An increase in the concentration of lactose was noted: 59.25 +/- 1.61 to 72.17 +/- 1.35 g/l for the group of secretor A secretor Lea Leb individuals, and from 62.25 +/- 1.35 to 73.15 +/- 3.45 g/l for the group of secretor H secretor Lea Leb individuals. A decrease in the concentration of oligosaccharides was also found: from 16.71 +/- 0.99 to 7.90 +/- 1.29 g/l and from 18.51 +/- 0.74 to 7.33 +/- 0.65 g/l, respectively, for these same groups. In secretor H nonsecretor Lewis individuals, the concentration of lactose increased from 67.97 +/- 3.09 to 77.42 +/- 1.88 g/l, and the concentration of oligosaccharides decreased from 13.27 +/- 0.40 to 3.47 +/- 0.33 g/l. Analysis of oligosaccharide composition by chromatography showed that variations are in relation to the secretor Lewis type. All oligosaccharides decreased equally throughout the lactation period, regardless of the blood group. The decrease was more rapid, however, in the nonsecretor Lewis individuals. In these individuals, the absence of certain oligosaccharides is not compensated by an overproduction of the other oligosaccharides present or by biosynthesis of structurally different oligosaccharides. The origin of these oligosaccharides is discussed.

[Pulmonary valve agenesis and giant lobar emphysema. A not uncommon association]

A case of neonatal giant lobar emphysema secondary to a complex cardiac anomaly with pulmonary valvular agenesis is presented. Clinic and radiologic findings are sufficient to suggest diagnosis. Right heart catheterization is required to demonstrate the pulmonary valvular agenesis. Such an investigation should be recorded when observed a giant neonatal emphysema. Is failure occurs in the neonatal period the prognosis of this association is poor.

[Congenital hydrocephalus with gigantism]

Fetal ultrasonography supplied the diagnosis of hydrocephalus after 35 weeks of pregnancy. After birth, the diagnosis was confirmed by clinical examination and CT Scan. Psychomotor development was normal with stabilization of the hydrocephalus without any treatment. In view of this case, the authors discussed the indications for antenatal surgical treatment of hydrocephalus cases diagnosed in utero.

[Liver abscess in a newborn infant. Cure following percutaneous puncture under echographic control]

In a six weeks old infant an hepatic abscess with several affected areas is diagnosed by ultrasonography confirmed by scintillation scanning. Closed percutaneous needle aspiration and antibiotherapy permitted a good outcome avoiding surgical drainage or excision.

[Infectious endocarditis in the neonatal period]

A case of bacterial endocarditis in a newborn without any congenital heart disease is reported. The clinical diagnosis was suspected on evolutive heart failure by mitral dysfunction with sepsis. T.M. mode echocardiography could detect only the valvular defects. Correlations between anatomic and echocardiographic findings allowed to discuss the limits of the method. Neonatal bacterial endocarditis is a rare event. Its diagnosis is difficult and its prognosis very poor. This affection must be prevented.

[Acceleration of bone maturation and dysmorphic syndrome in 2 siblings (Marshall-Weaver syndrome)]

This paper relates two cases of a complex syndrome with unusual facies, restricted articular movements and accelerated skeletal maturation (already present at birth) in two siblings (brother and sister). These infants died in early age: one was ten days, the other six weeks old. Clinical and radiological findings of these newborns are part of both the Marshall-Smith and the Weaver syndrome, suggesting that these syndromes are one entity. The observation of affected siblings from unaffected parents favors autosomal recessive inheritance.

[Streptococcus group B neonatal infection and postnatal diaphragmatic hernia]

The authors report a case of post natal hernia with group B beta hemolytic streptococcus infection. The frequency of such an association compared to the rarity of delayed onset congenital diaphragmatic hernia may constitute a reflexion subject. The literature is reviewed and a concept of pathogenesis is discussed.

Serum bile acids in newborns: evidence for an hepatic dysfunction in low-birth-weight infants

The post-prandial pattern of total serum bile acids was studied in 47 newborns: 12 prematures (less than 36 weeks), 17 term low-birth-weight infants (less than the 3rd percentile), 18 term normals. The study was made at the end of the first month. Blood was collected in a peripheral vein using a microcatheter. Samples were taken at fasting time and 30, 60, 120, 180 min after a test meal intake (40 ml/kg of "humanized" milk based formula). Bile acids were assayed using an original enzymatic micromethod which needed only 50 microliter of serum and showed a sensitivity of 0.3 pmol in 200 microliter of reaction medium. The response of serum bile acids after the test meal was very similar in normal term newborns and in adults. Prematures exhibited bile acid levels slightly higher than normals, but this difference was significant only at 0 and 180 min. Low-birth-weight infants showed very high values of serum bile acids at all times during the test, compared to normal and premature infants. Serum levels of total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase were similar in all 3 groups. These results are not consistent with cholestasis but rather indicate a specific dysfunction in bile acid metabolism in low-birth-weight infants.

[Value of echoencephalography through the fontanelle in neonates and infants (author's transl)]

Echoencephalography through the fontanelle provides a complete scan of the head allowing the study of the ventricular system and cerebral parenchyma. The closure of the anterior fontanelle is the only limiting factor for this remarkably innocuous technique which is easy to perform (even in neonates under artificial ventilation in incubators), easy to repeat and relatively cheap. The authors report the results of 700 ultrasonic examinations carried out in 467 children. The echostructure of the brain, is studied in detail in 70 normal subjects (30 prematures, 31 at term neonates and infants under 1 year of age). In a population of 397 sick children the abnormal pictures were analysed according to clinical circumstances: perinatal distress (n = 107), prematurity (n = 81), hydrocephalus (n = 31), malformations (n = 9)... Our results confirm the usefulness of this technique for the early anatomic evaluation of any high-risk brain and for the follow-up of the lesions. The respective values of echography through the fontanelle, transcranial echography and computed tomography are discussed.

[Ultrasonography of an aneurysm of the great vein of Galien (author's transl)]

In a 15 day-old infant who presented with heart failure on the 4th day of life, the discovery of a continuous murmur at the level of the cranium led to suspicion of an aneurysm of the vein of Galien. Chest and neck profile X-rays showed an enlargement of the great vessels at the base of the heart and a thickening of the retropharyngeal soft tissues. Cerebral echotomography through the fontanelle showed an anechoic round area located in the posterior part of thalamus. Cerebral angiography confirmed the diagnosis.

Double-blind trial of amineptine and clomipramine in the treatment of depression

A double-blind trial was carried out in 62 depressed patients to compare the clinical efficacy and acceptability of amineptine and clomipramine. Patients were allocated at random to one or other of two treatment groups and received daily doses of amineptine ranging from 100 to 300 mg (mean 180 mg) or of clomipramine ranging from 50 to 150 mg (mean 84 mg) over a period of 6 weeks. Global assessment of response to treatment and Hamilton Rating Scale scores, assessed before and after 1,3 and 6 weeks of treatment, indicated that the two drugs appeared to be equally effective and no differences between them could be demonstrated in the analysis of the individual items or grouped items of the scale used. Measurements of ocular tone showed that there was significantly less risk of amineptine producing an increase in tone, and blood pressure and electrocardiographic investigations also underlined the greater cardiovascular tolerance of amineptine. Five (16%) of the 32 patients in the clomipramine group were withdrawn from the study because of adverse effects.

[The atypical forms of psychic excitation or hidden excitations (author's transl)]

If the different forms of depression of humour are nowdays well known and easily surrounded and treated, it's for from being the case for the forms of excitation of humour, though they are as numerous. In these forms, indeed, whether they are atypical maniac attacks of hypomania, it may happen that the pathological nature of psychic excitation posses unnoticed, as well for the patient as for his familiars, or it may also happen that the excitation of humour desguises with "masks" suggesting other troubles, mental or not, which bad to delays in the setting of adapted treatments. These "masks" are essentially: -- hysteria and perturbations of character, in the neurosis register; -- delirious aspects, schizophrenical or confusional, in the psychosis register. In these states of hidden excitation, the most difficult thing, nevertheless, is to obtain from the patient a sincere claim for cares, contrarily to what can be noticed in the states of hidden deppression in which the somatical or psychological "complaints" of the patients are very easily exposed to the physician, a generalist as well as a specialist, and the treatments can be searched for.

[Ocular localization appearing in a child with acute lymphoblastosis after hematological remission for 18 months]

Case report of a 4-year-old girl in whom a unilateral ocular localization appeared after 1 1/2 year of maintained remission of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. The evolution of this localization can be divided in three phases: 1. During the first 17 months, an apparent simple relapsing conjunctivitis of the left eye. 2. During the following 5 months, repeated episodes of the left iritis with mydriasis and discolouration of the iris. 3. Finally, left uveitis involving the anterior chamber, with hypopion, hyphaema and glaucoma; the clinical presentation at this stage was suggestive of ocular lymphoblastosis. Radiotherapy to the lesion (total dose, 1 200 rads) was quickly followed by resolution without sequelae. No relapse was observed during the following 30 months, till death. The ocular disease remained the only manifestation of leukaemia during its evolution. A haematological relapse occurred 11 months after cure of the iritis, followed 1 year later by a second, treatment-sensitive relapse, and finally by a third, fatal relapse. The patient survived 5 years 9 months.

[Diffuse hamartomatous tumor of the cerebellum and brain stem in children]

A child presented in the first year of life with a slowly evolving cerebellar syndrome which resulted in death at the age of 4 1/2 years. A peculiar tumour involving the cerebellum and brain stem and destroying the cerebellar anatomy is described. This was considered to be a form of gangliomatous hamartoma.

[Localized hemangioma of the bronchial trunk of the left lung in a 2-month-old infant]

A 2 month-old infant was admitted because of respiratory distress and thoracic assymetry. X-ray films revealed a distension of the left lung. A pneumo-angiography showed a cardiac silhouette displaced to the right and a normal vascular tree of the left lung. The rapid impairement of the clinical picture led to an exploratory thoracotomy. A tumor at the level of the left hyparterial bronchus was found. The histologic characteristics of the tumor were those of a hemangioma. Within the spectrum of broncheal tumors, hemangioma belong to benign mesenchymatous tumors and have a good prognosis providing that their removal is complete.

[Neonatal jaundice due to anti-D allo-immunization with negative direct Coombs' test]

The case is reported of a newborn with jaundice due to anti-D Rh iso-immunization, with a negative Coombs' test. The finding of a positive red cell auto-agglutination test, the red cells being treated with bromelin and incubated in their own serum, suggests an immune phenomenon. Free antibody with anti-D specificity reacting with bromelin treated R.B.C.'s was found in the sera of the mother and infant.