Mycotic aneurysm of both internal iliac arteries due to Candida albicans.

We report the case of a 21-year-old man, with a Candida-related endocarditis causing multiple emboli and bilateral false aneurysms of the internal iliac arteries. As the distal runoff vasculatures of both internal iliac arteries were occluded, these arteries required ligation. Although there were few consequences with the procedure, multiple emboli and recurrence of endocarditis after cardiac surgery led to the patient's death.

Taste of Fat and Obesity: Different Hypotheses and Our Point of View.

Obesity results from a temporary or prolonged positive energy balance due to an alteration in the homeostatic feedback of energy balance. Food, with its discriminative and hedonic qualities, is a key element of reward-based energy intake. An alteration in the brain reward system for highly palatable energy-rich foods, comprised of fat and carbohydrates, could be one of the main factors involved in the development of obesity by increasing the attractiveness and consumption of fat-rich foods. This would induce, in turn, a decrease in the taste of fat. A better understanding of the altered reward system in obesity may open the door to a new era for the diagnosis, management and treatment of this disease.

French validation of the Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QoL).

OBJECTIVE: To adapt the SS-QoL into French and test its psychometric properties. METHODS: Seventy-seven patients from a population-based registry were enrolled 3 months after their stroke. SS-QoL, NIHSS score, Barthel index, HAD, FSS, SF-36 scales, and MMSE were administered at enrolment. SS-QoL was re-administered at 15 days and 2 months. Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's α coefficients, factorial validity by an exploratory factor analysis and external validity by Mann-Whitney test and Spearman's correlations (ρ), comparing SS-QoL scores with those obtained from established scales. Reliability was assessed by intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and responsiveness by standardized effect sizes (ES). RESULTS: Test-retest and inter-observer reliabilities were excellent (ICC> 0.88). Internal consistency was acceptable (α= 0.65-0.91), except for the Personality domain (α= 0.58). Factor analysis individualized eight homogenous axes. SS-QoL scores were different between groups opposed by their modified Rankin score at enrolment or their overall quality of life compared with pre-stroke status (p < 0.001). Ten of the twelve domains correlated moderately (ρ> 0.35) to strongly (ρ> 0.5) with established measures. Nine domains were mildly to moderately responsive to change (ES> 0.3). CONCLUSION: The French version of the SS-QoL is a valid, reliable and moderately responsive instrument.

Transcultural validation of the SIGAM mobility grades in French: The SIGAM-Fr.

BACKGROUND: The main French language scales evaluating functioning after lower-limb amputation have not undergone exhaustive psychometric validation. OBJECTIVE: A transcultural validation of the Special Interest Group in Amputee Medicine (SIGAM) mobility grades questionnaire, with 21 closed questions, as an administered questionnaire. METHODS: The questionnaire translation, back-translation and original-author validation was followed by a pretest with 5 patients to check comprehension. The psychometric properties of the scale were validated with 49 patients at the definitive prosthesis stage by an investigator via telephone. Criterion validity was evaluated by comparison with the Houghton Scale score and construct validity by correlation between the questionnaire scores and convergent dimensions (performing everyday activities and performing transfers on a numerical rating scale [NRS], 2-min walk test) and divergent dimensions (managing medication and stump skin care on an NRS). Internal consistency was assessed by the Kuder-Richardson Formula 20 (KR-20) coefficient and test-retest reproducibility by the Cohen kappa coefficient. RESULTS: The resulting questionnaire was validated by the original author after the back-translation. It showed good psychometric properties when administered by an investigator as a self-reporting questionnaire, excellent criterion validity (r=0.89, P<0.01), excellent reproducibility (kappa coefficient 0.87) and satisfactory construct validity. The KR-20 coefficient was 0.67. CONCLUSION: The French version of the SIGAM mobility grades questionnaire (SIGAM-Fr) has satisfactory psychometric properties and can be administered in clinical practice.