Atheroprotective effect of adjuvants in apolipoprotein E knockout mice.

Strategies aimed at treating atherosclerosis by immunization protocols are emerging. Such protocols commonly use adjuvants as non-specific stimulators of immune responses. However, adjuvants are known to modify various disease processes. The aim of this study was to determine whether adjuvants alter the development of atherosclerosis. We performed immunization protocols in apolipoprotein E knockout mice (E degrees ) following chronic administration schedules commonly employed in experimental atherosclerosis. Our results point out a dramatic effect of several adjuvants on the development of atherosclerosis; three of the four adjuvants tested reduced lesion size. The Alum adjuvant, which is the adjuvant currently used in most vaccination protocols in humans, displayed a strong atheroprotective effect. Mechanisms accounting for atheroprotective effect of Freund's adjuvants included their capacity to increase both Th2 responses and anti-MDA-LDL IgM titers, and/or to impose atheroprotective lipoprotein profiles. The present study indicates that adjuvants have potent atheromodulating capabilities, and thus, implies that the choice of adjuvant is crucial in long-term immunization protocols in experimental atherosclerosis.

[The state of affairs prior to the Regional Health Education Plan in the Nord/ Pas-de-Calais region: the present case, facts and expectations]. / Bilan préalable au Schéma Régional d'Education Pour la Santé en Nord/Pas-de-Calais: constat et attentes.

The work on the development of the regional health education plan (SREPS) in the Nord/Pas-de-Calais region has been analysed and viewed in the light of the specific regional context. A number of statements can now be made on this work, as it underlines the expectations of the different health education professionals. The article testifies to the fact that the implementation of the SREPS, through its dynamic approach, contributes to the creation and reinforcement of a common culture while uncovering the road which remains left to travel. The improved situation allows for a more effective comparison with other regional and national situations.

Melanoma screening: results of the first one-day campaign in Belgium ('melanoma Monday').

BACKGROUND: Although the incidence of melanoma is increasing and many informative campaigns have been organized. The general population is still little informed about this tumour. AIMS: To organize a media campaign, with more relevant information and the opportunity for free skin inspections. METHODS: A 'Task Force' organized a media campaign in April 1999 and convinced 65% of the Belgian dermatologists to give up 4 h of their time to do free skin examinations for skin cancer on Monday 26 April 1999; it was called 'Melanoma Monday'. RESULTS: A total 2767 patients were screened. We found 25 melanomas and suspected 59 basal cell carcinomas. In the following 4 weeks another 141 melanomas were found. These 166 melanomas found in one month represent 15-20% of the total number of melanomas per year in Belgium. SUMMARY: A media campaign with relevant information combined with screening opportunities can lead to the early detection of melanomas in a large number of patients and can continue to alert people at risk in the following weeks.

Aplasia of respiratory tract cilia.

We report on ciliary aplasia of the respiratory tract, a rare disorder of the mucociliary apparatus, that is insufficiently recognized as a distinct entity. A culture method for ciliogenesis was developed by our laboratory and offers the advantage of studying cilia free of secondary changes associated with infection. Three cases of primary ciliary aplasia were documented histologically in direct biopsy specimens and also in biopsy specimens cultured specifically for ciliogenesis. Primary ciliary aplasia should be differentiated from secondary ciliary aplasia in which basal bodies are present and ciliogenesis takes place in specific culture. Only hereditary ciliary abnormalities are expressed in cell cultures. We critically review the cases of ciliary aplasia reported to date.

Transient synovitis of the hip in children: role of US.

Transient synovitis of the hip remains a common diagnostic problem for the clinician. The physical signs are not pathognomonic of the condition, and the classic technical examinations are of little help. Therefore, the authors retrospectively studied the value of hip arthrosonography in 46 children with clinical symptoms suggesting pathologic hip conditions. In 20 of the 21 patients with a final diagnosis of transient synovitis, articular effusion was detected on ultrasound (US). Conventional radiography showed an increased medial joint space in only eight of these patients. Increased echogenicity of the articular fluid was found in both transient synovitis and septic arthritis. The high sensitivity of US in detecting intraarticular fluid was demonstrated by cadaver studies.