Management of patients with a persistently elevated PSA after radical prostatectomy: a narrative review.

INTRODUCTION: The management of the postoperative biological relapse of prostate cancer is most often based on salvage radiotherapy (SRT) with or without the addition of a variable duration of hormone therapy (HT). The indications for SRT +/- HT are established in the setting of a rising PSA level after a period where an undetectable PSA was achieved. However, in case of detectable PSA immediately after radical prostatectomy, the treatment options and prognosis are still unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a narrative review based on an analysis of the literature focusing on articles targeting the population of patients with postoperative persistently detectable PSA level. Case reports, original articles, clinical trials, and published reviews were studied for this purpose. CONCLUSION: This article will describe current management of patients with detectable PSA immediately after radical prostatectomy, notably the contribution of modern imaging and new treatment options involving the combination of RT and HT.

Use of MALDI-TOF MS for fungal species distribution of interdigital intertrigo in seafarers, Dakar, Senegal.

To determine fungal species distribution of interdigital intertrigo among seafarers in Dakar, Senegal, a cross-sectional study was carried out from May to August 2017 among seafarers clinically diagnosed with interdigital intertrigo. A questionnaire was filled to each patient before sampling the affected folds and transporting to Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital where mycological analyses were realized. Species identification by MALDI-TOF MS was performed in Marseille, France. In total, 169 men (21-66 years) were included. Few of them (3%) had a high level of education and the duration of the mycosis exceed 10 years for 88% of patients. Direct microscopic examination (ME) was positive in 34.3%. Among samples with positive ME, 58.6% had positive culture. An overall incidence of 30.2% was found. Patients with confirmed cases aged between 28 and 66 years. Among them, those between 36-50 years were predominant (52.9%). Those with a high level of education were less representative (2%). For 52.1% of patients, the duration of the mycosis was superior to 10 years. Furthermore, 57% of cases were significantly associated with other types of tinea pedis and/or onychomycosis (P=0.03). Culture was positive in 23.7% isolating 43 strains successfully identified at the species level by MALDI-TOF MS for 31 isolates: 20 Candida and 11 dermatophytes. The rest was identified only at the genus level belonged to Fusarium. In definitive, MALDI-TOF MS could be a useful tool for routine and fast identification of dermatophytes, yeasts and NDFF in clinical mycology laboratories.

MALDI-TOF MS identification of Malassezia species isolated from patients with pityriasis versicolor at the seafarers' medical service in Dakar, Senegal.

Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is a superficial mycosis caused by yeast of the genus Malassezia. The most common isolated Malassezia species in PV lesions differ among M. furfur, M. globosa and M. sympodialis. We purpose to determine the distribution of Malassezia species in PV patients at the seafarers' medical service in Dakar, Senegal and to examine whether any association between identified Malassezia species and patients' profile. From May 2017 to August 2017, first a questionnaire was filled to get informative data before collection of skin scrapings taken from most scaly site using sterile scalpel blade and application of scotch® for direct examination (DE). At the laboratory, DE, culture and identification by MALDI-TOF MS were done. One hundred patients with PV - all men - were included with a mean age of 34 years. Among seafarers, 81% were sailors. Clinical prevalence of PV was highest in aged adults patients with ages of 31 to 60 years (56%). Seafarers with high level of education were less representative with only 2%. The mean duration of the PV was 26.83 months. 20% of subjects suffered lesions in more than one location. The chest was the most affected anatomical site. Furthermore, possible predisposing factors associated with PV were also detected. DE was positive in 95% but culture growth only in 46%. MALDI-TOF MS analysis of the positive cultures could be performed in 84.8% (39/46). Only M. furfur was identified in 100% (39/39). In definitive, M. furfur is the only causative agent of PV in Dakar.

IGF2BP1 controls cell death and drug resistance in rhabdomyosarcomas by regulating translation of cIAP1.

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), a neoplasm characterised by undifferentiated myoblasts, is the most common soft tissue tumour of childhood. Although aggressive treatment of RMS could provide long-term benefit, resistance to current therapies is an ongoing problem. We report here that insulin-like growth factor 2-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1), an oncofetal protein, is expressed in RMS patient-derived cell lines and in primary tumours where it drives translation of the cellular inhibitor of apoptosis 1 (cIAP1), a key regulator of the nuclear factor-κB signalling pathway and of caspase-8-mediated cell death. We demonstrate that reducing the levels of cIAP1 in RMS, either by IGF2BP1 knockdown or by IAP antagonists, sensitises these cells to tumour necrosis factor-α-mediated cell death. Finally, we show that targeting cIAP1 by IAP antagonists delays RMS tumour growth and improve survival in mice. Our results identify IGF2BP1 as a critical translational regulator of cIAP1-mediated apoptotic resistance in RMS and advocate for the combined use of IAP antagonists and tumour necrosis factor-α as a therapeutic approach for this type of cancer.

[Study of determinants of unprotected sex in sailors of the Senegalese merchant navy]. / Étude des déterminants des rapports sexuels non protégés chez les marins de la marine marchande sénégalaise.

Sailors are a mobile population travelling a lot and therefore being often exposed to casual sex. The aim of this study is to analyze the determinants of unprotected sex among sailors in Senegal. A descriptive and analytical study was conducted among sailors of the merchant navy. Data on knowledge, attitudes and practices were collected during a personal interview. A multivariate analysis was performed using a multiple logistic regression. A total of 400 sailors were interviewed, 57.9% had casual sex of whom 23.7% were not protected. Sexual intercourse without protection was more common among the uneducated (OR = 2.29 [1.23 to 5.99]) and married (OR = 2.29 [1.23-5.99]). Sailors who thought that using condom reduces pleasure during sexual intercourse (OR = 2.5 [1.2-5.1]) and those who consumed alcohol (OR = 5.4 [2.07-14.2]) were less protected during casual sex. Sexual contact is one of the main modes of transmission of HIV / AIDS. Sailors often have unprotected sex. Interventions using specific ways must be performed taking into account the mobility of these men who are often uneducated.

Translation control in apoptosis.

Regulation of protein synthesis, although known for many decades, has only recently begun to be recognized as a critical control mechanism for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and cellular stress response. One of the key advantages of translational control is the ability of cells to rapidly reprogram the protein output in response to internal or external triggers. This is particularly important during cellular response to stress that may lead to apoptosis by providing cells with a fine tuning mechanism that tips the balance between cell survival or apoptosis. In the following review we highlight several distinct mechanisms of translation control and provide specific examples of translational control during apoptosis. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Apoptosis: Four Decades Later".