A genome-wide association study of pulmonary tuberculosis in Morocco.

Although epidemiological evidence suggests a human genetic basis of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) susceptibility, the identification of specific genes and alleles influencing PTB risk has proven to be difficult. Previous genome-wide association (GWA) studies have identified only three novel loci with modest effect sizes in sub-Saharan African and Russian populations. We performed a GWA study of 550,352 autosomal SNPs in a family-based discovery Moroccan sample (on the full population and on the subset with PTB diagnosis at <25 years), which identified 143 SNPs with p < 1 × 10(-4). The replication study in an independent case/control sample identified four SNPs displaying a p < 0.01 implicating the same risk allele. In the combined sample including 556 PTB subjects and 650 controls these four SNPs showed suggestive association (2 × 10(-6) < p < 4 × 10(-5)): rs358793 and rs17590261 were intergenic, while rs6786408 and rs916943 were located in introns of FOXP1 and AGMO, respectively. Both genes are involved in the function of macrophages, which are the site of latency and reactivation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The most significant finding (p = 2 × 10(-6)) was obtained for the AGMO SNP in an early (<25 years) age-at-onset subset, confirming the importance of considering age-at-onset to decipher the genetic basis of PTB. Although only suggestive, these findings highlight several avenues for future research in the human genetics of PTB.

Does metabolic syndrome or its individual components affect pain and function in knee osteoarthritis women?

BACKGROUND: Current studies and research support the role of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, few studies have focused on its impact on knee OA parameters. The aim of this study was to investigate if metabolic syndrome or its individual components affect the intensity of pain, functional disability, and radiographic severity in knee osteoarthritis women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross sectional study including confirmed radiographic knee osteoarthritis according to Kellgren and Lawrence scale, with and without metabolic syndrome according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. The two groups were compared for pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Lequesne index, Womac function, and radiological grade after adjusting for significant covariates. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify the independent effects of each specific component for metabolic syndrome on knee osteoarthritis parameters. RESULTS: One hundred thirty women were included. The mean age was 56.68±8.07 [34-75] years, and the mean BMI was 32.54±2.92 [23-37] kg/m2. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 48.5%. Women with and without metabolic syndrome had similar knee osteoarthritis parameters. However, accumulation of MetS components was associated with higher level of pain (OR = 3.7, CI = [1.5-5.9], p=0.001), independently of age and BMI. Multiple regression analyses showed, after adjusting for all covariates, that hyperglycemia had a positive impact on pain (p=0.009), waist circumference was positively associated with Lequesne index (p=0.04), high triglycerides level was significantly associated with increased pain (p=0.04) and higher Lequesne score (p=0.05), and Systolic blood pressure was positively correlated with Lequesne index (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: In addition to weight reduction, appropriate treatment of metabolic syndrome needs to become an important management strategy for knee pain and functional impairment.

1,2,4-Triazolo[2,3-h]-7,9-thiaza-11-crown-4.

The title compound, 4,7-dioxa-10-thia-1,12,13-triazabicyclo[9.3.0]tetradeca-11,13-diene, C(8)H(13)N(3)O(2)S, contains an 11-membered ring, which appears in a chair conformation and has approximate mirror symmetry. It may be used for the complexation of metal atoms.

[Pulmonary edema following laryngospasm in a child]. / Oedème pulmonaire consécutif à un laryngospasme chez un enfant.

A case is reported of a pulmonary oedema secondary to a laryngospasm in a 10-year-old child during a scheduled orchidopexy. Anaesthesia was induced with 50% nitrous oxide in oxygen and halothane via a face mask. Pulmonary oedema occurred before the relief of the laryngospasm and its course was uneventful after tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation with PEEP. Hydrostatic forces or an increased capillary permeability are likely causes of the oedema. The outcome is usually favourable.

[Neonatal treatment of congenital hip dislocation using an abduction pillow]. / Traitement néo-natal de la luxation congénitale de hanche par coussin d'abduction.

Numerous and various devices are being used in the treatment of congenital dislocation of the hip before the age of 1 year. We prefer the abduction pillow of Becker, owing to the simple design and use; there is also an economical factor: everybody can afford it. The abduction pillow can in no way be used for prevention. Only pathological hips with clinical signs confirmed by X-ray or sonography justify this treatment. Because of the good tolerance and efficacity of the pillow, it is the first choice treatment for unstable and luxated hips before the age of 4 months. If hips are not centered, other procedures should be used, in particular the Pavlik harness.