Effect of taurocholic acid feeding on methyl-nitro-N-nitroso-guanidine induced gastric tumors.

Bile reflux is generally accepted as a causative factor of gastric cancer after partial gastrectomy. The present study was designed to evaluate the promotion, by the per oral administration of taurocholic acid, of methyl-N-nitro-N'-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)-induced gastric carcinogenesis. MNNG (83 mg/l) was given in the drinking water to half the male Wistar rats during 12 weeks while the other half served as controls. After this treatment half of the MNNG-treated animals and half of the controls were placed under a diet containing 0.2% of taurocholic acid while the other animals received the standard diet. At the 40th week after initiation of MNNG, surviving animals were killed. Their stomachs and their duodenums were observed for macro and microscopic examination. Macroscopically there were 7 animals bearing gastric tumors in the MNNG group and 15 in the MNNG + bile group (P less than 0.05). Microscopically there were 7 animals with severe antral dysplasia in the MNNG group, 7 rats with fundic dysplasia and 18 with severe antral dysplasia in the MNNG + bile group. Both groups developed an identical number of duodenal tumors which were invasive adenocarcinomas or angiosarcomas. In this experiment taurocholic acid significantly promoted gastric carcinogenesis. It is postulated that surgical techniques inducing duodenal reflux in the stomach may produced a 'high risk' group of patients in which a long and careful follow-up is required.

[National survey on radiodiagnosis. Personnel and equipment (2)]. / Enquête nationale sur le radiodiagnostic. Les moyens en personnel et en matériel (2e partie).

The total projected number of units (including tables and potters) has been estimated at 16 325 in 1982, at the exclusion of radiological dental systems and unit exclusively devoted to mass X-Ray examinations. Almost half of this total equipment is located in public hospitals (including University hospitals), where the departments have a mean size which is markedly greater than the private sector (clinics and physicians' offices). One of the main feature of the French equipment is the high rate of remote controlled machines (almost 40%). The total labor forces involved directly in this activity has been estimated to 46 000; of which 14 580 are physicians (radiologists or not) and 18 680 are radiographers. The mean productivity, computed in annual mean number of examinations per person (medical and para-medical) is estimated at 1 000. These results are examined and compared throughout the different sectors (public and private; hospital, clinic and ambulatory care).

[National survey of radiodiagnosis. Methodological aspects (1)]. / Enquête nationale sur le radiodiagnostic. Aspects méthodologiques (1re partie).

A national sample of 386 radiological departments and offices representative of a total set of approximately 5 000 have been involved in a statistical survey during the years 81-82. This survey was first directed to the analysis of the production factors related to radiology (number and characteristics of facilities and equipment; medical and paramedical personnel, ...). The radiological activity has then been observed during one week (in June 82) through systematic questionnaires. The information collected on about 13 000 X-Ray examinations consists in characteristics of the population examined, the aims and results of examination, a technical description of procedures (number and size of films; projection; physical parameters, ...). This survey has excluded X-Ray routine examinations (occupational and others); dental examinations, isolated fluoroscopy and ultrasound practiced by physicians.

[Transcutaneous cerebral electric stimulation by Limoge current during labor]. / Electrostimulation cérébrale transcutanée par les courants de Limoge au cours de l'accouchement.

In order to test the analgesic efficacy of Anesthelec (transcutaneous cranial electrical stimulation with Limoge currents) during labour and delivery, a double blind study was performed in 20 cases for whom analgesia was necessary. In 10 cases Anesthelec was used with the Limoge currents on and in 10 cases as a sham. Labour and delivery were carried out by a medical team different from that which set up the Anesthelec. The results showed that this method, with or without nitrous oxide inhalation, decreased by 80% the number of epidural and general anaesthesias that would otherwise have been unavoidable. To define the effects of this new method, maternal and foetal parameters of 50 deliveries carried out under Anesthelec were compared with 50 deliveries carried out under epidural analgesia. Anesthelec was used only if analgesia was required. This study was a retrospective comparison between two similar non paired series. Despite the fact that analgesia obtained with Anesthelec was less powerful than with epidural analgesia, this method showed many advantages: total safety for the child and the mother, easy utilization, shorter labour time, decreased number of instrumental extractions and potentially reduced costs. Good acceptance and satisfaction for the mother should allow a rapid evolution of this new method.