In vitro organogenesis and transgenosis aspects in globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.)

The genetic transformation of globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) cells is possible. However, the percentage of transformed cells is still low and the regeneration process appeared to be the critical step towards the obtention of transgenic plants. The present work reports the organogenesis potentialities from new vegetal materials: cotyledons and leaves from in vitro artichoke plants. The results showed that cotyledons gave better rates of neoformation than leaves and this was reached in a shorter time. Regarding the transfer of genetic resistance to globe artichoke, a model system was developed using Nicotiana benthamiana as systemic host for artichoke viral diseases. Mutagenized sequences of the replicase gene of artichoke motteled crinckle virus (AMCV) as transferable genetic material for resistance induction were performed. Transgenic lines of Nicotiana benthamiana were obtained and some of them presented a considerable attenuation of symptoms when challenged with AMCV.

[Evaluation of tumoral and lymph node response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma]

Between January 1994 and June 1995, 19 cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, classified N2-N3 (AJC/UICC 1987) were treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy including cisplatin 100 mg/m2 on day 1 and epirubicin 80 mg/m2 on day 1. Following course started on day 21. A clinical and scannographic evaluation was made after 3 courses of chemotherapy. Fifty-eight percent of the patients were N3. Seventy-four percent were T3-T4. Tolerance to chemotherapy was good in 100% of the cases. A functional improvement was obtained in 14 among 16 patients who were initially symptomatic. For lymph nodes, an objective response (OR) was observed in all patients. The response was complete (CR) in 53%. A regression of primary tumor was obtained in 68% of the patients, but it was complete in 16% only. Sixty-nine percent of the patients has have a tumoral OR have a lymph node CR. Ninety percent of the patients with a complete lymph node response have a tumoral regression more than 50%. A correlation seems likely between the importance of the tumoral and the lymph node responses.

[Rhinopneumonia and equine viral arteritis: seroepidemiological study in the northeast of Tunisia]

A seroepidemiological survey was realized in the Nord-Est Tunisia to study the prevalence of complement fixing and neutralizing antibodies to equine rhinopneumonitis and viral arteritis of horse, respectively. Four hundred sera were tested, using complement fixation reaction and seroneutralization test. The results show that 8.75% of sera have antibodies to viral arteritis and only 1.25% are positive for equine rhinopneumonitis.

Anatomy of the seated position: methodologic approach and initial findings

The aim of this research was an anatomic study of the seated position in order to reply, in particular, to various questions raised in certain industrial situations as to this position and the reciprocal adaptation of the human being and his seat. The methodology adopted was based on obtaining reference serial sections from an entire subject frozen in the seated position, as well as on computerised three-dimensional reconstruction. The difficulty of the undertaking led us to specify this methodology, which must be strictly adhered to. Different types of visualisation were then considered, showing the feasibility of the method, which can effectively respond to the demands of industrial situations by allowing the creation of a data bank, and also by opening up new perspectives in the field of anatomical teaching.

[Human ehrlichiosis, a new zoonosis]

Human Ehrlichiosis is a recently discovered zoonosis. It is an infections disease caused by E. canis and transmitted by Rh. sanguineus. Its diagnosis is difficult since the symptoms are non-specific and could be misleading. The IFA Test is the only method for diagnosis. Treatment with tetracyclines gives good results.

[Prevention of complications of severe arterial hypertension in pregnancy using platelet antiaggregants]

A prospective study conducted between January, 1985 and September, 1987 involved 60 pregnant women who had previously suffered from hypertension in pregnancy with or without foetal and maternal complications. Thirty women received aspirin 250 mg every other day and dipyridamole 300 mg per day, starting from the 3rd month of pregnancy (group I); 30 women were examined regularly from the onset of pregnancy and received the conventional symptomatic treatment of complications that occurred (group II). Women in these two groups were similar in age, parity and previous obstetrical complications. Twenty-five women of group I had a perfectly normal pregnancy, as against 5 women of group II (P less than 0.001). Hypertension and/or proteinuria were observed in 5 women of group I and 15 of group II (NS). The 13 severe complications recorded (foetal death, eclampsia, retroplacental haematoma) occurred exclusively in women of group II. The duration of pregnancy and weight of the newborn were significantly greater in group I than in group II. Thus, antiplatelets appear to have an uncertain preventive effect on hypertension of pregnancy and a much more obvious prophylactic effect on major foetal and maternal complications.