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Biomedical subjects

R Cohen

Publications and source records attributed to R Cohen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[French survey about intradermal BCG SSI adverse events in children under 6 years of age].

During April 2006, 579 physicians took part in a survey about intradermal BCG SSI adverse events (AE) in children less than 6 years old, managed by InfoVac France. Since January 2006, 68% physicians (paediatricians: 73% and general practitioners [GP]: 60%) have vaccinated at least one child. The site of injection is mainly the extern side of the shoulder (72%), according to the recommendations. Systematic vaccination is continued by 54% GP and 26% paediatricians. Others indications are: admission in day care center (33%), admission in day care center associated with risk factors (24%), or only risks factors (8%). Half physicians observed AE and 6% of them reported them at pharmacovigilance centers or pharmaceutical company. AE were mainly inflammations or indurations over 1 cm (for 75% of physicians who observed AE), oozing (73%). Abscesses are notified by 54%, ulcers by 39%, lymphadenopathies over 1 cm by 20%, suppurative lymphadenopathies by 3% and keloid scares by 17% of them, several AE may coexist for some children. Our aim is to start a prospective follow-up of BCG-SSI vaccination and its AE; 58% physicians who answered this investigation agreed to participate.

Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems↗

[Impact of CRP rapid test in management of febrile children in paediatric emergency units of Ile-de-France].

OBJECTIVE: Fever is a common cause of children visits to emergency units. Clinical evaluation does not always eliminate a bacterial infection. Among blood markers, several publications showed the interest of CRP. This study was undertaken to evaluate correlation between two techniques of CRP, one by usual technique at the laboratory and the other by a rapid test, and to evaluate the impact of this rapid test for febrile children at the emergency room, when a hospitalization was not immediately decided. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was undertaken in 2004-2005 in eight emergency paediatric units in Ile-de-France concerning febrile children during two periods. In period A, children had at the same time a CRP dosage through two methods, whereas in period B, only a rapid CRP test was first managed. The test used was NycoCard CRP Single test (Progen Biotechnique). RESULTS: Between September 2004 and June 2005, 572 children were included, 268 in period A and 304 in period B. Comparison of CRP results by the two methods showed for 247 children (93%) a fairly good linear correlation (r: 0.929). Blood cell count was the most often prescribed test (99.4 vs 10.5%). Conversely to chest radiography, blood culture, fibrinogen and urinary test were significantly most frequent in period A. The average cost of the additional examinations was 2.6 times more important during the first period. Duration of children management in the units was approximately two times shorter when rapid CRP test was used (199.7+/-92.8 vs 103.5+/-98.6 min). CONCLUSION: This study shows the interest of rapid CRP test for febrile children in the emergency units, and has to be confirmed in ambulatory paediatric practice.

Adolescent↗

Phase 2 trial of sustained-release fampridine in chronic spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial. OBJECTIVE: Assess safety and efficacy of sustained-release fampridine in subjects with chronic spinal cord injury. SETTING: A total of 11 academic rehabilitation research centers in the United States. METHODS: A total of 91 subjects with motor-incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI), randomized to three arms: fampridine, sustained release, 25 mg b.i.d. (Group I), 40 mg b.i.d. (Group II), and placebo (Group III) for 8 weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient diary questionnaire, Ashworth score, American Spinal Cord Injury Association International Standards, International Index of Erectile Function, bladder and bowel management questionnaires, and Clinician and Subject Global Impressions (Clinician Global Impression of change, Subject Global Impression (SGI)). Safety was evaluated from adverse events, physical examinations, vital signs, electrocardiograms, and laboratory tests. RESULTS: In total, 78% of the subjects completed the study. More (13/30) discontinued from Group II than Group I (4/30) and Group III (3/31). The most frequent adverse events across groups were hypertonia, generalized spasm, insomnia, dizziness, asthenia, pain, constipation, and headache. One subject in Group II experienced a seizure. SGI changed significantly in favor of Group I (P=0.02). Subgroup analysis of subjects with baseline Ashworth scores >1 showed significant improvement in spasticity in Group I versus III (P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Group I showed significant improvement in SGI, and potential benefit on spasticity. The drug was well tolerated. Group II showed more adverse events and discontinuations.

4-Aminopyridine↗

A novel molecular inactivation determinant of voltage-gated CaV1.2 L-type Ca2+ channel.

The inactivation of voltage-gated L-type Ca(2+) channels (Ca(V)1) regulates Ca(2+) entry and controls intracellular Ca(2+) levels that are essential for cellular activity. The molecular entities implicated in L-channel (Ca(V)1.2) inactivation are not fully identified. Here we show for the first time the functional impact of one of the two highly conserved clusters of six negatively charged glutamates and aspartate (802-807; poly ED motif) at the II-III loop of the alpha 1 subunits of rabbit of Ca(v)1.2, alpha(1)1.2 and alpha(1)1.2 DeltaN60-Delta1733) on voltage-dependent inactivation. Mutation of the poly ED motif to alanine or glutamine/asparagine greatly enhanced voltage-dependent inactivation, shifting the voltage dependence to negative potentials by >50 mV and conferring a neuronal like inactivation kinetics onto Ca(V)1.2. The large shift in the midpoint of inactivation of the steady-state inactivation kinetics was observed also in Ca(2+) or Ba(2+) and was not altered by the beta2A subunit. Missing from the fast inactivating neuronal P/Q (Ca(V)2.1)-, N (Ca(V)2.2)- or R (Ca(V)2.3)-type channels and modulating Ca(V)1.2 inactivation kinetics, the poly ED motif is likely to be a specific L-type Ca(2+) channels inactivating domain. Our results fit a model in which the poly ED either by itself or as part of a larger inactivating motif acts as Ca(V)1.2 specific built-in "stopper." In this model, Ca(V)1 accomplishes a large Ca(2+) influx during depolarization, possibly by the poly ED hindering occlusion at the pore. Furthermore, the selective designed poly ED perhaps clarifies major inactivation differences between L- and non-L-type calcium channels.

Alanine↗

Improved automated perimetry performance following exposure to Mozart.

AIM: To evaluate the performance on automated perimetry (AP) after listening to a Mozart sonata in normal subjects naive to AP. METHODS: 60 naive normal subjects underwent AP (SITA 24-2). The study group (30 subjects) underwent AP after listening to Mozart's Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major and the control group (30 subjects) underwent AP without previous exposure to the music. RESULTS: The study group had significantly less fixation loss, false positive, and false negative rates compared to controls (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Listening to Mozart seems to improve AP performance in normal naive subjects.

Adult↗

[Management of acute pyelonephritis in patients older than 3 months: survey conducted in 39 paediatric emergency departments of the Ile de France Region in 2004].

OBJECTIVES: To describe the different modalities of ambulatory management of acute pyelonephritis in patients older than 3 months of age in paediatric emergency units of the Ile de France region in 2004. METHODS: Between October 2003 and April 2004, referents of 39 paediatric emergency units of the Ile de France region were questioned through a written questionnaire concerning the management of acute pyelonephritis: in or outpatient modalities, antibiotic regimen (molecule and route of administration), investigations and follow-up. RESULTS: Thirty-one questionnaires (79.5%) were returned and analysed. A written protocol was available in 60% of the units. Outpatient management was performed in 24/31 centres. Young age, poor clinical tolerance, urological abnormalities and social difficulties were the major contra-indications for such management. Ultrasonic echography at diagnosis (within 24 h) was performed in 50% of the units. Antibiotics were started using IV route in 18/24 units (75%) and ceftriaxone and aminoside were respectively prescribed in 100% and 29.4% of the units for a duration of 1 to 5 days before switching to the oral route. Antibiotherapy was started orally in 6 units and cefixime was chosen by 5 of them. Follow-up consultations were scheduled in 100% of the units but with various delay after initiation of the treatment. The total duration of treatment was mostly 10 days and oral prophylactic antibiotherapy was prescribed by 10/24 centres after completion of the treatment. Cystoureterography was systematically realized by 83.3% of the units. CONCLUSIONS: Despite important differences in the management of acute pyelonephritis in Ile-de-France, a majority of the units follows similar therapeutic modalities. In the absence of consensus, new recommendations are necessary concerning the management of pyelonephritis in infants and children in France.

Acute Disease↗

Relationship between clinical signs and symptoms and nasopharyngeal flora in acute otitis media.

Possible links between the clinical signs and symptoms of acute otitis media and the composition of the nasopharyngeal flora were investigated by reviewing the files of 1807 children enrolled in four randomised, multicentre trials. A standard protocol was used, nasopharyngeal samples were cultured, and signs and symptoms were recorded. Carriage of Haemophilus influenzae was associated positively with conjunctivitis (OR 4.83, 95% CI 3.76-6.20) and negatively with fever (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.56-0.86). Carriage of pneumococci was associated positively with fever (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.08-1.63) and negatively with conjunctivitis (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.40-0.63).

Carrier State↗

Shared decision making for in-patients with schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE: Patients' participation in treatment planning is being increasingly advocated in mental health. The model of "Shared Decision Making" (SDM) is proposed as a promising method of engaging patients in medical decisions and improving health-related outcomes. In the present study, the feasibility and effects of SDM for in-patients with schizophrenia should be evaluated. METHOD: Randomized controlled trial comparing a SDM program with routine care (n = 107). RESULTS: The intervention studied was feasible for most of the patients and did not take up more of the doctors' time. Patients in the intervention group had a better knowledge about their disease (P = 0.01) and a higher perceived involvement in medical decisions (P = 0.03). The intervention increased the uptake of psychoeducation (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Sharing medical decisions with acutely ill in-patients with schizophrenia is in many cases possible and improves important treatment patterns. This might help in destigmatizing this group of patients and improving schizophrenia-related health outcomes.

Acute Disease↗

Use of temperature and water immersion to control the human body louse (Anoplura: Pediculidae).

Physical methods such as high and low temperatures were used in the past for the control of human body louse, Pediculus humanus humanus L. (Anoplura: Pediculidae). In the current study, the minimum time necessary to kill all lice after exposing them to temperatures other than those described in the literature, the mortality of lice after immersing them in water, and the survival of lice whose legs were amputated were studied. All lice died after 6 d at 6 degrees C, after 11 d at 24 degrees C, and after 9 d at 31 degrees C. At -17 degrees C, all lice were dead after 35 min, whereas at -70 degrees C, all lice were dead after 1 min. All lice died after immersion in water within 19 h. The differences in mortality were significant but borderline between controls and lice whose two legs were amputated immediately or 24 h after feeding (3.3 versus 13.3% and 8.3 versus 21.7%). For lice whose leg was amputated 48 h after feeding, significant differences were found between controls and lice with one amputated leg (13.3 versus 48.3%), between controls and lice with two amputated legs (13.3 versus 68.3%), and between lice with one and two amputated legs (48.3 versus 68.3%).

Amputation, Surgical↗

[Large coronary aneurysm diagnosed during an acute coronary syndrome. A case report and review of the literature].

Coronary aneurysm is an uncommon variant of coronary atherosclerosis. It usually involves the right coronary artery and is often associated with significant coronary stenosis. It may be revealed by an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We report the case of a 49 year-old woman in whom a large coronary aneurysm of the left anterior descending artery was revealed by an ACS. Coronary angiography remains the gold standard diagnosis procedure, but spiral computed tomography may be of interest to specify the location and nature of the aneurysm, and thus guide surgical or percutaneous treatment.

Angina, Unstable↗

[Tonsillectomy in 2005].

During the past years, the number of tonsillectomies (only palatine tonsils are taken off) has decreased, indications for surgery have changed. A multi-disciplinal group of paediatricians tried to elaborate the state of the art in the field. Tonsils are the first line defense of high respiratory tract. The immune functions of their lymphoid tissue are multiple: mucosal antigens capture, presentation to lymphocytes, antigens specific proliferation of lymphocytes T and B, differentiation of lymphocytes in effectors lymphocytes and immune lymphocytes. Epithelial cells on the tonsils' surface express non-specific defense. These facts explain partly tonsils' hypertrophy. Tonsillectomy has no general immune consequences. In 2002, in France, 75,000 tonsillectomies were realized, of which 90% were in children. Tonsil's hypertrophy is the major indication, mandatory when sleep apnoeas exist. The main historical tonsillectomy indication for recurrent tonsillitis should decrease due to a more precise diagnostic (rapid test at bed site), an efficient antibiotics therapy and better care for pain. Other indications are scarce. Surgery, feasible from 9 months of age, requires a brief general anaesthesia and has very few contra-indications. The technique, operator dependent, relies on his experience. The only potentially severe complication is an haemorrhage due to scab fall between the eighth and twelfth days. It requires explanation and a written note given to parents. The possibility of lack of feeding and voice modification, usually transitory, should be known. Multiple consequences of tonsillectomy especially allergy have been alleged. Since the years 1980, it is well established that pre-existing allergy or asthma are not a contraindication. More, its deleterious impact on allergic children has not been demonstrated. Last, a gain of weight post-tonsillectomy is possible and could become a risk if excessive.

Contraindications↗

Combined ileal heterotopic pancreatic and gastric tissues causing ileocolic intussusception in an infant.

Pathological intussusception is rare in infancy with Meckel's diverticulum being the most common lesion. Isolated heterotopic pancreatic tissue in the serosa of the ileum causing intussusception is extremely rare. We report a case of ileal heterotopic pancreatic tissue associated with ectopic gastric mucosa causing ileocolic intussusception in an infant, with review of the literature.

Choristoma↗

[French paediatrician and general practitioner's survey about actual and future BCG use].

Within the context of future multipuncture withdrawal, we managed, in April 2005, a survey on BCG vaccine habits. During April 2005, 636 paediatricians and 192 GP took part in a survey about BCG, practices managed by InfoVac-France, InVS and AFPA. Most of physicians (73.6%) don't use Mantoux test before BCG vaccination in children less than 6 months old, and the Monovax is the most frequent vaccine used (93.7%). Less than 30% physicians are thinking to be ready to systematically vaccine children after prospected withdrawal of multipuncture vaccination, and almost 1 pediatrician of 5 and one GP of 7 don't want to vaccine anymore. In future, preferred option after Monovax withdrawal is to vaccinate with BCG only the high risk population for tuberculosis (59%). About 60% physicians think that parents could be opposed to intradermal immunization. More than 2/3 of physicians have not an assistant (except the parents) to contain the children during the intradermal injection (71.6%). It seems not acceptable for 2/3 of physicians to address their patients to colleagues or to specialized structures.

Adult↗