Presse Med
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IMPORTANCE OF T-LYMPHOCYTES IN SARCOIDOSIS: Sarcoidosis is thought to result from an uncontrolled granulomatous immune response. T-lymphocytes are an essential component of this immune reaction. The recognition of specific antigens through receptors expressed on the cell membrane activates the T-cells, resulting in the expression of effector functions that ultimately control granuloma formation. ⋯ The identification of the antigen(s) recognized by these cells remains an important goal, and may help identify etiologic agents. CYTOKINE PRODUCTION: Considerable progress has been made in characterizing the cytokines produced by T-lymphocytes and other cells participating in the granulomatous reaction. The modulation of the activity of these mediators represents a promising approach for the development of more specific therapeutic agents.
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CD34 SORTING: CD34 sorting is a means of selecting hematopoietic stem cells among heterogeneous populations of cells. The technique is based on the fact that only hematopoietic stem cells (excepting a few tumoral cells) carry the CD34 antigen. Generally this type of manipulation is performed in case of stem cell grafts or for the treatment of certain malignant hematological diseases or certain solid tumors.
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THE ONLY SOLUTION: Despite significant progress in the management of patients with multiple sclerosis, lung transplantation remains the only chance for survival in those with severe respiratory failure.
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To determine the incidence and causes of agitation states in patients presenting at the Rouen University Hospital emergency room and to analyze the management scheme. ⋯ Patients in a state of agitation are young, often female, and in a difficult socio-economic situation. Hypoglycemia is the main differential diagnosis. A triggering factor can often be identified. A state of agitation is not a repetitive condition but occurs as a short-lived episode in the patientís history. Such patients need rapid care to avoid further aggravation and disruption of the emergency room activity, and to prevent the patient from fleeing. Loxapine provides effective sedation but requires regular monitoring of blood pressure and can provoke acute dyskinesia in young subjects.
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AN UBIQUITOUS VIRUS: The family of hepatitis viruses now has a new member discovered in 1997 by a Japanese team. The TTV (transmitted transfusion virus) is a small ubiquitous DNA virus probably largely distributed throughout the world. ⋯ The natural history of TTV has been studied in retrospective studies, particularly in hemophiliacs. After a post-transfusional peak, the virus appears to persist for long periods in the organism without causing liver damage nor any change in transaminase levels.