Entire solutions to the Monge–Ampère equation

AbstractWe consider the Monge–Ampère equation det(D2u)=Ψ(x,u,Du) in Rn, n⩾3, where Ψ is a positive function in C2(Rn×R×Rn). We prove the existence of convex solutions, provided there exist a subsolution of the form u̲=a|x|2 and a superharmonic bounded positive function φ satisfying: Ψ>(2a+Δφn)n

Primary resistance to clarithromycin, metronidazole and amoxicillin of Helicobacter pylori isolated from Tunisian patients with peptic ulcers and gastritis: a prospective multicentre study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The frequency of primary resistance to antibiotics in H. pylori isolates is increasing worldwide. In Tunisia, there are limited data regarding the pattern of H. pylori antibiotic primary resistance.</p> <p>Aim</p> <p>To evaluate the primary resistance of H. pylori to clarithromycin, metronidazole and amoxicillin and to detect the mutations involved in clarithromycin resistance.</p> <p>Materials and methods</p> <p>273 strains isolated from adults and children were enrolled. The primary resistance to clarithromycin, metronidazole and amoxicillin was evaluated by means of E-test minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). The real-time PCR using Scorpion primers was performed in all cases to assess clarithromycin primary resistance and point mutations involved.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>No resistance to amoxicillin was detected. For adults, resistance to clarithromycin and metronidazole was found respectively in 14.6% and 56.8%, and respectively in 18.8% and 25% in children. Overall, the rates of global primary resistance to clarithromycin and metronidazole in Tunisia were respectively determined in 15.4% and 51.3%.</p> <p>By the use of Scorpion PCR, the A2143G was the most frequent point mutation observed (88.1%), followed by the A2142G (11.9%); the A2142C was not found and 18 of 42 patients (42.8%) were infected by both the resistant and the susceptible genotype.</p> <p>The association of clarithromycin resistance with gender was not statistically significant, but metronidazole resistant strains were isolated more frequently in females (67.8%) than in males (32.2%) and the difference was significant. As for gastroduodenal diseases, the difference between strains isolated from patients with peptic ulceration and those with non peptic ulceration was not statistically significant. When about the distribution of resistant strains to clarithromycin and metronidazole between the three Tunisian cities (Tunis, Menzel Bourguiba and Mahdia), the difference was not statistically significant.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Local data regarding the primary resistance of H. pylori to clarithromycin, metronidazole and amoxicillin and the main genetic mutation involved in clarithromycin resistance in vivo (A2143G) are necessary to prove a clear need for a periodic evaluation of antibiotic consumption and new therapeutic strategies in Tunisia in order to avoid the emergence of resistant strains.</p

Tolllike receptor 4 (TLR4) polymorphisms in Tunisian patients with Crohn's disease: genotype-phenotype correlation

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The immune responses to bacterial products through the pattern recognition receptor (PRR) play a pivotal role in pathogenesis of Crohn's disease. A recent study described an association between CD and some gene coding for bacterial receptor like NOD2/CARD15 gene and TLR4. In this study, we sought to determine whether TLR4 gene was associated with Crohn's disease (CD) among the Tunisian population and its correlation with clinical manifestation of the disease.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>90 patients with CD and 80 healthy individuals are genotyped for the <it>Asp299Gly </it>and <it>Thr399Ile </it>polymorphisms by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The allele and genotype frequency of the TLR4 polymorphisms did not differ between patients and controls. The genotype-phenotype correlation permitted to show that the <it>Thr399Ile </it>polymorphism was associated with early onset disease.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>this study reported the absence of association between CD and TLR4 gene in the Tunisian population, but this gene could play a role in clinical expression of the disease.</p

Tumeur odontogène adénomatoïde : à propos d'un cas à localisation mandibulaire associé à une prémolaire incluse

Une patiente âgée de 20 ans consulte pour une tuméfaction parasymphysaire gauche évoluant depuis quelques mois. L'examen clinique montre une tuméfaction dure et indolore avec, à l'examen endobuccal, un comblement du vestibule allant de la 33 à la 36 avec absence de la 34. Les dents de voisinage sont vivantes. L'examen radiologique révèle une image radioclaire uniloculaire en rapport avec la couronne de la 34 qui est incluse. L'aspect est évocateur d'un kyste péricoronaire. L'étude histologique de la pièce opératoire conclut qu'il s'agit d'une tumeur odontogène adénomatoïde. (Med Buccale Chir Buccale 2008 ; 14 : 221-225)

Periostitis Ossificans: Report of Two Cases Resolved with Endodontic Treatment

Periostitis ossificans is a chronic disease characterized by an ossifying periostitis, occurring in children and young adults, commonly as a reaction to a mild infection or irritation. It is also characterized by the presence of lamellae of newly formed periosteal bone outside the cortex, giving the characteristic radiographic appearance of “onion skin.” Aim. The aim of this paper was to present the clinical and radiographic findings, as well as the postoperative follow-up of two cases diagnosed with periostitis ossificans of dental origin, and to discuss the differential diagnosis and treatment modalities. Case Reports. In the first case, a 16-year-old adolescent was referred for a persistent mandibular swelling. Intraoral examination showed two sinus tracts in relation to the carious necrotic left mandibular first molar. The periapical radiograph showed a periapical lesion in relation to the two root canals of the left mandibular first molar. Occlusal radiographs revealed the “onion skin” bone formation aspect. In the second case, a 10-year-old girl presented to our department with a slightly painful mandibular swelling. The periapical radiograph showed a periapical lesion in relation to both the mesial and distal roots of the carious necrotic right mandibular first molar. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) showed a subperiosteal bone formation with an “onion skin” aspect. Diagnosis of periostitis ossificans in the two cases was confirmed and the lesion was resolved by simply an endodontic treatment. Conclusion. Specific attention should be given to clinical and radiographic exploration in case of children with mandibular swelling. As osteosarcoma can be misdiagnosed, additional examinations, such as computed tomography, can be useful in differential diagnosis and in searching malignancy signs

Automatic summarization of Semitic languages

This chapter addresses automatic summarization of Semitic languages. After a presentation of the theoretical background and current challenges of the automatic summarization, we present different approaches suggested to cope with these challenges. These approaches fall on to two classes: single vs. multiple document summarization approaches. The main approaches dealing with Semitic languages (mainly Arabic, Hebrew, Maltese and Amharic) are then discussed. Finally, a case study of a specific Arabic automatic summarization system is presented. The summary section draws the most insightful conclusions and discusses some future research direction

Rôle de la cellule épithéliale dans l’homéostasie intestinale et les maladies inflammatoires chroniques de l’intestin

La maladie de Crohn (MC) et la rectocolite hémorragique (RCH) sont les principales maladies inflammatoires chroniques de l’intestin (MICI), dont l’étiopathogénie est actuellement mal définie. Au cours de ces maladies, la participation de la cellule épithéliale dans l’installation et la pérennisation de l’inflammation intestinale est de plus en plus impliquée. En effet, l’épithélium intestinal, situé à l’interface entre le milieu intérieur tissulaire et la lumière intestinale, est le pivot des mécanismes de l’homéostasie de la barrière intestinale. Cet épithélium peut être schématiquement considérée comme constitué de trois « barrières » distinctes : une barrière physique, une barrière chimique et une barrière immunitaire. Cette fonction de barrière peut être altérée par différents mécanismes physiopathologiques, comme dans les MICI. Le rôle de la cellule épithéliale dans l’homéostasie intestinale et son implication dans les MICI sont analysés dans cette revue