Lemierre Syndrome

Lemierre syndrome is caused by acute oropharyngeal infections with secondary septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and is characterized by frequent metastatic infections. A 56-year-old man presented with severe reddish inflammatory swelling of the right cervical soft tissue. Thrombophlebitis in the right internal jugular vein and multiple pulmonary embolisms were identified on neck and chest computed tomography (CT). He was treated with antibiotics and heparin for 4 weeks and then discharged without other complications

A new genus and species of frog from the Kem Kem (Morocco), the second neobatrachian from Cretaceous Africa

Neobatrachia, a clade representing the majority of extant anuran diversity, is thought to have emerged and diversified during the Cretaceous. Most of the early diversification of neobatrachians occurred in southern Gondwana, especially the regions that are today South America and Africa. Whereas five extinct neobatrachians have been described from the Cretaceous of South America in the last decade, only one is known from Africa. This difference in the known extinct diversity is linked to the lack of well-preserved specimens, understudy of fragmentary remains, and lack of known Cretaceous sites in Africa. Study of fragmentary anuran remains from Africa could allow for the identification of previously unknown neobatrachians, allowing for a better understanding of their early diversification. We reanalysed several previously described anuran specimens from the well-known Kem Kem beds, including using CT-scanning. Through our osteological study, we determined that several cranial bones and vertebrae represent a new hyperossified taxon for which we provide a formal description. Comparison to other hyperossified anurans revealed similarities and affinity of this new taxon with the neobatrachians Beelzebufo (extinct) and Ceratophrys (extant). Phylogenetic analyses supported this affinity, placing the new taxon within Neobatrachia in an unresolved clade of Ceratophryidae. This taxon is the oldest neobatrachian from Africa, and reveals that neobatrachians were already widespread throughout southern Gondwana during the earliest Late Cretaceous

Lemierre's syndrome due to Klebsiella pneumoniae in a 63-year-old man with diabetes: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Lemierre's syndrome was originally documented to be caused by <it>Fusobacterium necrophorum</it>. It is a very rare condition with a prevalence of one to 14.4 instances per million. Its presentation is varied, not only in composition but also in the infecting organism. Treatment with anticoagulants has been controversial and applied only on a case-by-case basis.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 63-year-old Saudi man who had had uncontrolled diabetes mellitus for 47 years presented to our facility with a five-day history of swelling on the right side of his neck and fever. The swelling progressively increased in size and was associated with pain, dysphagia, odynophagia, change of voice ('hot potato voice'), and reduced appetite. Abscess content culture and sensitivity testing revealed <it>Klebsiella pneumoniae</it>. However, blood culture results were repeatedly negative. The abscess was incised and drained without any complication. Our patient was treated with clindamycin and cefuroxime. Warfarin was also administered concurrently for six weeks, for an isolated internal jugular vein thrombosis (IJV), with complete resolution of the thrombus. Normoglycemia was achieved and our patient was discharged after complete wound healing and the return of his biochemical parameters to normal.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Only two cases of Lemierre's syndrome in patients with diabetes due to <it>K. pneumoniae </it>have been reported previously. A review of the literature suggested that an association exists between deep neck infections due to <it>K. pneumoniae </it>and diabetes mellitus. The reasons for this association are still not clear. This poses a question as to whether diabetes mellitus specifically predisposes these patients to infection with this organism. It is suggested that clinicians should consider infectious agents other than <it>F. necrophorum </it>in the causation of Lemierre's syndrome, especially in patients with diabetes.</p

Lemierre's syndrome and genetic polymorphisms: a case report

BACKGROUND: Lemierre's syndrome presents a classic clinical picture, the pathophysiology of which remains obscure. Attempts have been made to trace genetic predispositions that modify the host detection of pathogen or the resultant systemic reaction. CASE PRESENTATION: A 17-year old female, with no previous medical history, was admitted to the intensive care unit for septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome and Lemierre's syndrome. Her DNA was assayed for single nucleotide polymorphisms previously incriminated in the detection of the pathogen, the inflammatory response and the coagulation cascade. We observed functional variations in her Toll like 5 receptor (TLR 5) gene and two coagulation variations (Tissue Factor (TF) 603 and Plasminogen-Activator-Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) 4G-4G homozygosity) associated with thrombotic events. CONCLUSION: The innate immune response and the prothrombogenic mutations could explain, at least in part, the symptoms of Lemierre's syndrome. Genomic study of several patients with Lemierre's syndrome may reveal its pathophysiology

Serotonin controlling feeding and satiety

Serotonin has been implicated in the control of satiety for almost four decades. Historically, the insight that the appetite suppressant effect of fenfluramine is linked to serotonin has stimulated interest in and research into the role of this neurotransmitter in satiety. Various rodent models, including transgenic models, have been developed to identify the involved 5-HT receptor subtypes. This approach also required the availability of receptor ligands of different selectivity, and behavioural techniques had to be developed simultaneously which allow differentiating between unspecific pharmacological effects of these ligands and ‘true’ satiation and satiety. Currently, 5-HT1B, 5-HT2C and 5-HT6 receptors have been identified to mediate serotonergic satiety in different ways. The recently approved anti-obesity drug lorcaserin is a 5-HT2C receptor agonist. In brain, both hypothalamic (arcuate nucleus, paraventricular nucleus) and extrahypothalamic sites (parabrachial nucleus, nucleus of the solitary tract) have been identified to mediate the serotonergic control of satiety. Serotonin interacts within the hypothalamus with endogenous orexigenic (Neuropeptide Y/Agouti related protein) and anorectic (α-melanocyte stimulating hormone) peptides. In the nucleus of the solitary tract serotonin integrates peripheral satiety signals. Here, the 5-HT3, but possibly also the 5-HT2C receptor play a role. It has been found that 5-HT acts in concert with such peripheral signals as cholecystokinin and leptin. Despite the recent advances of our knowledge, many of the complex interactions between 5-HT and other satiety factors are not fully understood yet. Further progress in research will also advance the development of new serotonergic anti-obesity drugs

Conférence-débat du 28 mars 1996 : Le système bancaire français et la monnaie unique : Introduction

Lemierre Jean. Conférence-débat du 28 mars 1996 : Le système bancaire français et la monnaie unique : Introduction. In: Revue d'économie financière, n°36, 1996. L’Union monétaire européenne. pp. 215-221

Foreword. Completing Transition - the Main Challenges

This article reflects on the challenges that need to be met in order to complete the transition from command to market economy. Experience has demonstrated that the process of transition is complex, difficult and lengthy. The dislocations and stresses can be profound and severe. There can be setbacks and crises along the way. However, this must not obscure the fact that there have been remarkable changes over the last ten years. Great strides have been made by most countries. Nevertheless, while progress has been made, many challenges still lie ahead. This article presents lessons that we can learn after ten years of transition, particularly concerning reforms, institutions building, and economic governance. It tries also to explain the main challenges in each subregion. JEL classifications : P20Les principaux défis à relever pour mener la transition à son terme Cet avant-propos explicite les défis à relever pour faire aboutir la transition d’une économie dirigée à une économie de marché. L’expérience des pays de l’Est a montré que le processus de transition est long, complexe et difficile. Les bouleversements et les tensions peuvent être profonds et sévères et l’on peut s’attendre à subir des revers et des crises. Toutefois, cela ne doit pas faire oublier que les dix dernières années ont vu naître des changements remarquables. Des progrès considérables ont été accomplis par de nombreux pays. Cette réflexion tente de tirer les enseignements des dix années de transition concernant les réformes engagées, la mise en place des institutions, la gouvernance économique et tente de cerner les progrès à réaliser pour mener la transition à son terme dans chaque région. Classification JEL : P20Lemierre Jean. Foreword. Completing Transition - the Main Challenges . In: Revue d'économie financière (English ed.). Hors-série, 2001. Ten years of transition in Eastern European countries. pp. 15-26

Conférence-débat du 28 mars 1996 : Le système bancaire français et la monnaie unique : Introduction

Lemierre Jean. Conférence-débat du 28 mars 1996 : Le système bancaire français et la monnaie unique : Introduction. In: Revue d'économie financière, n°36, 1996. L’Union monétaire européenne. pp. 215-221