Clinical implications of Mycobacterium kansasii species heterogeneity: Swiss National Survey.

Several subtypes of Mycobacterium kansasii have been described, but their respective pathogenic roles are not clear. This study investigated the distribution of subtypes and the pathogenicity of M. kansasii strains (n = 191) isolated in Switzerland between 1991 and 1997.

[Relationship between autoimmune diseases and personality traits in women].

The personality traits of 40 women with non organ-specific dysimmune diseases were studied by means of a questionnaire devised to evaluate behavioural components including 48 items divided into 8 different patterns. The patients fell into 3 groups. Group I comprised 20 women with collagen diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 8), scleroderma (n = 4), Sharp's syndrome (n = 4), polymyositis (n = 3) and Shulman's syndrome (n = 1).

[Daily and seasonal variations in olfactory sensitivity of mothers after parturition and their capacity to discriminate the body odor of their newborn. Preliminary findings].

The present study describes daily and seasonal variations in the discrimination capacities of mothers in relation to their newborn's odour and olfactory detection thresholds of a non specific molecule (thiophene) by mothers. The tests are carried out during the 2nd, 4th and 6th days after the parturition. The results show that the abilities of the mothers to discriminate the odours of their newborn increase gradually from the morning to evening, with the exception of the second part of the 4th day when the mother's performances decrease between 05:30 P.

Evaluation of the effect of heparin and tetracycline on the cohesion of the dermal-epidermal junction.

In an attempt to demonstrate the effect of tetracycline or heparin therapy on the dermo-epidermal junction, the suction blister time was measured at the beginning and at the end of the study in 18 female Sprague-Dawley hairless rats, using the suction blister method. Suction blister time was defined as the time taken for the first sign of a vesicle to appear in the hole in the diaphragm of a suction chamber. 200 IU heparinate calcium was administered daily for 6 days in 6 rats.

[Communication behavior in psychotic children].

This study presents a descriptive approach to communication and interactions in a psychotic group children, without adult intervention. This investigation use a ethological method. The results show correlation between children's non verbal communication degree and the degree of severity in psychiatric troubles.