[A support unit and relaxation area for caregivers].

A confidential and anonymous support unit, led by a nurse and a psychologist, has been created for caregivers within a hospital. It also has a relaxation area where they can learn different relaxation techniques. The aim of these places is to promote workers' wellbeing and prevent psychosocial risks.

Porphyria cutanea tarda, C282Y, H63D and S65C HFE gene mutations and hepatitis C infection: a study from southern France.

Background: To evaluate the role of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) and their association with chronic hepatitis C.

Objective: To investigate the relations between hemochromatosis gene (HFE) mutations and PCT in the south of France and their links with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

Methods: The genotype for the C282Y, H63D and S65C mutations of HFE was determined in 33 patients with PCT, 46 patients with HCV infection but without PCT and 58 controls.

High adenosine and deoxyadenosine concentrations in mononuclear cells of hemodialyzed patients.

Infections are one of the most important complications of hemodialysis (HD). The high concentrations of adenosine (Ado) and of its metabolites during HD may contribute to the dialysis-induced immune deficiency through their known ability to alter lymphocyte function. The influence of HD on Ado metabolism was assessed in mononuclear cells through the measurement of (1) the concentrations of nucleosides in mononuclear cells and (2) the activities of mononuclear cell Ado deaminase (MCADA) and Ado kinase, two enzymes involved in Ado concentration regulation.