High-rate continuous biodegradation of concentrated chlorinated aliphatics by a durable enrichment of methanogenic origin under carrier-dependent conditions.

The simultaneous biodegradation of toxic compounds in mixtures is a major current concern. To bioremediate a toxic mixture, we designed a strategy combining an ad-sorbent carrier with an ecological and nutritional system which allowed work close to heavily polluted conditions in nature. Starting from a methanogenic community, we developed a microbial consortium acclimated to a mixture of about 30 chlorinated aliphatics in a fixed-film stationary-bed bioreactor.

Post-myelographic meningeal irritation with iohexol.

A 45-year-old woman developed signs of meningeal irritation after myelography with iohexol. Her condition improved very quickly (after antibiotic treatment). Rapid improvement, absence of pathogenic organisms in the pre-treatment CSF culture, the level of CSF pleocytosis and protein were in favor of chemical meningitis.

[Ventriculo-cardiac derivation in late complications of hemispherectomy (author's transl)].

After briefly stating the circumstances in which hemispherectomy is indicated the authors review the possible complications of the operation on the basis of available literature. Two cases are described, one with autopsy findings and the other with CAT scan data which revealed extreme dilatation of the remaining ventricle and led to the installation of a ventriculo-cardiac derivation; this case progressed favourably. The author concludes that this type of complication could be detected rapidly by CAT scanning, with no risk to the patient.