Quantum-relativistic hydrodynamic model for a spin-polarized electron gas interacting with light.

We develop a semirelativistic quantum fluid theory based on the expansion of the Dirac Hamiltonian to second order in 1/c. By making use of the Madelung representation of the wave function, we derive a set of hydrodynamic equations that comprises a continuity equation, an Euler equation for the mean velocity, and an evolution equation for the electron spin density. This hydrodynamic model is then applied to study the dynamics of a dense and weakly relativistic electron plasma.

[Conservative treatment using mesalazine in ischemic colitis].

The authors propose the conservative treatment of ischemic colitis using slow-release mesalazine and enema. The excellent tolerability of the treatment and the good level of therapeutic efficacy was confirmed in 13 cases treated without signs of recurrence of disease.

Molecular and biochemical characterisation of two aspartic proteinases TcAP1 and TcAP2 from Theobroma cacao seeds.

Aspartic proteinase (EC 3.4.23) activity plays a pivotal role in the degradation of Theobroma cacao L.

[Ambulatory saphenectomy: 80 operated cases using tumescent anesthesia].

The authors describe their experience with local tumescent anaesthesia with lidocaine and bupivacaine in 80 cases of saphenous stripping. The method is discussed thoroughly and provides: 1) good anaesthesia throughout surgery, requiring only brief propofol sedation in 55 patients with large-volume legs; 2) less bleeding during and after surgery in all patients, with visual evaluation of ecchymoses at 3 and 7 days; 3) good postsurgical analgesia without functional impairment in all patients. These are real advantages in the ambulatory and day-hospital surgery settings, inasmuch as the scheduled discharge time is not modified.

[Prosthetic repair of inguinal and crural hernias].

335 inguino-femoral hernias were repaired with polypropylene mesh from December 1991 through December 1995. Eleven patients underwent mesh reinforced Bassini, 167 modified Lichtenstein's technique and 108 Trabucco's repair. Forty-three patients were treated under regional anesthesia.

Comparison between therapeutic regimes in erosive chronic gastritis associated with Helicobacter pylori.

Following numerous reports confirming the role of erosive chronic gastritis and ulcer, several treatment protocols have been used with the aim of eradicating this microorganism. Elimination was initially achieved using polychemotherapeutic associationsbismuth salts+metronidazole+amoxycillin and/or tetracyclineswhich proved relatively efficacious in therapeutic terms, but often led to side effects, the onset of bacterial resistance and scarse patient compliance. The authors consider that these limits can be overcome by using a new association of homeprazole+azithromycin, whose effica-cy in the eradication of Helicobacter pylo-ri has been shown to be of about 85% of cases treated for a relatively short period (4 weeks).

[Hemorrhage of the upper digestive tract in the elderly patient: is the limit of 60 years of age still biologically valid? Statistical study].

The authors examine 192 consecutive cases of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage; the series included 133 males and 59 females with a mean age of 55.78 years (SD +/- 17.88) and range of 18-97.

[Ogilvie's syndrome: does it have to be redefined? An analysis of 8 cases and contribution to the discussion].

The authors examine eight cases of acute pseudo-obstruction of the colon and point out that these may be inserted in the wider context of intestinal pseudo-obstructions. These comments raise questions concerning Ogilvie's syndrome since the dilatations observed do not only affect the colon, according to the classic definition, but also the ileo-jejunal tract, in spite of the fact that the main target continues to be the colon. The term Ogilvie's syndrome is still significant in the clinical identification of colic dilatation, in particular the right colon in which possible complications are more severe.

[Omentitis and mesenteric lymphadenitis: is there a relationship? Apropos of 3 cases].

The authors report three cases of acute epiploitis diagnosed intraoperatively and discuss the etiopathogenetic hypotheses. They suggest a relationship between acute epiploitis and mesenteric lymphadenitis, as well as their common origin.

[Acute intestinal ischemia. Our experience].

Acute intestinal ischemia is a pathology which is relatively often encountered in elderly patients where the concomitance of other diseases make its prognosis more severe, especially since diagnosis is usually late. Laboratory tests and imaging techniques are not of great value to diagnosis since they do not provide pathognomonic data, but together with a careful anamnesis they contribute a series of findings which, taken as a whole, lead to the diagnosis of intestinal ischemia. The sole therapy is surgery--when still possible and the best results are obtained when surgery is performed at an early stage.

[The management of head trauma in a general surgery department. a contribution to an epidemiological analysis].

Personal experience in the management of head injury in a General Surgery Department is reported and a series of 352 patients analysed with a view to identifying variations in the epidemiological profile of this pathology over the last decade and in order to establish indications for admission and the transfer of the patient to specialist departments.