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Since the publication of Oneself as Another, many sociologists have referred to the work of Paul Ricœur, some of them considering his notion of narrative identity to be a useful means of analyzing some aspects individual identity left unresolved by Bourdieu’s notion of habitus. Bourdieu had, however, already discredited the sociological relevance of the notion of narrative in his 1986 article “The Biographical Illusion.” Through a careful re-reading of both texts, this article will determine to what extent the sociological use of Ricœur’s notions can escape the confines of Bourdieu’s analysis and, moreover, the different conceptions of the human being and of ethics underlying the two distinct frameworks of analysis.

We investigate the mass balance of the Cenozoic Andes-Amazon source to sink system using rock uplift proxies and solid sedimentation of the Marañón Basin in Peru. The evolution of sedimentation rates is calibrated with regional structural restored cross-section. The quantification of eroded sediments from reliefs to sedimentary basin is achieved with ×10 Myr resolution and compared to present day proxies from the HYBAM (HYdrologie et Biogéochimie du Bassin Amazonien) Critical Zone Observatory. Erosion of the early Andean landforms started during the Upper Mesozoic period, but sediment rates significantly increase during the Neogene. This is in agreement with the calibrated increase of rock uplift in the Andean orogenic belt.

The extended time-based resource-sharing (TBRS) model suggested a working memory architecture in which an executive loop and a phonological loop could both support the maintenance of verbal information. The consequence of such a framework is that phonological effects known to impact the maintenance of verbal information, like the word length effect (WLE), should depend on the use of the phonological loop, but should disappear under the maintenance by the executive loop. In two previous studies, introducing concurrent articulation in complex span tasks barely affected WLE, contradicting the prediction from the TBRS model. The present study re-evaluated the WLE in a complex span task while controlling for time parameters and the amount of concurrent articulation. Specifically, we used a computer-paced span task in which participants remembered lists of either short or long words while concurrently either articulating or making a location judgment. Whereas the WLE appeared when participants remained silent, concurrent articulation eliminated the effect. Introducing a concurrent attention demand reduced recall, but did not affect WLE, and did not interact with concurrent articulation. These results support the existence of two systems of maintenance for verbal information.

Over a 3-year follow-up, 30 out of the 318 unique Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates recovered in the Republic of Djibouti had a smooth-type morphology and were Niacine-negative, the characteristics of 'Mycobacterium canettii' strains. Unlike M. tuberculosis, 'M. canettii' grew on nutrient-poor media at 30°C, and possessed characteristic lipids. They were isolated from respiratory and extrarespiratory sites from patients with typical forms of tuberculosis. Most cases resolved with antibiotic therapy but in two human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients 'M. canettii' infection led to septicaemia and death. No cases of human-to-human transmission were observed. The proportion of tuberculosis cases caused by 'M. canettii' was higher among French patients than among Djiboutian patients. Patients with 'M. canettii' were significantly younger than those with tuberculosis caused by other M. tuberculosis complex strains. Smooth tubercle bacilli could be misidentified as non-tuberculous mycobacteria and appear to be limited to the Horn of Africa. Their characteristics are consistent with the existence of non-human sources of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé Nous rapportons le cas d’une endocardite infectieuse tricuspide à hémoculture négative révélée après piqûre de tique par des épisodes d’infection pulmonaire à répétition pendant un an en rapport avec des embols septiques pulmonaires chez une patiente de 67 ans agricultrice. La végétation tricuspide et les thrombis pulmonaires sont calcifiés. La sérologie de Lyme est négative. La sérologie et l’analyse par PCR sur sang périphérique sont positives pour Bartonella henselae . L’évolution clinique est favorable sous traitement antibiotique et anticoagulant. L’endocardite à B . henselae est une complication exceptionnelle de la maladie des griffes du chat. Il faut y penser devant une endocardite à hémoculture négative avec des lésions valvulaires d’allure calcifiée même en l’absence de morsure de chat, la tique pouvant être un vecteur de la bactérie. We report a case of blood culture-negative tricuspid infective endocarditis revealed after tick bite by repeated pulmonary infection during one year due to septic pulmonary emboli in a 67-year-old farmer woman. Tricuspid vegetation and pulmonary emboli are calcified. Lyme serology is negative. Serologic test and PCR analysis are positive to Bartonella henselae . The evolution is favorable after antibiotic and anticoagulant treatment. Infective endocarditis due to B . henselae is an exceptional complication of cat scratch disease. You have to think about in case of blood culture-negative endocarditis with calcified valvular lesions even without cat bite, tick seems to be vector of the bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of blood culture-negative tricuspid infective endocarditis revealed after tick bite by repeated pulmonary infection during one year due to septic pulmonary emboli in a 67-year-old farmer woman. Tricuspid vegetation and pulmonary emboli are calcified. Lyme serology is negative. Serologic test and PCR analysis are positive to Bartonella henselae. The evolution is favorable after antibiotic and anticoagulant treatment. Infective endocarditis due to B. henselae is an exceptional complication of cat scratch disease. You have to think about in case of blood culture-negative endocarditis with calcified valvular lesions even without cat bite, tick seems to be vector of the bacteria., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Propionibacterium acnes plays a central role in the pathogenesis of acne and is responsible for severe opportunistic infections. Numerous typing schemes have been developed that allow the identification of phylotypes, but they are often insufficient to differentiate subtypes. To better understand the genetic diversity of this species and to perform epidemiological analyses, high throughput discriminant genotyping techniques are needed. Here we describe the development of a multiple locus variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) analysis (MLVA) method. Thirteen VNTRs were identified in the genome of P. acnes and were used to genotype a collection of clinical isolates. In addition, publically available sequencing data for 102 genomes were analyzed in silico, providing an MLVA genotype. The clustering of MLVA data was in perfect congruence with whole genome based clustering. Analysis of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) element uncovered new spacers, a supplementary source of genotypic information. The present MLVA13 scheme and associated internet database represents a first line genotyping assay to investigate large number of isolates. Particular strains may then be submitted to full genome sequencing in order to better analyze their pathogenic potential., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

We report here the draft sequence of strain CEB14_0017, alias HIAD_DUP, recovered from a human patient and initially identified as Yersinia pestis by mass spectrometry analysis. Genotyping based on tandem repeat polymorphism assigned the strain to Yersinia pseudotuberculosis sequence type 42 (ST42). The total assembly length is 4,894,739 bp., (Copyright © 2014 Gérôme et al.)

Amebiasis, the parasitic disease caused by Entamoeba histolytica, may result in extra-intestinal diseases among which liver abscess is the most common manifestation. We report two cases of amebic liver abscess illustrating the inequal sensitivity of serologic tests detecting anti-amebic antibodies., (© 2013 International Society of Travel Medicine.)

Introduction: A significant peripheral blood plasmacytosis is a rare finding associated with viral infections. We reported five consecutive cases of dengue virus infection, with circulating plasma cells., Case Reports: Three women and two men, aged 26 to 75 years, had returned from French West Indies less than one week before the onset of the symptoms (mean: 2.5 days). The transient blood plasmacytosis was variable in intensity (0.1 to 0.8 G/L) with a maximal level between the fourth and the seventh day following the onset of the symptoms, and was associated in four patients, with activated lymphocytes and lympho-plasma cells., Conclusion: Reactive plasmacytosis during dengue fever is common and probably underestimated because it is transient and only identified by careful microscopic examination of a blood smear. Plasmacytosis could be explained by the intensity of the immunological response and the production of large amount of interleukins., (Copyright © 2012 Société nationale française de médecine interne (SNFMI). Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The sensitivity of the detection of irregular antibodies (DIA) is one of the fundamental basis of transfusion safety. The production of alloantibodies is the first cause of adverse events following transfusion., Case Report: We report a 77-year-old woman who was transfused and presented with a delayed haemolytic anemia due to anti-JK1 alloimmunization. This event highlights the limits of DIA performed before a transfusion, the hazard of this specific type of antibody and the difficulties of the diagnosis of haemolytic anaemia. The preventive measures necessary to avoid this undesirable effect are reminded., Conclusion: Despite the sensitive routine test method, the anti-JK1 antibodies could be missed. We should keep in mind the possibility of an anaemia due to alloantibodies we confronted to an unexplained haemolytic episode., (Copyright © 2011 Société nationale française de médecine interne (SNFMI). Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.)

Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) is a cause of zoonosis. It is rare in developed countries since cattle control. We report four cases of M. bovis infection in people aged more 60  years. They were probably infected during infancy, consuming unpasteurized milk. It is the main transmission mode in developing countries where veterinary controls aren't made. M. bovis infections clinical aspects are varied and treatment is complicated by natural pyrazinamide resistance. Recent diagnostic methods using molecular biology are quick and specific and facilitate identification.

Aim of the Study: This study has examined the sensitivity of a commercially available fluorochrome stain, the Fluo-RAL kit (RAL), in comparison to the Degommier's stain as gold standard., Materials and Methods: Hundred and thirty-three twin smears, made directly from samples or after their decontamination with N-acetyl-L-cysteine NaOH, were stained, the first slide with the Degommier's method and the second with the Fluo-RAL kit. The samples were 58 sputums, 31 broncho-aspirations, nine gastric lavages, 11 bronchoalveolar lavages, six pleural fluids, two cerebro-spinal fluids, 11 biopsies, two blood cultures and two deep pus. They were examined with 400 × objective under standard fluorescence UV filter by two laboratory technicians independently. The results were expressed with semi-quantitative mean from 0 to 4+., Results: Hundred and thirty-two results were agreed in grading between the two methods: 73 negative smears, nine quantified as rare (1+), 11 as few (2+), 32 as moderate (3+) and seven as numerous (4+). The only discrepant result had concerned a positive smear quantified as 1+ with the Degommier's stain and as 2+ with the Fluo-RAL kit. This discrepancy was confirmed after a second examination., Conclusion: After this study, the Fluo-RAL kit was considered as agreed for its daily use in our laboratory. It improves the standardisation of fluorescence microscopy without additional cost or waste of time and reduces the chemical risk in the laboratory. This test, associated with reading using light-emitting diodes, could allow the development of fluorescence microscopy, the higher sensitive method for direct diagnosis of tuberculosis, in poor-resource countries where tuberculosis is a public health problem., (Copyright © 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Streptococcus pneumoniae has been rarely considered as an infectious agent in appendicitis. We report a case of a 47-year-old woman with acute appendicitis caused both by serotype 35B S. pneumoniae and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The pathway of the appendix colonisation remains unclear. It could be explain by direct infection via mucosal translocation or by hematogenous spread. Pneumococcal appendicitis could progress to perforation more frequently. The use of intraoperative samples for management of appendicitis is controversial. But, culture with appropriate media is the only mean to isolate bacteria not very often encountered in appendicitis and to identify species of epidemiologic interest as serotype 35B S. pneumoniae, a non vaccinal serotype resistant to penicillin which is considered as a potential emergent pathogen. In the case of S. pneumoniae appendicitis, it could be recommended to take complementary directed samples to understand its pathophysiology.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE; defined by deep-vein thrombosis, central venous catheter-related thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) is a major therapeutic issue in cancer patients. VTE is reported in 15-20% of patients with cancer and is an independent prognostic factor and a leading cause of death. In this population, low-molecular-weight heparins have been shown to be superior to vitamin K antagonists. The Italian Association of Medical Oncology, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the French 'Institut National du Cancer', the European Society of Medical Oncology and the American College of Chest Physicians have all published specific guidelines, but their implementation is still low in clinical practice. Methodological assessment of these guidelines was performed using the Appraisal of Guidelines Research & Evaluation Instrument. None of the guidelines on thrombosis and cancer have sought for patients' preferences, nor were they tested among target users. VTE in cancer patients requires a multidisciplinary approach but downstream of the guidelines publication, the potential organisational barriers in applying the recommendations have not been discussed. Tolerance and cost-effectiveness of long-term use of low-molecular-weight heparin may account for the large heterogeneity seen in daily clinical practice. Homogenization of guidelines in international consensus working groups followed by educational and active implementation strategies would be very valuable in order to improve the care of VTE in cancer patients.

Unlabelled: Asymptomatic urinary tract infections are common in diabetic patients. The aim of this 10 months prospective study is to evaluate urinary dipstick tests versus cytobacteriological examination to conclude the absence of urinary tract infection in diabetic subjects. Each diabetic patient hospitalised for less than 8 hours and for whom it was decided a cytobacteriological examination was included in the study (141 samples). At the same time (and at patient's bedside) a dipstick urinalisys (glucose, leucocytes, nitrite, blood, protein, and ketone) was carried out. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, post test probability and negative likehood ratio were calculated., Results: the combination of leucocyte zone with nitrite zone (both negative) has a 85,2% sensitivity, avoids 65% of cytobacteriology, but has an odd ratio at 0,20. Those results are improved when the glucose zone (negative test or less than 4 crosses) is taken into account, with a 96,3% sensitivity, 63,4% cytobacteriology avoided and a negative likehood ratio at 0,06., Conclusion: The addition of the glucose test to the usual leucocytes and nitrite tests seems to allow one to conclude the absence of urinary tract infection in diabetic patients; this is worth studying with a more extensive sample.

Aim of This Study: The aim of this study was to compare the mycobacteria growth indicator tube and solid culture for recovery of complex tuberculosis mycobacteria from blood., Patients and Methods: One hundred and twenty-five specimens from 67 Djiboutian patients with a positive serologic diagnosis of HIV and fever were collected in an Isolator tube. After centrifugation and washing with phosphate-buffer, smears were prepared from the pellet for auramin staining. The remaining sediment was suspended in 1 ml of buffer. One half was inoculated into two MGIT (incubation at 30 and 37 degrees C into Bactec 960) and the other onto two Loewenstein-Jensen and two Coletsos medium (incubation at 30 and 37 degrees C)., Results: Eight cultures were contaminated: three on solid medium and MGIT simultaneously, five in MGIT only (three coagulase negative staphylococci, five enterobacteria). Fourteen strains of M. tuberculosis (six patients) and three M. canettii (two patients) (12 on solid media and MGIT, five in MGIT only) were recovered. The mean time to detection was 32.8 days for solid medium and 20.4 days for MGIT. Of a total of 25 patients with culture-proven tuberculosis, two patients had a positive blood culture only, six had blood and other specimens positive culture, 17 had a non blood specimens positive culture only., Conclusion: MGIT processed into Bactec 960 is a viable tool for the detection of complexe tuberculosis mycobacteria from blood and the high-frequency of these mycobacteremia in HIV infected patients from country where the prevalence of tuberculosis is high is confirmed. However, the cost/benefit ratio of this bacteriologic diagnosis had to be evaluated in developping country.

Where tuberculosis is concerned, early diagnosis, especially for active pulmonary cases, allows to quickly start therapy. We evaluated the Patho-TB kit (Anda Biologicals, France) as an alternative for the fastidious search for acid-fast bacilli by the Ziehl-Neelsen method. Three hundred and ten samples from 189 patients were collected between July 2005 and March 2006, these were divide between 301 pulmonary and 9 extrapulmonary samples. The Patho-TB tests consists of a filtration step on a cassette followed by an immuno-chromatographic revelation. Samples were decontaminated by the Kubica method; after neutralization, an aliquot of the centrifuged pellet was saparated for evaluation of the Patho-TB test. The rest was used for direct microscopic examination and cultures on solid and liquid medium. Positive results with auramine were always confirmed by the ZN staining. Analysis of the results per sample gave the follows results: 91.1% sensitivity and 85.5% specificity compared to 91.8% and 100% respectively or microscopy. Sensitivity of the Patho-TB test rose to 93.7% when only the MTB complex was considered. Per patient, the Patho-TB was found to be 96.4% sensitive and 86% specific. By comparison the sensitivity of microscopy was 94.5% and its specificity 100%. Positive and negative values were respectively 90.6% and 94.4% for the Patho-TB while they were 100% and 92.9% for microscopy. It is concluded that the Patho-TB test gives good performances; it is easy to use and very easy to determine the results. For direct observation, we recommend this test to laboratories that do not perform microscopy with auramine, which is the case in tuberculosis endemic areas.

From March 1998 to December 2004, 3641 specimens (2427 respiratory samples and 1214 non-respiratory samples) collected from 2079 patients, were tested using the "Gen-Probe Amplified Mycobacterium tuberculosis Direct Test" (AMTD). After decontamination procedure every sample was testing by AMTD and by culture on solid and liquid media. The "Gold-standard" was considered by the combination of culture results and clinical diagnosis. Respiratory tuberculosis was present in 9.7% (127 patients), and non-respiratory tuberculosis was present in 18.9% (170 patients, mostly originated from Africa). Among the 2427 respiratory samples (197 culture positive samples, 211 AMTD positive) 225 corresponded to tuberculosis; for the 1214 non-respiratory samples (184 culture positive samples, 213 AMTD positive) 231 corresponded to tuberculosis. After resolving the discordant results, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 93.8, 100, 100, 99.4% respectively for respiratory samples and 92.2, 99.9, 99.5, 98% for non respiratory samples.