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In the processes of spatial transformation subject to the laws of capitalism, the rural field was displaced by the demographic concentration and centralization of productive activities in cities. In the growth of urban structure these register the decisive practices of the social agents (factions of capital, the state, including all its levels, and labor) – whose actions create the city and define its identity. The above assertions are illustrated by an historical analysis of the social production of space in Mazatlan, a city that could have been just like any other in the industrialized world, but that today presents the characteristics of a Third World place as a result of the weak development of its productive forces, but especially of the way state intervention brought resources to the area only to have them exploited by elements of private capital, including foreign extractive sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heme protein toxicity, owing to generation of reactive oxygen species most likely by direct interaction between heme iron and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), may be involved in various pathologies, including atherogenesis and pigmentary acute renal failure. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of heme cytotoxicity and the effects of antioxidant therapies in anin vitromodel of heme-induced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation.Human LDLs were exposed to heme, iron (Fe), protoporphyrin (PPIX) and PPIX-Zinc (Zn) with or without H2O2. Lipid peroxidation was monitored by measurement of conjugated diene formation (at the 234-nm absorbance). The effect of various antioxidants, such as vitamin E and vitamin C, reduced glutathione (GSH), and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), mannitol and desferoxamine (DFO) was further investigated in the establishedin vitromodel of LDL oxidation.Incubation of LDLs in the presence of heme/H2O2 induced lipid peroxidation with the optimal oxidation rate being at 5 µmheme/100 µmH2O2 doses. By contrast, incubation of LDL with H2O2, Fe, Fe/H2O2, PPIX, PPIX/H2O2, heme or PPIX-Zn did not initiate any LDL oxidation.In vitro, the vitamin E load protected native LDLs against heme/H2O2 oxidative modifications. Incubation of LDLs with increasing doses of vitamin C, GSH and DFO conferred a dose-dependent protection, while mannitol and GSSG had no effect.Initiation and propagation of heme-induced lipid peroxidation is not mediated by a Fenton reaction but depends on specific interactions between heme and H2O2. It may result from the generation of ferryl and perferryl radicals derived from hemic Fe and H2O2 interactions. A protective effect of vitamins E, C, GSH and DFO was demonstrated in this model.Eur J Clin Invest 2004; 34 (9): 619 – 625 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a case of fulminant mucormycosis following cadaveric renal transplantation. Forms of mucormycosis; Risk of secondary disseminated and life-threatening infection in patients with localized lesions; Efficacy of amphotericin and surgical excision against infections.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is a common disease in the elderly but is rarely associated with a nephrotic syndrome. The rarity of this association suggests that leukemic cells may have certain properties or features that may lead to the development of glomerulonephritis. Effective medical treatment of the leukemia may not necessarily allow regression of the nephrotic syndrome; however, the effects of splenectomy on nephrotic proteinuria when associated to chronic lymphocytic leukemia have never been evaluated. We report the case of a 50-year-old male with stage C CD5+ chronic lymphocytic leukemia associated with a nephrotic syndrome due to Type I membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Chlorambucil and prednisone were unable to control the leukemia and the nephrotic range proteinuria, and were discontinued because of poor hematologic tolerance. A splenectomy immediately resulted in a spectacular remission of both chronic lymphocytic leukemia and the nephrotic syndrome. Spleen lymphocytes were collected and tested in quantitative flow cytometry for the expression of the main B cell associated markers. They did not exhibit any particular immunophenotypic pattern. This report of a remission of a glomerulonephritis associated with chronic leukemia following splenectomy is evidence of a possible relationship between the two diseases.

Total parenteral nutrition (T.P.N.) takes presently an important place in the therapeutic methods. Nevertheless multiple complications, directly related to the venous route can constitute a limiting factor in the application of such procedures. Therefore complications such as sepsis and venous thrombosis must be prevented during T.P.N. Some conditions issued from our experiences and from the results in the literature can be now well defined: 1) Surgical catheterization of the vein in cases of long term T.P.N. and transcutaneously in cases of short term T.P.N. with in all cases a long subcutaneous way of the catheter. 2) Silastic catheter must be systematically used. 3) The intravenous way of the catheter must be as short as possible. 4) Nutrients must be strictly infused in the superior vena cava. 5) The utilisation of nutritive mixtures must be prefered if possible. 6) Handling of the infusion line must be avoided. Finally the management of T.P.N. in the best conditions requires a specialized staff.

Presented are results obtained with a continuous intravenous infusion of regular insulin in 13 cases of diabetic ketoacidosis. A bolus of 10 units of insulin followed by an average of 15 units delivered via an infusion pomp induce an immediate and regular decrease of blood glucose levels (1.63 +/- 0.15 g/h). A large quantity of glucose (25 g per hour) shortens duration of ketosis (7.0 +/- 1.2 h).

Subclavian vein cannulation, although a major progress in temporary vascular access, was associated with a significant morbidity and mortality. A safer alternative technique would therefore be welcome. For the last 2 years, we developed a new approach consisting in internal jugular vein cannulation (IJVC) with 2 silicone rubber catheters with a long-term proved biocompatibility. 138 pairs of cannulae were inserted in 129 uremics patients. Mean duration of use was 54 days (1 day to 17 months). More than 3,000 high-performance HD sessions were performed. IJVC handling and care was easily managed by nurses. Low incidence of complications was observed: 2 thrombosis episodes, 3 skin infection with 2 septicemiae, 1 air embolism, 1 anaphylactoid reaction. No death was related to the technique itself. IJVC offers a new method of percutaneous central vein cannulation, providing a safe and reliable temporary vascular access immediately usable for all kinds of extracorporeal treatment.