Quantitative distribution of parvalbumin, calretinin, and calbindin D-28k immunoreactive neurons in the visual cortex of normal and Alzheimer cases.

The distribution of parvalbumin (PV), calretinin (CR), and calbindin (CB) immunoreactive neurons was studied with the help of an image analysis system (Vidas/Zeiss) in the primary visual area 17 and associative area 18 (Brodmann) of Alzheimer and control brains. In neither of these areas was there a significant difference between Alzheimer and control groups in the mean number of PV, CR, or CB immunoreactive neuronal profiles, counted in a cortical column going from pia to white matter. Significant differences in the mean densities (numbers per square millimeter of cortex) of PV, CR, and CB immunoreactive neuronal profiles were not observed either between groups or areas, but only between superficial, middle, and deep layers within areas 17 and 18. The optical density of the immunoreactive neuropil was also similar in Alzheimer and controls, correlating with the numerical density of immunoreactive profiles in superficial, middle, and deep layers. The frequency distribution of neuronal areas indicated significant differences between PV, CR, and CB immunoreactive neuronal profiles in both areas 17 and 18, with more large PV than CR and CB positive profiles. There were also significantly more small and less large PV and CR immunoreactive neuronal profiles in Alzheimer than in controls. Our data show that, although the brain pathology is moderate to severe, there is no prominent decrease of PV, CR and CB positive neurons in the visual cortex of Alzheimer brains, but only selective changes in neuronal perikarya.

The role of territory choice mate choice and arrival date on breeding success in the Savi's warbler (Locustella luscinioides)

We investigated how territory quality, settlement date and morphometry affected several components of yearly breeding success of a Swiss population of Savi's Warblers Locustella luscinioides. Territories occupied by males differed from unoccupied sites of similar size and location by having higher and denser reeds, a more extensive straw litter, and a thicker cover of dead sedge leaves. Territories with these characteristics were the ones first chosen by males upon spring arrival. These males, however, did not differ in morphometry from those that arrived later. Availability of suitable nesting sites; rather than food availability, appears to be an important choice criterion for territories. Early arriving males had higher breeding success than late males because of a higher mating success and more successful clutches. The positive correlation between male breeding success and territory quality was thus mediated through their common dependence on occupancy date. Female breeding success decreased with the date of first-clutch laying, mainly because late-nesting females fledged fewer broods. Breeding success in either sex did not correlate with morphometry. Our results provide clear support for territory choice by males, but not for mate or territory choice by females, and show the crucial role played by individual settlement date on many aspects of the breeding cycle of both sexes. We propose a lottery model of mate choice. arriving females obtain the best available territories even without choosing mates or territories; since males occupy territories sequentially and in order of decreasing quality, the few unpaired males available at any moment also occupy the best available territories.

Influence of IFNL3/4 Polymorphisms on the Incidence of Cytomegalovirus Infection After Solid-Organ Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Polymorphisms in IFNL3 and IFNL4, the genes encoding interferon λ3 and interferon λ4, respectively, have been associated with reduced hepatitis C virus clearance. We explored the role of such polymorphisms on the incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in solid-organ transplant recipients. METHODS: White patients participating in the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study in 2008-2011 were included. A novel functional TT/-G polymorphism (rs368234815) in the CpG region upstream of IFNL3 was investigated. RESULTS: A total of 840 solid-organ transplant recipients at risk for CMV infection were included, among whom 373 (44%) received antiviral prophylaxis. The 12-month cumulative incidence of CMV replication and disease were 0.44 and 0.08 cases, respectively. Patient homozygous for the minor rs368234815 allele (-G/-G) tended to have a higher cumulative incidence of CMV replication (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR], 1.30 [95% confidence interval {CI}, .97-1.74]; P = .07), compared with other patients (TT/TT or TT/-G). The association was significant among patients followed by a preemptive approach (SHR, 1.46 [95% CI, 1.01-2.12]; P = .047), especially in patients receiving an organ from a seropositive donor (SHR, 1.92 [95% CI, 1.30-2.85]; P = .001), but not among those who received antiviral prophylaxis (SHR, 1.13 [95% CI, .70-1.83]; P = .6). These associations remained significant in multivariate competing risk regression models. CONCLUSIONS: Polymorphisms in the IFNL3/4 region influence susceptibility to CMV replication in solid-organ transplant recipients, particularly in patients not receiving antiviral prophylaxis.

Molecular epidemiology of pseudomonas aeruginosae in intensive care units (ICUs) over a 10-year period (1998-2007)

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, une bactérie environnementale ubiquitaire, est un des pathogènes nosocomiaux les plus fréquents aux soins intensifs. La source de ce microorganisme peut être soit endogène, 2,6 à 24 % des patients hospitalisés étant colonisés au niveau digestif, soit exogène. La proportion des cas d'infections à P. aeruginosa d'origine exogène, donc secondaires à une transmission par manuportage ou par l'eau du réseau utilisée pour la toilette ou d'autres soins, reste débattue. Or une meilleure évaluation du taux d'infections exogènes est importante pour la mise en place de mesures de contrôle appropriées. Le but de cette étude était de déterminer sur une période de 10 ans les rôles respectifs des sources exogènes (robinets, autres patients) et endogène dans la colonisation et/ou l'infection par P.aeruginosa chez les patients des Soins Intensifs, ainsi que de documenter les variations épidémiologiques au cours du temps. L'étude a été menée dans les unités de Soins Intensifs du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV). Les patients colonisés et/ou infectés par P. aeruginosa entre 1998 et 2007ont été identifiés via la base de données du laboratoire de microbiologie. Ils ont été inclus dans l'étude s'ils étaient hospitalisés dans une des unités de Soins Intensifs, Durant cette période, des prélèvements pour recherche de P. aeruginosa ont été effectués sur des robinets des soins intensifs. Un typage moléculaire a été effectué sur toutes les souches cliniques et environnementales isolées en 1998, 2000, 2003, 2004 et 2007. Les patients inclus dans l'étude ont été répartis en quatre catégories (A-D) selon le résultat du typage moléculaire leur souche de P. aeruginosa. La catégorie A inclut les cas pour lesquels le génotype de P. aeruginosa est identique à un des génotypes retrouvé dans l'environnement. La catégorie B comprend les cas pour lesquels le génotype est identique à celui d'au moins un autre patient. La catégorie C comprend les cas avec un génotype unique et la catégorie D comprend les cas pour lesquels la souche était non disponible pour le typage. Les cas des catégories A et B sont considérés comme ayant une origine exogène. Au cours des années de l'étude, le nombre d'admissions aux soins intensifs est resté stable. En moyenne, 86 patients par année ont été identifiés colonisés ou infectés par P. aeruginosa aux Soins Intensifs. Durant la première année d'investigation, un grand nombre de patients colonisés par une souche de P. aeruginosa identique à une de celles retrouvées dans l'environnement a été mis en évidence. Par la suite, possiblement suite à l'augmentation de la température du réseau d'eau chaude, le nombre de cas dans la catégorie A a diminué. Dans la catégorie B, le nombre de cas varie de 1,9 à 20 cas/1000 admissions selon les années. Ce nombre est supérieur à 10 cas/1000 admissions en 1998, 2003 et 2007 et correspond à des situations épidémiques transitoires. Tout au long des 10 ans de l'étude, le nombre de cas dans la catégorie C (source endogène) est demeuré stable et indépendant des variations du nombre de cas dans les catégories A et B. En conclusion, la contribution relative des réservoirs endogène et exogène dans la colonisation et/ou l'infection des patients de soins Intensifs varie au cours du temps. Les facteurs principaux qui contribuent à de telles variations sont probablement le degré de contamination de l'environnement, la compliance des soignants aux mesures de contrôle des infections et la génétique du pathogène lui-même. Etant donné que ce germe est ubiquitaire dans l'environnement aqueux et colonise jusqu'à 15% des patients hospitalisés, la disparition de son réservoir endogène semble difficile. Cependant, cette étude démontre que son contrôle est possible dans l'environnement, notamment dans les robinets en augmentant la température de l'eau. De plus, si une souche multi-résistante est retrouvée de manière répétée dans l'environnement, des efforts doivent être mis en place pour éliminer cette souche. Des efforts doivent être également entrepris afin de limiter la transmission entre les patients, qui est une cause importante et récurrente de contamination exogène. - Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the leading nosocomial pathogens in intensive care units (ICUs). The source of this microorganism can be either endogenous or exogenous. The proportion of cases as a result of transmission is still debated, and its elucidation is important for implementing appropriate control measures. To understand the relative importance of exogenous vs. endogenous sources of P. aeru¬ginosa, molecular typing was performed on all available P. aeruginosa isolated from ICU clinical and environmental specimens in 1998, 2000, 2003, 2004 and 2007. Patient samples were classified according to their P. aeruginosa genotypes into three categories: (A) identical to isolate from faucet; (B) identical to at least one other patient sample and not found in faucet; and (C) unique genotype. Cases in cat¬egories A and Β were considered as possibly exogenous, and cases in category C as possibly endogenous. A mean of 34 cases per 1000 admissions per year were found to be colonized or infected by P. aeruginosa. Higher levels of faucet contamination were correlated with a higher number of cases in category A. The number of cases in category Β varied from 1.9 to 20 cases per 1000 admissions. This num¬ber exceeded 10/1000 admissions on three occasions and was correlated with an outbreak on one occasion. The number of cases con¬sidered as endogenous (category C) was stable and independent of the number of cases in categories A and B. The present study shows that repeated molecular typing can help identify variations in the epidemiology of P. aeruginosa in ICU patients and guide infection control measures.

Low density lipoprotein signaling and pancreatic beta cells protection

SummaryLow-density lipoproteins (LDLs) have an important physiological role in organism transporting cholesterol and other fatty substances to target tissues. However, elevated LDL levels in the blood are associated with the formation of arterial plaques and consequently atherosclerosis. It is therefore important to characterize the intracellular pathways induced upon LDL stimulation as they might be involved in the pathological properties of these lipoproteins. It has been previously found that LDL stimulation of mouse embryonic fibroblasts activates p38 mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs). This leads to cell spreading and increase in the wound healing capabilities of the cells. These two responses might occur within atherosclerotic plaques.The aim of this project is to reveal the missing links between LDL particle and activation of p38 MAPK kinase. As previously shown in our lab activation of p38 MAPK kinase by the LDL particles occur independently of classical LDL receptor (LDLR). In this study we have shown that scavenger receptor type Β class I (SR-BI) is responsible for the signal transduction from the LDLs to the p38 MAPK. We have also shown that Mitogen activated kinase kinases (MKKs) that can directly activate ρ 38 MAPK in these conditions are MKK3 and MKK6 but not MKK4. We have also tested some of the intermediate components of the pathway like Ras and PI3 kinase but found that they do not play a role.The data obtained in this study showed a part of molecular mechanism responsible for p38 MAPK activation and subsequent wound healing and can contribute to our knowledge on function of the fibroblasts in the development of the atherosclerotic plaques.Diabetes Mellitus is a condition caused by disordered metabolism of blood glucose level. It is one of the most commonly spread disease in the western world, with the incidence reaching 8% of population in United States. Two most common types of diabetes are type 1 and 2 that differs slightly in the mechanism of the development. However in the basis of both types lies the cell death of pancreatic beta cells. The aim of this work is to improve beta cells survival in different pathophysiological settings. This could be extrapolated to the conditions in which Diabetes develops in humans. We decided to use RasGAP- derived fragment Ν with its strong antiapoptotic effect in beta cells. In our lab we have demonstrated that in the mild stress conditions RasGAP can be cleaved by caspases at the position 455 producing two fragments, fragment Ν and fragment C. Fragment Ν exerts

Alpha1-adrenoceptors are required for normal male sexual function.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonists are extensively used in the treatment of hypertension and lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Among the side effects, ejaculatory dysfunction occurs more frequently with drugs that are relatively selective for alpha(1A)-adrenoceptors compared with other drugs of this class. This suggests that alpha(1A)-adrenoceptors may contribute to ejaculation. However, this has not been studied at the molecular level. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The physiological contribution of each alpha(1)-adrenoceptor subtype was characterized using alpha(1)-adrenoceptor subtype-selective knockout (KO) mice (alpha(1A)-, alpha(1B)- and alpha(1D)-AR KO mice) since the subtype-specific drugs available are only moderately selective. We analysed the role of alpha(1)-adrenoceptors in the blood pressure and vascular response as well as ejaculation by determining these variables in alpha(1)-adrenoceptor subtype-selective KO mice and in mice with all their alpha(1)-adrenoceptor subtypes deleted (alpha(1)-AR triple-KO mice). KEY RESULTS: The pregnancy rate was reduced by 50% in alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor KO mice, and this reduction was dramatically enhanced in alpha(1)-adrenoceptor triple-KO mice. Contractile tension of the vas deferens in response to noradrenaline was markedly decreased in alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor KO mice, and this contraction was completely abolished in alpha(1)-adrenoceptor triple-KO mice. This attenuation of contractility was also observed in the electrically stimulated vas deferens. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: These results demonstrate that alpha(1)-adrenoceptors, particularly alpha(1A)-adrenoceptors, are required for normal contractility of the vas deferens and consequent sperm ejaculation as well as having a function in fertility.

Clinical relevance of cerebral autoregulation following subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is a form of stroke that is associated with substantial morbidity, often as a result of cerebral ischaemia that occurs in the following days. These delayed deficits in blood flow have been traditionally attributed to cerebral vasospasm (the narrowing of large arteries), which can lead to cerebral infarction and poor neurological outcome. Data from recent studies, however, show that treatment of vasospasm in patients with SAH, using targeted medication, does not translate to better neurological outcomes, and argue against vasospasm being the sole cause of the delayed ischaemic complications. Cerebral autoregulation-a mechanism that maintains stability of cerebral blood flow in response to changes in cerebral perfusion pressure-has been reported to fail after SAH, often before vasospasm becomes apparent. Failure of autoregulation, therefore, has been implicated in development of delayed cerebral ischaemia. In this Review, we summarize current knowledge about the clinical effect of disturbed cerebral autoregulation following aneurysmal SAH, with emphasis on development of delayed cerebral ischaemia and clinical outcome, and provide a critical assessment of studies of cerebral autoregulation in SAH with respect to the method of blood-flow measurement. Better understanding of cerebral autoregulation following SAH could reveal mechanisms of blood-flow regulation that could be therapeutically targeted to improve patient outcome.

Clinical management of immunocompetent hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

Background: Clinical practices and guidelines may differ regarding the management of inpatients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Methods: The management of 152 consecutive CAP inpatients (70+/-17 years) admitted to a teaching hospital was analyzed retrospectively and compared with published data and an evidence-based guideline developed at our institution. Results: Of the patients studied, 64% had a high prognostic score index (PSI), 14% were admitted to the ICU, and 4.6% died. Initially, patients received either a one-drug (47%) or a two-drug (53%) antibiotic regimen. None of the 20 PSI parameters, and neither the PSI nor admission to the ICU, was associated with the initial antibiotic regimen. Agreement between current practice and our guideline was low (kappa=0.16). Following the recommendations would have led to a decrease of 51% in the initial two-drug regimen. The duration of i.v. antibiotherapy was higher in patients following the two-drug regimen (142+/-150 vs. 102+/-60 h, P<0.05). Chest physiotherapy (CP) and bronchodilatators (BD) were prescribed in 72% and 54% of cases, respectively (median duration 10 days). Conclusions: The variations observed in the clinical management of CAP inpatients were not in agreement with published guidelines. The overuse of a two-drug regimen, CP, and BD necessitates the development and implementation of evidence-based guidelines proposing detailed steps for the management of CAP inpatients.

Littérature et contextes

Cet article présente la conception du sens impliquée par les diverses approches privilégiées par les didacticiens du FLE; après un rapide état des lieux qui met en lumière un sens un peu « figé », comme prisonnier du texte dans toutes ses dimensions possibles (générique, thématique, linguistique...), nous avons essayé d'aller au-delà de cette conception « structuraliste » du sens pour lui substituer une vision plus « herméneutique », davantage soucieuse de suivre le sens dans sa dynamique et surtout attentive à ne pas séparer le sens de ses contextes. Nous avons ensuite proposé quelques pistes pour permettre aux apprenants FLE en particulier de saisir le fonctionnement du sens - pour leur montrer qu'ils sont partie prenante du sens. Puis, à partir d'un questionnaire distribué à des apprenants de divers niveaux, nous avons tenté de réfléchir à leur manière d'appréhender le texte littéraire et ses composantes, pour comprendre où ils situent le sens, comment ils le construisent, et ainsi mesurer le chemin qu'il nous reste à parcourir pour que le texte littéraire soit plus qu'un texte parmi beaucoup d'autres.

Surface deterioration of dental materials after simulated toothbrushing in relation to brushing time and load.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To evaluate the changes in surface roughness and gloss after simulated toothbrushing of 9 composite materials and 2 ceramic materials in relation to brushing time and load in vitro; (2) to assess the relationship between surface gloss and surface roughness. METHODS: Eight flat specimens of composite materials (microfilled: Adoro, Filtek Supreme, Heliomolar; microhybrid: Four Seasons, Tetric EvoCeram; hybrid: Compoglass F, Targis, Tetric Ceram; macrohybrid: Grandio), two ceramic materials (IPS d.SIGN and IPS Empress polished) were fabricated according to the manufacturer's instructions and optimally polished with up to 4000 grit SiC. The specimens were subjected to a toothbrushing (TB) simulation device (Willytec) with rotating movements, toothpaste slurry and at three different loads (100g/250g/350g). At hourly intervals from 1h to 10h TB, mean surface roughness Ra was measured with an optical sensor and the surface gloss (Gl) with a glossmeter. Statistical analysis was performed for log-transformed Ra data applying two-way ANOVA to evaluate the interaction between load and material and load and brushing time. RESULTS: There was a significant interaction between material and load as well as between load and brushing time (p<0.0001). The microhybrid and hybrid materials demonstrated more surface deterioration with higher loads, whereas with the microfilled resins Heliomolar and Adoro it was vice versa. For ceramic materials, no or little deterioration was observed over time and independent of the load. The ceramic materials and 3 of the composite materials (roughness) showed no further deterioration after 5h of toothbrushing. Mean surface gloss was the parameter which discriminated best between the materials, followed by mean surface roughness Ra. There was a strong correlation between surface gloss and surface roughness for all the materials except the ceramics. The evaluation of the deterioration curves of individual specimens revealed a more or less synchronous course suspecting hinting specific external conditions and not showing the true variability in relation to the tested material. SIGNIFICANCE: The surface roughness and gloss of dental materials changes with brushing time and load and thus results in different material rankings. Apart from Grandio, the hybrid composite resins were more prone to surface changes than microfilled composites. The deterioration potential of a composite material can be quickly assessed by measuring surface gloss. For this purpose, a brushing time of 10h (=72,000 strokes) is needed. In further comparative studies, specimens of different materials should be tested in one series to estimate the true variability.

Presentation and treatment outcome of diverticulitis in younger adults: a different disease than in older patients?

PURPOSE: The severity and most appropriate treatment of diverticulitis in young patients are still controversial. The aim of this study is to compare young patients (<or=50 years) with older patients (>50 years) regarding clinical and radiologic parameters of acute left colonic diverticulitis and to determine whether differences exist in presentation and treatment. METHODS: We reviewed medical records of 271 consecutive patients with left colonic acute diverticulitis admitted to our institution from 2001 through 2004: 71 patients were aged 50 years or younger and 200 patients were older than 50. Clinical and radiologic parameters were analyzed. Conservative treatment was standardized, and included antibiotic therapy and bowel rest. Criteria for emergency surgical treatment were diffuse peritonitis, pneumoperitoneum, and septic shock. RESULTS: Conservative treatment alone was successful in 64 patients (90.1%) in the younger group and in 152 patients (76%) in the older group (P = .017). The percentage of patients requiring surgery at admission or during the hospital stay was significantly lower in younger than in older patients (5.6% vs 20.5%, P = .007), and the percentage of patients requiring emergency end colostomy was higher (although not significantly) in the older group (1.4% vs 9.0%, P = .059). No differences in rate of successful conservative treatment were observed between patients with a first episode and those with recurrence in either age group (P = .941 in the younger group; P = .227 in the older group). CONCLUSION: Young age is not a predictive factor of poor outcome in the management of first or recurrent episodes of acute diverticulitis. Patients older than 50 years more frequently need emergency surgical treatment.

Geographic variation in sex-chromosome differentiation in the common frog (Rana temporaria).

In sharp contrast with birds and mammals, sex-determination systems in ectothermic vertebrates are often highly dynamic and sometimes multifactorial. Both environmental and genetic effects have been documented in common frogs (Rana temporaria). One genetic linkage group, mapping to the largest pair of chromosomes and harbouring the candidate sex-determining gene Dmrt1, associates with sex in several populations throughout Europe, but association varies both within and among populations. Here, we show that sex association at this linkage group differs among populations along a 1500-km transect across Sweden. Genetic differentiation between sexes is strongest (FST  = 0.152) in a northern-boreal population, where male-specific alleles and heterozygote excesses (FIS  = -0.418 in males, +0.025 in females) testify to a male-heterogametic system and lack of X-Y recombination. In the southernmost population (nemoral climate), in contrast, sexes share the same alleles at the same frequencies (FST  = 0.007 between sexes), suggesting unrestricted recombination. Other populations show intermediate levels of sex differentiation, with males falling in two categories: some cluster with females, while others display male-specific Y haplotypes. This polymorphism may result from differences between populations in the patterns of X-Y recombination, co-option of an alternative sex-chromosome pair, or a mixed sex-determination system where maleness is controlled either by genes or by environment depending on populations or families. We propose approaches to test among these alternative models, to disentangle the effects of climate and phylogeography on the latitudinal trend, and to sort out how this polymorphism relates to the 'sexual races' described in common frogs in the 1930s.

Epidemiology of pulmonary hypertension: new data from the Swiss registry.

since 1999 data from pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients from all PH centres in Switzerland were prospectively collected. We analyse the epidemiological aspects of these data. PH was defined as a mean pulmonary artery pressure of >25 mm Hg at rest or >30 mm Hg during exercise. Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), PH associated with lung diseases, PH due to chronic thrombotic and/or embolic disease (CTEPH), or PH due to miscellaneous disorders were registered. Data from adult patients included between January 1999 and December 2004 were analysed. 250 patients were registered (age 58 +/- 16 years, 104 (41%) males). 152 patients (61%) had PAH, 73 (29%) had CTEPH and 18 (7%) had PH associated with lung disease. Patients <50 years (32%) were more likely to have PAH than patients >50 years (76% vs. 53%, p <0.005). Twenty-four patients (10%) were lost to followup, 58 patients (26%) died and 150 (66%) survived without transplantation or thrombendarterectomy. Survivors differed from patients who died in the baseline six-minute walking distance (400 m [300-459] vs. 273 m [174-415]), the functional impairment (NYHA class III/IV 86% vs. 98%), mixed venous saturation (63% [57-68] vs. 56% [50-61]) and right atrial pressure (7 mm Hg [4-11] vs. 11 mm Hg [4-18]). PH is a disease affecting adults of all ages. The management of these patients in specialised centres guarantees a high quality of care. Analysis of the registry data could be an instrument for quality control and might help identify weak points in assessment and treatment of these patients.

Focal dependent pleural thickening at MDCT: pleural lesion or functional abnormality?

PURPOSE: To describe the characteristics of reversible focal pleural thickenings (PTs) mimicking real plaques, that firstly suggest asbestos exposure or pleural metastasis; to propose an imaging strategy and propose an explanation for their mechanism of formation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of data from 19 patients with PTs fitting the description of pleural plaques at chest computed tomography (CT) and presenting modifications (clearance or appearance) of at least one PT at an additional chest examination in prone position. RESULTS: A total of 152 PTs were recorded on the first chest CT examinations with a range of two to 19 pleural opacities per patient. All PTs had a posterior distribution in the lower lobes. On the additional acquisitions, 144 PTs disappeared. Seventeen patients presented complete regression of PTs and two patients presented persistence of eight PTs. CONCLUSION: Additional low dose acquisition in prone position should be performed in all patients presenting with focal PT in a dependent and basal location. This may allow to exclude a pleural plaque in case of asbestos exposure but also a pleural metastasis in oncologic patients. These reversible dependent PTs could be related to physiological focal accumulation of lymphatic fluid in subpleural area.