ABSTRACT:We make use of the unique combination of a homogeneous genetic and racial origin in the rural population of Quebec and the facilities of free and universal access to medical care, to study the distribution of the prevalence of Parkinson's disease in the 9 rural hydrographic regions of the Province. Through 3 different methods of ascertainment, confirmed by two control probes, we demonstrate that the prevalence of Parkinson's disease is of uneven distribution within rural areas. We further investigated the characteristics of the regions of high prevalence. These regions which are predominantly agricultural and areas of intensive market gardening were also the areas with the highest use of pesticides. RESUME: Ecogenetiquede la maladie de Parkinson: prevalence et aspectsenvironnementaux dans les regions rurales Nous avons tire profit d'une combinaison unique de facteurs presents dans la population rurale du Quebec, soit une population dont I'origine genetique et raciale est homogene et un acces gratuit et universel aux soins m6dicaux, pour fitudier la distribution de la prevalance de la maladie de Parkinson dans 9 regions hydrographiques rurales de cette province. Nous d6montrons, a I'aide de 3 methodes differentes de reperage des cas, confirmees par 2 sondes de controle, que la prevalence de la maladie de Parkinson est inegale au sein des regions rurales. Nous avons etudi6 plus attentivement les caracteristiques des regions de haute prevalence. Comme ces regions sont agricoles et servent a la culture maraichere intensive, elles sont egalement celles qui utilisent le plus de pesticides.

Three women aged 34-47 years old, on high dose interferon beta-1a for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, were hospitalized between 2009-2012 for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura-hemolytic uremic syndrome. Patients sought medical attention for neurological symptoms including cephalalgia, blurred vision, confusion, focal deficits and seizures. All patients presented thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia and arterial hypertension. Despite plasma exchanges, corticosteroids and anti-CD20 treatments, all patients progressed towards severe renal insufficiency and one patient died of hemorrhagic shock. In this report we identify a rare but morbid complication of interferon beta-1a treatment associated with female gender, Caucasian background and low body mass index.

A pathological study was conducted on 32 turkeys that died of sudden death with perirenal hemorrhage syndrome. Turkeys were selected from routine necropsy cases in a diagnostic laboratory. A higher incidence was observed in heavy tom turkeys. In addition to the characteristic gross lesions of perirenal hemorrhage, splenomegaly, and pulmonary congestion, turkeys in most cases had a hypertrophic cardiopathy. Microscopic lesions included moderate-to-marked acute passive congestion of all tissues examined (32/32), severe perirenal hemorrhage (32/32), and splenic lymphoid depletion (25/32). Changes in the thyroid follicular epithelium of most birds suggested an increased glandular activity. No lesions suggestive of arterial hypertension were observed. Adenoviral infection was detected in only four of 32 birds. Bacteriological cultures revealed no significant pathogen. Results suggest that sudden death in turkeys with perirenal hemorrhage is caused by an acute congestive heart failure consecutive to a hypertrophic cardiopathy. The perirenal hemorrhage would be a consequence of a severe passive congestion in kidneys.