Late dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine treatment failure of P. falciparum malaria attack related to insufficient dosing in an obese patient

We report the case of an obese patient who experienced late failure on day28 of a well-conducted treatment with artesunate, followed by dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PPQ) for a severe P. falciparum malaria attack. The same P. falciparum strain was evidenced at day0 and day28. Genotypic and phenotypic resistance tests could not explain this treatment failure. The low plasma piperaquine concentration at failure may explain the poor elimination of residual parasites.

Plasma 1H-NMR metabolic and amino acid profiles of newborn piglets from two lines divergently selected for residual feed intake

Together with environmental factors, physiological maturity at birth is a major determinant for neonatal survival and postnatal development in mammalian species. Maturity at birth is the outcome of complex mechanisms of intra-uterine development and maturation during the end of gestation. In pig production, piglet preweaning mortality averages 20% of the litter and thus, maturity is a major welfare and economic concern. Here, we used both targeted and untargeted metabolomic approaches to provide a deeper understanding of the maturity in a model of lines of pigs divergently selected on residual feed intake (RFI), previously shown to have contrasted signs of maturity at birth. Analyses were conducted on plasma metabolome of piglets at birth and integrated with other phenotypic characteristics associated to maturity. We confirmed proline and myo-inositol, previously described for their association with delayed growth, as potential markers of maturity. Urea cycle and energy metabolism were found more regulated in piglets from high and low RFI lines, respectively, suggesting a better thermoregulation ability for the low RFI (with higher feed efficiency) piglets.

Analysis of image-based sow activity patterns reveals several associations with piglet survival and early growth

An activity pattern describes variations in activities over time. The objectives of this study are to automatically predict sow activity from computer vision over 11 days peripartum and estimate how sow behavior influences piglet's performance during early lactation. The analysis of video images used the convolutional neural network (CNN) YOLO for sow detection and posture classification of 21 Large White and 22 Meishan primiparous sows housed in individual farrowing pens. A longitudinal analysis and a clustering method were combined to identify groups of sows with a similar activity pattern. Traits under study are as follows: (i) the distribution of time spent daily in different postures and (ii) different activities while standing. Six postures were included along with three classes of standing activities, i.e., eating, drinking, and other, which can be in motion or not and root-pawing or not. They correspond to a postural budget and a standing-activity budget. Groups of sows with similar changes in their budget over the period (D-3 to D-1; D0 and D1-D7) were identified with the k-means clustering method. Next, behavioral traits (time spent daily in each posture, frequency of postural changes) were used as explanatory variables in the Cox proportional hazards model for survival and in the linear model for growth. Piglet survival was influenced by sow behavior on D-1 and during the period D1-D7. Piglets born from sows that were standing and doing an activity other than drinking and eating on D-1 had a 26% lower risk of dying than other piglets. Those born from sows that changed posture more frequently on D1-D7 had a 44% lower risk of dying. The number of postural changes, which illustrate sow restlessness, influenced piglet growth in the three periods. The average daily gain of piglets born from sows that were more restless on D1-D7 and that changed posture more frequently to hide their udder on D0 decreased by 22 and 45 g/d, respectively. Conversely, those born from sows that changed posture more frequently to hide their udder during the period of D1-D7 grew faster (+71 g/d) than the other piglets. Sow restlessness at different time periods influenced piglet performance.

Thermoregulation at birth differs between piglets from two genetic lines divergent for residual feed intake

Thermoregulation is essential to piglets' neonatal survival. This study used infrared thermography (IRT) to assess thermoregulation abilities of piglets from two lines divergent for residual feed intake (RFI). At birth, morphology (weight, length, width and circumference), vigour (respiration, mobility and vocalisation), and rectal temperature were recorded from piglets of the 11th generation of the low RFI (LRFI, more efficient; n = 34) and the high RFI (HRFI, less efficient; n = 28) lines. Infrared thermography images were taken at 8, 15, 30 and 60 min post partum. Temperatures of the ear base and tip, and of the back (i.e. shoulders to rumps) were extracted (Thermacam Researcher Pro 2.0) and analysed with linear mixed models (SAS 9.4). Piglets had different average hourly weight gain (HRFI = 7.1 ± 1.3 g/h, LRFI = 3.6 ± 1.3 g/h; P < 0,001) but did not differ in morphology or vigour. All temperatures increased overtime. At birth, piglets' rectal temperature was correlated with the initial temperature of the ear base and the maximum back temperature (0.37 and 0.33, respectively; P < 0.05). High residual feed intake piglets had lower ear tip temperatures than LRFI piglets at 15 (24.7 ± 0.37 °C vs. 26.3 ± 0.36 °C, respectively; F1, 63.5 = 9.11, P < 0.005) and 30 min post partum (26.2 ± 0.47 °C vs. 27.6 ± 0.44 °C, respectively; F1, 66.9 = 4.52, P < 0.05). Moreover, thermal pattern of the ear tip differed between the two genetic lines. In conclusion, IRT allowed non-invasive assessment of piglets' thermoregulation abilities and indicated an influence of genetic selection for RFI on neonatal thermoregulation abilities.

Mu opioid receptors in the medial habenula contribute to naloxone aversion

The medial habenula (MHb) is considered a brain center regulating aversive states. The mu opioid receptor (MOR) has been traditionally studied at the level of nociceptive and mesolimbic circuits, for key roles in pain relief and reward processing. MOR is also densely expressed in MHb, however, MOR function at this brain site is virtually unknown. Here we tested the hypothesis that MOR in the MHb (MHb-MOR) also regulates aversion processing. We used chnrb4-Cre driver mice to delete the Oprm1 gene in chnrb4-neurons, predominantly expressed in the MHb. Conditional mutant (B4MOR) mice showed habenula-specific reduction of MOR expression, restricted to chnrb4-neurons (50% MHb-MORs). We tested B4MOR mice in behavioral assays to evaluate effects of MOR activation by morphine, and MOR blockade by naloxone. Locomotor, analgesic, rewarding, and motivational effects of morphine were preserved in conditional mutants. In contrast, conditioned place aversion (CPA) elicited by naloxone was reduced in both naïve (high dose) and morphine-dependent (low dose) B4MOR mice. Further, physical signs of withdrawal precipitated by either MOR (naloxone) or nicotinic receptor (mecamylamine) blockade were attenuated. These data suggest that MORs expressed in MHb B4-neurons contribute to aversive effects of naloxone, including negative effect and aversive effects of opioid withdrawal. MORs are inhibitory receptors, therefore we propose that endogenous MOR signaling normally inhibits chnrb4-neurons of the MHb and moderates their known aversive activity, which is unmasked upon receptor blockade. Thus, in addition to facilitating reward at several brain sites, tonic MOR activity may also limit aversion within the MHb circuitry.

Si les murs pouvaient parler… Contenance et enveloppes d’un lieu de soins ambulatoires en addictologie, étude qualitative par la photo-élicitation

Les addictions sont un enjeu majeur de santé publique. Leur prise en charge thérapeutique au sein de lieux de soins spécialisés fait en priorité appel à la capacité contenante de l’institution. L’objet de cette étude a été de préciser le regard porté par les patients d’un centre de soins, d’accompagnement et de prévention en addictologie sur leur lieu de soin à travers une méthode de photo-élicitation. Les patients participants ont été invités à prendre des photos des lieux. Dix entretiens individuels ont été réalisés, centrés sur deux photos par patient. L’analyse du discours recueilli a été menée selon l’Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, en s’appuyant en particulier sur les métaphores des lieux suscitées par les photos, pour décrire les qualités et défaillances des phénomènes de contenance et d’enveloppement à l’œuvre dans leur lieu de soin chez les sujets rencontrés. Les résultats rendent compte de la potentielle portée symbolique des murs et des objets qui composent le lieu et de sa capacité à fournir des enveloppes aux patients. Le lieu de soin est décrit comme protecteur (abri et refuge, garant du secret, pourvoyeur d’espaces intermédiaires) et menaçant (lieu de restriction de liberté et d’enfermement, source d’exposition, lieu de duel). L’abord par les lieux s’avère pertinent, révélant ses qualités projectives : projection des représentations de l’altération des propres enveloppes psychiques et corporelles des patients et support d’expression de conflits potentiellement à l’œuvre dans la relation de soin avec les sujets souffrant d’addiction. Le détour par les lieux a permis de recueillir un matériel riche et original et la photo-élicitation s’est révélée être une méthode de recherche particulièrement contenante pour les participants. Ces résultats présentent également des perspectives cliniques car ils supportent l’intérêt de l’élaboration institutionnelle de l’aménagement du lieu de soin. Premier contenant offert à la relation de soin, remplissant les conditions de solidité et de pare-excitation préalables à l’exercice de la fonction conteneur du soin (Kaës, 1979), le lieu se prête à un remodelage dynamique à l’image des valeurs soignantes de l’équipe qui l’habite, pour acquérir ses propriétés d’enveloppe thérapeutique adjuvante, à l’articulation entre le collectif et le singulier.

Investigation of associations of Yarrowia lipolytica, Staphylococcus xylosus, and Lactococcus lactis in culture as a first step in microbial interaction analysis

The interactions that may occur between microorganisms in different ecosystems have not been adequately studied yet. We investigated yeast-bacterium interactions in a synthetic medium using different culture associations involving the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica 1E07 and two bacteria, Staphylococcus xylosus C2a and Lactococcus lactis LD61. The growth and biochemical characteristics of each microorganism in the different culture associations were studied. The expression of genes related to glucose, lactate, and amino acid catabolism was analyzed by reverse transcription followed by quantitative PCR. Our results show that the growth of Y. lipolytica 1E07 is dramatically reduced by the presence of S. xylosus C2a. As a result of a low amino acid concentration in the medium, the expression of Y. lipolytica genes involved in amino acid catabolism was downregulated in the presence of S. xylosus C2a, even when L. lactis was present in the culture. Furthermore, the production of lactate by both bacteria had an impact on the lactate dehydrogenase gene expression of the yeast, which increased up to 30-fold in the three-species culture compared to the Y. lipolytica 1E07 pure culture. S. xylosus C2a growth dramatically decreased in the presence of Y. lipolytica 1E07. The growth of lactic acid bacteria was not affected by the presence of S. xylosus C2a or Y. lipolytica 1E07, although the study of gene expression showed significant variations.

Fungal mycoflora and contamination of maize from Vietnam with aflatoxin B1 and fumonisin B1

Twenty five samples of maize intended for human or animal consumption coming from North, Central and South Vietnam were analysed for fungal contamination and for the presence of aflatoxin B1 and fumonisin B1. The total fungal load was found to be greater in maize intended for animal feed than for human consumption with average levels of 4x106 and 7x105 CFU/g, respectively. Identification of fungal strains revealed that Aspergillus was the most frequent genus, found in all maize samples whatever their intended use or their geographic origin. Among the Aspergillus species, A. flavus was the most frequent contaminant, observed in more than 90% of the samples. Other fungal strains found in the Vietnamese maize samples belonged to Penicillium species, Fusarium verticillioides and to the Mucorales, and were found in up to 53, 33 and 23% of the samples, respectively. All samples were tested for both aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination. Aflatoxin B1 was found in 17 samples (68%). Five of these samples showed aflatoxin B1 levels below 10 µg/kg, ten samples were found to be contaminated in a range of 11.3 to 47.2 µg/kg, and 2 samples showed contamination levels of 98.4 and 126.5 µg/kg, respectively. The maize samples for human consumption were found frequently contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (77%), but the level of contamination was lower than those for animal consumption. Fumonisin B1 contamination was found in 8 out of 25 samples (32%). Detected amounts of fumonisin B1 ranged from 0.4 to 3.3 mg/kg.

Safety and efficacy of the oral rabies vaccine SAG2 in raccoon dogs

Oral vaccination programmes in several rabies-infected countries from Northern and Eastern Europe should not be restricted to foxes but should target raccoon dogs as well. The safety, immunogenicity and efficacy of Rabigen SAG2 bait was evaluated in raccoon dogs. Safety of SAG2 was demonstrated after direct instillation (n = 5) or ingestion of a bait (n = 5) using a quantity of virus at least 10 times superior to the field dose. All animals seroconverted and remained healthy. Raccoon dogs were vaccinated by SAG2 bait ingestion and unvaccinated raccoon dogs were kept as controls. More than 6 months after oral vaccination, all animals were challenged with a highly virulent street rabies virus. All 28 vaccinated animals developed high rabies neutralizing antibody titres. After virulent challenge, all 11 controls succumbed to rabies, whereas all 28 vaccinates survived.

[Measurement of coronary flow and flow reserve with transthoracic echocardiography: an old concept, a new tool, a lot of applications]

Non invasive evaluation of coronary flow and flow reserve by using transthoracic echocardiography is a promising method for evaluating coronary disease. Left anterior descending and right posterior descending coronary flow are accessible in the majority of patients. This technique is useful in various settings: detection of coronary artery stenosis, coronary occlusion, follow up after percutaneous coronary intervention, evaluation of the significance of coronary stenosis of intermediate severity, evaluation of the microcirculation, study of reperfusion and no reflow in the acute phase of myocardial infarction, evaluation of bypass grafts, improvement of the diagnostic accuracy during stress echocardiography. After a period of training, it's possible to change an old concept, formerly not easily accessible in clinical practice, into a useful and modern tool for evaluating coronary artery disease.

[Dyspnea of effort with an unusual cause: diagnostic significance of stress echocardiography]

Left intra ventricular obstruction occurring during doubutamine stress echography is not exceptional but its clinical significance is controversial, notably due to the non-reproducibility of such a phenomenon during physical exercise in a certain number of patients. Moreover, in the studies which demonstrate a link between symptoms of effort and left intra ventricular obstruction during dobutamine echography, an echography with effort was not systematically performed in order to confirm this relationship. We describe the case of two patients, aged 50 and 62 years respectively, with no notable cardiovascular past history except hypertension, who had dyspnoea of effort in the absence of underlying cardiopathy in resting conditions. Dobutamine stress echography provoked a systolic anterior movement of the mitral valve (SAM) responsible for mitral insufficiency and significant left intra ventricular obstruction (maximum gradient of 77 mmHg for one, 130 mmHg for the other), with reproduction of spontaneous symptoms, in the absence of myocardial ischaemia. An effort echography performed several weeks later confirmed these data, even though a sublingual trinitrate (0.3 mg) test was without effect. In the absence of underlying hypertrophic cardiomyopathy the SAM (with left intra ventricular obstruction and mitral insufficiency) occurring during dobutamine stress echography could have clinical significance in selected cases, notably in hypertensive patients with effort intolerance who have normal systolic and diastolic function in the resting state, and absence of myocardial ischaemia during stress, as illustrated in our two observations. The therapeutic implications are clear, with patients like this successfully treated with beta-blockers.

[Lyme disease presenting as infarction pain. A case report]

Lyme's disease is a multi-system condition due to infection with a spirochete (Borrelia Burgdorferi), transmitted by a tick. Cardiac involvement, which is not systematic, usually presents with transient atrioventricular block of varying degree. The authors describe an unusual presentation of the cardiac involvement of Lyme's disease with chest pain resembling an acute coronary syndrome in a 32 year old man. The characteristic skin lesion (erythema migrans), the positivity of IgM serology, the myocardial scintigraphic results and the negativity of the work-up of other causes of this pain led to a diagnosis of myocarditis, the outcome of which was favourable with treatment by amoxycillin (3 g/day, orally).

Kinetics of humoral immune response after rabies VR-G oral vaccination of captive fox cubs (Vulpes vulpes) with or without maternally derived antibodies against the vaccine

In western Europe during the spring, the largest proportion of fox populations are cubs and the key to successful rabies oral vaccination campaigns is cub vaccination. In this paper we report on studies of the serology of 93 fox (Vulpes vulpes) cubs born to unvaccinated and orally vaccinated captive vixens, some of which were orally vaccinated at 30 or at 90 days of age with the vaccinia recombinant vaccine (VR-G) that expresses the rabies virus glycoprotein. The duration of cub passively acquired antibody, the development of immune responses to oral vaccination at either 30 or 90 days of age, possible interference between passive and active immunity to such vaccination and resistance to a potentially lethal rabies challenge dose when five months old were measured. The study showed that rabies neutralising antibody can be passed to their cubs by vixens orally vaccinated with VR-G during pregnancy. Maternally derived antibody titres in cubs declined with time and disappeared by 45-75 days after birth. Thirty days old cubs serologically responded to oral vaccination. No interference between antibody of maternal origin and active immunity conferred by VR-G oral vaccination or between antibody of maternal origin and protection was observed. Thus, very young cub immunisation against rabies with VR-G per os is possible whatever the immune status of their mothers. Provided a vaccine-bait suitable for such young cubs exists, oral vaccination at den entrances with VR-G is a feasibility.

Humoral and cell-mediated immune responses of foxes (Vulpes vulpes) after experimental primary and secondary oral vaccination using SAG2 and V-RG vaccines

Humoral and cell-mediated immune responses of 36 captive foxes to two oral vaccines against rabies currently used for foxes in Europe were studied. The Street Alabama Dufferin (SAD) mutant Gif (SAG2) vaccine has been selected by double mutation from the SAD virus. The vaccinia recombinant virus (V-RG) expresses the rabies glycoprotein. Both vaccines induce similar humoral and cell-mediated responses after primary and secondary oral administration. We observed a typical anamnestic response, although of a limited duration, after the booster vaccination. Therefore, our results suggested that two successive oral vaccination campaigns should not significantly improve the immunisation of foxes. Lymphocyte in vitro proliferative response to the SAD antigen highlighted the presence in blood of a T-cell specific memory 6 months after vaccination. The synthesis of several vulpine cytokines was detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated by SAD antigen via reverse transcription polymerase chain amplification. The data showed a concomitant expression of interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon-gamma in PBMC of vaccinated foxes. No change was detected in the level of IL-2, IL-10 and IL-12 synthesis, whereas the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor-alpha seemed involved in the activation of naive T lymphocytes.

[Breast metastasis from a "tall cell variant" of papillary thyroid carcinoma]

The authors report a case of breast metastasis from a "tall cell" variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma in a 59-year-old woman. This metastasis was discovered two months after the diagnosis of an inextirpable thyroid tumor. Tall cell variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma is a sub-type of papillary carcinoma with an aggressive course and frequent metastases (in patients over 50 years of age). No mammary metastasis of this tumor type has been reported so far.

In vitro metabolism by human skin and fibroblasts of retinol, retinal and retinoic acid

The metabolism of radio-labelled retinol, retinal and retinoic acid by fresh human skin as well as by human dermal fibroblasts have been investigated in vitro. Surgically removed human skin biopsies were placed at the air liquid interface, and treated topically for 24 h with retinoids. At the end of the treatment period, epidermis and dermis were separated by heat. Epidermis, dermis and medium were subsequently extracted and resulting fractions were analysed by HPLC. Dermal fibroblast cultures were treated and analysed in a comparable manner. Topical application of retinoids resulted in gradient concentrations within the skin. For each fraction, metabolites and unchanged product proportions were determined by HPLC. After treatment with retinol and retinal, low but significant amounts of retinoic acid were detected in the epidermis, as well as in the dermis (30 pmol to 90 pmol). In comparison, treatments with retinoic acid itself, led to higher level of retinoic acid in the epidermis and in the dermis (respectively 2050 and 420 pmol). Cultured human dermal fibroblasts, treated with retinol and retinal, formed retinoic acid as well as several other metabolites (retinol esters, reduction of retinal to retinol...). Taken together, our results are consistent with an action of retinol or retinal on the skin via a retinoic acid formation and a metabolic function of the dermis.

Giant colonic diverticulum: presentation of one case and review of the literature

Since the first case described in 1946, fewer than 100 cases of giant colonic diverticula have been reported in the literature. We discuss the clinical, radiologic, and pathologic findings in a case of giant colonic diverticulum and review the etiology and differential diagnosis.

[Transanal excision of villous tumors. Value of the Endo-GIA 30 Multifire clamp]

The authors describe a new surgical procedure applied to the treatment of villous adenoma of the rectum. The mechanical device called Endo-GIA 30 Multifire (Merlin Médical, F69672 Bron), an automatic suture clamp regularly used in laparoscopic surgery, facilitates complete excision of villous adenomas if the tumour is located less than 10 cm from the anal margin.

[Mechanical resection of rectal tumors by transanal way under rectoscopic control. Results of a new surgical technique]

The authors report the results of a new surgical procedure used in the treatment of rectal tumours. The mechanic devices Endo-Gia* 30 Multifire (Merlin Médical, SA, F-69672 Bron) was used in 8 cases (7 patients) in order to treat carcinoid tumours (n = 2) and villous polyp either with intermediate or severe dysplasia (n = 5) or transformed in Dukes A adenocarcinoma (n = 1). In 7 cases the follow-up was uneventful. In 1 case temporary rectal bleeding occurred.

A new marker of epidermal differentiation associated with the membrane coating granules: characterization and applications to pathology

A murine monoclonal antibody, BC12, was obtained after immunization against suprabasal human keratinocytes. In the epidermis of normal human skin, the antigen recognized by BC12 (BC12 antigen) is located at the apex of keratinocytes in the upper stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum but is absent in other layers. The BC12 antigen is also present in hair follicles. Immunoblotting performed on keratinocyte subpopulations confirmed the presence of the BC12 antigen in differentiated keratinocytes only. Two-dimensional immunoblotting showed that the BC12 antigen corresponds to a set of polypeptides with an apparent molecular weight of approximately 33kD. In keratinocyte cultures, the antigen is present only in stratified areas. The distribution of the BC12 antigen, as studied by indirect immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy, and its presence in certain subcellular fractions of epidermal cells suggest that it is a component of membrane coating granules (MCGs) or that it is associated with these structures. Strikingly, in psoriasis, eczema and many other diseases, the BC12 antibody does not label the epidermis, but vessels in dermal papillae. The BC12 antibody may thus be a useful tool in the study of keratinocyte differentiation and MCG physiology, and, also, in pathology.

Physical mapping and cloning of the proximal segment of the myotonic dystrophy gene region

The myotonic dystrophy (DM) region has been recently shown to be bracketed by two key recombinant events. One recombinant occurs in a Dutch DM family, which maps the DM locus distal to the ERCC1 gene and D19S115 (pE0.8). The other recombinant event is in a French Canadian DM family, which maps DM proximal to D19S51 (p134c). To further resolve this region, we initiated a chromosome walk in a telomeric direction from pE0.8, a proximal marker tightly linked to DM, toward the genetic locus. An Alu-PCR approach to chromosome walking in a cosmid library from flow-sorted chromosome 19 was used to isolate DM region cosmids. This effort has resulted in the cloning of a 350-kb genomic contig of human chromosome 19q13.3. New genetic and physical mapping information has been generated using the newly cloned markers from this study. As a result of this new mapping information, the minimal area that is to contain the DM gene has been redefined. Approximately 200 kb of sequence between pE0.8 and the closest proximal marker to DM, pKEX0.8, that would have otherwise been screened for DM candidate genes, has been eliminated as containing the DM gene.

Levels of G-proteins in liver and brain of lean and obese (ob/ob) mice

G-protein levels were assessed in liver and brain membranes of lean and obese mice. ADP-ribosylation and immunodetection studies revealed a decrease in the abundance of Gs and Gi alpha-subunits in the liver membranes of obese mice compared with lean mice. In contrast, in brain membranes, the abundance of these proteins was not significantly different between lean and obese mice. Studies at the mRNA level in both liver and brain revealed no difference in gene expression between lean and obese mice. Protein and mRNA studies both showed that Gs, Gi alpha 1, Gi alpha 2, Go alpha and G beta subunits are present in brain membranes, and Gi alpha 3 is barely detectable. In liver, Ga alpha, Gi alpha 2 and G beta subunits are the major constituents, whereas Gi alpha 1, Gi alpha 3 and Go alpha are barely detectable. It is possible that the differences observed at the protein level are due to different rates of translation of the mRNA. Different rates of release of the alpha-subunits from the membrane and/or different rates of degradation would also explain these results.

D19S51 is closely linked with and maps distal to the myotonic dystrophy locus on 19q

Recent genetic linkage studies have mapped the myotonic dystrophy (DM) locus to 19q13.3. All closely linked DM markers identified to date have been located on the centromeric side of the disease locus, with a relatively large genetic interval (9 cM) observed between the nearest distal marker and DM. We show here that the recently described marker p134C is tightly linked to DM (peak lod score 35.8 at peak recombination fraction .006) and confirm the previous suggestion that the p134C locus, D19S51 maps distal to the disease locus. D19S51 and the closest proximal flanking loci, ERCC1 and D19S115 (pE0.8), define a small genetic interval of less than 2 cM that contains the DM locus.

A three allele insertion polymorphism is identified by the human chromosome 19q13.3 probe pKBE0.8 (D19S119)

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An insertion polymorphism identified by the probe pE0.8 (D19S115) at 19q13.3

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Physical and genetic mapping of a novel chromosome 19 ERCC1 marker showing close linkage with myotonic dystrophy

Recent genetic linkage analyses have mapped the myotonic dystrophy locus to the region of 19q13.2-13.3 lying distal to the gene for creatine kinase subunit M (CKM). The human excision repair gene ERCC1 has also been mapped to this region of chromosome 19. A novel polymorphic DNA marker, pEO.8, has been isolated from a chromosome 19 ERCC1-containing cosmid that maps to a 300-kb NotI fragment encompassing both CKM and ERCC1. Genetic linkage analysis reveals close linkage between pEO.8 and myotonic dystrophy (DM) (zmax = 19.3, theta max = 0.01). Analysis of two key recombinant events suggests a mapping of DM distal to pEO.8 and CKM.

Assessment of a creatine kinase isoform M defect as a cause of myotonic dystrophy and the characterization of two novel CKMM polymorphisms

Recent studies have shown the gene encoding creatine kinase isoform M (CKMM) to be very closely linked to the myotonic dystrophy (DM) locus on the long arm of chromosome 19. Given this close linkage to DM and the postulated role of CKMM in skeletal muscle contraction, the possibility of a defect in CKMM causing DM was investigated. CKMM cDNA was isolated from the skeletal muscle of an individual with DM. Sequencing of the CKMM cDNA from the DM chromosome 19 revealed two novel polymorphisms but no translationally significant mutation. This work rules out a defect in the coding segment of CKMM as a cause of DM in this family and, in light of genetic homogeneity shown to date for DM, probably in all cases of DM.

The human ryanodine receptor gene: its mapping to 19q13.1, placement in a chromosome 19 linkage group, and exclusion as the gene causing myotonic dystrophy

The recent cloning of cDNA encoding the Ca++ release channel (ryanodine receptor) of human sarcoplasmic reticulum has enabled us to use somatic cell hybrids to localize the ryanodine receptor gene (RYR) to the proximal long arm of human chromosome 19. Studies with additional hybrids containing deletions or translocations in chromosome 19 enabled us to localize RYR to 19q13.1 in a region distal to GPI/MAG and proximal to D19S18/DNF11. On the basis that the myotonic dystrophy (DM) locus maps near this region and that myotonia could result from a defect in the ryanodine receptor, we examined the linkage between the DM locus and RYR. Our results, showing several DM-RYR recombinants, rule out an RYR defect as the cause of DM. However, localization of RYR to a region of human chromosome 19 which is syntenic to an area of pig chromosome 6 containing the HAL gene responsible for porcine malignant hyperthermia supports the candidacy of RYR for this disorder.

Differentiation of F9 embryonal carcinoma cells by synthetic retinoids: amplitude of plasminogen activator production does not depend on retinoid potency or affinity for F9 nuclear retinoic acid receptors

Retinoic acid and analogues (retinoids) are able to induce the differentiation of F9 murine embryonal carcinoma stem cells into endoderm-like cells. The secretion of plasminogen activator (PA) which accompanies this differentiation is a good index of the biological response of F9 cells to retinoids. We have previously reported that the potency of a series of natural and synthetic retinoids, evaluated by the concentration which provokes half-maximal induction of PA, correlates well with the affinity of these compounds for the endogenous F9 nuclear retinoic acid receptors, but not for the cytosolic retinoic acid binding protein, CRABP. In this paper we show that various retinoids differ, not only in terms of potency, i.e. the dilution at which they are active, but also in terms of the amount of PA that they induce. This parameter, called amplitude, is used to quantify the extent of PA induction by a given retinoid relative to retinoic acid. The amplitude parameters of synthetic retinoids are found to vary over a wide range and are independent of both potency and binding affinity for F9 retinoic acid receptors. It is proposed that the amplitude of the biological response to a given retinoid is the resultant of three factors: (i) the total or partial agonist character of the retinoid; (ii) the binding spectrum of the retinoid for the various types of retinoic acid receptors; (iii) the chemical and metabolic stability of the retinoid in the test system.

Effect of CO(2) Concentration on Protein Biosynthesis and Carbonic Anhydrase Expression in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

The effect of external inorganic carbon (C(i)) concentrations on protein biosynthesis and carbonic anhydrase (CA) mRNA abundance were examined in the eukaryotic alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Transfer of high CO(2) (5%) grown algae to air levels of CO(2) resulted in the transitory synthesis of two polypeptides of approximately 49,000 and 52,000 daltons as well as prolonged synthesis and accumulation of the 37,000 dalton CA monomer and an unidentified 20,000 dalton polypeptide. The gene coding for carbonic anhydrase was isolated from a genomic expression library and subjected to restriction endonuclease analysis. Southern blot analysis of chromosomal DNA indicates that only a single copy of the gene is present. The 2.5 kilobase DNA fragment hybridizes specifically to a 1.4 kilobase transcript in RNA isolated from air-grown cells and from cells grown on 5% CO(2) that have been exposed to air levels of CO(2). Maximum mRNA abundance was observed after 1 to 3 hours of exposure to air. Transfer of air-grown cells to a high CO(2) environment resulted in the elimination of the CA transcript after 60 minutes of exposure. Changes in CA transcript abundance in response to external C(i) concentrations occurred in the presence or absence of light.

Effect of diterpene esters on actin cytoskeleton of SV40-transformed keratinocytes is not reproduced by diacylglycerols

The tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) induces a disorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and its redistribution at the periphery of the cells in SV40-transformed human keratinocytes. This phenomenon is induced by other diterpene esters, such as 4-O-methyl TPA, 12-O-ethacrynylphorbol-13-acetate (EPA), 12-O-retinoylphorbol-13-acetate (RPA) and mezerein, which exert either convertogenic or promoting effects in skin tumor development in vivo. Two diacylglycerols: oleyl-acetyl glycerol (OAG) and dioctanoyl-glycerol (DOG) do not induce the disorganization of actin. Thus, the effects of these compounds, as they are found in SV40-transformed human keratinocytes, do not exhibit clear-cut correlations to either their protein kinase C activating abilities, or their effects on different stages of multistage carcinogenesis in mouse skin in vivo.

Effects of antiinflammatory agents on edema and DNA synthesis induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate in the guinea pig

Inflammation and hyperplasia are frequently associated in skin diseases. In order to verify this relationship, we studied the antagonistic effect of different classes of antiinflammatory agents on the inflammatory and hyperplasiogenic responses elicited by one topical application of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) to the ear of the guinea-pig. Edema and DNA synthesis were chosen as relevant parameters. All antiinflammatory agents tested significantly inhibited DNA synthesis induced by TPA. Moreover, all compounds except quinacrine and phenylbutazone also inhibited edema formation. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that while edema and hyperplasia are frequently associated, this is not always the case.

Transformation of human keratinocytes by SV40 virus alters their response to the tumor promoter TPA

Recently, we have shown that transformation of human keratinocytes by SV40 virus induces the re-expression of characters found in fetal epidermis and monostratified epithelia. In the present study, TPA was found to alter some features of the human keratinocyte phenotype in a similar manner to SV40 transformation. Indeed, 12-O-tetradecanoyl-13-phorbol acetate (TPA) treatment induced the expression of cytokeratin no. 8, recognized by the monoclonal antibody TROMA-1, which is present in fetal epidermis and/or monostratified epithelia only, and fibronectin expression. However, TPA and SV40 transformation had specific non-overlapping effects. For example, TPA did not prevent terminal differentiation and stratification, as SV40-transformation did, but stimulated these processes. Moreover, TPA was found to induce additional changes in SV40-transformed keratinocytes. In particular it provoked the individualization of cells within the colonies. This effect was seen as little as 1 h after treatment and was reversible. This cellular alteration was accompanied by the reorganization of actin and by a decrease in the number of desmosomes; these changes were not observed after treatment of normal keratinocytes with TPA. These observations lead to the conclusion that TPA is able to trigger cellular responses which cannot be induced by SV40 products alone, but that TPA and some SV40 products can cooperate to elicit new responses, which could reflect a higher state of malignancy.

[Congenital superior mesenteric arteriovenous malformations]

An arteriovenous aneurysm in the region supplied by the superior mesenteric artery was detected fortuitously during abdominal arteriography. The absence of a previous history of injury or operation suggested a congenital origin for this infrequently observed lesion. Logical therapy whenever possible is resection of mesentery and the neighbouring intestine.

A keratin of fetal skin is reexpressed in human keratinocytes transformed by SV40 virus or treated with the tumor promoter TPA

SV40-transformation as well as treatment with tumor promoters produce alterations in morphology, differentiation and keratinization of human keratinocytes. Two cell lines of SV40-transformed keratinocytes and primary cultures of keratinocytes treated with the tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) were found to contain an additional protein of 52.5 kD molecular weight (MW). This protein was identified by its reactivity with the monoclonal antibody TROMA-I as being keratin no. 8, a keratin normally present only in simple epithelia. Since this keratin is present in fetal epidermis but disappears gradually when fetal skin becomes multilayered after week 13 of development (Moll et al., Differentiation 23 (1982) 170. [23]), it suggests that SV40 virus and TPA are able to induce in human keratinocytes the reexpression of fetal characters.