X-ray illumination of the ejecta of supernova 1987A.

When a massive star explodes as a supernova, substantial amounts of radioactive elements--primarily (56)Ni, (57)Ni and (44)Ti--are produced. After the initial flash of light from shock heating, the fading light emitted by the supernova is due to the decay of these elements. However, after decades, the energy powering a supernova remnant comes from the shock interaction between the ejecta and the surrounding medium. The transition to this phase has hitherto not been observed: supernovae occur too infrequently in the Milky Way to provide a young example, and extragalactic supernovae are generally too faint and too small. Here we report observations that show this transition in the supernova SN 1987A in the Large Magellanic Cloud. From 1994 to 2001, the ejecta faded owing to radioactive decay of (44)Ti as predicted. Then the flux started to increase, more than doubling by the end of 2009. We show that this increase is the result of heat deposited by X-rays produced as the ejecta interacts with the surrounding material. In time, the X-rays will penetrate farther into the ejecta, enabling us to analyse the structure and chemistry of the vanished star.

One, four or 100 genera? A new classification of the cone snails.

We present a new classification for the genus Conus sensu lato (family Conidae), based on molecular phylogenetic analyses of 329 species. This classification departs from both the traditional classification in only one genus and from a recently proposed shell- and radula-based classification scheme that separates members of this group into five families and 115 genera. Roughly 140 genus-group names are available for Recent cone snails. We propose to place all cone snails within a single family (Conidae) containing four genera-Conus, Conasprella, Profundiconus and Californiconus (with Conus alone encompassing about 85% of known species)-based on the clear separation of cone snails into four distinct and well-supported groups/lineages in molecular phylogenetic analyses. Within Conus and Conasprella, we recognize 57 and 11 subgenera, respectively, that represent well-supported subgroupings within these genera, which we interpret as evidence of intrageneric distinctiveness. We allocate the 803 Recent species of Conidae listed as valid in the World Register of Marine Species into these four genera and 71 subgenera, with an estimate of the confidence for placement of species in these taxonomic categories based on whether molecular or radula and/or shell data were used in these determinations. Our proposed classification effectively departs from previous schemes by (1) limiting the number of accepted genera, (2) retaining the majority of species within the genus Conus and (3) assigning members of these genera to species groups/subgenera to enable the effective communication of these groups, all of which we hope will encourage acceptance of this scheme.

Molecular phylogeny and evolution of the cone snails (Gastropoda, Conoidea).

We present a large-scale molecular phylogeny that includes 320 of the 761 recognized valid species of the cone snails (Conus), one of the most diverse groups of marine molluscs, based on three mitochondrial genes (COI, 16S rDNA and 12S rDNA). This is the first phylogeny of the taxon to employ concatenated sequences of several genes, and it includes more than twice as many species as the last published molecular phylogeny of the entire group nearly a decade ago. Most of the numerous molecular phylogenies published during the last 15years are limited to rather small fractions of its species diversity. Bayesian and maximum likelihood analyses are mostly congruent and confirm the presence of three previously reported highly divergent lineages among cone snails, and one identified here using molecular data. About 85% of the species cluster in the single Large Major Clade; the others are divided between the Small Major Clade (∼12%), the Conus californicus lineage (one species), and a newly defined clade (∼3%). We also define several subclades within the Large and Small major clades, but most of their relationships remain poorly supported. To illustrate the usefulness of molecular phylogenies in addressing specific evolutionary questions, we analyse the evolution of the diet, the biogeography and the toxins of cone snails. All cone snails whose feeding biology is known inject venom into large prey animals and swallow them whole. Predation on polychaete worms is inferred as the ancestral state, and diet shifts to molluscs and fishes occurred rarely. The ancestor of cone snails probably originated from the Indo-Pacific; rather few colonisations of other biogeographic provinces have probably occurred. A new classification of the Conidae, based on the molecular phylogeny, is published in an accompanying paper.

Emission lines due to ionizing radiation from a compact object in the remnant of Supernova 1987A.

The nearby Supernova 1987A was accompanied by a burst of neutrino emission, which indicates that a compact object (a neutron star or black hole) was formed in the explosion. There has been no direct observation of this compact object. In this work, we observe the supernova remnant with JWST spectroscopy, finding narrow infrared emission lines of argon and sulfur. The line emission is spatially unresolved and blueshifted in velocity relative to the supernova rest frame. We interpret the lines as gas illuminated by a source of ionizing photons located close to the center of the expanding ejecta. Photoionization models show that the line ratios are consistent with ionization by a cooling neutron star or a pulsar wind nebula. The velocity shift could be evidence for a neutron star natal kick.

Macroevolution of venom apparatus innovations in auger snails (Gastropoda; Conoidea; Terebridae).

The Terebridae are a diverse family of tropical and subtropical marine gastropods that use a complex and modular venom apparatus to produce toxins that capture polychaete and enteropneust preys. The complexity of the terebrid venom apparatus suggests that venom apparatus development in the Terebridae could be linked to the diversification of the group and can be analyzed within a molecular phylogenetic scaffold to better understand terebrid evolution. Presented here is a molecular phylogeny of 89 terebrid species belonging to 12 of the 15 currently accepted genera, based on Bayesian inference and Maximum Likelihood analyses of amplicons of 3 mitochondrial (COI, 16S and 12S) and one nuclear (28S) genes. The evolution of the anatomy of the terebrid venom apparatus was assessed by mapping traits of six related characters: proboscis, venom gland, odontophore, accessory proboscis structure, radula, and salivary glands. A novel result concerning terebrid phylogeny was the discovery of a previously unrecognized lineage, which includes species of Euterebra and Duplicaria. The non-monophyly of most terebrid genera analyzed indicates that the current genus-level classification of the group is plagued with homoplasy and requires further taxonomic investigations. Foregut anatomy in the family Terebridae reveals an inordinate diversity of features that covers the range of variability within the entire superfamily Conoidea, and that hypodermic radulae have likely evolved independently on at least three occasions. These findings illustrate that terebrid venom apparatus evolution is not perfunctory, and involves independent and numerous changes of central features in the foregut anatomy. The multiple emergence of hypodermic marginal radular teeth in terebrids are presumably associated with variable functionalities, suggesting that terebrids have adapted to dietary changes that may have resulted from predator-prey relationships. The anatomical and phylogenetic results presented serve as a starting point to advance investigations about the role of predator-prey interactions in the diversification of the Terebridae and the impact on their peptide toxins, which are promising bioactive compounds for biomedical research and therapeutic drug development.

A molecular phylogenetic framework for the Muricidae, a diverse family of carnivorous gastropods.

With over 1600 extant described species, the Muricidae are one of the most species-rich and morphologically diverse families of molluscs. As predators of molluscs, polychaetes, anthozoans barnacles and other invertebrates, they form an important component of many benthic communities. Traditionally, the classification of muricids at specific and generic levels has been based primarily on shells, while subfamilies have been defined largely by radular morphology, although the composition and relationships of suprageneric groups have never been studied exhaustively. Here we present the phylogenetic relationships of 77 muricid species belonging to nine of the ten currently recognized subfamilies, based on Bayesian inference and Maximum Likelihood analyses of partial sequences of three mitochondrial (12S, 16S and COI) and one nuclear (28S) genes. The resulting topologies are discussed with respect to traditional subfamilial arrangements, and previous anatomical and molecular findings. We confirm monophyly of each of the subfamilies Ergalataxinae, Rapaninae, Coralliophilinae, Haustrinae, Ocenebrinae and Typhinae as previously defined, but earlier concepts of Muricinae, Trophoninae and Muricopsinae are shown to be polyphyletic. Based on our phylogenetic hypothesis, a new arrangement of these subfamilies is proposed.

Differentiated aspect of female and male mouse mesonephroi.

In the mouse, Sryis expressed by somatic cells in the genital ridge and leads to initiate the transformation of the indifferent gonad into a testis. Here, we have examined the segmented female and male mesonephroi over the developmental period when the initiation of seminiferous cord formation takes place. We have generated three-dimensional models which reveal structural differences between male and female mesonephric tubules at 11.5, 13.5 and 14.5 days post coitum. We evaluate, following structural parameters, that form and orientation of the tubules could evolve differently in both sexes. We propose that the structural organization of the mesonephric tubules presents an early dimorphism.

Effect of dietary fiber supplementation on the secretory function of the exocrine pancreas in the dog.

The effects on pancreatic secretion of a diet supplemented with wheat bran for one month were studied in five dogs provided with chronic pancreatic and gastric fistulae. Dogs were subjected before and after bran administration to a continuous intravenous infusion of secretin (GIH, 0.5 U/kg/h) alone and a combination of secretin with cerulein (25 or 100 ng/kg/h). Exocrine pancreatic secretions under basal conditions were collected during the intravenous infusions of normal saline. Wheat bran supplementation for 4 wk to the standard diet in dogs increased pancreatic juice flow rate along with bicarbonate and amylase output whether the secretion was unstimulated or stimulated with caerulein alone or combined with secretin. No significant changes in the concentration of pancreatic bicarbonate, amylase, chymotrypsin, and proteins were noted under stimulated conditions. Furthermore, lipase concentration and output were dramatically reduced. These data indicated that wheat bran supplemented to the standard diet in dogs affects the exocrine pancreatic secretion whether it was unstimulated or stimulated by secretin alone or combined with cerulein.

Auditory selective attention in the human cochlea.

According to current theories, auditory selective attention alters the sensory analysis of acoustic inputs only in the central auditory system. Despite numerous attempts, no evidence of attentional selection has been found in the auditory periphery. Measurements of evoked otoacoustic emissions (EOAEs) during a selective dichotic listening task showed that the EOAEs to tones in one ear had larger amplitude when attention was directed to this ear than when attention was directed to the opposite ear. The results indicate that genuine effects of auditory selective attention can be observed at the cochlear receptor.

Mismatch negativity and late auditory evoked potentials in comatose patients.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the patterns of mismatch negativity (MMN) and N100 component in comatose patients and to evaluate their prognostic value vis-à-vis return of consciousness. METHODS: MMN and auditory (early, middle-latency and late) evoked potentials were recorded in 52 normals and in 128 comatose patients (comas due to neurosurgical and neurological problems). At the time of recording, all patients scored lower than 8 on the Glasgow scale. RESULTS: Visually detected N100 and MMN were confirmed by cross-correlation of sub-averages. The MMN was present in 33/128 patients and the N100 component in 84/128. The amplitudes of MMN and N100 waves detected in comatose patients were statistically different from those of normal subjects. By 3 months after the onset of coma, 95 patients had returned to consciousness, most of them with moderate to severe disability. A ratio of 30/33 patients with MMN and 70/84 with N100 had regained consciousness. The presence of a MMN together with a N100 component was more specific (90.9%) than the presence of a N100 component irrespective of MMN (57.6%) in terms of predicting return to consciousness, but its sensitivity was lower (respectively 31.6% for MMN and 73.7% for N100). The mean period that elapsed between the recording of evoked potentials and a return to consciousness was 6.3+/-4 days. MLAEPs were also highly specific, but BAEPs were not. CONCLUSION: MMN and auditory evoked potentials provide a reliable assessment of the functional status of comatose patients. When present, MMN and the N100 differ from those found in normal subjects in terms of latencies and amplitudes. As a predictor of return of consciousness MMN had high specificity and low sensitivity, whereas the N100 had high sensitivity and low specificity. This study demonstrates that the recording of MMN and the auditory N100 can be a very useful aid in the assessment of coma and in predicting whether or not a patient will regain consciousness.

Phagocytosis of the streptococcal preparation OK-432 (picibanil) by non-phagocytic human leukemia K 562 cells and its modulation by tumor cell differentiation.

OK-432, an inactivated and lyophilized preparation of a low-virulence strain of Streptococcus pyogenes induced a phagocytosis process in human erythroleukemic K 562 cells. This process seems to be specific to the cell line, known however as non-phagocytic, and specific to the bacterial preparation. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy confirmed phagocytosis. Increased lysosomal activity was also demonstrated by cytochemical and biochemical criteria. The induction of phagocytosis required an intact cell surface membrane and sialo-glycoproteins seemed to be implied. The phagocytosis was inversely correlated with the erythroid differentiation of the K 562 cell. Hemin-treated K 562 cells and the markedly erythroid K 562 clone showed a decreased level of phagocytosis. The phagocytosis level in a K 562 clone expressing Fc (IgG) receptors was not altered by OK-432. In addition, a weak erythroid K 562 clone expresses the same level of phagocytosis as the total population.

New technique of total pancreatectomy without duodenectomy in the dog.

Total pancreatectomy without duodenectomy is described in the dog. The technique is based on the recognition of an anatomic cutting line between the two peritoneal layers overlying the duodenopancreas in the dog. This allows selective suppression of the pancreatic vascular supply and anatomic dissection between the pancreas and the duodenum. Complete pancreatectomy is indicated by hyperglycemia, absence of detectable serum insulin, abnormal glucose tolerance tests and short survival time due to metabolic conditions. No surgical complication was noted, and this reliable model is proposed for experimental pancreatic transplantation studies.

Antifungal activities of seven West African Combretaceae used in traditional medicine.

Seven species of Combretaceae were investigated for their antifungal activity against the pathogenic fungi Candida albicans, Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum. Pteleopsis suberosa and Terminalia avicennioides appear to be the most active plants. Phytochemical screening shows that these plants are particularly rich in tannins and saponins, which might be responsible for their antifungal activity.

Evaluation of antifungal activity of extracts of two Cameroonian rutaceae: Zanthoxylum leprieurii Guill. et Perr. and Zanthoxylum xanthoxyloides Waterm.

Aqueous-ethanol 90% extracts of leaves, roots and stem barks of Zanthoxylum leprieurii and Zanthoxylum xanthoxyloides were examined for their antifungal properties against nine fungi by dilution methods on a solid medium and in a liquid medium. Our results indicate that these extracts, to varying extents, inhibit the in vitro growth of Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans and seven filamentous fungi tested. Only the extracts obtained from the roots and stem barks of Z. xanthoxyloides showed antifungal activity on the germs studied, with minimal inhibitory concentration varying, respectively, from 0.5 to 1 mg/ml for the roots and from 0.125 to 1 mg/ml for the stem barks.

Laboratory rearing of Phlebotomus perniciosus (Diptera: Psychodidae) and fungal growth problems.

One of the difficulties of growing sandflies in the laboratory is fungal contamination. This study of the laboratory rearing of Phlebotomus perniciosus reports on the nature and circumstances of fungal contamination. Fungal growth is favoured during winter and diapause. The harmful effects vary with the fungal species and the larval stages. The solution to the problem lies on the use of aseptic techniques and the avoidance of overfeeding.

[Percutaneous occlusion by a detachable balloon of a fistula between the left coronary and the pulmonary artery]. / Occlusion par voie percutanée au moyen d'un balloon détachable d'une fistule entre l'artère coronaire gauche et l'artère pulmonaire.

A large fistula between the left circumflex coronary artery and the distal branches of the right pulmonary artery resulting in myocardial ischemia in a 52 year old woman with no angiographic atheromatous coronary lesions, was occluded by a detachable balloon introduced percutaneously and positioned at the origin of the fistula. A control angiogram performed one month later showed the balloon in position and the disappearance of the fistula. The Thallium myocardial scintigraphic abnormalities regressed after occlusion of the fistula. This is the second case (the first one in France) of radical non-surgical treatment of a congenital coronary fistula.

[Giant cell myocarditis. Report of a case]. / Myocardite à cellules géantes. A propos d'un cas.

The authors report a case of giant cell myocarditis leading to rapidly progressive cardiac failure despite immuno-suppressor treatment in a 20 year old woman. The cardiac failure was successfully managed by implantation of a left ventricular assist device and then cardiac transplantation. The problems encountered underline the importance of accurate diagnosis by endomyocardial biopsy before undertaking treatment and the difficulties in the choice of appropriate method of assistance in this indication. Giant cell myocarditis is a rare cause of cardiac failure and should be considered in the differential diagnosis in view of its clinical features and risk of progression. The literature and the therapeutic implications are discussed.

Effects of altitude hypoxia on middle latency auditory evoked potentials in humans.

BACKGROUND: This paper presents an investigation of auditory evoked responses in humans subjected to high altitude hypoxic conditions. METHODS: Middle latency (MLAEPs) as well as short latency (BAEPs) evoked potentials were recorded in 10 healthy subjects, first at sea level (N), then 24 h (H1) and 72 h (H3) after their arrival at an altitude of 4350 m. At the same time, arterial blood parameters (PaO2, PaCO2 and pH) were measured and the clinical status of the subjects was assessed. RESULTS: In altitude conditions, the amplitude of BAEP peak V decreased (-17%). The MLAEP waves showed variations in the shape of their latest waveforms. Their amplitudes, however, were not affected. The Pa-Nb interpeak latency significantly decreased (-2.2 ms) between N and H1, and remained stable during the stay at high altitude. CONCLUSION: A correlation was found between the relative decrease of PaCO2 and the shortening of Nb wave latency, suggesting that the variations in MLAEPs could be preferentially related to the ventilatory response of the subjects in hypoxic conditions. However, no correlation was found between the clinical status of the subjects (Acute Mountain Sickness score) and the parameters of the waves.