Insecticidal activity of a Moroccan strain of Streptomyces phaeochromogenes LD-37 on larvae, pupae and adults of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae).

The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata, is considered the most important fruit pest worldwide. Its management is mainly based on the use of chemical insecticides. Although these conventional pesticides are effective at high doses, they cause considerable human health and environment problems. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess insecticidal activity of Moroccan actinobacteria against C. capitata. A total of 12 preselected actinobacteria isolated from various Moroccan habitats were screened for their insecticidal activity against larvae, pupae and adults of C. capitata. Four actinobacteria isolates were significantly active against the first-instar larvae, and nine were active against the medfly adult, while no significant mortality was obtained against the third-instar larval and pupal stages. Among the selected isolates, the biological screening revealed that strain Streptomyces LD-37, which showed 99.4% similarity with Streptomyces phaeochromogenes, exhibited the maximal corrected larval mortality of 98%. Moreover, the isolates AS1 and LD-37 showed the maximum significant corrected mortality against adults of 32.5 and 28.2%, respectively. The crude extract obtained from a fermented culture of strain S. phaeochromogenes LD-37 was separated into six fractions by thin layer chromatography. Fractions F3 and F4 caused a significant corrected larval mortality of 66.7 and 53.3%, respectively; whereas the maximum reduction in adult emergence was obtained with fraction F4. This finding could be useful for utilizing S. phaeochromogenes LD-37 as an alternative to chemical insecticides in pest management of C. capitata.

A tRNA suppressor mutation in human mitochondria.

Mitochondrial mutations are associated with a wide spectrum of human diseases. A common class of point mutations affects tRNA genes, and mutations in the tRNA-leu(UUR) gene (MTTL1) are the most frequently detected. In earlier studies, we showed that lung carcinoma cybrid cells containing high levels (greater than 95%) of mutated mtDNA from a patient with the pathological nucleotide pair (np) 3243 tRNA-leu(UUR) mutation can remain genotypically stable over time, and exhibit severe defects in mitochondrial respiratory metabolism. From such a cybrid containing 99% mutated mtDNA, we have isolated a spontaneous derivative that retains mutant mtDNA at this level but which has nevertheless reverted to the wild-type phenotype, based on studies of respiration, growth in selective media, mitochondrial protein synthesis and biogenesis of mitochondrial membrane complexes. The cells are heteroplasmic for a novel anticodon mutation in tRNA-leu(CUN) at np 12300, predicted to generate a suppressor tRNA capable of decoding UUR leucine codons. The suppressor mutation represents approximately 10% of the total mtDNA, but was undetectable in a muscle biopsy sample taken from the original patient or in the parental cybrid. These results indicate that the primary biochemical defect in cells with high levels of np 3243 mutated mtDNA is the inability to translate UUR leucine codons.

[Cardiac hydatidosis with dissemination to the pulmonary parenchyma and the pulmonary artery]. / Hydatidose cardiaque compliquée d'une dissémination parenchymateuse pulmonaire et vasculaire artérielle pulmonaire.

Multiple thoracic hydatic disease involving a cardiac and pulmonary localization is exceptional and prognosis is poor. We report a case in a 21-year-old male who presented repeated episodes of hemoptysis. The chest x-ray showed multiple opacities. The thoracic computed tomography and echocardiography visualized cystic formations in the heart and the pulmonary arteries. Hydatic serology was strongly positive. Medical treatment with albendazole was given but the patient died from massive hemoptysis before the cardiac and pulmonary artery cysts could be removed surgically (a procedure which requires extracorporeal circulation). A hydatic cyst of the pulmonary artery is usually secondary to a cardiac localization. The risk is dissemination into the pulmonary and eventually systemic circulation. An arterial localization must be carefully ruled out in all patients with multiple or cardiac hydatidosis. Treatment is surgical to avoid dissemination.

Genotypic stability, segregation and selection in heteroplasmic human cell lines containing np 3243 mutant mtDNA.

The mitochondrial genotype of heteroplasmic human cell lines containing the pathological np 3243 mtDNA mutation, plus or minus its suppressor at np 12300, has been followed over long periods in culture. Cell lines containing various different proportions of mutant mtDNA remained generally at a consistent, average heteroplasmy value over at least 30 wk of culture in nonselective media and exhibited minimal mitotic segregation, with a segregation number comparable with mtDNA copy number (>/=1000). Growth in selective medium of cells at 99% np 3243 mutant mtDNA did, however, allow the isolation of clones with lower levels of the mutation, against a background of massive cell death. As a rare event, cell lines exhibited a sudden and dramatic diversification of heteroplasmy levels, accompanied by a shift in the average heteroplasmy level over a short period (<8 wk), indicating selection. One such episode was associated with a gain of chromosome 9. Analysis of respiratory phenotype and mitochondrial genotype of cell clones from such cultures revealed that stable heteroplasmy values were generally reestablished within a few weeks, in a reproducible but clone-specific fashion. This occurred independently of any straightforward phenotypic selection at the individual cell-clone level. Our findings are consistent with several alternate views of mtDNA organization in mammalian cells. One model that is supported by our data is that mtDNA is found in nucleoids containing many copies of the genome, which can themselves be heteroplasmic, and which are faithfully replicated. We interpret diversification and shifts of heteroplasmy level as resulting from a reorganization of such nucleoids, under nuclear genetic control. Abrupt remodeling of nucleoids in vivo would have major implications for understanding the developmental consequences of heteroplasmy, including mitochondrial disease phenotype and progression.

[Amoebic infections of the lung and pleura]. / Les atteintes pleuro-pulmonaires a Entamoeba histolytica.

INTRODUCTION: Pleuropulmonary involvement is the second most common extra-intestinal manifestation of entamoeba histolytica infection after liver abscess. CASE REPORT: We report 2 cases of pleuropulmonary disease occurring in two men aged 32 and 48 years following an episode of dysentery. Purulent pleural infection was noted in one case. In the other both lung and liver abscesses occurred. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis was confirmed by strongly positive serology in both cases. Treatment with metronidazole (1.5 g per day) for 15 days combined with pleural drainage led to a satisfactory outcome in both cases.

[Devic's optic neuromyelitis and pulmonary tuberculosis]. / Neuromyélite optique de Devic associée à une tuberculose pulmonaire.

INTRODUCTION: Optic neuromyelitis or Devic's syndrome is a very rare disease affecting the optic tracts and the spinal cord. Its association with evolving pulmonary tuberculosis has been noted in a handful of case reports. CASE REPORT: The authors reportthe case of a 40 year old patient with evolving pulmonary tuberculosis who experienced bilateral blindness followed by paraplegia and sphincter disturbance. Clinical examination and investigations excluded direct tuberculous involvement of the nervous system or a reaction to antituberculous therapy and Devic's syndrome was diagnosed, based on Wingerchurk's criteria. Following treatment with corticosteroids and antituberculous chemotherapy, the patient recovered normal mobility and sphincter control but remained completely blind. CONCLUSIONS: Throughout this case report, the authors emphasise the rarity of this association and discuss the pathophysiological mechanism, which appears to be an immune dysfunction triggered by mycobacterial infection.

[Mediastinal paraganglioma with pleural metastasis. A case report]. / Paragangliome médiastinal avec métastase pleurale. A propos d'un cas.

Paraganglioma is rare tumor arising from chromaffine cells. We report a 39-year-old man who was diagnosed with anterior mediastinal paraganglioma. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a solid mass in the anterior mediastinum. Surgical biopsies obtained by sternotomy confirmed histologic and immunohistochemical features of paraganglioma. Surgical removal of this vascularized and invasive tumor was not possible to. External radiotherapy was performed. Three years later, the patient developed chest pain. CT findings showed right nodular pleural masses. Transparietal biopsy confirmed the same pathological aspect of paraganglioma. Chemotherapy was proposed without significant response. This observation confirmed the rare course of paraganglioma to pleural metastases. Treatment of paraganglioma is mainly surgery if the mass is resectable.

Air pollution: a new respiratory risk for cities in low-income countries.

Since the major accidents that occurred in the 1960s, air pollution has commonly been considered as a respiratory risk factor whose effects are most often studied in industrialised countries. Our aim is to show that it is now the turn of low- and middle-income countries to take this risk factor into account. After a discussion of the characteristics of air pollution, how it is diffused and the main known health effects (short- and long-term effects), we describe the specific differences between the cities in the North and the South. As a result of late industrialisation, cities in the South are now faced with pollution from industrial sources and urban traffic with polluting vehicles. The case of Algeria and Morocco illustrates this situation and its potential health risks. In order to prevent the health risks of air pollution in the cities of the South, systems for measuring pollution levels and epidemiological surveillance need to be put in place rapidly. This strategy can only work if it is supported by a strong partnership from industrialised countries.

[Purulent pleurisy due to Salmonella typhi associated with a splenic abscess]. / Pleurésie purulente à Salmonella typhi associée à un abcès splénique.

We report a case of 25 year old man who presented with a febrile illness and bilateral lower chest pain a pain in the left hypochondrium with fever and weight loss; investigations revealed a left sided empyema. The cause of the empyema was confirmed following the isolation in the pleural pus of Salmonella typhi. There was also a mass in the left hypochondrium which was shown on ultrasound to be a splenic abscess. After antibiotic therapy with Cotrimoxazole, repeated pleural aspirates and physiotherapy, there was a satisfactory outcome and the pleural effusion dried up and there was a significant reduction in the volume of the splenic abscess. In the light of their observations, the authors report the rare presentation of empyemas due to Salmonella typhi, the late presentation during the course of the third septenaire and the often favourable outcome under general antibiotic therapy associated with pleural aspirates to evacuate the pus and respiratory physiotherapy.

[Pneumocystis infection in a non-immunocompromised patient]. / Pneumocystose chez un patient non immunodéprimé.

Pneumocystis is typically described in the immunodepressed. We report a case of pneumocystis occurring in a patient without known depression of the immune system. The patient, aged 50, was hospitalised for a diffused infiltration pneumonia which developed sub-acutely, and presented with increasing dyspnoea of effort, thoracic pain and a disturbances of general health. The initial assessment did not reveal any risk factors for HIV infection nor any past history of note. The diagnosis of pneumocystis was confirmed by the presence of Pneumocystis carinii in the bronchoalveolar lavage from two samples. There was a favourable outcome following the prescription of Cotrimoxazole for three months and steroid therapy. HIV serology was negative and the sub-population of lymphocytes was normal. A search for neoplasia or systematic disease remained negative.

[Smoking knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of patients in Morocco]. / Connaissances, attitudes et comportements de patients vis-à-vis du tabagisme au Maroc.

Smoking is a serious public health problem. In Morocco, the number of smokers varies from 24% to 52% depending on different social categories (school children, university students, public health workers, industrial workers, civil servants). The aim of our descriptive study was to analyze knowledge about smoking and smoking habits in patients hospitalized or followed by two units in the Ibn Rochd Hospital, cardiology and respiratory diseases. A questionnaire was given to a consecutive series of 200 patients between January and March 1997 (100 patients in each unit). Twenty percent of the patients were smokers and 23% were former smokers. The most well known health risks of smoking in the two groups of patients were respiratory and cardiovascular risks (88% and 71% respectively). Smokers and former smokers were more aware of these health risks. 86% of the smokers and former smokers had attempted to stop smoking at least once, mainly for a "health" reasons. 60% of smokers and former smokers decided to never smoke or never take a cigarette again. 66% of the patients said they had not been advised at the hospital about the risk of smoking. Our study provides a basis for further studies. It points out the importance of the smoking phenomena and the minimal role played by health personnel in advising patients. Health care workers should participate in antismoking activities during their consultation activities at the hospital in order to help patients stop smoking and also help implement rigorous antismoking laws in Morocco.

[Pancoast-Tobias syndrome of hydatid etiology]. / Syndrome de Pancoast et Tobias d'étiologie hydatique.

The authors report a case of right-sided complete Pancoast and Tobias syndrome related to a multivesicular extrapleural hydatid cyst developing at the cervico-thoracic area with involvement of the first rib. This occurred in a 27 year old country dweller who was a non-smoker who presented with a progressive history of right sided cervico-brachial neuralgia some four months before hospitalisation, there was a subclavicular tumour swelling (8-10 cm), solid, non-inflammatory and a right sided Claude-Bernard-Horner syndrome. Screening of the thorax showed an opacity at the right apex, dense and homogeneous, with a pseudo-fracture of the first right rib. A cervical echo showed a multiloculated liquid filled mass without connection to the thyroid. Computer tomographic scanning showed a multiloculated voluminous liquid filled mass in the right cervico-thoracic area with a regular polycyclic outline, the lungs were normal. The serology was positive for hydatid disease (haemagglutination and ELISA). The patient was operated on by an exclusively supraclavicular approach with excision of the hydatid membranes and vesicles as well as the right first rib. The immediate outcome resulted in the disappearance of the neuralgia and the persistence of the Claude-Bernard-Horner syndrome.

[Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma disclosed by an intrabronchial tumor. Apropos of a case]. / Lymphome non hodgkinien révélé par une tumeur endobronchique. A propos d'une observation.

Non Hodgkin's lymphoma (LNH) presenting as a localised tumour is exceptional and nearly always appears during the course of disseminated disease. We report a case where the primary disease was an endobronchial tumour and the entire clinical picture related to pulmonary symptoms. A 70 year old lady was found to have a left sided pulmonary opacity following a cough with minimal expectoration and accompanied by chest pains and dyspnoea. The chest abnormality progressed for 3 years 9 months before an endobronchial tumour was discovered at bronchoscopy in the left upper lobe and from which a biopsy revealed an LNH with small cells of low degree of malignancy. In addition there was splenomegaly and an infiltration of bone marrow by the lymphomatous process which was evidence of a disseminated form of LNH. To our knowledge our observation is an extremely rare case where an endobronchial tumour revealed a non Hodgkins lymphoma.

[Phantom thoracic opacity]. / Opacité thoracique fantôme.

The etiology of the respiratory distress syndrome is dominated by pulmonary edema and the septic shock. We report a rare etiology of a respiratory distress secondary to a rupture of a well treated tuberculous latero-tracheal adenopathy. A 24-year-old woman was treated a year ago for a peripheral and mediastinal lymph node tuberculosis confirmed by the biopsy of a left supra clavicular adenopathy, by two months of isoniazid-rifampicin-pyrazinamide-ethambutol and seven months of isoniazid-rifampicin. The patient completed 9 month treatment with a good clinical and radiology course. Two months after stopping the antibacillary treatment, the patient was admitted to an intensive care unit with a respiratory distress syndrome requiring both intubation and artificial ventilation. The bronchial aspiration brought back plain pus. The telethorax from admission was normal and the retrospective history suggested the diagnostic of a ganglio-bronchial fistula which was confirmed by bronchial fibroscopy demonstrating right latero-tracheal fistula. The course was good with recovery of consciousness on the seventh day. Direct bacilloscopies and culture were negative. The digestive fibroscopy was normal. Finally, fistulization of a tuberculous adenopathy must be considered among the etiologies of respiratory distress even in a patient appropriately treated for mediastinal lymph node tuberculosis.

[Clinical characteristics and etiology in hemoptysis in a pneumology service. 291 cases]. / Caractéristiques cliniques et étiologiques des hémoptysies dans un service de pneumologie. A propos de 291 cas.

The aim of this work is to determine the clinical characteristics of haemoptysis and their principal aetiologies in a retrospective study of 291 cases collected over 5 years and occurring in adults who were hospitalised in a pneumology service. The annual incidence of haemoptysis was 8.8% of the in-patient population. The mean age of the patients was 46 and 47% were less than 50. The males were most frequent (69.4%) and haemoptysis was the presenting feature in 35.4%; it was minimal in 71.1% of average quantity in 26.8% and severe in 2.1%. The thoracic radiograph was judged abnormal in all cases and the abnormalities noted were suggestive of a particular aetiology in 70.8% of cases. The aetiological cause was dominated by bronchial cancer and of active pulmonary tuberculosis or its sequalae with levels of 34.4% and 18.9% respectively. For the other causes bronchial dilatation was important with 15.1% and hydatic cysts another 9.3%. Other aetiologies were represented by bacterial pneumonias with or without abscesses 7.2%, pulmonary aspergilloma 6.9%, chronic bronchitis with or without emphysema 3.5% and by rare causes in 4 cases. The cause for the haemoptysis was not found in 3.1%. This study brings out the preponderant place of bronchial cancer as a cause of haemoptysis in a country which still has a high prevalence of tuberculosis. Nevertheless the existence of tuberculosis services where the greater part of tuberculosis patients are hospitalised explains in part the predominance of bronchial cancer increasing very rapidly in our service.

[Aneurysms of the pulmonary artery in Behçet disease. Apropos of 5 new cases]. / Anévrysmes e l'artére pulmonaire au cours de la maladie de Behçet. A propos de 5 nouvelles observations.

Behçet's disease is a systemic vascularitis generally involving the venous system. Many organs may be involved, but pulmonary localizations are uncommon. We report 5 cases of pulmonary artery aneurysms observed in a series of Behçet's disease collected over a 10-year period. All patients were males, age range 18-41 years. Hempotysia was the inaugural event in all cases. Behçet's disease was recognized in only 2 of the patients initially. The diagnosis was made after recognition of the pulmonary artery aneurysms in the others. Chest x-ray showed round perihilar opacities varying in number from 2 to 4. Computed tomography with vascular opacification was performed in 4 patients and confirmed the aneurysmal nature of the opacities. Angiography was performed in 3 cases. Medical treatment with corticosteroids and/or colchicine was prescribed in all cases. One patient had left inferior lobectomy. In one case regression of the aneurysms precluded embolization. Two patients refused surgery and in one, surgery was not retained due to the large number of aneurysms. Outcome was fatal in one patient who died after cataclysmic hemoptysia. These findings underline the uncommon nature of pulmonary aneurysms in Behçet's disease and the diagnostic difficulties encountered in absence of specific signs as well as the poor prognosis of such localizations.

[Pulmonary actinomycosis. Two cases]. / Actinomycose pulmonaire. A propos de deux cas.

We report two cases of pulmonary actinomycosis in two young men. These observations are an opportunity to review the usual difficulties of diagnosis and the clinical, radiological and therapeutic characteristics in patients with this rare disease. Pulmonary actinomycosis often appears in a debilitated patient with significant disease of the teeth and gingival margins. High-dose penicillin G which is the standard treatment generally provides cure.

Mitochondrial gene expression during Xenopus laevis development: a molecular study.

Mitochondrial gene expression has been analysed during embryonic development of Xenopus laevis; the relative amounts of 12S and 16S ribosomal RNAs and of most mitochondrial messenger RNAs were determined by slot-blot and Northern-blot hybridization experiments with specific mitochondrial DNA probes. The rRNA content per embryo remained constant during early development, confirming earlier results of Chase and Dawid (1972, Dev. Biol., 27, 504-518.); on the contrary, all mRNAs decreased abruptly after fertilization within a few hours (by a factor of 5-10), remained at a very low level up to the late neurula stages and increased again during organogenesis. Since the mitochondrial DNA content does not vary during this period molecular analyses as well as biological observations suggest that the mitochondrial genome is completely inactivated at the beginning of embryonic development. The amounts of rRNAs and mRNAs evolve therefore as a function of time only according to their half-lives. Mitochondrial RNA accumulation resumes subsequently with a high rate when the general transcription in the embryo is starting again, and this occurs before the resumption of DNA replication in the organelle. It appears that the Xenopus embryonic development represents a quite clear example of regulation of the mitochondrial expression at the level of transcription.

[Smoking in Morocco: an outline of the anti-smoking campaign]. / Le tabagisme au Maroc: ébauche de lutte antitabac.

In Morocco, as in many developing countries, tobacco use has become a plague which aggravates the many already existing problems. A coordinated prevention programme which included research and a variety of educational efforts, has been underway for the past five years. The preliminary stage of the non-smoking campaign consisted of research through use of a variety of standardized questionnaires. The research results showed tobacco use in Morocco to be the following: 23.8% of secondary students are smokers with variation according to family, culture, environment and sex (33% male vs. 8.6% female); 33.8% of university students smoke, including those in Medical Schools; 52.1% of adults in the work environment smoke, including doctors. The rate declines drastically among practicing muslims (between the ages of 14 and 65) to 9.8%. The use of other drugs is significantly higher in students who use tobacco (25%) than those who do not (1.5%). A common factor appeared regardless of age, sex, or occupation: there was insufficient information available concerning the harmful effects of smoking. An educational campaign was therefore launched. As the youth were considered to be the most vulnerable target group, a major part of the educational efforts was concentrated on them. A variety of activities was implemented including conference-debates using audiovisual supports; radio and T.V. broadcasts; contests run with the assistance of the CIPADED (International Committee for the Prevention of Alcohol/Drug Dependence). Information of the harmful effects of tobacco use was diffused in workplaces, government offices, and at public assemblies. Efforts were also implemented to promote adoption of legislation which would limit tobacco consumption.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

PIP: An antismoking campaign has several stages: understanding the epidemiology of smoking, directing actions toward the most vulnerable population sectors, and increasing the awareness of educators and political authorities of the problems of smoking. Surveys in Morocco between 1980-84 showed that 23.8% of secondary school students, 33.8% of university students including medical students, and 52.1% of working adults smoke. The lowest proportions of smokers are found in the most traditional cultural sectors. Among practicing Moslems, 13.4% of males and .4% of females smoke. 33% of male but only 8.6% of female secondary students smoke, and 58.2% of employed males but 14.9% of employed females smoke. Smokers often use other drugs or alcohol; up to 25% of smokers among university students in Casablanca also reported using alcohol, kif, or hashish, vs. only 1.5% of nonsmokers. The surveys all underscore the lack of knowledge of the harmful effects of smoking among smokers. The goal of the antismoking campaign is to demonstrate that not smoking is the normal behavior. A limited but coordinated antismoking campaign underway for 5 years in Morocco has been directed toward making young people aware of the dangers of tobacco. The Moroccan Association for Prevention and Health Education (AMAPES) has conducted conferences and debates with audiovisual support or demonstrations by a mechanical smoker in educational establishments and similar organizations. Radio and television broadcasts have been sponsored. AMAPES has attempted to increase awareness among physicians of the risks of smoking to their own health and of the poor example they set for patients. Personal contacts with influentials are intended to promote antismoking legislation. The educational activities stress the goals of preserving traditional values and promoting better health, quality of life, self-esteem, and confidence. The antismoking campaign has not yet been formally evaluated, but the volume of requests to the association for additional information about the dangers of smoking and the contemplation of new antismoking laws by Parliament indicate that the goal of sensitizing the population to the problems of tobacco use has been attained. In the future, AMAPES will seek to collaborate closely with the World Health Organization and other organizations experienced in smoking prevention.

Mitochondrial tRNALeu isoforms in lung carcinoma cybrid cells containing the np 3243 mtDNA mutation.

We have investigated the representation of structural isoforms of the two mitochondrial leucyl tRNAs in lung carcinoma cybrid cell lines containing the np 3243 (MELAS) mtDNA mutation, alone or in combination with the np 12300 suppressor mutation. The mutant tRNALeu(UUR) is aminoacylated very poorly or not at all, whereas the suppressor tRNALeu(CUN) is efficiently aminoacylated. Deacylated mitochondrial tRNALeu(CUN) is present, in all human cells tested, in two structural isoforms that are separable on denaturing gels, indicating a difference in primary structure. The ratio of the two isoforms differs between cell types and is strongly biased towards one isoform in lung carcinoma cybrids containing high levels of the np 3243 mutation, compared with control cybrids. We propose that structural modification of tRNALeu(CUN) could be a natural suppression mechanism for the np 3243 and other mitochondrial tRNALeu(UUR) mutations and could underlie some of the phenotypic variability of np 3243 disease.