[Genotyping and molecular epidemiology of non polyomyelitic enteroviruses]. / Génotypage et épidémiologie moléculaire des entérovirus non poliomyélitiques.

Nonpolio enteroviruses can be reliably identified with molecular and computer tools for taxonomic, diagnostic and epidemiologic purposes. Seroneutralization tests can efficiently be replaced by genotyping assays using the VP1 capsid protein encoding gene to identify enterovirus strains isolated in cell cultures. Genotyping showed the close genetic relatedness between human enterovirus serotypes and animal enteroviruses and also rhinoviruses currently classified in a separate genus within the Picornaviridae family. Enterovirus genotyping can be done prospectively within 2 to 5 days in a greater number of meningitis patients, using cerebrospinal fluid specimens and hence can help in providing a prompt response to health alert. In the molecular epidemiology of human enteroviruses, recent advances were made by investigating genetic diversity within individual serotypes (genotypes, lineages) and the patterns of circulation and transmission of virus variants involved in epidemics (echovirus 30, enterovirus 71). The observation of epidemiologic features such as the frequent viral immigration of strains from different geographical origins speaks in favour of developing molecular identification of enteroviruses. Recombinant enterovirus strains can also be identified by genotyping. Homologous recombination is a major contributor to the genetic diversity in enteroviruses. Molecular signatures of recombination events are observed in circulating strains, suggesting the occurrence of frequent co-infections during their circulation within the general population. The role of genetic recombination in the emergence of virus variants and its involvement in the epidemiology of human enteroviruses should be investigated.

Prospective analysis of 61 cases of enteroviral meningitis: interest of systematic genome detection in cerebrospinal fluid irrespective of cytologic examination results.

BACKGROUND: Enteroviruses are the most commonly identified cause of viral meningitis. Detection of the enterovirus genome in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has proved to be useful in diagnosis and is more rapid and sensitive than viral cultures. In routine practice, cytologic examination results of CSF are obtained swiftly and PCR indication is performed as a second step. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine, by analysis of complete data from CSF results for 61 cases of proven enteroviral meningitis, whether cytologic CSF findings can be used to establish viral etiology and to indicate if PCR assay should be performed. STUDY DESIGN: From a prospective study of children admitted during 1997 for suspected enterovirus meningitis in which PCR and viral cultures of CSF were systematically performed, we selected 61 patients with proven enterovirus meningitis. We compared global white cell count (WCC), relative percentage of lymphocytes/neutrophils, PCR and culture for enterovirus, patient age, and clinical data. RESULTS: 92% of patients (56/61) had positive PCR in CSF and in 48% (29/61) enterovirus was isolated in CSF. Nine patients (14.75%) had WCC<10/mm(3); eight of them had positive PCR and two had positive culture. There were comparable numbers of CSF with a predominance of lymphocytes (n=25) and CSF with a predominance of neutrophils (n=22), and of positive PCR and positive cultures of CSF in the two groups. Results were not influenced by the age of the patients. CONCLUSION: Irrespective of other CSF parameters, it seems difficult to dispense with PCR assay for enterovirus genome detection. It should be introduced as a true rapid routine test. Early reporting of a positive PCR result could result in a considerable saving in health resources.

Karyotype and FISH analysis of a newly established cell line derived from a human bladder carcinoma.

A new human malignant urologic cell line was established in vitro from a moderately differentiated transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and cytogenetically characterized. Repeated chromosome analyses of the cell line using conventional RHG and GTG banding and non-radioactive in situ hybridization showed a stable karyotype with a modal number of 48 and chromosomal rearrangements, some of which have not been previously described. Numerical deviation included three trisomies (+7, +8, +9) and one nullisomy (-19, -19). Structural changes involved a balanced translocation (1;5)(q12;q12), an isochromosome 3q, a 14p+, and two markers. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), using biotin-labeled alpha satellite probes for chromosome 9 or painting for chromosomes 1 and 8, applied to interphase nuclei or metaphases showed similar results to those found by conventional cytogenetic study. This cell line may be an interesting model for fuller characterization by molecular biology studies and for testing anti-cancer drugs in vitro.

Repeated genomic transfers from echovirus 30 to echovirus 6 lineages indicate co-divergence between co-circulating populations of the two human enterovirus serotypes.

Human echovirus types 6 (E-6) and 30 (E-30) cause seasonal epidemics of aseptic meningitis. These two enteroviruses are frequently observed in co-circulation, an epidemiological pattern that is prerequisite for the occurrence of dual infections, which can lead to recombination between co-infecting virus strains. Viral sequences were determined at loci 1D (VP1 capsid protein) and 3CD (non structural proteins) in 49 E-6 strains recovered in a single geographical region in France from 1999 to 2007, during the epidemiological survey of enterovirus infections. They were compared with previously recorded sequences of E-30 strains to investigate their evolutionary histories and possible recombination patterns. Phylogenetic analyses identified two distinct E-6 populations and different subpopulations. Assuming a relaxed molecular clock model and a Bayesian skyline demographic model in coalescent analyses with the BEAST program, the substitution rate in E-6 was estimated at 8.597×10(-3) and 6.252×10(-3) substitution/site/year for loci 1D and 3CD respectively. Consistent estimates of divergence times (t(MRCA)) were obtained for loci 1D and 3CD indicating that two distinct E-6 populations originated in 1997 and 1999. Incongruent phylogenetic patterns inferred for the two loci were indicative of recombination events between the two populations. Phylogenies including the E-30 3CD sequences showed close genetic relationships between E-6 and discrete E-30 subpopulations. Recombination breakpoints were located with statistical significance in E-6 and E-30 genomes. Estimates of t(MRCA) of phylogenetic recombinant clades indicated directional genetic transfers from E-30 to E-6 populations and their co-divergence over the time period studied.

Phylogeography of circulating populations of human echovirus 30 over 50 years: nucleotide polymorphism and signature of purifying selection in the VP1 capsid protein gene.

A comprehensive set of 443 1D gene sequences (encoding the VP1 capsid protein) was analyzed to investigate the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary patterns among strains of human echovirus 30 (E30; genus Enterovirus, family Picornaviridae) characterized over 50 years. Maximum-likelihood (ML) phylogenetic trees of complete and nonredundant 1D gene sequences (total length=876 nucleotides) showed evidence of distinct lineages related to the isolation period of virus strains. Virus transportation was confirmed as a major epidemiological factor in the appearance of epidemics since recurrence of aseptic meningitis outbreaks in a given geographic area was associated with distinct E30 variants detected earlier in distant regions. Detection of the codon changes associated with E30 evolution was investigated with methods implemented in the Datamonkey web server. Evolution of the 1D gene was dominated by continual negative (purifying) selection against nonsynonymous substitutions at most codon sites, as determined by dN/dS ratio. Amino acid polymorphism was maintained at a limited number of sites (10/292) in the VP1 protein (within loops connecting beta strands and C-terminus). Amino acid changes are allowed at these sites because they are likely exposed on the virion particle and nonsynonymous substitutions are observed in the corresponding codons because negative selection is relaxed.

[Rapid diagnosis of rotavirus infections: comparative prospective study of two techniques for antigen detection in stool]. / Diagnostic rapide des infections à rotavirus: étude prospective comparative de deux techniques de détection d'antigènes dans les selles.

The ability of two commercially available diagnosis rapid assays in detecting rotavirus antigen was compared in a prospective study conducted from September 2002 to May 2003. Five hundred and twelve faecal specimens were studied by IDEIA Rotavirus enzyme immunoassay test (EIA) and Diarlex MB immunochromatographic test (ICG). Specimens giving discrepant results were examined by electron microscopy (EM) and clinical data reconsidered. Out of 512 stool specimens, 155 (30.3%) were positive and 332 (64.8%) negative with the two assays. Discrepant results were obtained for 25 (4.88%) specimens (24 children, 1 adult), with EIA giving more positive results. The retrospective examination by EM, possible for fifteen stools on the 25 that gave discrepant results, confirmed the presence of rotavirus in 7/14 stools which were positive only by EIA and in the stool specimen that was found positive only by ICG. The 25 clinical observations re-examination showed the presence of GEA signs in all cases. The statistical analysis shows an excellent concordance between the EIA and the ICG tests (kappa = 0.89, IC(95%) = [0.85-0.93]) in spite of the underestimation of ICG test in comparison with EIA test (P < 0.0001).

[Partial deletion 10qter. A new case]. / Délétion partielle 10qter. Une nouvelle observation.

A newborn with 10qter deletion is described and compared with the others previously reported cases. We confirm that the clinical features are not characteristic enough to delineate a syndrome in this chromosomal abnormality.

Differentiation of the plasma membrane of hepatic cells in monolayer cultures.

Hepatocytes from rats were isolated by treatment with trypsin and cultured. Plasma membranes at different culture stages were observed by electron microscopy. The activities of 5' nucleotidase and adenosinetriphosphatase on the plasma membranes were examined. The cell coat was also studied by use of the concanavalin A-peroxidase technique. The surfaces of single cells, covered with microvilli, are the site of adenosinetriphosphatase activity only and are devoid of 5'-nucleotidase activity. After a few h of culture, the cells are grouped together in tight clusters or long trails and are separated by an intercellular space of 250 A, partially permeable to lanthanum nitrate. The juxtaposed plasma membranes on which 5'-nucleotidase and adenosinetriphosphatase activities occur also delimit spaces similar to bile canaliculi. The formation of junction complexes and their permeability to lanthanum nitrate was also studied. No enzymatic activity is observed at the junctions. The numerous tight junctions, impervious to the tracer, are always accompanied by a profusion of microfilaments. Mature desmosomes are rare, and are present only in the form of "maculae adhaerentes diminutae." The gap junctions, nearly always permeable to the tracer, form rapidly and assume a variety of shapes (trail, bulge and ring-like), the significance of which is open to discussion. The use of concanavalin A permits localization of the free sugar sites on the surface of the cells, in the pinocytotic vesicles and in the internal space of the gap junctions.

[Tay-Sachs disease: a case report. Interest of ultrastructural studies of cultured skin fibroblasts (author's transl)]. / Un cas de maladie de Tay-Sachs. Intérêt de l'étude ultrastructurale des fibroblastes en culture.

Ultrastructural studies of cultured skin fibroblasts derived from an individual affected with Tay-Sachs disease (GM2 gangliosidosis variant B) diagnosed by clinical observation and hexosaminidase A deficiency, revealed several lamellar lysosomal inclusions. These inclusions are not seen in cultured fibroblasts and cultured amniotic fluid cells derived from individuals heterozygotic for Tay-Sachs disease. Normal cells were cultured and observed for comparison.

Effect of environmental factors and tissue culture methodology in producing and studying cultured cardiac cells.

Improvement in the method of heart cell cultures is described and justified in relation to environmental factors. The validity of such cardiac cell culture for cardiac research is discussed in light of particular cellular activities: differentiation of lipoprotein lipase, myoglobin biosynthesis, glucose and fatty acid metabolism pleiotypic responses (rotein, RNA, and DNA biosyntheses, substrates transports) to serum stimulation, and the architectonic growth of muscle and nonmuscle cells.

[Action of erucic and palmitic acids on rat cardiac myoblasts in primary cell culture. An ultrastructural study (author's transl)]. / Etude ultrastructurale de l'action de l'acide érucique et de lacide palmitique sur les myoblastes cardiaques de rat nouveau-né en culture primaire.

Primary cultures of beating myocardial cells of neonatal rat are taken in order to observe the ultrastructural modifications caused by certain long chain fatty acids (erucic acid C22 : 1 and palmitic acid C16 : 0). Reference cultures are established and observed at the same time as the others. The eurcic acid create an intense steatosis, on the opposite palmitic acid does not. On the contrary the transormations of certain cellular organites such as mitochondria, dictyosomes, rough endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes are observed in both cases.

Replication of echo virus type 25 JV-4 reference strain and wild type strains in MRC5 cells compared with that of poliovirus type 1.

In echo virus type 25/JV-4 the shut off of host cell protein synthesis took significantly longer and the kinetics of the synthesis of viral proteins and viral RNA occurred much later than in the poliovirus. However, these characteristics impaired neither polyprotein processing nor virus production in the JV-4 strain. In contrast the two wild strains M.1262 and Th.222 had a lower virus yield than strain JV-4. The presence of a high Mr protein in the pattern of viral proteins of wild strains suggested that a defect in the polyprotein processing was responsible for the decreased virus yield. The infectious cycle of strain Th.222 differed from that of strains JV-4 and M.1262 in the rapid inhibition of host cell translation and the extent of viral protein synthesis. The sensitivity to actinomycin D was also investigated. Strain M.1262 was found to be insensitive. The virus yield of strains JV-4 and Th.222 was three- and fourfold lower respectively in the presence of actinomycin D. This sensitivity to the antibiotic was observed during viral RNA synthesis in strain JV-4 and during viral protein synthesis in strain Th.222. These results suggest that cellular factors are involved in the replication of echo virus type 25 strains in MRC5 cells.

[Farber's lipogranulomatosis. Apropos of a case]. / Lipogranulomatose de Farber. A propos d'un cas.

A case of Farber's lipogranulomatosis is described in an 18 month-old girl. There was clinical evidence for diagnosis, which was confirmed by a ceramidase activity assay on cultured fibroblasts. A study of the conjunctiva by electron microscopy was performed. The authors emphasize the clinical and biological characteristics of such cases.

[Prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal anomalies by chorionic villi sampling: culture technic and preliminary results]. / Dépistage prénatal des anomalies chromosomiques par prélèvement des villosités choriales: technique de culture et résultats préliminaires.

Chorionic villi biopsies made during the first trimester of pregnancy allow an early prenatal diagnosis of many fetal abnormalities. The authors described a simple and rapid method of mesenchymal cells culture which have the advantage of improving the quality and number of the mitoses examined.

[A simple rapid method of culturing chorionic villi. Identification and description of maternal cells in culture]. / Une méthode simple et rapide de culture des villosités choriales. Identification et description des cellules maternelles en culture.

Chorionic villi cell cultures is a complement to direct chromosome analysis. It is indispensable for the determination of certain enzymatic activities. A rapid, simple and reliable method of culture is described which allows height quality karyotyping in a week. Confusion with maternal cells is a possible source of error. The authors identified and described these maternal cell types.

[Ciliary immotility syndrome without situs inversus in 2 children]. / Syndrome d'immotilité ciliaire chez deux enfants sans situs inversus.

The authors report two cases of immotile cilia syndrome occurring in two children without situs inversus. The two boys, 3 and 7 years old, had bronchiectasis, chronic sinusitis and recurrent upper airway infections. In the siblings, we found Kartagener's syndrome (sister of the first boy, and two sibs of the second). The diagnosis in the 2 cases was performed by study of ciliary motion in bronchial brushing. Ultrastructural examination of biopsies from bronchial mucosa showed specific defects of the axoneme.

Circulation of enteroviruses and persistence of meningitis cases in the winter of 1999-2000.

The seasonal incidence of enterovirus meningitis was analyzed in a prospective study of patients admitted for suspected meningitis from October 1, 1998 to April 30, 2000. In-house reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was used irrespective of cytological results. Fifty-two (45.2%) of the 115 patients had positive RT-PCR in CSF, including 44/86 children (51.2%) and 8/29 adults (27.6%). Six of the 52 (11.5%) had no pleocytosis. The numbers of CSF specimens with a predominance of lymphocytes or a predominance of neutrophils were closely similar. In 33 of the positive patients, an enterovirus, mainly echoviruses type 6 (48%) and 30 (24%), was recovered in one or more specimens. Sixteen cases of enteroviral meningitis were observed between November 1999 and March 2000 as against 2 cases between November 1998 and March 1999, showing that the disease persisted through the winter months of 1999-2000. During the same period, 96 enterovirus isolates were recovered from clinical specimens from other patients. The number of isolates was higher in the winter of 1999-2000 (P < 0.01) than in the winter of 1998-1999, indicating that the risk of enterovirus infection increased significantly in winter 1999-2000. Sixteen patients had aseptic meningitis, made a rapid recovery and had an enterovirus in throat swabs and stools (9/16) or in one of the two (7/16). RT-PCR was not requested. Nine patients were admitted during the cold months. The clinical management of both adult and child patients could be improved by year-round use of enterovirus generic RT-PCR.

[Contribution of anatomic verification of the fetus and newborn infant in diagnosis and genetic counseling. Apropos of 221 autopsies]. / Apport de la vérification anatomique du foetus et du nouveau-né pour le diagnostic et le conseil génétique. A propos de 221 autopsies.

The authors report the results of 221 post-mortem examinations of fetuses, newborns, and infants performed during 26 months and theirs involvements in genetic counselling. 10,8% of these cases are provided by therapeutic terminations of pregnancy; necropsy confirmed the diagnosis afforded except for maternal infectious diseases contracted during pregnancy in which post-mortem examination revealed generally no abnormality. Genetic diseases represented 33,7%: in these cases anatomic examination took variable role, it is more important in multivisceral malformative syndromes, sudden death of infancy, and histologically prominent feature diseases. In 38,5% of cases, medical acquired disease were found; it elucidated cause of death and generally permitted to carry out favourable genetic counselling. At least 17,1% of cases stayed unexplained after necropsy.

[In vitro study of fibroblasts from patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Evaluation of capping and ultrastructural aspect]. / Etude in vitro de fibroblastes de malades atteints de myopathie de Duchenne: évaluation du capping et aspect ultrastructural.

There have been conflicting studies of lymphocyte capping from patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. We have evaluated the proportion of capped fibroblasts of 10 patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The results, compared with 15 normal controls, showed that the reduction of fibroblast capping is correlated to age patients. Additional studies, decreased number of retracted fibroblasts after colchicine incubation and ultrastructural observations, suggest that capping deficit would be the consequence of microtubular system alteration. This late phenomenon may be secondary to the primary membrane defect.