Malaria congénita: A propósito de un caso / Congenital malaria: Case report

La malaria congénita es una patología relativamente rara en el contexto de las patologías neonatales. El presente caso se trata de un recién nacido masculino de 24 días de vida con malaria congénita por Plasmodium vivax y falciparum cuyo diagnóstico se observó a través del estudio de la gota gruesa. El recién nacido es procedente de una zona poco endémica, pero la madre viajó por compromiso laborales en varias ocasiones a una zona endémica en el Estado Bolívar. La madre presentó malaria gestacional a partir del I trimestre de gestación con tratamiento irregular. Las manifestaciones clínicas del recién nacido fueron fiebre de 40°c y el tratamiento antimalárico fue con Artesunate 60 mg con adecuada respuesta clínica, confirmada mediante la negativización de la gota gruesa al finalizar el tratamiento. Es importante considerar el diagnóstico diferencial con el de sepsis neonatal sobre todo en pacientes procedentes de zonas de riesgo y endémicas. La malaria congénita es real y por lo tanto se recomienda que los recién nacidos de madres con malaria deben ser examinados inmediatamente.

Congenital malaria is a relatively rare disease in the context of neonatal pathologies. We present a case of a 24 day old newborn male with congenital malaria by Plasmodium vivax and falciparum whose diagnosis was performed through the study of thick film. The newborn comes from a non- endemic area were as the mother because of worktravelled to an endemic area of our country in Bolivar state. The mother had a maternal history of seasonal malaria during the I trimester of gestation with irregular treatment. The clinical manifestation of the newborn was fever 40 °c and the antimalarial treatment was performed with Artesunate at 60 mg with adequate clinical response, confirmed by the thick film negativization at the end of the treatment. It is important to consider the differential diagnosis with neonatal sepsis especially in patients from endemic areas and risk. Congenital malaria is real and therefore it is recommended that newborns of mothers with malaria should be examined immediately.

Impact of AQP3 inducer treatment on cultured human keratinocytes, ex vivo human skin and volunteers.

One of the main functions of the skin is to protect the organism against environmental threats, such as thermal stress. Aquaporin-3 (AQP3) facilitates water and glycerol transport across cell membranes and therefore regulates osmotic balance in different situations of stress. This mechanism seems to be particularly important for the resistance of different organisms to cold stress. Consequently, we were interested in investigating the effect of cold and osmotic stress on AQP3 expression in normal human keratinocytes. We developed a new active ingredient to stimulate aquaporins in skin and demonstrated the partial restoration of AQP3 expression in keratinocytes transfected with AQP3 siRNA. Moreover, we examined the effect of cold stress on cell morphology and the impact of a pre-treatment with the active ingredient. Our results indicated that induction of AQP3 helped maintain a correct organization of the actin cytoskeleton, preserving cell morphology and preventing cells from rounding. Immunofluorescent staining revealed cytoplasmic localization of AQP3 and its translocation to the cell membrane following osmotic stress. Histological ex vivo studies of skin under different conditions, such as cold environment and tape-stripping, indicated that increase in AQP3 expression appears to be involved in skin protection and showed that the pattern of AQP3 expression was more enhanced in the active ingredient-treated samples. In vivo confocal microscopy by Vivascope showed a generally healthier appearance of the skin in the treated areas. These results attest to the potential value of the active ingredient in optimizing environmental stress resistance and protecting the skin from stratum corneum damage.

Maintenance of the ubiquitin-proteasome system activity correlates with visible skin benefits.

Researches on longevity and anti-ageing molecules have clearly evidenced the potential to increase lifespan of the cells. These recent scientific data raise interests and questions on the capacity of the cells to live longer and maintain their fundamental mechanisms of protection, reparation or degradation of abnormal proteins to maintain their capital of healthy and functional cellular activity. In this concern, this study was focused on the ubiquitin-proteasome system as an essential cellular tool to maintain the pool of functionally active proteins allowing renewal of proteins and degradation of damaged proteins. As the proteasome keeps the 'cells health capital', it should be particularly interesting to associate the maintenance of the proteasome activity with increasing longevity. Indeed, although oxidative stress damage increases with ageing leading to collagen and cellular membrane alterations, it also leads to a reduction in the proteasome activity which is critical for the cells. The aim of this study was to better understand the cellular role of the proteasome and to provide new data showing the skin beneficial effects in activating the overall system of ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. For this purpose, in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of maintaining the ubiquitin-proteasome activity in basal and stress conditions on young versus aged cells. Experiments have included evaluation of a newly developed dimerized tripeptide targeting specifically the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Our results have demonstrated that maintenance of this essential mechanism that participates in abnormal protein elimination and protein renewal allows maintaining cellular integrity that correlates with visible skin benefits.

Image analysis to quantify histological and immunofluorescent staining of ex vivo skin and skin cell cultures.

Image processing steps and analysis techniques were developed for the quantification of photomicrographs obtained from light and fluorescence microscopy. The substrates examined were either skin cell cultures, such as normal human keratinocytes (NHK) or fibroblasts, or ex vivo skin sections. Examples of the analyses are provided for the comparison of skincare active ingredient treated samples vs. placebo to demonstrate the utility of the methods to quantify and provide numerical data for a procedure that is typically qualitative in nature and based on observations by a histologist. Quantifiable experiments that are discussed include: Fontana Masson staining for melanin expression; Nile red staining to detect cellular lipid droplets; nuclei staining with diamidino-phenylindole (DAPI); and immunofluorescent staining of protein expression with a primary antibody directed against the protein (antigen) and a secondary antibody tagged with a fluorescent dye (Alexa Fluor 488) against the primary antibody.

Hydroxyapatite organofunctionalized with silylating agents to heavy cation removal.

Hydroxyapatite surface silylation with organosilane derivatives (H3CO)3SiR, R being the corresponding organic moieties CH2CH2CH2NH2, CH2CH2CH2NHCH2CH2NH2, and CH2CH2CH2NHCH2CH2NHCH2CH2NH2, was carried out to yield organofunctionalized nanomaterials, named HApR1, HApR2, and HApR3, respectively. The products were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, and (1P and 13C NMR in the solid state. The amounts of groups grafted onto surfaces were 0.75+/-0.05, 2.35+/-0.14, and 2.48+/-0.18 mmolg(-1) for HApRx (x=1,2,3) surfaces, respectively. Linear correlations between elemental analysis, mass loss, (31)P chemical shift data, and the characteristics of the chain of each alkoxysilane were observed. The organic basic centers distributed onto the external surface have the ability to adsorb divalent copper and cobalt cations from aqueous solution. The degree of adsorption obtained from batchwise processes showed the best performance of these synthesized nanomaterials when compared with the pristine hydroxyapatite.

Cotton honeydew (Gossypium hirsutum L.) extract offers very interesting properties for hair cosmetics and care products.

Cotton honeydew extract is composed of a unique combination of oligosaccharides, including fructose, glucose, inositol, melezitose, saccharose, trehalose and trehalulose. Studies have shown that these oligosaccharides exhibit a protective effect. Therefore, we were interested in studying the effect of these oligosaccharides on normal and damaged human hair. Both clinical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies were performed. Standardized human hair samples were used to determine the effect of a rinse-off mask with 1% cotton honeydew extract on the ultrastructure of hair. In addition, hair samples were submitted to different aggressions, following various experimental protocols. SEM showed that, without extra aggression, the cuticle scales appeared to lie more smoothly in the hair in cotton honeydew extract-treated samples than in untreated samples. The extract-treated hair samples were also less prone to chipping. In contrast, the control, untreated hair samples retained a dry and damaged appearance and were prone to chipping and progressive splitting. In a clinical study, 15 volunteers had half of their hair treated with a formula with 1% honeydew extract and the other half was left untreated as a control. Pictures and visual evaluation of the hair showed that the honeydew extract formula left the hair with a smoothness that was far superior to the control side and this result was confirmed by SEM. In addition, mRNA studies on epidermal cells were performed and confirmed the stimulating effect of honeydew extract on keratin synthesis. These results demonstrate that cotton honeydew extract can be of great use in hair care products and cosmetics.

Quercus suber cork extract displays a tensor and smoothing effect on human skin: an in vivo study.

Recently, it has become indispensable for anti-aging active ingredients to provide a visible and immediate smoothing antiwrinkle effect. In Quercus suber, suberin is the most important structural component of cork cell walls. Studies have shown that suberin is made up mostly of hydroxycarboxylic acids and that it is endowed with many special mechanical and chemical properties that evoke a possible smoothing effect on the surface of the skin. Therefore, we were interested in investigating the effect of this cork extract on the skin's surface in a double-blind clinical study. The study was conducted in 15 healthy volunteers, aged 22 to 52 years. The volunteers applied a gel formula with 3% of cork extract, or placebo gel, on each forearm. Skin surface roughness was evaluated visually by pictures and by silicone replicas 1 and 2 h after application, followed by statistical analysis using the matched-pairs McNemar statistical test. McNemar analysis of the pictures revealed that application of cork extract on the skin resulted in a highly significant reduction of roughness 1 h after application. This effect was observed in 73.3% of volunteers. Two hours after cork extract application, a highly significant improvement of skin roughness was found in 78.6% of volunteers. Moreover, silicone replica treatment confirmed significant improvement in average of roughness at 2 h. These results demonstrate that cork extract provides a remarkable and highly significant tensor and smoothing effect on the skin, which could be of great use in anti-aging skin care products.

Collagen-like peptide exhibits a remarkable antiwrinkle effect on the skin when topically applied: in vivo study.

In this double-blind clinical study, we evaluated the effect of our newly developed synthetic collagen-like hexapeptide on wrinkles. Twenty healthy women volunteers, aged 40 to 62 years old, participated in the study Volunteers applied either a gel formula containing 3% of the collagen-like peptide and 1% of a booster molecule that stimulates general cell metabolism with no specific effect on wrinkles, or a placebo gel, on the eye zone area twice a day for 4 weeks. Control visits were performed at the beginning and the end of the study. Skin wrinkles were evaluated clinically and by silicon replica analysis followed by statistical treatment using the matched-pairs Student's t-test. The results showed that application of the collagen-like peptide on the skin significantly reduced the total surface of wrinkles and this effect was observed in 75% of the replicas. Similarly, the decrease in number and average depth of wrinkles was also significant and was observed in 65% and 75% of the replicas, respectively. The effect of the collagen-like peptide on reducing the total and average length of wrinkles was also remarkable. This effect was statistically highly significant (p < 0.003) and was observed in 75% to 80% of the replicas. Moreover these results were supported by volunteer questionnaires and clinical observation. The results demonstrate that the collagen-like peptide acts deeply and intensely on wrinkles; these properties are of great interest in the field of antiaging skin care research.

Date palm kernel extract exhibits antiaging properties and significantly reduces skin wrinkles.

Hormones play a central role in skin appearance and are implicated in skin aging. Recently, along with the remarkable increase in interest in natural products, the application of phytohormones in antiaging products has become very important. In this context, we developed date palm kernel extract. Date palm kernel is rich in phytohormones and we investigated the antiaging properties of date palm kernel in this in vivo study on wrinkles. Ten healthy women volunteers, between the ages of 46 and 58 years, applied the cream formula with 5% date palm kernel or placebo on the eye area twice a day for 5 weeks. The evaluation was made both clinically and by silicon replica analysis followed by statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon test. Silicon replica results showed that topical application of date palm kernel reduced the total surface of wrinkles by 27.6% (p = 0.038). Moreover, date palm kernel reduced the depth of wrinkles by 3.52% (p = 0.0231). These results are statistically significant and were clinically confirmed where visual improvement was seen in 60% of the volunteers treated. This in vivo study demonstrates that date palm kernel exhibits a significant antiwrinkle effect and is therefore of interest in antiaging skin care products.

Alzheimer's disease: transgenic mouse models and drug assessment.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), characterized by neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of the brain, is experienced by more and more elderly people in a form of senile dementia. Four genes are closely linked with AD and are located on chromosomes 21, 19, 14 and 1. Transgenic technology enables the development of animal models for research into this human disease. Recently reported transgenic AD mouse models, which express AD-related mutant human genes, develop some significant aspects of AD-like pathology. The specific role of these mice in representing different targets, the consequent pathology of AD and the availability of this increasingly popular tool for investigating new therapeutic strategies for AD are reviewed.

Protective effects of delapril, indapamide and their combination on stroke occurrence and lifespan in salt-loaded stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats.

The effects of long-term oral administration of delapril (CAS 83435-67-0), indapamide (CAS 26807-65-8) and their combination on the occurrence of stroke and on mortality were investigated in young salt-loaded stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRsp) for 31 weeks of treatment (8th-39th week of age) and up to 8 weeks thereafter. Body weight and saline consumption were investigated at regular intervals and cerebrovascular lesions, renal and heart weight were assessed after sacrifice. Untreated SHRsp served as controls. About 50% of control animals died within 6 weeks of saline administration and in 56% of surviving animals cerebral lesions were present at sacrifice, while no death and no cerebral lesions were observed in animals drinking saline, to which delapril, indapamide and their combination had been added, up to the end of treatment. This protective effect was maintained even in the withdrawal period. All treatments induced a highly significant (p < 0.001) reduction of heart weight/body weight and kidney weight/body weight ratios.

MK-801 prevents 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced parkinsonism in primates.

In cynomologus monkeys, systemic administration of MK-801, a noncompetitive antagonist for the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, prevented the development of the parkinsonian syndrome induced by the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). MK-801 also attenuated dopamine depletion in the caudate and putamen and protected dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra from the degeneration induced by the neurotoxin. Nevertheless, 7 days after MPTP administration in the caudate and putamen of monkeys also receiving MK-801, the levels of toxic 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium were even higher than those measured in monkeys receiving MPTP alone. This indicates that the protective action of MK-801 is not related to MPTP metabolism and strongly suggests that, in primates, the excitatory amino acids could play a crucial role in the mechanism of the selective neuronal death induced by MPTP.

Sister-chromatid exchange rates in XX and XY cells of ten chimeric Callithrix jacchus individuals.

In order to ascertain whether or not sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) differs in relation to sex, SCE rates in XX and XY cells from 10 specimens of marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) were examined. The choice of this primate is particularly suitable for three reasons: most individuals have a chimeric constitution, the X chromosome is quite large and the Y chromosome is particularly small. Therefore, the influence of possible differences in their exposure to the external environment can be eliminated. The results obtained did not reveal any significant difference between SCE rates in male and female cells in any of the examined individuals.

Evaluation of the toxicity of indomethacin in a 4-week study, by oral route, in the marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).

A subacute toxicity study of Indomethacin administered by oral route, was carried out in the marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). Groups of three males and three females received Indomethacin directly into the stomach by means of a catheter for a period of 4 weeks at the dose levels of 0, 2, 6, and 12 mg/kg body wt/day and then were euthanized for pathological evaluation. All marmosets given 12 mg/kg/day and one marmoset given 6 mg/kg/day died during the dosing period (within 20 days). At 12 mg/kg/day, Indomethacin induced severe gastrointestinal toxicity (hemorrhage, ulcers, and necrosis with peritonitis), while at the dosages of 6 and 2 mg/kg/day some moderate to slight dose-related functional and morphological renal alterations (increase of serum urea, reduction of serum albumin, increase of serum potassium and/or chloride, and subacute inflammation) were observed. The fact that in many respects these alterations are similar to those observed in man is a further demonstration of the validity of the marmoset as an experimental model.

[The medico-legal evaluation of disability in tuberculosis]. / Il giudizio medico-legale di invalidità nella tubercolosi.

The problem of invalidity statement comes out when disease causes a quantitatively and quantitatively verifiable irreversible alteration in the state of a subject in its functional aspects. That is, we must verify if and of what the pulmonary tubercular reliquates induced a reduced peripheral oxygen availability. For this reason, the damage valuation can't leave out of consideration of the at rest and under stress analysis of respiratory function. About invalidity judgement in subjects already affected by tuberculosis, we must repeat that there are some contraindications in heavy, mostly dusty, works doing, particularly when a pneumoconiosis combines with tuberculosis. At last, Author mentions the tables in force, indicating the civil invalidity valuation. At the present time, these tables are based on respiratory function damage.