Genetic Structure and TALome Analysis Highlight a High Level of Diversity in Burkinabe Xanthomonas Oryzae pv. oryzae Populations.

Bacterial Leaf Blight of rice (BLB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is a major threat for food security in many rice growing countries including Burkina Faso, where the disease was first reported in the 1980's. In line with the intensification of rice cultivation in West-Africa, BLB incidence has been rising for the last 15 years. West-African strains of Xoo differ from their Asian counterparts as they (i) are genetically distant, (ii) belong to new races and, (iii) contain reduced repertoires of Transcription Activator Like (TAL) effector genes. In order to investigate the evolutionary dynamics of Xoo populations in Burkina Faso, 177 strains were collected from 2003 to 2018 in three regions where BLB is occurring. Multilocus VNTR Analysis (MLVA-14) targeting 10 polymorphic loci discriminated 24 haplotypes and showed that Xoo populations were structured according to their geographical localization and year of collection. Considering their major role in Xoo pathogenicity, we assessed the TAL effector repertoires of the 177 strains upon RFLP-based profiling. Surprisingly, an important diversity was revealed with up to eight different RFLP patterns. Finally, comparing neutral vs. tal effector gene diversity allowed to suggest scenarios underlying the evolutionary dynamics of Xoo populations in Burkina Faso, which is key to rationally guide the deployment of durably resistant rice varieties against BLB in the country.

Induced ovule-to-flower switch by interfering with SlIMA activity in tomato.

The INHIBITOR OF MERISTEM ACTIVITY in tomato (SlIMA) and MINI ZINC FINGER 2 in Arabidopsis (AtMIF2), two members of the MINI ZINC FINGER family (MIF), are involved in the regulation of flower and ovule development. MIF proteins possess a unique non-canonical zinc-finger domain that confers the capacity to interact with other protein partners. The characterization of SlIMA and AtMIF2 gain- and loss-of-function transgenic lines in Solanum lycopersicum and Arabidopsis thaliana respectively, allowed the demonstration of their conserved functional role in the termination of floral stem cell maintenance. During early floral development, the expression of SlIMA and AtMIF2 is induced by the MADS-Box transcription factor AGAMOUS (AG). Then, SlIMA or AtMIF2 protein recruits the C2H2 zinc finger KNUCKLES (KNU), in a transcriptional repressor complex together with TOPLESS (TPL) and HISTONE DEACETYLASE19 (HDA19). This complex binds to the WUSCHEL (WUS) locus leading to its repression. To further characterize the role of these interactions in flower development, we have investigated the effects of a dominant negative form of SlIMA, SlIMAch that leads to spectacular phenotypes, including ovule conversion into a floral meristem.

Transmission of Xylella fastidiosa to Grapevine by the Meadow Spittlebug.

There is little information available on Xylella fastidiosa transmission by spittlebugs (Hemiptera, Cercopoidea). This group of insect vectors may be of epidemiological relevance in certain diseases, so it is important to better understand the basic parameters of X. fastidiosa transmission by spittlebugs. We used grapevines as a host plant and the aphrophorid Philaenus spumarius as a vector to estimate the effect of plant access time on X. fastidiosa transmission to plants; in addition, bacterial population estimates in the heads of vectors were determined and correlated with plant infection status. Results show that transmission efficiency of X. fastidiosa by P. spumarius increased with plant access time, similarly to insect vectors in another family (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae). Furthermore, a positive correlation between pathogen populations in P. spumarius and transmission to plants was observed. Bacterial populations in insects were one to two orders of magnitude lower than those observed in leafhopper vectors, and population size peaked within 3 days of plant access period. These results suggest that P. spumarius has either a limited number of sites in the foregut that may be colonized, or that fluid dynamics in the mouthparts of these insects is different from that in leafhoppers. Altogether our results indicate that X. fastidiosa transmission by spittlebugs is similar to that by leafhoppers. In addition, the relationship between cell numbers in vectors and plant infection may have under-appreciated consequences to pathogen spread.

Outcome of kidney transplantations performed with preformed donor-specific antibodies of unknown etiology.

The detection of preformed donor-specific alloantibodies (DSA) with multiplex-bead arrays has led to the common observation that individuals without a history of pregnancy, transfusion or transplantation can have circulating anti-HLA antibodies of unknown etiology. We retrospectively analyzed the risk of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) and graft outcome in 41 kidney transplant recipients with DSA of unknown etiology (DSA cause-unk) at the time of transplantation. Twenty-one patients received a posttransplantation desensitization protocol, and 20 received standard immunosuppressive therapy. The mean number of DSA was 1.4 ± 0.8, ranging from 1 to 5. Complement-dependent cytotoxicity crossmatches were negative for all the patients. Flow cytometry crossmatches were positive in 47.6% of cases. The incidence of acute AMR was 14.6% at 1 year, regardless of the immunosuppressive regimen. No patients experienced graft loss following AMR. At month 12, across the entire population of patients with DSA cause-unk, the outcomes were favorable: the measured glomerular filtration rate was 63.8 ± 16.4 mL/min/1.73 m(2), the screening biopsies showed low frequencies of microvascular inflammation and no transplant glomerulopathy, and graft and patient survival were 100%. In conclusion, patients with DSA cause-unk are able to mount AMR but have favorable 1-year outcomes.

The spleen is the major source of antidonor antibody-secreting cells in murine heart allograft recipients.

Antibody-mediated allograft rejection is an increasingly recognized problem in clinical transplantation. However, the primary location of donor-specific alloantibody (DSA)-producing cells after transplantation have not been identified. The purpose of this study was to test the contribution of allospecific antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) from different anatomical compartments in a mouse transplantation model. Fully MHC-mismatched heart allografts were transplanted into three groups of recipients: nonsensitized wild type, alloantigen-sensitized wild-type and CCR5(-/-) mice that have exaggerated alloantibody responses. We found that previous sensitization to donor alloantigens resulted in the development of antidonor alloantibody (alloAb) with accelerated kinetics. Nevertheless, the numbers of alloantibody-secreting cells and the serum titers of antidonor IgG alloantibody were equivalent in sensitized and nonsensitized recipients 6 weeks after transplantation. Regardless of recipient sensitization status, the spleen contained higher numbers of donor-reactive ASCs than bone marrow at days 7-21 after transplantation. Furthermore, individual spleen ASCs produced more antidonor IgG alloantibody than bone marrow ASCs. Taken together, our results indicate that the spleen rather than bone marrow is the major source of donor-reactive alloAb early after transplantation in both sensitized and nonsensitized recipients.

How to improve screening for diabetic retinopathy: the Burgundy experience.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a mobile diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening programme on the overall ophthalmological follow-up of diabetics in Burgundy. METHODS: The primary objective was to compare the rate of eye examinations, according to the information personnalisée aux professionnels de santé (IPPS; personalized information sent to health professionals) database, in diabetics before and after the screening campaign in selected zones. The secondary objectives were to compare the rate of eye examinations in diabetics before and after the screening programme in two different situations: with a mobile site; and with general practitioners (GPs) who teach in medical school. The impact of the different kinds of information on improving DR screening participation was also assessed. RESULTS: The overall rate of ophthalmological visits did not change significantly before vs after the screening campaign (42.2% vs 41.8%; P=0.73), nor did the rate of ophthalmological visits in screened areas (44% vs 43%; P=0.58), compared with non-screened areas (41% vs 41%; P=0.99) and the sectors with GPs as teachers (47% vs 49%). Patients referred to the screening programme were mainly informed of the screening by flyers provided by the National Health System. CONCLUSION: The DR screening campaign represents a major improvement in diabetic management, as around 80% of the screened patients with DR consulted an ophthalmologist after the screening campaign. However, the overall rate of diabetics having the recommended annual ophthalmological visit in the region of Burgundy remained unchanged.

ALOX5AP expression, but not gene haplotypes, is associated with obesity and insulin resistance.

OBJECTIVE: Inflammation in adipose tissue may link obesity to insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. Arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (ALOX5AP) gene is involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). We investigated ALOX5AP expression in adipose tissue, and association of gene polymorphisms with obesity and insulin resistance. DESIGN: For gene expression analysis in adipose tissue, we studied 12 lean and 36 obese women, eight lean and 13 obese men, and nine women before and 2-4 years after gastric banding surgery. For genetic analysis, we studied 231 nonobese and 350 obese men. RESULTS: The ALOX5AP protein, 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (FLAP), as well as 5-lipoxygenase (5LO) itself, were detected in adipocytes. The mRNA expression of ALOX5AP in subcutaneous adipose tissue was increased in obesity and normalized following weight reduction. High adipose tissue mRNA expression of ALOX5AP is associated with insulin resistance as measured by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA(IR)). ALOX5AP haplotypes that associate with CVD are not associated with obesity or insulin resistance. CONCLUSION: ALOX5AP is present in adipose tissue, where its expression is associated with body weight and HOMA(IR), and may provide a link between adipose tissue, inflammation and insulin resistance. Investigated ALOX5AP haplotypes are not major primary risk factors for obesity and insulin resistance.

[Vocalab: a new software for voice evaluation and therapy]. / VOCALAB, logiciel d'aide à l'évaluation et à la rééducation de la voix.

When handling vocal pathologies, speech therapists need tools to visualise voice and speech, in order to correlate personal auditory analysis with accurate data. Vocalab2 is a spectral analysis tool designed for speech therapists, developed in partnership with INSA Toulouse, France. Vocalab is a simple and user-friendly tool with important features to be used during evaluation and therapy. The software is based on a set of phoniatric data and sophisticated real-time signal analysis (Fourier transform, fundamental detection). One of the key tools of Vocalab2 is the real-time spectrum for visualising, differentiating and comparing every cord approximation and speech movement. Animations are proposed for illustrating most phonemes, and videos related to folding cords in the case of pathologic and normal sound production are also proposed. An extensive test has been conducted during 18 month, with important feedback that has considerably improved the tool. The satisfaction ratio is around 8/10.

[Mission to Berlin 1946]. / Mission á Berlin en 1946.

An interallied military delegation went to Spandau, a Berlin suburb, in order to realize the health state of some main Nazis accused of crimes against mankind and waiting to appear before the Nürnberg Court of Justice.

Electrotransformation and natural transformation of Streptococcus pneumoniae: requirement of DNA processing for recombination.

Electrotransformation has been used as a tool to introduce genes carried on replicative vectors in hundreds of bacterial species. In this study, the technique was used to try to obtain recombination of markers in the chromosome of the naturally transformable bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. Recombination was not observed even using naturally competent cultures. Both chromosomal and cloned DNA, denatured or native, were without effect. These results suggest that it is not sufficient to introduce DNA into the cell to obtain recombinants in this bacterium. The integration of markers into the chromosome in naturally competent cells must require DNA processing during entry. Electrotransformation of replicating plasmids is recA-independent but can be facilitated by a recA-dependent process. This facilitation required the induction of the natural competence machinery, probably involving partial homologous pairing.

[The origins of the National Academy of Surgery]. / Les origines de l'Académie Nationale de Chirurgie.

The French Academy of Surgery was not created easily largely due to the frequent quarrels between physician and surgeons. Founded in 1731, it experiented many trials and tribulations for three centuries. Disbanded in 1793 by the Convention, it was transformed into Société Nationale in 1843 and only regained the name of Académie in 1935.

Electrotransformation of Streptococcus pneumoniae: evidence for restriction of DNA on entry.

Electrotransformation is a method generally used in biotechnology to introduce recombinant DNA into a wide range of bacteria. However, the mechanism of DNA entry is poorly understood. We report that in Streptococcus pneumoniae, a naturally transformable species, electrotransformation efficiently introduces a plasmid replicon. DNA is strongly restricted by the restriction-modification systems DpnI and DpnII which degrade methylated and non-methylated DNA, respectively, at GATC sequences. This suggests that in electrotransformation double-stranded DNA penetrates into these bacteria without a single-stranded DNA step in contrast to natural transformation. Single-stranded DNA by itself is able to electrotransform very weakly and linearized double-stranded plasmid DNA yields barely detectable levels of transformants.

[The introduction into France of cervical-vaginal smears]. / L'introduction en France des frottis cervicaux-vaginaux.

Cervico-vaginal smears were quite difficult to accept when they were at first introduced in France, during the fifties, probably due to fear that cytology might replace surgical pathology, where as both methods may develop close together. At last, bridging the gap was accomplished by the pathologists and, nowadays, many cytopathologists have been trained and became quite clever. Obviously, clinicians cannot do without the method described by George N. Papanicolaou (the so-called Pap test). Although cervical carcinoma is the very one cancer that should have been eradicated, as complete recovery is the rule when the diagnosis is made in time, at the preinvasive state of the tumor, in France it is still responsible for 2000 annual deaths. Systematical target pollution screening should be organized, as well as in other countries and should become one of the main priorities into health care control

[Introduction of cervico-vaginal smears in France]. / L'introduction en France des frottis cervico-vaginaux.

Cervico-vaginal smears were quite difficult to accept when they were first introduced in France, during the fifties, probably due to a fear that cytology might replace surgical pathology, whereas both methods may develop close together. At last, bridging the gap was accomplished by the pathologists and, nowadays, a number of cytopathologists have been trained and have become quite clever. Obviously, clinicians cannot do without the method described by George N. Papanicolaou (the so-called Pap test). Although cervical carcinoma is the very one cancer that should have been eradicated, as complete recovery is the rule when the diagnosis is made in time, at the preinvasive stage of the tumor, in France it is still responsible for 2000 annual deaths. Systematical target population screening should be organized, as well as in other countries and should become one of the main priorities of health care control.

Relatedness of penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae serogroup 9 strains from France and Spain.

Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of the genomic DNA of penicillin-resistant strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae was carried out. Eleven clinical strains of serogroup 9 from different French towns and Paris hospitals were tested. The restriction enzymes Apal and Smal were used to digest intact chromosomes, and the fragments were resolved by field-inversion gel electrophoresis (FIGE). Five strains were similar using Apal and Smal. Four others were closely related when using Apal, and five others were closely related when using Smal. These results suggest that 10 of these strains are genetically related and have a clonal origin. The profile of the eleventh strain was completely different. Thus, in a given serotype the spreading of penicillin resistance can result from both clonal and independent events. Five strains had similar FIGE profiles to strains first isolated in Spain, suggesting that a resistant strain had spread from Spain to France.

[The transfer of Baron Larrey's ashes from the Père Lachaise cemetery to the Invalides (December 14-15, 1992)]. / Le transfert des cendres du Baron Larrey du Père-Lachaise aux Invalides 14-15 décembre 1992.

In its meeting of May 20, 1990, the Société française d'Histoire de la Médecine decided to support Baron Larrey's wish to be buried in the Invalides. Owing to its initiative and efforts this wish is presently fulfilled. The transfer of Baron Larrey's ashes was realized on December 14 and 15, 1992. The authors report this historical event.

[The road accident is not inevitable]. / L'accident de la route n'est pas une fatalité.

Doctors can play an essential role in the epidemiology of road accidents. Problems of vision are important and require new legislation as a result of recent studies. Fatigue, drowsiness and falling asleep among driver is recognized in approximately 30% of cases. Better information should take into account recent surveys underlining the frequency of this problem. The taking of licit or illicit drugs is a non-negligible factor in the loss of control of a vehicle during prolonged journeys, and is particularly aggravated by alcohol. Users, of whom there are many in France according to statistics, should be better informed about the risks, both by clear warnings on containers and by the prescribing doctors. Of all causes of accidents, those that are about to be discussed are among the most frequent. Their prevention should diminish road mortality, a veritable national scourge.

Pulsed field gel electrophoresis for molecular epidemiology of penicillin resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae strains.

The emergence of strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae resistant to penicillin and other antibiotics has become a major concern for antimicrobial therapy of pneumococcal infections. The spread of that resistance over the world increases the need for their epidemiological surveillance: specific epidemiological markers are required. In this study, pulsed field gel electrophoresis of genomic DNA was carried out on sixteen resistant isolates of S. pneumoniae from different parts of the world and fifteen resistant isolates from Toulouse. The restriction endonucleases ApaI and SmaI were used to digest intact chromosomes and the fragments were resolved by field inversion gel electrophoresis (FIGE). Each digest produced 10 to 19 fragments for comparison between strains. The polymorphism obtained with FIGE was greater than that obtained with serotyping which appeared to be not a good criterion for genetic relatedness. Three common clones could be recognized among the penicillin-resistant isolates. Two clones were found in Spain and in Toulouse and were associated with serotypes 6B and 9V, respectively. The third clone was isolated in South Africa and in Spain and contained serotype 23F isolates and one serotype 19F strain. The FIGE profiles observed in this study also demonstrated that serogroup 23 multiresistant strains isolated in Toulouse are genetically closely related and might have originated from the same Spanish 23F clone. These results underline the importance of the geographic spread of resistant clones in the increase in the incidence of penicillin-resistant pneumococci. They indicate that pulsed field gel electrophoresis should be an effective tool for the typing of resistant S. pneumoniae strains capable of tracing their origin.