Whole-Genome Sequencing of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides Italian Strain 57/13, the Causative Agent of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia.

Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides is generally considered one of most pathogenic Mycoplasma species, and it is the etiological agent of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP). Here, we present the annotated genome sequence of M. mycoides subsp. mycoides Italian strain 57/13, isolated in 1992 during CBPP outbreaks in Italy.

IL-18 and interferon-gamma in HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma: a model of interplay between immune status and cancer.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a frequent malignancy with a high rate of mortality, and the hepatitis B and C viruses are considered major etiological factors associated with the development of chronic inflammation. Today, there is increasing evidence that the inflammatory process, mediated by the complex cytokine network, is inherently associated with many cancer types, including HCC. In this study we have assayed Th1 cytokines, such as IL-18 and IFN gamma, in the sera of 23 HCC patients with HCV infection, analysing their possible association with HCC in respect to 20 patients: 12 carriers for HCV infection and 8 healthy controls. We have also evaluated the possible difference on IL-18 and IFN gamma in HCC patients with respect to the number of hepatic nodules and rate of tumor differentiation. The mean values of serum IL-18 levels were significantly higher in HCC patients than in HCV carriers (p < 0.001) while IFN gamma serum levels were similar in cases and controls. No significant correlation was present between IL-18 and IFN gamma. In addition, IL-18 was higher in HCC patients with two or more nodules in respect to HCC patients with one nodule (372+/-140 vs 109+/-73 pg /mL; p <0.001). There is no significant difference in HCC patients and no correlation between the cytokines and other evaluated variables such as HCV RNA, alpha-1 fetoprotein, genotype and demographics of HCC patients. Taken together, our data suggest that IL-18 may play a key role in the pathogenesis of HCC and its levels can be utilized as a possible marker in the diagnosis of HCC.

The in vitro effect of a lyophilized extract of wine obtained from Jacquez grapes on human chondrocytes.

The present work was aimed at evaluating the in vitro effects of a lyophilized extract of wine (JW-E) obtained from Jacquez grapes (Vitis aestivalis-cinereaxVitis vinifera grapes) on the production of key molecules released in inflammatory disease utilising interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) activated chondrocytes. The extract contains large amounts of phenolic components, in particular some flavonoids (flavan-3-ols, also known as catechins) and proanthocyanidins, as hydroxycinnamic acids and anthocyanins, that possess several biological features such as antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects and a "radical scavenger" activity too. In this study, we assayed the effect of JW-E on the production of key molecules released during chronic inflammatory events as nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandins E(2) (PGE(2)) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human chondrocytes culture, stimulated with proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1beta. The JW-E proved to possess good ability against the harmfull effects of IL-1beta. Our data showed the protective effects of JW-E in cartilage alteration, that appears greater than that elicited by indomethacin, a not steroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID), commonly employed in joint diseases.

"In vitro" differences among (R) and (S) enantiomers of profens in their activities related to articular pathophysiology.

An important group of non steroidal antinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which have been used for the symptomatic treatment of various forms of arthritis, are the 2-arylpropionic acid derivatives, 'profens'. By virtue of a chiral carbon atom on the propionic acid side chain, they exist as enantiomeric pairs. Whereas the S (+) enantiomer could be represented as an effective, but unselective COX inhibitor, the R (-) enantiomer could be much less active in this respect. However, recent findings suggest that certain pharmacological effects of profens cannot be attributed exclusively to the S (+) enantiomer. To obtain further insights into the pharmacological effects of profens, this study investigated the influence of pure enantiomers (S), (R), and racemic flurbiprofen and ketoprofen on the production of NO, MMP-3, PGE(2), ROS and GAGs, key molecules involved in cartilage destruction. Our results show that (S) flurbiprofen and ketoprofen decrease, at 1- and 10-microM concentrations, the interleukin-1beta induced cartilage destruction.

Protective effects of benzisothiazolylamidines on IL-1 beta induced alterations in human articular chondrocyte metabolism.

The in vitro effects on human articular chondrocytes were evaluated for a series of N-benzo[d]isothiazol-3-yl-amidines, bearing as pharmacophoric moiety the nonacidic isosteric nitrogen analogue of the carboxylic group. The aim was to verify their effectiveness in articular diseases, such as arthritis. Human chondrocytes were treated with IL-1beta in the presence of a series of N-benzo[d]isothiazol-3-yl-amidines at a concentration of 100 microg/mL. After 120 h, the amount of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), the production of nitric oxide (NO) and the inhibition of metalloproteinases (MMP-3) and prostaglandin (PGE2) were measured. Nitrite production induced by inflammatory IL-1beta on cultured chondrocytes was inhibited by the N-benzo[d]isothiazol-3-yl-amidines tested, in particular by N-benzo[d]isothiazol-3-yl-benzamidine, which was the most active. Concerning the effects on GAGs, all the tested benzisothiazolylamidines, and in particular N-benzo[d]isothiazol-3-yl-acetamidine, prevented the depletion of proteoglycan induced by IL-1beta. Inhibitory effects of the tested compounds on MMP-3 activity and on PGE2 production were also observed.

Different in vitro activity of flurbiprofen and its enantiomers on human articular cartilage.

The 2-arylpropionic acid derivatives or 'profens' are an important group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that have been used for the symptomatic treatment of various forms of arthritis. These compounds are chiral and the majority of them are still marketed as racemate although it is known that the (S)- form is the principal effective in the cyclooxygenase inhibition. However, recent findings suggest that certain pharmacological effect of 2-arylpropionic acids cannot be attributed exclusively to the (S)-(+) enantiomer. To obtain further insights into the pharmacological effect of profens, the present study investigated the influence of racemic and pure enantiomers of flurbiprofen on the production of nitric oxide and glycosaminoglycans, key molecules involved in cartilage destruction. The culture of human articular cartilage stimulated by interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), which plays an important role in the degradation of cartilage, has been established, as a profit experimental model, for reproducing the mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of arthritic diseases. Our results show that mainly (S)-(+)-flurbiprofen decreases, at therapeutically concentrations, the IL-1beta induced cartilage destruction.

In vitro evaluation of thiazolyl and benzothiazolyl Schiff bases on pig cartilage.

A series of anti-inflammatory agents known as Schiff bases, combining thiazolyl and benzothiazolyl ring and vanillin moieties in the same molecule, was synthesized and evaluated for screening anti-degenerative activity on nasal pig cartilage cultures treated with interleukin 1beta, (IL-1beta). The amount of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), released into the culture medium, were detected. The tested Schiff bases decreased, dose-dependently, the NO and PGE2 production and the GAGs release with respect to samples treated with IL-1beta alone, showing a different behavior correlated to their structure. These results suggest that thiazolyl and benzothiazolyl Schiff bases in general, and particularly the Schiff base with bromine and methoxyl group in position three would protect cartilage matrix from degenerative factors induced by IL-1beta.

Thienopyrimidine derivatives prevent cartilage destruction in articular disease.

The effects of a series of thienopyrimidine derivatives on the prevention of cartilage destruction in articular disease were investigated. Anti-degenerative activity was assayed on culture of nasal pig cartilage in the presence or in the absence of interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta). The amount of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and the production of nitric oxide (NO) in the culture medium were determined. Some thienopyrimidine derivatives, in the presence of IL-beta, blocked the cartilage breakdown by inhibiting both the NO production and GAGs release in a dose-dependent manner.

[Survey of lymphatic filariasis on Ouvea Island in New Caledonia]. / Enquete sur la filariose lymphatique dans l'île d'Ouvéa en Nouvelle-Calédonie.

Several cases of Bancroftian filariasis were recently reported on Ouvea Island which is part of the archipelago of New Caledonia located in the south Pacific Ocean. Following these reports systematic screening was carried out in a group of 382 adult consultees at two medical dispensaries. Tests to detect microfilariae in the blood and antibodies in serum were performed at the Pasteur Institute in New Caledonia and the Malarde Institute in Papeete, French Polynesia, respectively. Of the two subjects with manifestations consistent with filariasis, one was seropositive but neither presented microfilariae. Overall 14 subjects (3.7 p. 100) presented microfilariae and 124 were seropositive (33.5 p. 100). The serologic index was significantly higher in men than in women (6.1 p. 100 vs 2.1 p. 100). Parasitic and serologic indexes were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in subjects living in the northern than southern part of the island. As in previous studies in New Caledonia, present data showed that Bancrofitian filariasis is asymptomatic on Ouvea Island. This finding contrasts with the symptomatic forms described on other islands in the south Pacific.

Effects of almitrine bismesylate in a microswine model of hypoxemic hypothermia.

We have developed an anesthetized microswine model of hypoxemic hypothermia and rewarming for testing prophylaxes and treatments. The respiratory stimulant almitrine bismesylate (ALM) was considered as a potential field expedient therapy for hypoxemic hypothermia. Preliminary experiments demonstrated that five consecutive 100 micrograms.kg-1 ALM intravenous (i.v.) doses given to normothermic microswine 3-4 min apart increased minute ventilation from an average of 3.4 L.min-1 to 4.5 L.min-1 (n = 2). However, when either a single i.v. ALM dose of 150 micrograms.kg-1 (n = 1) or three consecutive 100 micrograms.kg-1 i.v. doses given 15 min apart (n = 1) to hypoxemic hypothermic microswine with a mean esophageal temperature (Tes) = 28.8 degrees C, and a mean arterial O2 partial pressure (PaO2) = 49 mmHg, the hypoxemia was potentiated (mean PaO2 = 32 mmHg) and respiratory arrest ensued. Other experiments using continuous ALM i.v. infusion (1.0 microgram.kg-1.min-1) in hypoxemic hypothermic microswine (n = 6, Tes = 30.6 +/- 0.5, PaO2 = 55.4 +/- 12.9) did not demonstrate significant (p < or = 0.05) cardiorespiratory differences (ventilation, heart rate, blood pressure, blood gases) when compared to hypoxemic hypothermic controls (n = 6, Tes = 30.7 +/- 0.5, PaO2 = 53.3 +/- 13.6). These results suggest that high dose i.v. bolus administration of ALM is not indicated as a potential field expedient therapy for hypoxemic hypothermia, while further work is required to assess the potential efficacy of other continuous low dose i.v. infusion regimens.

A miniswine model of acute exertional heat exhaustion.

METHOD: We examined the thermoregulatory and hemodynamic responses of 12 miniswine (31 +/- 3.9 kg) during 25-30 min of treadmill exercise (5.4 km.h-1, 5% grade) under cool (10 degrees C), moderate (20 degrees C) and warm (30 degrees C) ambient temperature (Ta) conditions. RESULTS: Within 15-20 min of exercise at Ta = 30 degrees C, the miniswine demonstrated significant hyperventilation, hypersalivation, and unsteady gait. Exercise-heat endurance time (T) at Ta = 30 degrees C decreased by 35% and 40% in comparison to T at Ta = 20 degrees C and 10 degrees C, respectively. This resulted from a significant rise in heat strain (S)-defined as the rate of change in rectal temperature. Averaged throughout exercise, S increased from 0.04 +/- 0.01 degree C.min-1 and 0.05 +/- 0.02 degree C.min-1 at Ta = 10 degrees C and 20 degrees C, respectively, to 0.10 +/- 0.03 degree C.min-1 at Ta = 30 degrees C. Due to the comparatively large storage capacity of the porcine spleen relative to humans, splenectomized miniswine were used. This permitted calculation of percentage changes in plasma volume (% delta PVc) from hematocrit (HCT) and hemoglobin (HGB) without the confounding effects of splenic red cells released into the circulation during exercise. Independent of Ta, pre-exercise PVc decreased 3%-5% (p < or = 0.05) within the first 10 min of exercise, but increased 5%-9% (p < or = 0.05) by 10 min post-exercise. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the poor thermoregulatory ability of miniswine manifested in insignificant sweating and restricted evaporative cooling, may make them an appropriate model for acute exertional heat exhaustion in humans working in hot, humid conditions and/or wearing impermeable protective clothing. Further, evaluation of plasma volume changes from HCT and HGB in a miniswine model should consider the merit of a splenectomized design.

Splenic effects on hemodynamics induced by hypothermia and rewarming in miniature swine.

Central arterial hemodynamic changes were assessed during cooling, hypothermia, and rewarming in splenectomized (SPX, n = 4) and unsplenectomized (SP, n = 4) 8-10 month old male Yucatan miniature swine (34.0 +/- 1.4 kg). Under isoflurane anesthesia, and using circulating-water blankets, pigs were cooled to and then maintained for 2 h at a rectal temperature (Tre) of 27 +/- 1 degrees C; hypothermia was followed by rewarming to normothermia (37 +/- 1 degrees C). There were significantly (p < or = 0.05) greater changes in central arterial hematocrit and hemoglobin (delta HCT and delta HGB) from respective precooling baseline levels in the SP group during hypothermia and early rewarming (SP: delta HCTmax = 9-10%RBC, and delta HGBmax = 3.0-3.5 g/dl vs. SPX: delta HCTmax = 3-4%RBC, and delta HGBmax = 1.5-1.8 g/dl). By the end of rewarming, splenic resequestration and extravascular fluid shifts resulted in these values returning to baseline. In addition, cardiovascular instability was seen in the SPX group compared to the SP animals as evidenced by significant tachycardia and hypotension during rewarming. We have concluded from these studies that hypothermia causes significant hemoconcentration, and that splenic contraction is the major cause of this hemoconcentration during hypothermia and initial rewarming in miniature swine. A splenectomized design should be considered for swine studies that purport to pattern human pathophysiology, especially for modelling rewarming shock.

[Cutaneous rhabdomyosarcoma]. / Rhabdomyosarcome cutané.

OBJECTIVE: The occurrence of a rare alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in a 16-year old girl seems worth of a case report. OBSERVATION: A large multinodular tumor developed on the buttocks and the external genitalia; systemic symptoms and metastases of lymph nodes and skin occurred very soon and the disease had a lethal outcome within 16 months. A temporary regression was observed after polychemotherapy with daunorubicine, vincritine and 5-fluoro-uracile. COMMENTS: In children the rhabdomyosarcoma is the most frequent sarcoma of soft tissues; the poor prognosis of the alveolar type is assessed by the case of this 16-year old girl; this tumor may progress as a systemic disease and present as a leukemia with rapid impairment of general health, enlargement of lymph nodes, cutaneous nodules and anemia.

[Characterization of chronic plantar ulcers in former leprosy patients]. / Cancérisation des plaies chroniques plantaires chez les anciens malades de la lèpre.

Between 1988 and 1992, 21 biopsies for pathological examination were taken from 20 Senegalese leprosy patients suffering from chronic plantar ulcers (CPU) suspected of malignant transformation. The diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma was effectively made in 13 cases and that of pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia in the remaining 8 cases. The mean period of time between the onset of CPU and that of malignant transformation was 10 years (range: 1 to 15 years); the mean annual frequency of the malignant transformation was 2 per 1,000 CPU. In countries where pathological examination is not available, below knee amputation could be considered whenever main clinical signs of malignant transformation are present. In countries where pathological examination is available, the therapeutic decision may differ according to the diagnosis: below knee amputation supplemented with block dissection of inguinal lymph nodes whenever possible in cases of carcinoma; below knee amputation depending on the function status of the foot and on the volume of tumor in case of pseudo-epitheliomatous hyperplasia.

[Bacterial, viral and parasitic etiologies of acute infantile diarrhea in a rural Senegal]. / Etiologies bactériennes, virales et parasitaires des diarrhées aigües infantiles en zone rurale sénégalaise.

We have studied the incidence of parasites, viruses and bacteria associated with acute infantile diarrhea in rural Senegal. Among parasitoses, Cryptosporidium parvum (7.7%) is the most frequent, followed by Entamoeba histolytica (5.1%). The first bacteriological etiologic agent is Escherichia coli (20.9%). Rotavirus are also frequently isolated (14.7%). Prevalence of pathogens is higher: among children over 6 months and under two years old, among children either with mixed feeding or weaned, during the raining season, except for rotaviruses. Breast feeding seems to be a good protective factor against bacterial and parasitological infections but not against rotavirus contaminations.

[Antibiotic sensitivity of germs isolated from cellulitis of dental origin in Senegal (results of a survey of 49 cases)]. / Sensibilité aux antibiotiques des germes isolés dans les cellulites d'origine dentaire au Sénégal (résultats d'une enquête sur 49 cas).

Irregular results sometimes found during antibiotic treatment of perimaxillar cellulitis, conducted the authors to study bacteriology of these infections from dental origin. This study confirmed the aero and anerobic polymicrobism of these cellulitis. Antibiograms realised in 49 cases showed occurrence of streptococcal and anaerobic germs resistance to antibiotics usually prescribed. A nearly constant success of other antibiotics allowed the authors to define a first intention antibiotherapy for the treatment of these infections.

[Apropos of the preliminary paraclinical evaluation of oral contraception]. / A propos du Bilan paraclinique préliminaire à la contraception orale.

As all developing countries Senegal keeps on paying a heavy tribute to, on the one hand, the high maternal mortality and morbidity, and on the other hand, infantile mortality. Family planning could have advantageous effect on health, welfare and development of all the family. Unfortunately, difficult over all socio-economical situation, lack of human resources, particularly maternal, and the coast of paraclinical exams brakes the access of population to family planning services. In this work, we tried with FHI/PSFP/Institute Pasteur to initial a prospective study who aimed to show that a good clinical exam with a complete medical interrogatory should be a good alternative to contraception preliminary paraclinical check-up.