Four-color multiplex real-Time PCR assay prototype targeting azithromycin resistance mutations in Mycoplasma genitalium

peer reviewedBackground: The worldwide expansion of macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) in cases of genital infections has led to an increased recurrence rate of these infections after first-line azithromycin treatment. By detecting the presence of azithromycin-resistant MG, the patient's antibiotic treatment can be targeted and the spread of resistance prevented. With this aim in mind, macrolide-resistance detection kits are helpful tools for the physician. Methods: Azithromycin resistance mutations in MG are targeted using a four-color multiplex real-Time RT-PCR assay. Tested targets include plasmid DNA (as positive controls) as well as macrolide-sensitive and macrolide-resistant genomic DNA from characterized cell lines and clinical samples. Results: The analytical data presented here were generated from plasmid DNA and genomic RNA/DNA and include adaptation to an internal control, specificity between targets, specificity vs non-MG species, limit of detection (LoD) and interference studies (co-infection and endogenous substances). The clinical data were based on the application of the assay to clinical samples characterized by sequencing. Conclusions: A new NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test) prototype has been developed in collaboration with the Diagenode s.a. company, this prototype targets MG and azithromycin-resistance mutations in that pathogen. © 2019 The Author(s)

Gene Expression Profiling Reveals New Aspects of PIK3CA Mutation in ERalpha-Positive Breast Cancer: Major Implication of the Wnt Signaling Pathway

BACKGROUND: The PI3K/AKT pathway plays a pivotal role in breast cancer development and maintenance. PIK3CA, encoding the PI3K catalytic subunit, is the oncogene exhibiting a high frequency of gain-of-function mutations leading to PI3K/AKT pathway activation in breast cancer. PIK3CA mutations have been observed in 30% to 40% of ERα-positive breast tumors. However the physiopathological role of PIK3CA mutations in breast tumorigenesis remains largely unclear. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: To identify relevant downstream target genes and signaling activated by aberrant PI3K/AKT pathway in breast tumors, we first analyzed gene expression with a pangenomic oligonucleotide microarray in a series of 43 ERα-positive tumors with and without PIK3CA mutations. Genes of interest were then investigated in 249 ERα-positive breast tumors by real-time quantitative RT-PCR. A robust collection of 19 genes was found to be differently expressed in PIK3CA-mutated tumors. PIK3CA mutations were associated with over-expression of several genes involved in the Wnt signaling pathway (WNT5A, TCF7L2, MSX2, TNFRSF11B), regulation of gene transcription (SEC14L2, MSX2, TFAP2B, NRIP3) and metal ion binding (CYP4Z1, CYP4Z2P, SLC40A1, LTF, LIMCH1). CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: This new gene set should help to understand the behavior of PIK3CA-mutated cancers and detailed knowledge of Wnt signaling activation could lead to novel therapeutic strategies

Impact of integrated clean energy on the future of the mediterranean: Exploitation of albian geothermal water in South Algeria

The Intercalary Continental aquifer generally called Albian aquifer constitutes the main geothermal resource in South Algeria. Additionally it represents the biggest water reserve in the word. Albian aquifer is used since centuries, especially in the areas where it levels like Tidikelt Touat and Gourara. But however in other areas where this aquifer is deep and whose water is hot, the exploitation of the aquifer is rather difficult. As the only geothermal resource in southern Algeria, the Albian aquifer has a lot of interest from geothermal point of view; therefore good knowledge of the different routes of its exploitations is necessary to facilitate future applications of geothermal in the Saharan regions. The present article gives an overview about various modes of exploitation of the Intercalary Continental aquifer and the major problems which have occurred during exploitation. Finally is added discussion about the main applications of geothermal energy in South Algeria based on projects completed or in progres

Sigmoid-vesical fistula : consequence of a sigmoid cancer

Les auteurs rapportent le cas rare et inhabituel d’une fistule sigmoïdo-vésicale survenant chez une jeune femme de 41 ans, chez qui la fistule est la conséquence d’un adénocarcinome du sigmoïde infiltrant la vessie. La patiente est traitée radicalement par une hémicolectomie gauche et une cystectomie partielle. Les suites ont été simples sans récidive 12 mois après l’intervention.Les auteurs rapportent le cas rare et inhabituel d’une fistule sigmoïdo-vésicale survenant chez une jeune femme de 41 ans, chez qui la fistule est la conséquence d’un adénocarcinome du sigmoïde infiltrant la vessie. La patiente est traitée radicalement par une hémicolectomie gauche et une cystectomie partielle. Les suites ont été simples sans récidive 12 mois après l’intervention