Epidemiology of chronic kidney disease in children

In the past 30 years there have been major improvements in the care of children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, most of the available epidemiological data stem from end-stage renal disease (ESRD) registries and information on the earlier stages of pediatric CKD is still limited. The median reported incidence of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in children aged 0–19 years across the world in 2008 was 9 per million of the age-related population (4–18 years). The prevalence of RRT in 2008 ranged from 18 to 100 per million of the age-related population. Congenital disorders, including congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) and hereditary nephropathies, are responsible for about two thirds of all cases of CKD in developed countries, while acquired causes predominate in developing countries. Children with congenital disorders experience a slower progression of CKD than those with glomerulonephritis, resulting in a lower proportion of CAKUT in the ESRD population compared with less advanced stages of CKD. Most children with ESRD start on dialysis and then receive a transplant. While the survival rate of children with ERSD has improved, it remains about 30 times lower than that of healthy peers. Children now mainly die of cardiovascular causes and infection rather than from renal failure

Mutation spectrum in the French cohort of galactosemic patients and structural simulation of 27 novel missense variations.

Background: Classic galactosemia refers to galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) deficiency and is characterized by long-term complications of unknown mechanism and high allelic heterogeneity of GALT gene. Aim: To report molecular characterization of GALT variations in 210 French families, to analyze the structural effects of novel missense variations and to assess informativity of structural data in predicting outcome. Methods: Sequencing of exons and intron-exon junctions of GALT gene was completed in unsolved cases by analysis of a long range PCR product. Structural consequences of novel missense variations were predicted using a homology model of GALT protein and a semi-automated analysis which integrates simulation of variations, structural analyses and two web servers dedicated to identify mutation-induced change of protein stability. Results: Forty four novel variations were identified, among them 27 nucleotide substitutions. In silico modeling of these missense variations showed that 12 variations are predicted to impair subunit interactions and/or active site conformation and that 23 variations modify H-bond or salt-bridge networks. Twenty variations decrease the global stability of the protein. Five variations had apparently no structural effect. Conclusion: Our results expand the mutation spectrum in GALT gene and the list of GALT variations analyzed at the structural level, providing new data to assess the pathophysiology of galactosemia

First evaluation of the cookie-cutter sharks (Isistius sp.) predation pattern on different cetacean species in Martinique

International audienceCookie-cutter sharks (Isistius sp.) are small squaloid sharks that live in tropical and sub-tropical oceans. Their name comes from their unique tactic of feeding, which enables them to parasitize marine mega-fauna, like cetaceans. Due to their morphological and anatomical characteristics, they are responsible of crater-like wounds on the skin of marine mammals. Little is known on Isistius sp. around the globe especially in Martinique, which represents a potential habitat. The main goal of this study was to assess the impact of cookie-cutter sharks on cetaceans by determining (1) seasonal changes in the occurrence of bites, (2) intra- and interspecific differences in frequencies and locations of bites among the different species of cetaceans, and (3) link behavior patterns of both cookie-cutter sharks and cetaceans. Data were collected from a 3-year photo-identification database of Cetaceans in Caribbean coast of Martinique. 431 wounds of various stages on 396 individuals from nine species of marine mammals were recorded. Results did not show any significant variation in the occurrence of wounds between seasons. Intermediate state was more important, most injuries were observed on the SCF (Superior Central Flank) (62.40%) and in a lesser extent on young individuals (3.25%). The predation of cookie-cutter sharks on different cetacean species has been confirmed consistently in Martinique. Further studies are required with both scientists and fishermen to better understand their specific role in this marine ecosystem

Mitosis in the Human Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum ▿

Malaria is caused by intraerythrocytic protozoan parasites belonging to Plasmodium spp. (phylum Apicomplexa) that produce significant morbidity and mortality, mostly in developing countries. Plasmodium parasites have a complex life cycle that includes multiple stages in anopheline mosquito vectors and vertebrate hosts. During the life cycle, the parasites undergo several cycles of extreme population growth within a brief span, and this is critical for their continued transmission and a contributing factor for their pathogenesis in the host. As with other eukaryotes, successful mitosis is an essential requirement for Plasmodium reproduction; however, some aspects of Plasmodium mitosis are quite distinct and not fully understood. In this review, we will discuss the current understanding of the architecture and key events of mitosis in Plasmodium falciparum and related parasites and compare them with the traditional mitotic events described for other eukaryotes