Fragile Mental Retardation Protein Interacts with the RNA-Binding Protein Caprin1 in Neuronal RiboNucleoProtein Complexes

Fragile X syndrome is caused by the absence of the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP), an RNA-binding protein. FMRP is associated with messenger RiboNucleoParticles (mRNPs) present in polyribosomes and its absence in neurons leads to alteration in synaptic plasticity as a result of translation regulation defects. The molecular mechanisms by which FMRP plays a role in translation regulation remain elusive. Using immunoprecipitation approaches with monoclonal Ab7G1-1 and a new generation of chicken antibodies, we identified Caprin1 as a novel FMRP-cellular partner. In vivo and in vitro evidence show that Caprin1 interacts with FMRP at the level of the translation machinery as well as in trafficking neuronal granules. As an RNA-binding protein, Caprin1 has in common with FMRP at least two RNA targets that have been identified as CaMKIIα and Map1b mRNAs. In view of the new concept that FMRP species bind to RNA regardless of known structural motifs, we propose that protein interactors might modulate FMRP functions

Physiological Correlates of Volunteering

We review research on physiological correlates of volunteering, a neglected but promising research field. Some of these correlates seem to be causal factors influencing volunteering. Volunteers tend to have better physical health, both self-reported and expert-assessed, better mental health, and perform better on cognitive tasks. Research thus far has rarely examined neurological, neurochemical, hormonal, and genetic correlates of volunteering to any significant extent, especially controlling for other factors as potential confounds. Evolutionary theory and behavioral genetic research suggest the importance of such physiological factors in humans. Basically, many aspects of social relationships and social activities have effects on health (e.g., Newman and Roberts 2013; Uchino 2004), as the widely used biopsychosocial (BPS) model suggests (Institute of Medicine 2001). Studies of formal volunteering (FV), charitable giving, and altruistic behavior suggest that physiological characteristics are related to volunteering, including specific genes (such as oxytocin receptor [OXTR] genes, Arginine vasopressin receptor [AVPR] genes, dopamine D4 receptor [DRD4] genes, and 5-HTTLPR). We recommend that future research on physiological factors be extended to non-Western populations, focusing specifically on volunteering, and differentiating between different forms and types of volunteering and civic participation

Civic engagement among foreign-born and native-born older adults living in Europe : a SHARE-based analysis

Civic engagement is one of the cornerstones of participatory democracy and fundamental to preventing old-age social exclusion. Even though civic engagement late-in-life has received considerable attention, there is a lacuna of research on older migrants' civic engagement. This study aims therefore to examine potential predictors of civic engagement in terms of formal volunteering and participation in political organisations among foreign-born and native-born older adults in Europe. Attention is hereby given to how socio-structural resources and social capital are associated with civic engagement, and whether these associations differ between foreign-born and native-born. Data from wave 7 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe [n = 74,150; 5710 of them are foreign-born] were used in multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results show that socio-structural and social capital variables are positively associated with volunteering and participation in political organisations, both in native-born and foreign-born older adults. The study also suggests that place of birth (in Europe vs. outside Europe) and age-upon-migration play a role in predicting civic engagement among foreign-born older adults, and are therefore features worth considering when studying older migrants' civic engagement

Assessment of TNF-α inhibitors in airway involvement of relapsing polychondritis

International audienceRelapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare immune-mediated disease affecting cartilaginous structures. Respiratory tract manifestations are frequent and constitute a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The present review of the literature was designed to assess the efficacy of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) inhibitors in respiratory tract involvement of RP. A MEDLINE literature search was performed from January 2000 to December 2016 to identify all studies and case reports of anti-TNF-a therapy in RP. Articles published in English or French concerning patients with respiratory tract involvement were eligible. Two authors (JB, FL) independently reviewed and extracted data concerning each patient and 2 personal cases were added. Treatment efficacy was assessed according to systemic and/or respiratory criteria. A total of 28 patients (mean age: 41.6 years; 16 females/12 males) were included in the final analysis. Anti-TNF-a therapy was associated with improved health status and respiratory symptoms in 67.8% and 60.1% of cases, respectively. These results suggest that TNF-a inhibitors could be considered for the treatment of respiratory tract involvement of RP. Abbreviations: CT = computed tomography, FDG/PET = fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, RP = relapsing polychondritis, TNF-a = tumor necrosis factor alpha

The elastin peptide VGVAPG increases CD4+ T-cell IL-4 production in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

International audienceBackground: In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung-infiltrating inflammatory cells secrete proteases and participate in elastin breakdown and genesis of elastin-derived peptides (EP). In the present study, we hypothesized that the pattern of T lymphocytes cytokine expression may be modulated by EP in COPD patients. Methods: CD4 + and CD8 + T-cells, sorted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) collected from COPD patients (n = 29) and controls (n = 13) were cultured with or without EP. Cytokine expression in T-cell phenotypes was analyzed by multicolor flow cytometry, whereas desmosine concentration, a specific marker of elastin degradation, was measured in sera. Results: Compared with control, the percentage of IL-4 (Th2) producing CD4 + T-cells was decreased in COPD patients (35.3 ± 3.4% and 26.3 ± 2.4%, respectively, p < 0.05), whereas no significant differences were found with IFN-γ (Th1) and IL-17A (Th17). Among COPD patients, two subpopulations were observed based on the percentage of IL-4 (Th2) producing CD4 + T-cells, of which only one expressed high IL-4 levels in association with high levels of desmosine and strong smoking exposure (n = 7). Upon stimulation with VGVAPG, a bioactive EP motif, the percentage of CD4 + T cells expressing IL-4 significantly increased in COPD patients (p < 0.05), but not in controls. The VGVAPGinduced increase in IL-4 was inhibited in the presence of analogous peptide antagonizing VGVAPG/elastin receptor (S-gal) interactions. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that the VGVAPG elastin peptide modulates CD4 + T-cells IL-4 production in COPD. Monitoring IL-4 in circulating CD4 + T-cells may help to better characterize COPD phenotypes and could open a new pharmacologic opportunity through CD4 + T-cells stimulation via the VGVAPG/S-gal receptor in order to favor an anti-inflammatory response in those COPD patients

Managing patients with chronic cough: challenges and solutions

International audienceChronic cough is a common complaint and a frequent cause of medical consultation. Its management can be difficult. We present here an overview of the current guidelines for the management of chronic cough. Different steps are detailed, including the initial research of an obvious etiology and alert signs that should lead to further investigation of underlying condition. The diagnosis of the most frequent causes: asthma, non-asthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease and upper airway cough syndrome should be considered, assessed and treated accordingly. Recent advances have been made in the comprehension of refractory chronic cough pathophysiology as well as its pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment, especially speech pathology therapy

Micronodular pattern of organizing pneumonia

International audienceRationale: Organizing pneumonia (OP) is a clinicopathological entity characterized by granulation tissue plugs in the lumen of small airways, alveolar ducts, and alveoli. OP can be cryptogenic (primary) (COP) or secondary to various lung injuries. Patient concerns: We report the case of a 38-year-old male smoker with COP presenting in the form of diffuse micronodules on computed tomography (CT) scan and describe the clinical, radiological, and functional characteristics of micronodular pattern of organizing pneumonia (MNOP) based on a review of the literature including 14 cases. Patients were younger (36.3 ± 15.5 years) than those with the classical form of OP. The clinical presentation was subacute in all cases with a mean duration of symptoms before admission of 14.5 ± 13.2 days. The radiological pattern was characterized by centrilobular nodules and "bud-in-tree" sign in 86.7% of patients. The diagnosis was based on histological examination of transbronchial (28.6%) or surgical biopsies (71.4%). Diagnosis: An associated condition was identified in 65% of cases and included illicit substance abuse (44.5%), myeloproliferative disease (33.5%), and infections (22%). Outcomes: Steroid therapy was effective in all patients with improvement of symptoms and documented radiologic resolution. No relapse was recorded. Lessons: MNOP should be recognized and distinguished from other diagnoses, mainly infectious bronchiolitis and disseminated tumor, as it requires early specific steroid therapy. Abbreviations: COP = cryptogenic organizing pneumonia, CT = computed tomography, MNOP = micronodular pattern of organizing pneumonia, OP = organizing pneumonia, VATS = video-assisted thoracoscopy

Hereditary multiple exostoses of the ribs as an uncommon cause of pneumothorax

International audienceRationale: Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) is a genetic musculoskeletal condition causing multiple exostoses. Rib location of exostosis can be complicated by thoracic injuries.Patient concerns and diagnoses: We report a case of pneumothorax in a 32-year-old man with a partial left-sided pneumothorax caused by an exostosis of the fourth and fifth ribs.Interventions and outcomes: Clinical and radiological presentations allowed a conservative management. A video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed a few weeks later to avoid any recurrence.Lessons: Rib exostosis represents an unusual cause of pneumothorax. Any local modification of symptoms or size of the exostosis should lead to investigations in regard to chondrosarcoma transformation

Tracheobronchial Involvement of Rosai–Dorfman Disease

International audienceRosai-Dorfman Disease (RDD) is a rare non-neoplastic entity, also known as sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy (SHML), characterized by a benign proliferation of histiocytes in lymph nodes. Localized forms of RDD involving the tracheobronchial tree are very rare. There is no consensus regarding the management of central airway forms and recurrence is frequent. We report the case of an 81-year-old Caucasian woman admitted in 2014 for chronic cough. Her main medical past history included a diagnosis of sinonasal RDD in 1996 with recurrent obstructive rhinosinusitis requiring repeated sinonasal surgery, and a diagnosis of tracheal RDD in 2010 with 2 asymptomatic smooth lesions (5 and 7 mm) on the anterior tracheal wall. Physical examination was normal in 2014. Pulmonary function tests showed an obstructive pattern. Computed tomographic scan revealed a mass arising from the anterior wall of the trachea that projects into the tracheal lumen. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy showed a hypervascular multilobular lesion (2 cm) arising from the anterior tracheal wall and causing 50% obstruction of the tracheal lumen. Mechanical resection with electrocoagulation of the tracheal mass was performed by rigid bronchoscopy with no complication. Histological examination demonstrated tracheal RDD. One year after endotracheal resection, the patient presented no recurrence of cough and the obstructive pattern had resolved. Reports on tracheobronchial involvement are scarce. Symptomatic tracheobronchial obstruction requires mechanical resection by rigid bronchoscopy or surgery. Recurrence is frequent, justifying long-term follow-u

Obstructive Fibrinous Tracheal Pseudomembrane

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