Syndrome d'Activation Macrophagique secondaire à un infection à CMV chez un nouveau-né

Macrophage activation syndrome is a rare and potentially fatal systemic immunologic disorder. It generally occurs in patients who encounters specific pathogens in the context of preexisting congenital or acquired immune deficiencies. It is associated with a reported 20-30% mortality rates with a much better prognosis in secondary disease. The earlier recognition of its clinical features and treatment are critical. In our patient, immunological workup showed no indication of a familial HLH. Genetic analysis for homozygocy showed that all known genes for FHLH or secondary HLH to metabolic diseases were heterozygous. X-linked forms were excluded. We concluded that CMV was probably the causative agent of secondary macrophage activation syndrome. Further follow-up comforts this idea

Harnessing Marine Biocatalytic Reservoirs for Green Chemistry Applications through Metagenomic Technologies

In a demanding commercial world, large-scale chemical processes have been widely utilised to satisfy consumer related needs. Chemical industries are key to promoting economic growth and meeting the requirements of a sustainable industrialised society. The market need for diverse commodities produced by the chemical industry is rapidly expanding globally. Accompanying this demand is an increased threat to the environment and to human health, due to waste produced by increased industrial production. This increased demand has underscored the necessity to increase reaction efficiencies, in order to reduce costs and increase profits. The discovery of novel biocatalysts is a key method aimed at combating these difficulties. Metagenomic technology, as a tool for uncovering novel biocatalysts, has great potential and applicability and has already delivered many successful achievements. In this review we discuss, recent developments and achievements in the field of biocatalysis. We highlight how green chemistry principles through the application of biocatalysis, can be successfully promoted and implemented in various industrial sectors. In addition, we demonstrate how two novel lipases/esterases were mined from the marine environment by metagenomic analysis. Collectively these improvements can result in increased efficiency, decreased energy consumption, reduced waste and cost savings for the chemical industry