Phlebotomus (Euphlebotomus) barguesae n. sp. from Thailand (Diptera – Psychodidae)

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Licens

Dermatosis suggesting a staphylococcic toxic shock syndrome in a golden retriever

Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) is a rare toxinic dermatosis recently described in dogs. In this syndrome, also known in man, the toxin TSST-1 (toxic shock syndrome toxin-1) acts as a superantigen and triggers the secretion of a large number of lymphocytic cytokines (IL1, IL6, TNFa…). A 5 year-old male golden retriever is presented for a sudden onset of painful skin lesions. Clinical examination shows a severe fever (40.5°C) and dehydration, as well as erythematous and erosive maculae on the abdomen and interdigital spaces. On the next day, epidermal necrolysis developed with spontaneous widespread sloughing (Nikolski sign+) on the face, abdomen and limbs, uncovering a red and oozing dermis. Hematology and biochemistry tests revealed a regenerative normocytic normochromic anemia, hyponatremia and hypochloremia. Hypoalbuminemia was evidenced by protein electrophoresis. Antinuclear antibody assays were within normal limits. A bacteriological culture showed the presence of coagulase-positive staphylococci, Staphylococcus intermedius. Massive epidermal neutrophilic exocytosis and apoptotic keratinocytes were found in skin biopsies, as well as neutrophilic satellitosis. A severe necrosis of the epidermis and of the upper half of all follicular ostia was noted. The detection by PCR on blood and skin biopsies of canine herpesvirus and distemper virus was negative. Chest x-rays and abdominal ultrasound examination found no evidence of an internal tumour. Finally, no iatrogenic cause could be identified. The initial treatment included an antibiotic (marbofloxacin 2 mg/kg SID), an anti-inflammatory and analgesic (ketoprofen 1 mg/kg SID), as well as an opioid analgesic (fentanyl 0.1mg/kg every 6 hours subcutaneously), with intravenous rehydration and daily antiseptic baths with chlorhexidine. The weight loss (10 kg in 10 days), anorexia, anemia and hypoalbuminemia justified an enteral nutrition for 1 week. The skin lesions, hematocrit, hemoglobinemia and albuminemia improved progressively. The dog was given back to its owner after three weeks. He was seen again three months later, cured and in good general health. Two years later, no relapse has occurred.Le syndrome du choc toxinique staphylococcique (SCTS) est une dermatose toxinique rare, de description récente chez le Chien. Dans ce syndrome, connu également chez l'Homme, une toxine, la toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) pour le SCTS agit comme des superantigènes et déclenchent la sécrétion d'un grand nombre de cytokines lymphocytaires (IL1, IL6, TNFα) Un Golden Retriever mâle de 5 ans est présenté pour l'apparition soudaine de lésions cutanées douloureuses. L'examen clinique montre un syndrome fébrile sévère (40,5 °C) et une déshydratation. L'examen dermatologique révèle des macules érythémateuses et érosives de l'abdomen et des espaces interdigités. Le lendemain, une nécrolyse épidermique apparaît sous forme de décollements spontanés (signe de Nikolski +) de la face, du ventre et des membres. Ces vastes décollements découvrent un derme rouge et suintant. Les examens sanguins hématologiques et biochimiques montrent une anémie normochrome normocytaire régénérative, une hyponatrémie et une hypochlorémie. L'électrophorèse des protéines révèle une hypoalbuminémie. Le dosage des anticorps antinucléaires est conforme aux valeurs usuelles. La culture bactériologique montre la présence de staphylocoques coagulase +, Staphylococcus intermedius. Des biopsies cutanées montrent une exocytose importante de neutrophiles au sein de l'épiderme et des kératinocytes apoptotiques. Une satellitose neutrophilique est observée. Une sévère nécrose épidermique et de la moitié supérieure de tous les ostia folliculaires est notée. La recherche par PCR sur sang et biopsie cutanée de l'herpesvirus canin et du virus de la maladie de Carré est négative. Des radiographies thoraciques et une échographie abdominale ne montrent aucune modification susceptible d'évoquer une tumeur interne. Enfin, la démarche d'imputabilité médicamenteuse reste vaine. Le traitement initial fait appel à une antibiothérapie (marbofloxacine 2 mg/kg SID), un anti-inflammatoire et analgésique (kétoprofène 1 mg/kg SID) ainsi qu'à un analgésique opiacé (fentanyl 0,1 mg/kg SC toutes les 6 heures), une réhydratation intraveineuse et des bains antiseptiques quotidiens à la chlorhexidine. L'amaigrissement (perte de 10 kg en 10 jours), l'anorexie, l'anémie et l'hypoalbuminémie sont à l'origine d'une nutrition entérale pendant 1 semaine. L'hématocrite, l'hémoglobinémie et l'albuminémie remontent progressivement. Les lésions cutanées s'améliorent progressivement. Au bout de 3 semaines, le chien est rendu à ses propriétaires. Le chien est revu 3 mois plus tard, guéri et en bon état général. Le chien n'a pas rechuté en 2 ans

Osteomodulin down-regulation is associated with osteoarthritis development

peer reviewedJoin-t-against-osteoarthriti

Angiotensin II Facilitates Breast Cancer Cell Migration and Metastasis

Breast cancer metastasis is a leading cause of death by malignancy in women worldwide. Efforts are being made to further characterize the rate-limiting steps of cancer metastasis, i.e. extravasation of circulating tumor cells and colonization of secondary organs. In this study, we investigated whether angiotensin II, a major vasoactive peptide both produced locally and released in the bloodstream, may trigger activating signals that contribute to cancer cell extravasation and metastasis. We used an experimental in vivo model of cancer metastasis in which bioluminescent breast tumor cells (D3H2LN) were injected intra-cardiacally into nude mice in order to recapitulate the late and essential steps of metastatic dissemination. Real-time intravital imaging studies revealed that angiotensin II accelerates the formation of metastatic foci at secondary sites. Pre-treatment of cancer cells with the peptide increases the number of mice with metastases, as well as the number and size of metastases per mouse. In vitro, angiotensin II contributes to each sequential step of cancer metastasis by promoting cancer cell adhesion to endothelial cells, trans-endothelial migration and tumor cell migration across extracellular matrix. At the molecular level, a total of 102 genes differentially expressed following angiotensin II pre-treatment were identified by comparative DNA microarray. Angiotensin II regulates two groups of connected genes related to its precursor angiotensinogen. Among those, up-regulated MMP2/MMP9 and ICAM1 stand at the crossroad of a network of genes involved in cell adhesion, migration and invasion. Our data suggest that targeting angiotensin II production or action may represent a valuable therapeutic option to prevent metastatic progression of invasive breast tumors

Integrative mapping analysis of chicken microchromosome 16 organization

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The chicken karyotype is composed of 39 chromosome pairs, of which 9 still remain totally absent from the current genome sequence assembly, despite international efforts towards complete coverage. Some others are only very partially sequenced, amongst which microchromosome 16 (GGA16), particularly under-represented, with only 433 kb assembled for a full estimated size of 9 to 11 Mb. Besides the obvious need of full genome coverage with genetic markers for QTL (Quantitative Trait Loci) mapping and major genes identification studies, there is a major interest in the detailed study of this chromosome because it carries the two genetically independent <it>MHC </it>complexes <it>B </it>and <it>Y</it>. In addition, GGA16 carries the ribosomal RNA (<it>rRNA</it>) genes cluster, also known as the <it>NOR </it>(nucleolus organizer region). The purpose of the present study is to construct and present high resolution integrated maps of GGA16 to refine its organization and improve its coverage with genetic markers.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We developed 79 STS (Sequence Tagged Site) markers to build a physical RH (radiation hybrid) map and 34 genetic markers to extend the genetic map of GGA16. We screened a BAC (Bacterial Artificial Chromosome) library with markers for the <it>MHC-B</it>, <it>MHC-Y </it>and <it>rRNA </it>complexes. Selected clones were used to perform high resolution FISH (Fluorescent <it>In Situ </it>Hybridization) mapping on giant meiotic lampbrush chromosomes, allowing meiotic mapping in addition to the confirmation of the order of the three clusters along the chromosome. A region with high recombination rates and containing PO41 repeated elements separates the two <it>MHC </it>complexes.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The three complementary mapping strategies used refine greatly our knowledge of chicken microchromosome 16 organisation. The characterisation of the recombination hotspots separating the two <it>MHC </it>complexes demonstrates the presence of PO41 repetitive sequences both in tandem and inverted orientation. However, this region still needs to be studied in more detail.</p

Immature Cryopreserved Ovary Restores Puberty and Fertility in Mice without Alteration of Epigenetic Marks

BACKGROUND: Progress in oncology could improve survival rate in children, but would probably lead to impaired fertility and puberty. In pre-pubertal girls, the only therapeutic option is the cryopreservation of one ovary. Three births have been reported after reimplantation of cryopreserved mature ovary. Conversely, reimplantation of ovary preserved before puberty (defined as immature ovary) has never been performed in humans. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In order to analyze ovarian function, we performed transplantation using fresh or cryopreserved immature grafts in pre-pubertal or adult mice. Puberty as well as cyclic hormonal activity was restored. All follicle populations were present although a significant reduction in follicle density was observed with or without cryopreservation. Although fertility was restored, the graft is of limited life span. Because ex vivo ovary manipulation and cryopreservation procedure, the status of genomic imprinting was investigated. Methylation status of the H19 and Lit1 Imprinting Control Regions in kidney, muscle and tongue of offsprings from grafted mice does not show significant alteration when compared to those of unoperated mice. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These results demonstrate that immature ovarian grafting can restore spontaneous puberty and fertility. However, these data suggest that follicle depletion leads to premature ovarian failure. This study addresses the very important epigenetics issue, and provides valuable information to the study of ovarian transplantation suggesting that these procedures do not perturb normal epigenetics marks. These results are highly relevant to the reimplantation question of immature cortex in women

Extreme genome diversity in the hyper-prevalent parasitic eukaryote Blastocystis

Blastocystis is the most prevalent eukaryotic microbe colonizing the human gut, infecting approximately 1 billion individuals worldwide. Although Blastocystis has been linked to intestinal disorders, its pathogenicity remains controversial because most carriers are asymptomatic. Here, the genome sequence of Blastocystis subtype (ST) 1 is presented and compared to previously published sequences for ST4 and ST7. Despite a conserved core of genes, there is unexpected diversity between these STs in terms of their genome sizes, guanine-cytosine (GC) content, intron numbers, and gene content. ST1 has 6,544 protein-coding genes, which is several hundred more than reported for ST4 and ST7. The percentage of proteins unique to each ST ranges from 6.2% to 20.5%, greatly exceeding the differences observed within parasite genera. Orthologous proteins also display extreme divergence in amino acid sequence identity between STs (i.e., 59%–61%median identity), on par with observations of the most distantly related species pairs of parasite genera. The STs also display substantial variation in gene family distributions and sizes, especially for protein kinase and protease gene families, which could reflect differences in virulence. It remains to be seen to what extent these inter-ST differences persist at the intra-ST level. A full 26% of genes in ST1 have stop codons that are created on the mRNA level by a novel polyadenylation mechanism found only in Blastocystis. Reconstructions of pathways and organellar systems revealed that ST1 has a relatively complete membrane-trafficking system and a near-complete meiotic toolkit, possibly indicating a sexual cycle. Unlike some intestinal protistan parasites, Blastocystis ST1 has near-complete de novo pyrimidine, purine, and thiamine biosynthesis pathways and is unique amongst studied stramenopiles in being able to metabolize ?-glucans rather than ?-glucans. It lacks all genes encoding heme-containing cytochrome P450 proteins. Predictions of the mitochondrion-related organelle (MRO) proteome reveal an expanded repertoire of functions, including lipid, cofactor, and vitamin biosynthesis, as well as proteins that may be involved in regulating mitochondrial morphology and MRO/endoplasmic reticulum (ER) interactions. In sharp contrast, genes for peroxisome-associated functions are absent, suggesting Blastocystis STs lack this organelle. Overall, this study provides an important window into the biology of Blastocystis, showcasing significant differences between STs that can guide future experimental investigations into differences in their virulence and clarifying the roles of these organisms in gut health and disease

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome associated with COVID-19: An Emulated Target Trial Analysis.

RATIONALE: Whether COVID patients may benefit from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) compared with conventional invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) remains unknown. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the effect of ECMO on 90-Day mortality vs IMV only Methods: Among 4,244 critically ill adult patients with COVID-19 included in a multicenter cohort study, we emulated a target trial comparing the treatment strategies of initiating ECMO vs. no ECMO within 7 days of IMV in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (PaO2/FiO2 <80 or PaCO2 ≥60 mmHg). We controlled for confounding using a multivariable Cox model based on predefined variables. MAIN RESULTS: 1,235 patients met the full eligibility criteria for the emulated trial, among whom 164 patients initiated ECMO. The ECMO strategy had a higher survival probability at Day-7 from the onset of eligibility criteria (87% vs 83%, risk difference: 4%, 95% CI 0;9%) which decreased during follow-up (survival at Day-90: 63% vs 65%, risk difference: -2%, 95% CI -10;5%). However, ECMO was associated with higher survival when performed in high-volume ECMO centers or in regions where a specific ECMO network organization was set up to handle high demand, and when initiated within the first 4 days of MV and in profoundly hypoxemic patients. CONCLUSIONS: In an emulated trial based on a nationwide COVID-19 cohort, we found differential survival over time of an ECMO compared with a no-ECMO strategy. However, ECMO was consistently associated with better outcomes when performed in high-volume centers and in regions with ECMO capacities specifically organized to handle high demand. This article is open access and distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives License 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

Pedagogical relationship in a blended learning environment: An experienced teacher’s strategies to develop students’ autonomy

International audienceUnderstanding teachers’ rationale and strategies for implementing CALL in their practices is of critical importance in teacher education research, especially with a view to designing teacher training programs that address real-life issues faced by practitioners and that help develop both a reflective and a pragmatic approach to the integration of technology in the language learning classroom (Egbert & Petrie, 2005; Stockwell, 2009; Guichon & Hauck, 2011).The present contribution proposes to explore an in-service teacher’s own perspective on her technology-mediated practice in the specific context of a blended EFL course, which combines face-to-face group instruction in a computer lab with individualized, self-paced instruction within an LMS.It aims at assessing what motives inform the teacher’s actions in such a context, with a focus on what she perceives her mediating role may be, both in managing the relationship between the different spaces that she and the learners inhabit (in class and online), and in developing learners’ autonomy (Borg & Al-Busaidi, 2012).The blended EFL course presented in this in-depth case study is an English course for Master’s students in history at a French university which focuses on the acquisition of English speaking skills. In addition to field observation, video stimulated recall was used to provide access to the teacher’s perceptions (Lazarton, & Ishihara, 2005). Data is interpreted using a qualitative, inductive approach.The analysis of the teacher’s discourse provides insight into what successful integration of CALL in a blended learning environment entails from the practitioner’s perspective and what role she should play in a learner-centred approach, especially in ensuring the human aspect of the pedagogical relationship is preserved.As a conclusion, we propose to briefly discuss the potential of using video-stimulated recall as a self-confrontation method, both for the professional development of pre- and in-service teachers and for fostering interaction between research and practice