Fusion of influenza virus membranes with liposomes at pH 7.5.

Influenza virus X-31 (H3N2) membranes fuse with liposomes containing ganglioside GD1a at pH 7.5. Fusion was demonstrated by electron microscopy and also can be measured by counting the labeled virus proteins incorporated into liposomes after bound virus has been removed. Liposomes composed of lipids that have no net charge behave as reported by other investigators and do not fuse with influenza X-31 membranes at neutral pH, but they do fuse at low pH. Therefore, the liposomal composition is a factor in whether liposomes fuse with influenza virus membranes at neutral pH, probably by determining whether binding occurs. The liposomal composition necessary for fusion at neutral pH needs to be individualized for each influenza subtype. To establish that a virus requires low pH for membrane fusion, it is first necessary to establish that fusion does not occur at neutral pH under conditions where adequate binding occurs.     

Eccrine squamous syringometaplasia and cytomegalovirus infection

BACKGROUND: Eccrine squamous syringometaplasia has been reported in some cases as an Herpeviridae complication. We report a case of eccrine squamous syringometaplasia associated with a severe cytomegalovirus infection in an immunocompromised patient, and we discuss about potential viral or drug triggering factors. METHODS: A 22 years-old man was hospitalized in an intensive care unit for rejection of a renal graft associated with a disseminated cytomegalovirus infection. A papular and papulopustular eruption appeared on the trunk and the limbs. RESULTS: Histological examination of a skin sample showed eccrine squamous syringometaplasia, with evidence of cytomegalovirus genomic sequences using PCR. Two weeks later, the patient developed toxic epidermal necrolysis, with fatal issue. CONCLUSIONS: Eccrine squamous syringometaplasia is a rare condition, without specific clinical features. Numerous local affections have been reported to induce eccrine syringometaplasia (ulcer, scar, pyoderma gangrenosum, drug injection.), drugs (cytotoxic agents, non steroidal anti inflammatory therapies) and in cases of infection due to cytomegalovirus or herpes simplex virus. The potential implication of cytomegalovirus or foscarnet as triggering factors in our case is discussed. This observation and other similar reported cases lead to the conclusion that eccrine squamous syringometaplasia may be an underestimated complication of cytomegalovirus infections in immunocompromised patients.     

Psychosocial Change in Members of Clubhouse Paris (France) Over an 18-Month Period: A Longitudinal Mixed Methods Study

Community Mental Health Journal - The community-based mental health organizations known as “Clubhouses” have existed since the 1940s in the United States, and the model has since spread...