Targeting to Fcgamma receptors, but not CR3 (CD11b/CD18), increases clearance of Bordetella pertussis

In the absence of opsonizing antibodies, Bordetella pertussis, the causative agent of pertussis, readily binds to phagocytes via complement receptor 3 (CR3). After opsonization with antibodies, binding is mediated by IgG receptors (FcgammaR). The effect of targeting B. pertussis to either FcgammaR or CR3 was studied. The fate of unopsonized B. pertussis, IgG-opsonized B. pertussis, and B. pertussis opsonized with bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) directed to CR3 or FcgammaRII/-III was compared. IgG antibodies mediated binding and phagocytosis of B. pertussis via FcgammaR by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) in vitro. Opsonization of B. pertussis with BsAbs directed against either CR3 or FcgammaRII/-III facilitated PMNL phagocytosis; however, in vivo studies with BsAb revealed that FcgammaR-mediated uptake facilitates B. pertussis clearance, in contrast to uptake via CR3. Targeting of B. pertussis to FcgammaRII/-III in mice deficient in FcgammaRII or FcgammaRIII indicated that the protective effect is attributable to FcgammaRIII. Competition between uptake via CR3 or FcgammaR may determine the outcome of natural infection.     

Three patients with a Spitz naevus that later turned out to be a melanoma

A melanocytic lesion was removed from each of three patients: 2 men aged 37 and 65 and 1 woman aged 45. The preferred diagnosis was 'Spitz naevus'. Subsequently, all three developed regional (sub)cutaneous and/or lymph node metastases, indicating that the lesions were melanomas. The histopathological distinction between Spitz naevus and melanoma is often very difficult. Classical Spitz naevi can be diagnosed correctly only if the entire lesion is available for histological examination. Incompletely removed lesions should be re-excised for further examination. Some melanomas resemble Spitz naevi, but can be recognised on the basis of well-defined histological indicators of malignancy. Some melanocytic lesions, however, cannot be categorised with confidence as being either benign (Spitz naevus) or malignant (spitzoid melanoma). Thus, a group of lesions with inconclusive histology remains and has been designated as 'atypical Spitz tumour' or 'Spitz tumour of uncertain malignant potential'. Generally, such lesions are best treated as melanomas.     

One-year longitudinal evaluation of neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's disease. The REAL.FR Study

Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms are major and frequent manifestations of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The aim of the present study was to evaluate neuropsychiatric symptoms in the PHRC REAL.FR cohort (for Réseau sur la maladie d'Alzheimer Fran?ais) after one year of evolution. Four hundred and eighty two patients with mild and moderate AD were assessed. A majority of them had significant symptoms at inclusion (85.3 % of subjects with mild AD, 89.7% of patients with a moderate AD). Patients with mild AD had a significant increase of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) frequency x severity scores for apathy and aberrant motor behavior. Patients with moderate AD had a significant increase of NPI disinhibition, aberrant motor behavior and sleep disorders scores. The variation of NPI total score at one year correlated positively with change in Zarit's caregiver burden score, independently of global cognitive evolution. After one year, a group of 54 patients were institutionalized in nursing home or long term care unit. When compared to non institutionalized patients, the institutionalized group was characterized at base line by a lower MMSE score, a higher Zarit caregiver burden score, and a higher NPI agitation and disinhibition scores.     

Reductive effect of hot-water extracts from woody ear (Auricularia auricula-judae Quel.) on food intake and blood glucose concentration in genetically diabetic KK-Ay mice

Genetically diabetic (type II) KK-Ay mice, male and 5 wk of age, were divided into four groups and fed test diets containing 2 (2F), 5 (5F), 10 (10F), or 20 (20F)% fat for 4 wk, and then the 5F group and one-half of the 20F group continued to be fed the corresponding diet and the other half of the latter group was given the 20F (20FHWE) diet with 5% hot-water extracts (HWE) from woody ear (Auricularia auricula-judae Quel.) for a further 3 wk. Remarkable changes in body weight were unfound among the dietary groups. The food intake generally decreased according to the increase in dietary fat content, but the energy expenditure was hardly different among the dietary groups except for the 20FHWE group. That of the 20FHWE group was further decreased compared to the 20F group. Water consumption dropped in the order of the 20F, 5F, and 20FHWE groups. The plasma glucose concentration was the highest in the 20F group, followed in order by the 10F and 5F groups, and the lowest in the 2F and 20FHWE groups. The contents of dietary fat were most positively correlated with the plasma glucose level. The present results using KK-Ay mice confirm that dietary fat levels control postprandial glycaemia, and suggest that the hypoglycemic effect of HWE is primarily caused by a reduction in food ingestion.