Microarray analysis of the in vitro granulomatous response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra

Background:

The hallmark of tuberculosis is the granuloma, an organized cellular accumulation playing a key role in host defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. These structures sequester and contain mycobacterial cells preventing active disease, while long term maintenance of granulomas leads to latent disease. Clear understanding on mechanisms involved in granuloma formation and maintenance is lacking.

Objective:

To monitor granuloma formation and to determine gene expression profiles induced during the granulomatous response to M. tuberculosis (H37Ra).

Methods:

We used a previously characterized in vitro human model. Cellular aggregation was followed daily with microscopy and Wright staining for 5 days. Granulomas were collected at 24 h, RNA extracted and hybridized to Affymetrix human microarrays.

Results:

Daily microscopic examination revealed gradual formation of granulomas in response to mycobacterial infection. Granulomatous structures persisted for 96 h, and then began to disappear.

Conclusions:

Microarray analysis identified genes in the innate immune response and antigen presentation pathways activated during the in vitro granulomatous response to live mycobacterial cells, revealing very early changes in gene expression of the human granulomatous response.     

Post-myocardial infarction cardiogenic shock and circulatory assistance

Post-myocardial infarction cardiogenic shock still carries a very poor prognosis despite the rapid recourse to effective methods of myocardial revascularisation. Circulatory assistance devices allow restoration of adequate haemodynamics with limitation of myocardial work. In the most severe cases, implantation of intra-thoracic devices is associated with a 70% survival rate in the latest series, providing they are used early. However, in many cases, the essential problem is to stabilise the patient's haemodynamic status, sometimes even before myocardial revascularisation. In these situations, implantation of a peripheral femoro-femoral extra corporeal circulation (ECMO: extra corporeal membrane oxygenation) re-establishes an appropriate cardiac output andprovides time to transfer the patient, to perform coronary revascularisation or to assess neurological status, before deciding on the indications for more complicated assist systems. This "bridge to bridge" concept avoids the risk of implanting complicated assist devices in cerebrally dead patients or in those with multi-organ failure beyond treatment. Conversely, it gives some patients with apparent contraindications to complicated assist systems or who are unable to benefit from these systems for geographical reasons, a chance to survive. In early cardiogenic shock, the ECMO which has a low rate of complications, could safely promote myocardial recovery.     

Free fatty acids esterification catalyzed by acid Faujasite type zeolite

The catalytic activity of the protonated form of H-Y(80) zeolite (Faujasite with high Si/Al ratio) was evaluated as an acid catalyst in the esterification step pre-treatment of FFA by means of the esterification reaction of oleic acid with methanol in soybean oil. The zeolite structure was characterized by XRD and FTIR. Textural characterization was carried out by N₂ physisorption. The thermal stability was evaluated by TG-DTA and the acidity measured by NH₃-TPD and Pyridine-FTIR. The limitations of the use of this zeolite in a pre-treatment for biodiesel production was investigated through oleic acid esterification in soybean oil, as a model reaction, performed with different temperatures, catalyst amounts and molar ratios. The results showed that the amount of remaining FFA decreased to values well below the initial amount. Under the optimal reactional conditions, conversions to methyl esters above 95% were achieved. Results support that such reactions can be performed under H-Y(80) zeolite catalysis and can be applied in a pre-treatment esterification of feedstocks with high contents of FFA. Catalyst reuse is feasible due to its easy separation from reaction products allowing new reaction cycles, as well as the application of the H-Y(80) zeolite in biodiesel production.

FFA esterification pre-treatment catalyzed by a Faujasite type zeolite.     

Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation, laser therapy and LED therapy on the masticatory system and the impact on sleep variables in cerebral palsy patients: a randomized, five arms clinical trial

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Few studies demonstrate effectiveness of therapies for oral rehabilitation of patients with cerebral palsy (CP), given the difficulties in chewing, swallowing and speech, besides the intellectual, sensory and social limitations. Due to upper airway obstruction, they are also vulnerable to sleep disorders. This study aims to assess the sleep variables, through polysomnography, and masticatory dynamics, using electromiography, before and after neuromuscular electrical stimulation, associated or not with low power laser (Gallium Arsenide- Aluminun, = 780nm) and LED ( = 660 nm) irradiation in CP patients. Methods/Design: 50 patients with CP, both gender, aged between 19 and 60 years will be enrolled in this study. The inclusion criteria are: voluntary participation, patient with hemiparesis, quadriparesis or diparetic CP, with ability to understand and respond to verbal commands. The exclusion criteria are: patients undergoing / underwent orthodontic, functional maxillary orthopedic or botulinum toxin treatment. Polysomnographic and surface electromyographic exams on masseter, temporalis and suprahyoid will be carry out in all sample. Questionnaire assessing oral characteristics will be applied. The sample will be divided into 5 treatment groups: Group 1: neuromuscular electrical stimulation; Group 2: laser therapy; Group 3: LED therapy; Group 4: neuromuscular electrical stimulation and laser therapy and Group 5: neuromuscular electrical stimulation and LED therapy. All patients will be treated during 8 consecutive weeks. After treatment, polysomnographic and electromiographic exams will be collected again. Discussion: This paper describes a five arm clinical trial assessing the examination of sleep quality and masticatory function in patients with CP under non-invasive therapies.     

Résultats d’une enquête réalisée auprès des patients subissant une coloscopie au CHU de Cocody

Objectives

To study the degree of patient satisfaction after colonoscopy, depending on conditions of conducting the review to the teaching center hospital of Cocody.

Materials and methods

This was a cross-sectional prospective observational study six (6) months (1st December 2009 to May 30, 2010 inclusive). The 5 gastroenterologists had to complete two questionnaires: one before entering the patient into the examination room detailing the characteristics of the patient, the other two hours after the colonoscopy collecting the views of the patient.

Results

144 patients (94.7%) aged 16 to 86 years (average age 47 years) sex ratio of 1.09 agreed to participate in the study of the 152 who had a colonoscopy during the period study sixty five point three percent (n = 94) would accept a new endoscopy in the same conditions; 34.7% (n = 50) would accept if the conditions were different or would refuse a new endoscopy. The main factors negatively associated with acceptance under the same conditions were: pain during colonoscopy (OR = 0.11 [0,0141?C0,9324 IC95%]) and anxiety after colonoscopy (OR = 0.26 [0,0880?C0,7866 IC95%]).

Conclusion

Patient satisfaction after colonoscopy could be improved by improving the protocol for sedation and providing information to the patient before and after the colonoscopy in teaching hospital center. These improvements could enhance the acceptability of a future colonoscopy by the patient.     

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of antioxidants in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative movement disorder characterized by the degeneration and progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. It has been suggested that oxidative stress plays a role in the etiology and progression of PD. For instance, low levels of endogenous antioxidants, increased reactive species, augmented dopamine oxidation, and high iron levels have been found in brains from PD patients. In vitro and in vivo studies of Parkinson models evaluating natural and endogenous antioxidants such as polyphenols, coenzyme Q10, and vitamins A, C, and E have shown protective effects against oxidative-induced neuronal death. In this paper, we will review the mechanisms by which polyphenols and endogenous antioxidants can produce protection. Some of the mechanisms reviewed include: scavenging nitrogen and oxygen reactive species, regulation of signaling pathways associated with cell survival and inflammation, and inhibition of synphilin-1 and alpha-synuclein aggregation.     

FEASIBILITY AND RELIABILITY OF DYNAMIC POSTURAL CONTROL MEASURES IN CHILDREN IN FIRST THROUGH FIFTH GRADES

Purpose/Background:

Although dynamic postural control is a prerequisite to the development of fundamental movement skills in children, few studies have examined the feasibility and reliability of assessment techniques that measure dynamic postural control in youth under 13 years of age. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and reliability of the Lower Quarter Y Balance Test (YBT‐LQ) in children and to examine the reproducibility of these measures across developmental periods of childhood.

Methods:

188 subjects in first through fifth grades (age = 6.9 to 12.1 yr) performed the YBT‐LQ on two occasions in a field‐based setting. Reach distances and cumulative score (sum of 3 directions) were measured and analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Sub‐cohorts of 14 and 8 subjects were used to assess inter‐rater reliability within‐session and between‐session, respectively.

Results:

The overall ICC was moderate‐to‐good for the anterior (right=0.82; left=0.82), posteromedial (right=0.77; left=0.75), and posterolateral (right 0.80; left=0.77) reach directions. The combined ICC was also moderate‐to‐good for children in grades 1 (0.71), 2 (0.74), 3 (0.84), 4 (0.82), and 5 (0.79). Typical error values for right and left limbs were less than 10% of the mean for all reach measures across all grades. Interrater reliability within session (ICC > 0.995) and between sessions (0.907 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.974) were both excellent. No unexpected responses or injury occurred during testing.

Conclusions:

These findings indicate that the YBT‐LQ is a feasible and reproducible measure of dynamic postural control in children in first through fifth grades.

Level of Evidence:

2b