Role of long-term potentiation of sympathetic ganglia (gLTP) in hypertension

Ganglionic long-term potentiation (gLTP) is an activity-dependent sustained increase in the synaptic efficacy of the nicotinic pathway that has been demonstrated in autonomic ganglia. Sustained enhancement in ganglionic transmission as in chronic mental stress may affect the activity of autonomic functions, including blood pressure and heart rate. An increase in sympathetic activity associated with psychosocial stress and stress-prone conditions such as obesity and aging could result in in vivo expression of gLTP leading to hypertension of a neural origin. Recent reports indicated that the prevention of the expression of gLTP in animal models of hypertension prevented or reduced high blood pressure. Although stress-induced hypertension normalizes within a few days of stress relief, prolonged mild-moderate hypertension may contribute to atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. The relation between hypertension and enhanced ganglionic transmission as a result of in vivo expression of gLTP is discussed in this review.     

Regression of skin lesions of Kyrle's disease with metronidazole in a diabetic patient

We describe here in a case of a 41-year-old man, with diabetes mellitus, who presented manifestations of Kyrle's disease. Administration of metronidazole, 500 mg twice daily for 1 month, resulted in complete regression of skin lesions with no recurrence during 12 months of follow-up. This successful antibiotic treatment is to support the role of infectious agents (anaerobic bacteria) in the pathogenesis of Kyrle's disease.     

The incidence of phlebitis with intravenous amiodarone at guideline dose recommendations

Postoperative atrial fibrillation following cardiothoracic surgery is common and frequently managed with intravenous (IV) amiodarone. Phlebitis is the most common complication with peripheral infusion of this agent. Current practice guidelines for peripheral IV administration of <2 mg/mL amiodarone were established to reduce the risk of phlebitis. The present study examines the incidence of phlebitis in a postoperative patient population given current dose recommendations. A total of 273 patient charts were reviewed. The incidence of phlebitis in patients given IV amiodarone (n = 36) was 13.9% (95% confidence interval, 2.6-25.2%; p = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis with backward elimination of other therapeutic risk factors suggests that the odds ratio for phlebitis using current dose regimens without IV filters is 19-fold greater than baseline risk in this population. Phlebitis remains a significant complication associated with peripheral infusion of amiodarone within recommended dosing limits.     

Determinants of parents' reticence toward vaccination in urban areas in Benin (West Africa)

Background

Despite the efforts of health authorities, vaccination coverage of targeted child populations is still poor in many regions. Parents' reticence has been identified as one cause of this situation. However, there is little data to explain the phenomenon that could support decision-making.

Objective

The objective of the study was to uncover the determinants of this reticence toward vaccination among the religious population of the cities of Parakou and Cotonou in Benin.

Methods

This was an exploratory study using a qualitative survey of 12 pastors and 30 faithful from churches that are vaccination-reticent and a control group of the same number of faithful belonging to other churches, all Christian. Individual and group interviews were carried out in the local language using a pre-established and pre-tested guide. The data collected underwent discourse content analysis focused on specific themes.

Results

Analysis of the data reveals an erroneous perception of child vaccination. Those who are reticent say vaccination goes against the will of God, that it is a poison from the "white witch doctor", and that those who vaccinate their children are committing a sin. Members of the control group argued against this, but without conviction. They adhere to the principle of obedience to authority, a biblical precept invoked when the vaccinators oblige them to vaccinate their children. Other factors were identified that could explain the reticence, such as the tactlessness of the vaccinators, parents' previous experiences and false rumours about vaccination.

Conclusion

The reasons for reticence are mainly related to parents' beliefs in religious principles that are sometimes poorly understood. To limit the spread of this phenomenon, more detailed information and negotiation between the health authorities and the pastors of these churches are essential.

Abstract in French

See the full article online for a translation of this abstract in French.

     

Dye Labelling of Nucleosides

Dye‐labelled nucleosides were obtained in 30–79% (average 45%) yields by treating N‐(4‐arylazobenzoyl)‐1H‐benzotriazoles 3a–b with appropriate nucleosides. Similarly, 3a–b afforded dye‐labelled threoninol conjugates in 55–89% (average 67%) yields. All novel products were characterized by NMR and elemental analysis.     

Identification of new meningococcal serogroup B surface antigens through a systematic analysis of neisserial genomes

The difficulty of inducing an effective immune response against the Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B capsular polysaccharide has lead to the search for vaccines for this serogroup based on outer membrane proteins. The availability of the first meningococcal genome (MC58 strain) allowed the expansion of high-throughput methods to explore the protein profile displayed by N. meningitidis. By combining a pan-genome analysis with an extensive experimental validation to identify new potential vaccine candidates, genes coding for antigens likely to be exposed on the surface of the meningococcus were selected after a multistep comparative analysis of entire Neisseria genomes. Eleven novel putative ORF annotations were reported for serogroup B strain MC58. Furthermore, a total of 20 new predicted potential pan-neisserial vaccine candidates were produced as recombinant proteins and evaluated using immunological assays. Potential vaccine candidate coding genes were PCR-amplified from a panel of representative strains and their variability analyzed using maximum likelihood approaches for detecting positive selection. Finally, five proteins all capable of inducing a functional antibody response vs N. meningitidis strain CU385 were identified as new attractive vaccine candidates: NMB0606 a potential YajC orthologue, NMB0928 the neisserial NlpB (BamC), NMB0873 a LolB orthologue, NMB1163 a protein belonging to a curli-like assembly machinery, and NMB0938 (a neisserial specific antigen) with evidence of positive selection appreciated for NMB0928. The new set of vaccine candidates and the novel proposed functions will open a new wave of research in the search for the elusive neisserial vaccine.     

Prevalence of antibodies against orthopoxviruses among residents of Likouala region, Republic of Congo: evidence for monkeypox virus exposure

Monkeypox virus is a zoonotic orthopoxvirus (OPX) of west and central sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted a cross-sectional serosurvey in Likouala region, Republic of Congo to assess exposure to OPX. Whole blood was collected using Nobuto blood filter strips (NBFS). Titers of IgM and IgG to OPX were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared with serostatus using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate factors for independent association with serostatus. A total of 994 specimens were analyzed; the overall seroprevalence for OPX IgM was 1.7%. Age < 25 years reduced the likelihood of OPX exposure, and persons living in Ngangania village had independently higher odds (odds ratio = 33.5, 95% confidence interval = 7.2-166). Blood collection for serosurveys using NBFS is feasible and practical. Adult activities such as hunting and carcass preparation may play an important role in exposure to Monkeypox virus.