[IgA vasculitis secondary to Klebsiella pneumoniae infection]. / Vascularite à IgA satellite d'une pneumopathie abcédée à Klebsiella pneumoniae.

INTRODUCTION: IgA vasculitis is a leucocytoclastic vasculitis of small vessels with immune deposits of IgA. It tends to occur in a post-infectious context, though the pathogenic agent is rarely found. OBSERVATION: We report, for the first time, the case of an 81-year old patient who presented with an acute IgA vasculitis with cutaneous and joint involvement during a Klebsiella pneumoniae respiratory infection. Remission of vasculitis was observed after antibiotic therapy alone. CONCLUSION: This observation reminds us of the need to search carefully for any pathogenic agent that may be driving IgA vasculitis as this may be important both for understanding aetiology and for treatment.

Behenamidopropyl Dimethylamine: unique behaviour in solution and in hair care formulations.

SYNOPSIS: The rise of ecological awareness among consumers and industry has impacted the cationic surfactants market. The most used cationic surfactants present some drawbacks in this sense. Therefore, new molecules are being studied and developed which fulfil eco-toxicological requirements without losing performance. One of these surfactants is Behenamidopropyl Dimethylamine (BAPDMA). This biodegradable amidoamine, which converts into a cationic surfactant at acidic pH, shows outstanding water solubility, despite its very long alkyl chain. Its behaviour in solution has been exhaustively studied. The conditioning performance of this product is superior to that of commonly used cationic surfactants, providing a superior sensorial profile and improved combing force reductions on hair. Moreover, other applications for this product in the non-ionic form have been studied, such as conditioning agent in 2 in 1 shampoos, where it also shows colour protection effects, and as gelling agent in hair colouration creams. This multifunctional and high performance profile, together with an improved biodegradation and aquatic toxicity compared with currently used cationic surfactants, make this product a very interesting eco-friendly alternative for the hair care market.

Multiple regulatory mechanisms act on the 5' untranslated region of the S-layer gene from Thermus thermophilus HB8.

The role of the 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) of the S-layer gene from Thermus thermophilus was analyzed through the isolation of Delta 5'UTR mutants. In these mutants the half-life of splA mRNA was strongly reduced and slpA transcription was no longer subjected to growth phase-dependent repression. Overproduction and detachment of the external envelopes of the mutants were observed in stationary phase.

[Imaging of cloverleaf skull]. / Imagerie du crâne en trèfle.

The cloverleaf skull is a rare and due to complex craniosynostosis. This malformation can be isolated or associated with extracranial skeletal anomalies. This anomaly has a poor prognosis both in terms of neurological outcome and esthetic appearance. Our report underscores the need to obtain a global study of the skull, the brain and the cerebral vessels with 3D reconstructions and MRI prior to early surgery.

Two nitrate/nitrite transporters are encoded within the mobilizable plasmid for nitrate respiration of Thermus thermophilus HB8.

Thermus thermophilus HB8 can grow anaerobically by using a membrane-bound nitrate reductase to catalyze the reduction of nitrate as a final electron acceptor in respiration. In contrast to other denitrifiers, the nitrite produced does not continue the reduction pathway but accumulates in the growth medium after its active extrusion from the cell. We describe the presence of two genes, narK1 and narK2, downstream of the nitrate reductase-encoding gene cluster (nar) that code for two homologues to the major facilitator superfamily of transporters. The sequences of NarK1 and NarK2 are 30% identical to each other, but whereas NarK1 clusters in an average-distance tree with putative nitrate transporters, NarK2 does so with putative nitrite exporters. To analyze whether this differential clustering was actually related to functional differences, we isolated derivatives with mutations of one or both genes. Analysis revealed that single mutations had minor effects on growth by nitrate respiration, whereas a double narK1 narK2 mutation abolished this capability. Further analysis allowed us to confirm that the double mutant is completely unable to excrete nitrite, while single mutants have a limitation in the excretion rates compared with the wild type. These data allow us to propose that both proteins are implicated in the transport of nitrate and nitrite, probably acting as nitrate/nitrite antiporters. The possible differential roles of these proteins in vivo are discussed.

A high-transformation-efficiency cloning vector for Thermus thermophilus.

The cloning vector pMK18 was developed through the fusion of the minimal replicative region from an indigenous plasmid of Thermus sp. ATCC27737, a gene cassette encoding a thermostable resistance to kanamycin, and the replicative origin and multiple cloning site of pUC18. Plasmid pMK18 showed transformation efficiencies from 10(8) to 10(9) per microgram of plasmid in Thermus thermophilus HB8 and HB27, both by natural competence and by electroporation. We also show that T. thermophilus HB27 can take pMK18 modified by the Escherichia coli methylation system with the same efficiency as its own DNA. To demonstrate its usefulness as a cloning vector, a gene encoding the beta-subunit of a thermostable nitrate reductase was directly cloned in T. thermophilus HB27 from a gene library. Its further transfer to E. coli also proved its utility as a shuttle vector.

Palladium(II) compounds with potential antitumour properties and their platinum analogues: a comparative study of the reaction of some orotic acid derivatives with DNA in vitro.

Ethidium bromide was used to study perturbations induced in salmon sperm DNA complexed with a series of platinum and palladium compounds obtained from chloro and orotic acid derivatives as leaving ligands. The antitumoral activity of these compounds against Sarcoma 180 cells grafted intraperitoneally into mice is correlated with their capacity to interact with DNA in vitro and to perturb its secondary structure. Nevertheless, among these compounds, [Pt(Dach)(3-methyl-orot)] and [Pt(Dach)(5-fluoro-orot)] do not interact with DNA in vitro and are inactive against Sarcoma 180 cells. This lack of activity originates from the fact that strong chelating properties of the ligand prevent hydrolysis of the compounds which are unable to give rise to aquo species which are the reactive ones. On the other hand, the interaction with DNA is not the only prerequisite in order that a compound be active towards tumour cells. In fact, cis-[Pd(NH3)2Cl2] and cis[Pd(Dach)Cl2] are not antitumoral. It is well known that the former undergoes an inactive trans-conformation and that the two compounds hydrolyse very fast assuming that they interact in vivo with a lot of molecules particularly proteins preventing them to reach the DNA, their pharmacological target. By contrast, [Pd(Dach)(3-methyl-orot)] (T/C = 267%) and [Pd(Dach)(5-fluoro-orot)] (T/C = 270%) display significant antitumour activity.

Lambdoid craniosynostosis. A 3D-computerized tomographic approach.

From a series of eleven children aged from 4 months to eight years presenting with a parieto-occipital flattening that was unilateral in nine and bilateral in two, we attempted to determine a 3D-CT semeiology able to demonstrate the presence of a lambdoid suture synostosis, as well as the participation of coronal and lambdoid sutures in the genesis of complex cranial malformations. Pure isolated forms of lambdoid synostosis are rare and justify a surgical treatment for cosmetic purposes if the deformation is severe and progressive.

Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome and MRI: the "tiger's eye". One case.

The MRI exploration of a woman suspected, on clinical grounds, of having Hallervorden-Spatz disease (or rather syndrome) revealed, on T2-weighted sequences, the "tiger's eye" or "target" image of the pallidum described by previous authors: i.e. a high-intensity signal in the centre of a distinct low-intensity signal; it also showed an abnormal low-intensity signal of the substantia nigra. These changes are related to the iron deposits and neuro-axonal lesions which characterize the disease. The MRI semeiology of Hallervorden-Spatz disease has been analyzed in the literature. The images we obtained in this patient with the echo-gradient technique using T1-weighted sequences were unusual, showing a low-intensity signal of the globi pallidi surrounded by central and peripheral low-intensity signal areas, whereas the images obtained with spin-echo T1-weighted sequences were normal.

[Meningoencephalitis disclosing Behçet disease. Value of nuclear magnetic resonance imaging]. / Méningoencéphalite révélatrice d'une maladie de Behçet. Intérêt de l'imagerie par résonance magnétique nucléaire.

A meningoencephalitis Behçet's disease revealing is reported. Magnetic resonance imaging is more sensitive than computerized tomography in detecting encephalitic lesions. However, no specific pattern may be retained. This exploration is non invasive and can be used to monitor the evolution after treatment.

[3D imaging and pathology of the base of the skull in children]. / Imagerie 3D et pathologie de la base du crâne chez l'enfant.

Three dimensional computed tomography was performed in 150 children suffering from a bone lesion of the base of the skull and face. These lesions were either malformative, neoplastic, infectious or traumatic. 3D CT provided an essential anatomical approach to the lesions facilitating the choice of the most appropriate treatment. 3D CT is also indicated in the follow-up of these operated children, particularly of the growth of the operated bone segment and its relations with adjacent structures.

Value of 3D imaging for the study of craniofacial malformations in children.

Three-dimensional (3D) imaging was performed on 150 children with craniofacial malformations divided into three groups: craniostenosis, craniofacial dysraphism and labio-maxillo-palatine clefts arbitrarily included in a corpus of constitutional and acquired abnormalities. The authors believe that this technique is of interest not only for the management of these children, but also to understand the pathogenesis of their malformations.

[Dura mater chondroma. A case report and review of the literature]. / Chondrome dure-mérien. A propos d'un cas et revue de la littérature.

Intradural chondromas are exceedingly rare intracranial tumors. We present a case of intradural chondroma. It is a clinical and radiological presentation, with special emphasis on CT appearance. The CT scan demonstrated a mass lesion with intratumors calcification areas, and slight enhancement after intravenous injection of contrast. The differential diagnosis with calcified meningioma is histological.

Platinum and palladium complexes of 3-methyl orotic acid: a route toward palladium complexes with good antitumor activity.

In order to design and develop potential anticancer drugs involving the same structural pattern as platinum(II) antitumor complexes, complexes of palladium and platinum with 3-methyl-orotic acid as the leaving ligand have been synthesized. The study of the anticancer activity of these compounds toward L1210 leukemia and sarcoma 180 in mice is presented and discussed in terms of the nature of the ligand and the metal involved. The (3-methylorotato)(1,2-diamino-cyclohexane) palladium(II) has an activity (sarcoma 180) similar to that for cis-DDP itself. The crystal structure of (3-methylorotato)(dl-trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane) platinum(II) is described.

[Magnetic resonance imaging of the larynx. Its contribution compared to x-ray computed tomography in the pre-therapeutic evaluation of cancers of the larynx. Apropos of 90 surgical cases]. / L'imagerie par résonance magnétique du larynx. Apport comparé à celui de la tomodensitométrie dans le bilan pré-thérapeutique des cancers du larynx. A propos de quatre-vingt dix cas opérés.

The authors report a prospective and comparative study of the pre-operative staging of 90 laryngeal carcinomas by CT and MRI, with blind analysis of each examination. The radio-anatomic correlations and the inter-method correlations (CT versus MRI) are reported. According to the authors MRI seems to be the method of choice because of its capabilities in soft tissues differentiation and because of its multiplanar representation. The motion artefacts are resolved by the fast imaging technique and the spatial resolution is optimized by special surface coils.

Epileptogenic cerebral vascular malformations and MRI.

The results of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed in 67 patients with cerebral vascular malformations (35 arteriovenous malformations [AVM], 29 cryptic malformations, 11 venous angiomas and 2 associated lesions) were studied retrospectively after the patient population was divided into epileptics [25] and non-epileptics [42]. Several criteria were determined for each type of malformation in the two groups. They included patient's age, site of the malformation in relation to the cortex, size of the malformation, presence of a perilesional high-intensity signal on T2-weighted sequences and evidence of recent haemorrhage. Epileptogenic AVMs seemed to be more superficial and more often associated with a perilesional parenchymatous high-intensity signal on T2-weighted sequences than non-epileptogenic malformations. Epileptogenic cryptic malformations were closer to the cortex, larger, and specifically but rarely associated with changes in signal of the adjacent brain tissue on T2-weighted sequences. The few angiomas associated with epilepsy were, paradoxically, located in the cerebellum.

[Vagal paraganglioma associated with a rare malformation of the aortic arch. Apropos of a case and review of the literature]. / Paragangliome du vague associé à une malformation rare de la crosse aortique. A propos d'un cas et revue de la littérature.

The authors report about a very peculiar case of cervical paraganglioma which had two specific features. This is a familial case with 2 sisters presenting with bilateral paragangliomas. In addition, this patient's aortic trunk is very peculiar, with a retroesophageal right subclavian artery and, above all, a divided intrathoracic right common carotid artery, producing an ascending pharyngeal supply for the right paraganglioma, which can be embolized without any risks of reflux.

The antitumor activity of some palladium(II) complexes with chelating ligands.

A range of palladium(II) complexes with chelating ligands were assayed for their antitumor activity against the tumors P388 and S180 in female mice. The complexes tested were [Pd(L)(ONO2)2] (L = 2,2'-bipyridyl,2-(aminoethyl)pyridine (aep), 2-(aminomethyl)pyridine (amp], [Pd(eth)Cl2] (eth = ethionine) and [Pd(dach)(Meorot)] (dach = trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane, Meorot = dianion of 3-methylorotic acid). The complexes were administered in water except [Pd(dach)(Meorot)] which was a suspension in klucel. The LD0 values were greater than or equal to 100 mg/kg. None of the complexes were active against the P388 tumor. [Pd(L)ONO2)2] (L = aep, amp) showed marginal activity against S180, while [Pd(dach-)(Meorot)] had an optimal T/C of 267% at dose of 150 mg/kg with 2/10 survivors on day 60.

[MRI/CT x-ray comparison in the pre-operative evaluation of cancer of the larynx. Apropos of 46 cases]. / Comparaison IRM/TDM dans le bilan pré-opératoire des cancers du larynx. A propos de 46 cas.

The authors present the comparative value of CT scan and MRI in the pre-operative staging of 46 laryngeal carcinomas. The "in depth" evaluation conducts the choice of conservative surgery. CT scan is the reference but MRI reveals itself as effective and even more in certain cases. The spontaneous contrast gradient for soft tissues of the MR imaging explains this effectiveness of the method. The paraglottic space and the subglottic extension are more easily studied by MRI. If the expansion of the MRI Unities allows this indication of the pre-operative staging of laryngeal carcinomas is an excellent one.