The synergistic application of quinone reductase and lignin peroxidase for the deconstruction of industrial (technical) lignins and analysis of the degraded lignin products.

The effect of combined quinone reductase (QR) and lignin peroxidase (LiP) on the depolymerization of technical lignins isolated from soda-anthraquinone (SAQ), steam explosion (S-E), and two sulfite processes (NaE and NaPE) was investigated. While LiP is best known for its ability to degrade lignins, it may also cause lignin re-polymerization due to the random coupling of phenoxy radicals and quinoid intermediates. This study evidenced that the addition of the bioreactor produced QR can to some extent limit the lignin re-polymerization by LiP. The synergistic application of QR and LiP lowered the molecular weights (Mw) of SAQ, NaE, S-E, and NaPE lignins by 31%, 34%, 41%, and 52%, respectively. The thermogravimetric analysis also showed that the thermal stability of the four lignins was reduced, whereas gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that the degradation products included monomeric phenols. Therefore, the combined QR and LiP system is a promising approach for lignin valorization.

Learning latent dynamics for partially observed chaotic systems.

This paper addresses the data-driven identification of latent representations of partially observed dynamical systems, i.e., dynamical systems for which some components are never observed, with an emphasis on forecasting applications and long-term asymptotic patterns. Whereas state-of-the-art data-driven approaches rely in general on delay embeddings and linear decompositions of the underlying operators, we introduce a framework based on the data-driven identification of an augmented state-space model using a neural-network-based representation. For a given training dataset, it amounts to jointly reconstructing the latent states and learning an ordinary differential equation representation in this space. Through numerical experiments, we demonstrate the relevance of the proposed framework with respect to state-of-the-art approaches in terms of short-term forecasting errors and long-term behavior. We further discuss how the proposed framework relates to the Koopman operator theory and Takens' embedding theorem.

Prevalence of hip dysplasia according to official radiographic screening, among 31 breeds of dogs in France.

In order to determine the prevalence of hip dysplasia (HD) from radiographs that were submitted for authorative grading, and its changes over the time in 31 breeds of dogs in France, a 14 year-retrospective study was conducted. Significant differences were observed between breeds, with HD prevalence ranging from 59.7% (Cane Corso) to 3.9% (Siberian Husky). When comparing the 1993-1999 with the 2000-2006 period in 15 breeds, a significant decrease in HD prevalence was detected in Berger Picard, Bernese Mountain dog, Briard, Gordon Setter, White Swiss Sheepdog and Rottweiler. Modifications observed in the other breeds were not statistically significant.

Canine hip dysplasia radiographic screening. Prevalence of rotation of the pelvis along its length axis in 7,012 conventional hip extended radiographs.

The prevalence of rotation of the pelvis along its length axis was noted, as was the number of rotations towards the right or left hand side of the dog, on 7,012 conventional hip extended radiographs, which were sent for official screening. 29.8% of the radiographs showed a rotation the pelvis. The rotation was statistically more frequent towards the left hand side of the dog. The number of rejected radiographs for too important pelvis rotation was only 5.2%. The consequences of the pelvis rotation on the Norberg-Olsson angle, on the dorsal femoral head coverage, and in the aspect of cranial acetabular edge have to be taken into account when scoring the dog for hip dysplasia.

Escherichia coli endocarditis: seven new cases in adults and review of the literature.

Described here are seven new cases of infective endocarditis due to Escherichia coli, including four involving prosthetic valves, followed by a review of similar cases in the literature. The review identified cases according to the modified Duke's criteria and revealed 16 cases reported before 1960, 5 between 1960 and 1980, and 11 after 1980. Currently, patients diagnosed with E. coli endocarditis are older than the patients diagnosed before 1960 (p<0.05), and they are often diabetic with underlying heart disease. Prosthetic valves are frequently involved (p<0.05), and the principal source of infection is the urinary tract. Surgery is often necessary. The mortality rate associated with this type of infection has decreased since 1960, but it remains high, with 17% calculated for the present series of seven new cases. The data presented here suggest that elderly patients with prior valve disease or prosthetic valve and E. coli urinary tract infection should be examined for endocarditis.

Immunogenicity and safety of a combined hepatitis A and B vaccine administered concomitantly with either a measles-mumps-rubella or a diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis-inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine mixed with a Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine in infants aged 12-18 months.

Two studies were undertaken to investigate the concomitant administration of combined hepatitis A/B vaccine with a diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis-inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine mixed with Haemophilus influenzae vaccine (DTPa-IPV/Hib), or with a measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR), during the second year of life. On completion of the vaccination course, all subjects were seropositive or seroprotected against all antigens except for one subject who was seronegative for anti-PT. Seropositivity and seroprotection rates for all other antibodies were comparable to reference values for each vaccine component, indicating that the immunogenicity of MMR, DTPa-IPV/Hib and combined hepatitis A/B vaccines is not impaired by co-administration. All vaccines were well tolerated.

Streptococcus pneumoniae endocarditis: persistence of DNA on heart valve material 7 years after infectious episode.

We amplified by PCR and sequenced Streptococcus pneumoniae rpoB from DNA of the cardiac valve of a man who had presented with pneumococcal endocarditis 7 years earlier. Histopathologically, the valve did not show evidence of endocarditis. This case raises the question of persistence of DNA without any evidence of infection.

Long term (24 months) follow-up of a hepatitis A and B vaccine, comparing a two and three dose schedule in adolescents aged 12-15 years.

BACKGROUND: A two dose schedule (0 and 6 months) for a combined hepatitis A and B vaccine is currently being developed. METHODS: The present study compared the combined hepatitis A and B vaccines in 12-15-year-old: Twinrix paediatric (360 EL.U HAV antigen/10 microg HBs antigen) on a three dose schedule (0, 1 and 6 months) to the adult formulation (720 EL.U HAV antigen/20 microg HBs antigen) on a two dose schedule (0 and 6 months) and also reports on the follow-up until 24 months. RESULTS: Seroconversion (SC) rates to HAV in both regimens reached 100% by month 7 and remained 100% up to month 24. Anti-HAV, GMTs were slightly higher for the two dose than the three dose regimens at this time point. Seroprotection against hepatitis B was >99% in both groups by month 7 and 24, this was still 94 and 96%, respectively. Statistical non-inferiority of group 1 (two dose) versus group 2 (three dose) was demonstrated. All vaccines were well tolerated and the most frequently reported local and general symptoms were pain and fatigue. There were no vaccine-related serious adverse events reported during the study. CONCLUSION: The two dose regimen elicited similar immunogenicity to HAV and HBsAg and reactogenicity profiles as the three dose regimen in this group of healthy adolescents. The reduction in the number of doses from the current three dose schedule will make vaccination against hepatitis A and B more convenient to the vaccinee, reduce healthcare staff time required and may lower the overall costs associated with vaccination.

Comparative immunogenicity and safety of two dosing schedules of a combined hepatitis A and B vaccine in healthy adolescent volunteers: an open, randomised study.

An open, randomised study was undertaken to demonstrate the equivalence in immunogenicity and to determine the reactogenicity and safety of two dosing schedules (0, 6 or 0, 12 month) of an adult formulation of a combined hepatitis A and B vaccine containing 720 EL.U. of inactivated hepatitis A antigen and 20 microg of hepatitis B surface antigen (Twinrix, SmithKline Beecham Biologicals, Belgium) in 240 healthy volunteers aged 12-15 years. The vaccine was well tolerated when administered using either vaccination schedule. At month 7, 98.1% of subjects completing the 0, 6 month vaccination schedule were seroprotected against hepatitis B (anti-hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) > or =10 mIU/ml) and 100% were seropositive for anti-hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV) antibodies (i.e., > or =33 mIU/ml). The corresponding geometric mean titres (GMTs) were 2791 mIU/ml for anti-HBs and 5992 mIU/ml for anti-HAV antibodies. At month 13, 97% of subjects assigned to the 0, 12 month vaccination schedule were protected against hepatitis B and 99% were seropositive for anti-HAV antibodies. The corresponding GMTs were 4340 and 8472 mIU/ml, respectively. A combined response (i.e., subjects, who were seropositive for anti-HAV antibodies and seroprotected for anti-HBs antibodies) was achieved in 98% of subjects vaccinated according to the 0, 6 month interval and in 96% of subjects vaccinated using the 0, 12 month schedule. The reactogenicity of both vaccination schedules was also equivalent. The results thus show that the combined hepatitis A and B vaccine can be administered using flexible vaccination intervals, which make it suitable for use in large-scale hepatitis immunisation programmes.

Long-term persistence of antibodies induced by vaccination and safety follow-up, with the first combined vaccine against hepatitis A and B in children and adults.

It is important to monitor the long-term persistence of antibodies induced by vaccination. Four cohorts were followed for their long-term immunity after vaccination with a combined hepatitis A and B vaccine (Twinrix; SmithKline Beecham Biologicals, Rixsenart, Belgium). Two cohorts of adults (ages 17-60 years), one of 1-6-year-olds, and one of 6-15-year-olds were vaccinated following a 0, 1, and 6-month schedule. Follow-up data until month 72 (adults) and month 60 (children) are available. At month 72, antibody to hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV) seropositivity (S+) was 100% for both adult cohorts (n = 40 and n = 47) and 95% and 89% of the vaccinees were seroprotected against hepatitis B virus (HBV), respectively. The geometric mean titres (GMTs; mIU/ml) for anti-HAV were 977 and 542 and the GMTs for the antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) were 322 and 90. For 1-6-year-olds at month 60 (n = 39), anti-HAV S+ was 100% with a GMT of 479 and 97% were protected against HBV with a GMT of 195. At month 60 for the 6-15-year-olds (n = 42), anti-HAV S+ was 100% with a GMT of 990 and 95% were protected against HBV with a GMT of 263. There have been no safety issues during the follow-up. In the past 5 years, a postmarketing surveillance system was available. Using this system, all spontaneous adverse events are collected and archived. Although infrequent, the most commonly reported adverse events after more than 13 million doses were allergic-type reactions followed by fever and injection site reactions. The combined hepatitis A and B vaccine is safe and is well tolerated. Immunity provided by the vaccine remains high in adults and children with comparable results to those obtained with monovalent vaccines.

Identification, cloning, and heterologous expression of a mammalian fructosamine-3-kinase.

Fructosamines are thought to play an important role in the development of diabetic complications. Little is known about reactions that could metabolize these compounds in mammalian tissues, except for recent indications that they can be converted to fructosamine 3-phosphates. The purpose of the present work was to identify and characterize the enzyme responsible for this conversion. Erythrocyte extracts were found to catalyze the ATP-dependent phosphorylation of 1-deoxy-1-morpholinofructose (DMF), a synthetic fructosamine. The enzyme responsible for this conversion was purified approximately 2,500-fold by chromatography on Blue Sepharose, Q Sepharose, and Sephacryl S-200 and shown to copurify with a 35,000-M(r) protein. Partial sequences of tryptic peptides were derived from the protein by nanoelectrospray-ionization mass spectrometry, which allowed for the identification of the corresponding human and mouse cDNAs. Both cDNAs encode proteins of 309 amino acids, showing 89% identity with each other and homologous to proteins of unknown function predicted from the sequences of several bacterial genomes. Both proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. They were shown to catalyze the phosphorylation of DMF, fructoselysine, fructoseglycine, and fructose in order of decreasing affinity. They also phosphorylated glycated lysozyme, though not unmodified lysozyme. Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of phosphorylated DMF and phosphorylated fructoseglycine showed that the phosphate was bound to the third carbon of the 1-deoxyfructose moiety. The physiological function of fructosamine-3-kinase may be to initiate a process leading to the deglycation of fructoselysine and of glycated proteins.

A two dose schedule for combined hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccination in children ages one to eleven years.

RATIONALE: A combined hepatitis A and B vaccine, Twinrix, containing at least 720 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay units of hepatitis A antigen and 20 microg of hepatitis B antigen in the adult formulation and half those doses in the pediatric formulation, has been available in many countries since 1997. This vaccine is administered on a three dose schedule: 0, 1 and 6 months. A reduction in the number of doses would add convenience for the vaccinees and reduce administration-associated costs. We investigated the safety and immunogenicity profile of the adult formulation administered at 0 and 6 months in children ages 1 to 11 years. METHODS: A total of 237 children of both sexes were enrolled. Blood sampling was performed at 0 and 1, 2, 6 and 7 months. Seropositivity for anti-hepatitis A virus was defined as > or = 33 mIU/ml and seroprotection against hepatitis B virus as > or =10 mIU/ml. Data on solicited and unsolicited adverse events were collected on diary cards. RESULTS: The vaccine was well-tolerated in all subjects. At Month 7 all subjects had seroconverted for anti-hepatitis A virus antibodies with a high geometric mean concentration (11 543 mIU/ml). We observed a continuous increase in anti-hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) seroconversion rates and seroprotection rates until Month 6. After the second dose (Month 7), all subjects seroconverted for anti-HBs antibodies with a high geometric mean concentration (8056 mIU/ml) and 98.5% of the subjects were considered seroprotected. CONCLUSION: The two dose adult formulation could be an alternative to prevent hepatitis A and hepatitis B infection in children ages 1 to 11 years.

Identification of the cDNA encoding human 6-phosphogluconolactonase, the enzyme catalyzing the second step of the pentose phosphate pathway(1).

We report the sequence of a human cDNA encoding a protein homologous to devB (a bacterial gene often found in proximity to the gene encoding glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in bacterial genomes) and to the C-terminal part of human hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. The protein was expressed in Escherichia coli, purified and shown to be 6-phosphogluconolactonase, the enzyme catalyzing the second step of the pentose phosphate pathway. Sequence analysis indicates that bacterial devB proteins, the C-terminal part of hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and yeast Sol1-4 proteins are most likely also 6-phosphogluconolactonases and that these proteins are related to glucosamine-6-phosphate isomerases.

Epidemiology, etiology, and impact of traveler's diarrhea in Jamaica.

CONTEXT: Traveler's diarrhea (TD) can incapacitate travelers. Characteristics of TD could be helpful in identifying individuals who might benefit from a vaccine against TD. OBJECTIVE: To determine epidemiology, etiology, and impact of TD in Jamaica. Design Two-armed, cross-sectional survey conducted between March 1996 and May 1997. SETTING: Sangster International Airport and 10 hotels in Montego Bay area, Jamaica. SUBJECTS: To investigate epidemiology and impact, 30369 short-term visitors completed a questionnaire just before boarding their homebound aircrafts. To investigate etiology, 322 patients (hotel guests) with TD provided stool samples. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Attack and incidence rates of reported diarrhea and of classically defined TD (> or =3 unformed stool samples in 24 hours and > or =1 accompanying symptom), incapacity, risk factors, and etiology. RESULTS: The attack rate for diarrhea was 23.6% overall, with 11.7% having classically defined TD. For a mean duration of stay of 4 to 7 days, the incidence rate was 20.9% (all TD) and 10.0% (classic TD). Among airport respondents, the incapacity lasted a mean of 11.6 hours. Less than 3% of all travelers avoided potentially high-risk food and beverages. The most frequently detected pathogens were enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, Rotavirus, and Salmonella species. CONCLUSIONS: A realistic plan for reducing TD is needed. Preventive measures such as the improvement of hygienic conditions at the destination, and/or the development of vaccines against the most frequent pathogens associated with TD may contribute toward achieving this goal.

Two-dose combined vaccination against hepatitis A and B in healthy subjects aged 11-18 years.

BACKGROUND: In this open, randomized trial the safety, reactogenicity, and immunogenicity profile of a high-dose combined hepatitis A and B candidate vaccine was compared with that of Twinrix Paediatric in healthy volunteers aged 11-18 years. METHODS: One hundred subjects were randomly allocated to either of two groups. One group received the high-dose vaccine (720 E1.U HAV antigen; 20 microg hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) at months 0 and 6; the second group received Twinrix Paediatric (360 E1.U HAV antigen; 10 microg HBsAg), following a 0-1-6-month schedule. RESULTS: Injection site soreness and fatigue were the most frequently reported solicited symptoms. For hepatitis A all subjects had seroconverted at month 7, and geometric mean titres (GMT) were 8,151 mIU/ml in the high-dose group and 6,394 mIU/ml in the Twinrix Paediatric group. For hepatitis B the GMT for the Twinrix Paediatric group was significantly higher at month 2 and month 6. However, no difference in GMT between groups could be established at month 7. The seroprotection rate attained 100% in both groups, and GMT were 4,212 mIU/ml (high-dose group) and 6,330 mIU/ml (Twinrix Paediatric). CONCLUSIONS: The two vaccines showed similar safety and reactogenicity profiles. After completion of the vaccination schedule, no difference in immunogenicity was shown. This high-dose vaccine, administered following a two-dose schedule, can be considered an alternative regimen for the immunization of healthy adolescents against hepatitis A and hepatitis B infections, in a setting where vaccinees are not immediately at risk of exposure to hepatitis B.

Concomitant vaccination against hepatitis A and typhoid fever.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reactogenicity and immunogenicity of a hepatitis A vaccine (Havrix-1440TM) when administered simultaneously with a Vi polysaccharide typhoid vaccine. METHODS: Two open, randomized studies were conducted using 2 and 4 treatment groups respectively, at the Clinique Notre-Dame de Grâce, Belgium (Study 1) and University Hospital of Hradec Kralové, Czech Republic (Study 2). SUBJECTS: Healthy adults aged 18-50 years were administered either both vaccines concomitantly in separate arms or a single injection of the two vaccines mixed extemporaneously (Study 1), or one injection of each vaccine alone, or the combined vaccine, or both vaccines concomitantly in separate arms (Study 2). The study measured solicited and unsolicited signs and symptoms until 28 days post-vaccination. Anti-hepatitis A and anti-Vi titers were determined in pre- and post-vaccination sera. RESULTS: The vast majority of local and general symptoms were mild to moderate and all resolved without sequelae. No serious adverse events were reported in either study. In study 1, geometric mean antibody titers (GMTs) were similar after extemporaneous syringe mixing of both vaccines (anti-Vi = 1159 EL.U/mL; anti-HAV = 302 EL.U/mL) and after concomitant vaccination (anti-Vi = 1331 EL.U/mL; anti-HAV = 367 EL. U/mL). In study 2, GMTs following vaccination with either vaccine alone, both vaccines administered concomitantly or as a combined vaccine (anti-Vi: 1307, 1247 and 942 EL.U/mL, respectively; anti-HAV: 462, 517 and 432 EL.U/mL, respectively) were not significantly different (p = .45 for anti-HAV, p = .18 for anti-Vi). Seroconversion rates were > 94.4% in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: The inactivated hepatitis A and Vi polysaccharide typhoid vaccines are safe and well tolerated when administered simultaneously (mixed or concomitant) and as a combined vaccine. Subjects seroconverted to both antigens to the same extent as the monovalent vaccines and there was no cross-interference in the immune profiles of the vaccines.

[Heart valve prosthesis from autologous pericardium. Preliminary results apropos of 15 patients]. / La prothèse cardiaque en péricarde autologue. Résultats préliminaires à propos de 14 patients.

The concept of a heart valve prosthesis made from autologous pericardium is based on the idea of creating and developing a valve with a longer life than heterografts or homografts due to the absence of tissue degeneration causing the deterioration of both of these types of bioprostheses. The first attempts using the fascia lata or the pericardium, implanted in the seventies, were unsuccessful due to problems with pretreatment of the pericardium and other purely technical difficulties. J. Love et al then developed a technique based on Carpentier's earlier work, where a valve is made extemporaneously using the autologous pericardium. We applied this technique in 14 patients from June 1994 to 1995. The mean age of the patients was 68 years (7 males, 7 females). The aortic valve was replaced in all cases. Preoperative findings were: aortic stenosis (n = 7), aortic regurgitation (n = 1), aortic valve disease (n = 6). Two patients also had mitral valve disease and 3 had coronary artery disease. There were no operative deaths and no patients were lost to follow up. Clinical state was satisfactory with a follow-up of 1 to 10 months. Postoperative Doppler echocardiography was performed at 3 and 6 months and showed gradients were very low. This group of patients demonstrated the value and applicability of the concept. The validity of the technique will be evaluated as a function of the long-term results.

Evaluation of a combined tetravalent diphtheria, tetanus, whole-cell pertussis and hepatitis B candidate vaccine administered to healthy infants according to a three-dose vaccination schedule.

A vaccine combining hepatitis B with diphtheria, tetanus and whole-cell Bordetella pertussis (DTPwHBV) would facilitate the attainment of universal vaccination of infants against hepatitis B. A candidate vaccine was administered to 42 infants beginning at 7-15 weeks of age. Antibodies were measured from pre- and postvaccination blood samples. After three doses, at least 94.9% of the infants were protected against hepatitis B, diphtheria and tetanus. Responses to B. pertussis were considered adequate. No serious adverse events were reported. These results indicate that this candidate vaccine is safe and immunogenic when administered to infants according to a three-dose schedule, with doses 2 months apart.

Carotenoid transformations underlying the blue absorbance change in flashed leaves during the induction of oxygen evolution.

The blue absorbance change occurring in flashed bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) leaves when exposed to continuous light (first observed by Strasser; Strasser, R.J. (1973) Arch. Int. Physiol. Biochem. 81, 935--955) is caused by the conversion of the following xanthophylls: violaxanthine leads to antheraxanthine leads to zeaxanthine. This conclusion is derived from the simultaneous occurrence of both reactions: (a) In flashed leaves, blue absorbance change and xanthophyll conversion take place under strong (2 mW . cm-2) but not under weak (0.02 mW . cm-2) white light. (b) In chloroplasts isolated from flashed leaves, the blue absorbance change occurs in the dark under conditions that also induce the xanthophyll conversion. (c) Blue absorbance change and xanthophyll conversion are both inhibited by dithiothreitol. In addition, the light-induced blue absorbance change is reversed in the dark if aerobic conditions are maintained, i.e. under conditions that in normal leaves favor the reversal of the above reaction sequence. The significance of the xanthophyll conversion is discussed in relation to other phenomena occurring in flashed leaves after exposure to continuous illumination.