[Macrophage activation syndrome and autoimmunity due to visceral leishmaniasis]. / Syndrome d'activation macrophagique et auto-immunité cortico-sensible révélateurs d'une leishmaniose viscérale.

Hemophagocytic syndromes are a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by an excessive immune response, mediated by activated cytotoxic T cells and macrophages. Among hemophagocytic syndromes, genetic and secondary forms can be distinguished. We report on the case of a male newborn who presented with macrophage activation syndrome associated with lymphoproliferation with favorable outcome under prednisone and cyclosporin. Hemopathy, infection, or genetic lymphohistiocytosis were initially ruled out. Severe autoimmunity was suspected because of positive antinuclear antibodies and Farr test associated with anemia and a positive Coombs test as well as cytolytic hepatitis with anti-liver, kidney microsome (LKM) antibodies. Treatment was therefore intensified by adding mycophenolate mofetil. This led to an unexpected deterioration of general health and lab exam results with recurrence of fever and inflammation. The initial investigations were revisited and completed by a liver biopsy, which revealed the presence of numerous leishmania parasites at the amastigote stage, enabling the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis. The patient's condition dramatically improved under liposomal amphotericin B treatment. Our observation shows that visceral leishmaniasis can present as lupus-like syndrome with lymphoproliferation. Moreover, the lack of leishmania on marrow aspiration cannot rule out the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis. Detection of leishmania by serological or molecular tests is mandatory in case of hepatosplenomegaly with hemophagocytic syndrome together with autoantibodies, in order to avoid useless and life-threatening exposure to immunosuppressive treatments.

Perforation of the left atrium by a chest tube in a patient with cardiomegaly: management of a rare, but life-threatening complication.

Perforation of the heart is a rare, but life-threatening complication of chest tube thoracostomy. We report the very unusual case where right-sided insertion of a Matthys catheter (6 F) due to pleural effusion resulted in a left atrium perforation. Heart injury was immediately considered as a continuous flow of bright red blood emerging through the chest drain. Diagnosis was confirmed by computertomography also revealing a massive cardiomegaly due to pre-existing mitral valve regurgitation. In two consecutive thoracotomies, first the Mathys drain was removed and the heart defect closed and then the mitral valve was replaced by a bio prosthesis. The extent of the cardiomegaly and the position of the left atrium were not detected pre-operatively by chest X-ray or ultrasonic device. Despite a nosocomial pneumonia, the patient fully recovered. This case shows that extreme caution is necessary when inserting chest tubes in patients where thorax imaging by X-ray or ultrasonic device does not provide a clear anatomical site. In order to minimise complications, a blunt puncturing procedure or Seldinger technique should be used and assisted by a Doppler ultrasonic device. Also early imaging by CT and Doppler ultrasonic technique should be attempted. This may reduce incidence of severe complications as in this case.

Spatial distribution of Plecoptera nymphs in streams of a mountainous area of Central Brazil

In this paper the spatial distribution of Plecoptera nymphs in the Almas' River basin, Pirenópolis, GO, was studied. Two Surber samples, each comprising 20 sampling units and totalling 2 m², were taken in each of the 13 stations, one during the rainy season (January 1994) and the second during the dry season (July 1994). In 5 of these stations, monthly samplings were made from June 1993 to July 1994; in these, temperature, velocity, discharge, electrical conductivity and pH were measured. Regional rainfall was also obtained. To ascertain the distribution of nymphs in the habitat, a separate sample was taken. Of the factors considered, the most important affecting the spatial distribution of the stonefly nymphs were altitude, stream order, and anthropic influence. Locally, the genera Anacroneuria and Kempnyia showed clumped distributions, but the data for Gripopteryx and Tupiperla were inconclusive due to low numbers

Spatial distribution of Plecoptera nymphs in streams of a mountainous area of Central Brazil

In this paper the spatial distribution of Plecoptera nymphs in the Almas' River basin, Pirenópolis, GO, was studied. Two Surber samples, each comprising 20 sampling units and totalling 2 m², were taken in each of the 13 stations, one during the rainy season (January 1994) and the second during the dry season (July 1994). In 5 of these stations, monthly samplings were made from June 1993 to July 1994; in these, temperature, velocity, discharge, electrical conductivity and pH were measured. Regional rainfall was also obtained. To ascertain the distribution of nymphs in the habitat, a separate sample was taken. Of the factors considered, the most important affecting the spatial distribution of the stonefly nymphs were altitude, stream order, and anthropic influence. Locally, the genera Anacroneuria and Kempnyia showed clumped distributions, but the data for Gripopteryx and Tupiperla were inconclusive due to low numbers.

A distribuição espacial de ninfas de Plecoptera em córregos da microbacia do Rio das Almas, Pirenópolis, GO, foi estudada. Foram feitas duas amostragens (amostrador de Surber, 20 unidades de amostra aleatórias -- 2 m²) em 13 pontos de coleta, uma na estação chuvosa (janeiro/1994) e outra na estação de seca (julho/1994). Em cinco desses pontos, as coletas foram feitas mensalmente de junho/1993 a julho/1994. Nesses pontos foram registrados também a temperatura, a velocidade, a vazão, a condutividade elétrica e o pH, além da pluviosidade para a região. Para verificar se os plecópteros possuem distribuição agregada ou não, foi realizada coleta no ponto com maior riqueza de Plecoptera, onde as subamostragens foram individualizadas e posteriormente submetidas a análises estatísticas. Os fatores mais importantes na distribuição espacial dos plecópteros foram a altitude, a classificação hidrológica e a ação antrópica. Quanto à agregação, os gêneros Anacroneuria e Kempnyia tiveram distribuição agregada. Gripopteryx e Tupiperla tiveram distribuição aleatória, porém, em razão do baixo número, o resultado deve ser considerado inconclusivo.

Spatial distribution of Plecoptera nymphs in streams of a mountainous area of Central Brazil.

In this paper the spatial distribution of Plecoptera nymphs in the Almas' River basin, Pirenópolis, GO, was studied. Two Surber samples, each comprising 20 sampling units and totalling 2 m2, were taken in each of the 13 stations, one during the rainy season (January 1994) and the second during the dry season (July 1994). In 5 of these stations, monthly samplings were made from June 1993 to July 1994; in these, temperature, velocity, discharge, electrical conductivity and pH were measured. Regional rainfall was also obtained. To ascertain the distribution of nymphs in the habitat, a separate sample was taken. Of the factors considered, the most important affecting the spatial distribution of the stonefly nymphs were altitude, stream order, and anthropic influence. Locally, the genera Anacroneuria and Kempnyia showed clumped distributions, but the data for Gripopteryx and Tupiperla were inconclusive due to low numbers.

Supersaturation: enhancement of skin penetration and permeation of a lipophilic drug.

PURPOSE: To increase the dermal delivery of a lipophilic model compound (LAP), and to deduce the underlying mechanism of enhanced absorption. METHODS: Penetration of LAP from mixtures of up to four degrees of saturation into the stratum corneum was evaluated using a tape-stripping method; epidermal permeation of the drug was measured in Franz diffusion cells. The relative diffusion and stratum corneum-vehicle partition coefficients of LAP were determined by fitting the results to the appropriate solutions to Fick's second law of diffusion. RESULTS: Both the skin permeation rate and the amount of LAP in the stratum corneum increased linearly with increasing degree of saturation. The apparent diffusivity and its partition coefficient deduced from the penetration experiments were independent of the degree of saturation of the drug in the applied formulation, and consistent with corresponding parameters derived from the permeation experiments. CONCLUSIONS: Supersaturation can increase the skin penetration and permeation of lipophilic drugs. The diffusion and partition parameters deduced for LAP indicate that supersaturation acts exclusively via increased thermodynamic activity without apparent effect on the barrier function of the skin per se.

Permeation enhancement of a highly lipophilic drug using supersaturated systems.

The potential of supersaturation as a method for enhancing the membrane permeation of highly lipophilic compounds has been investigated using, as a model system, the transport of a lavendustin derivative (LAP, log K(o/w) = 5) through silicone membrane. Propylene glycol-water mixtures, which permitted the formulation of LAP at different levels of saturation, were prepared and tested for stability prior to conducting membrane permeation studies. The transport of LAP across silicone membrane from donor solutions containing the drug at different degrees of saturation (DS = 1-5) was evaluated by two independent experimental methods: (i) using attenuated total-reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and (ii) using standard vertical diffusion cells followed by quantification with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Both methods demonstrated a linear relationship between the DS of the applied solution and the flux through the membrane, yielding similar values for the diffusion coefficients of LAP [diffusion cells, D = 1.75 ( +/- 0.16) x 10(-7) cm(2) s(-1) and ATR-FTIR, D = 1.42 ( +/- 0.26) x 10(-7) cm(2) s(-1)). In addition to the characterization of LAP permeation, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy enabled an examination of solvent transport across the membrane.

Molecular remodeling of members of the relaxin family during primate evolution.

Employing comparative analysis of the cDNA-coding sequences of the unique preprorelaxin of the Afro-lorisiform Galago crassicaudatus and the Malagasy lemur Varecia variegata and the relaxin-like factor (RLF) of G. crassicaudatus, we demonstrated distinct differences in the dynamics of molecular remodeling of both hormones during primate evolution. The lorisiform and lemuriform preprorelaxin sequences encoded identical hormones, providing the first endocrinological evidence for the monophyletic origin of all Strepsirrhini. Structural analysis revealed the lemuriform members of the relaxin family to be potentially bioactive single-gene products. In contrast to the "two-prong" relaxin receptor-binding motif (RELVR) present within the B-domains of other primate relaxins, strepsirrhine relaxin contained a unique "three-prong" motif (RRLIR) with highest sequence homology to the receptor-binding motif of the evolutionarily much older skate relaxin. In contrast to relaxin, the RLF molecule was highly conserved during primate evolution and contained within its B-domain the putative relaxin receptor-binding motif and a pentameric sequence implicated in binding to specific RLF receptors. Mutually exclusive expression of strepsirrhine preprorelaxin and RLF were observed in the fetal villous trophoblast cells of the strepsirrhine placenta and postpubertal testicular Leydig cells, respectively, reflecting distinct functional roles for both hormones within the reproductive tract of Strepsirrhini.

Biological observations on Tupiperla (Plecoptera: Gripopterygidae)

Tupiperla illiesi fly along the year in the coastal mountains of southeastern Brazil, with larger numbers during the warmer rainy season. In the seasonal tropical climate of Central Brazil and Serra do Cipó, MG, T. oliveirai and T. gracilis, respectively, fly along the year but the pattern is still not known. In the higher elevation (ca. 1600 m a.s.l.) of Campos do Jordão, SP, species of Tupiperla may not fly during the colder months. Seasonal size variation, a phenomenon still little understood, occurred both in tropical and subtropical climates of the states of Goiás and São Paulo

Biological observations on Tupiperla (Plecoptera: Gripopterygidae).

Tupiperla illiesi fly along the year in the coastal mountains of southeastern Brazil, with larger numbers during the warmer rainy season. In the seasonal tropical climate of Central Brazil and Serra do Cipó, MG, T oliveirai and T. gracilis, respectively, fly along the year but the pattern is still not known. In the higher elevation (ca. 1600 m a.s.l.) of Campos do Jordao, SP, species of Tupiperla may not fly during the colder months. Seasonal size variation, a phenomenon still little understood, occurred both in tropical and subtropical climates of the states of Goiás and São Paulo.

Canine preprorelaxin: nucleic acid sequence and localization within the canine placenta.

Employing uteroplacental tissue at Day 35 of gestation, we determined the nucleic acid sequence of canine preprorelaxin using reverse transcription- and rapid amplification of cDNA ends-polymerase chain reaction. Canine preprorelaxin cDNA consisted of 534 base pairs encoding a protein of 177 amino acids with a signal peptide of 25 amino acids (aa), a B domain of 35 aa, a C domain of 93 aa, and an A domain of 24 aa. The putative receptor binding region in the N'-terminal part of the canine relaxin B domain GRDYVR contained two substitutions from the classical motif (E-->D and L-->Y). Canine preprorelaxin shared highest homology with porcine and equine preprorelaxin. Northern analysis revealed a 1-kilobase transcript present in total RNA of canine uteroplacental tissue but not of kidney tissue. Uteroplacental tissue from two bitches each at Days 30 and 35 of gestation were studied by in situ hybridization to localize relaxin mRNA. Immunohistochemistry for relaxin, cytokeratin, vimentin, and von Willebrand factor was performed on uteroplacental tissue at Day 30 of gestation. The basal cell layer at the core of the chorionic villi was devoid of relaxin mRNA and immunoreactive relaxin or vimentin but was immunopositive for cytokeratin and identified as cytotrophoblast cells. The cell layer surrounding the chorionic villi displayed specific hybridization signals for relaxin mRNA and immunoreactivity for relaxin and cytokeratin but not for vimentin, and was identified as syncytiotrophoblast. Those areas of the chorioallantoic tissue with most intense relaxin immunoreactivity were highly vascularized as demonstrated by immunoreactive von Willebrand factor expressed on vascular endothelium. The uterine glands and nonplacental uterine areas of the canine zonary girdle placenta were devoid of relaxin mRNA and relaxin. We conclude that the syncytiotrophoblast is the source of relaxin in the canine placenta.

Nucleic acid sequence of feline preprorelaxin and its localization within the feline placenta.

The cat placenta is known to secrete large amounts of relaxin. We employed uteroplacental tissue at approximately Day 35 of gestation to determine the nucleic acid sequence of feline preprorelaxin using reverse transcription- and rapid amplification of cDNA ends-polymerase chain reaction. Feline preprorelaxin cDNA was found to consist of 540 base pairs encoding a protein of 180 amino acids (aa). We identified a signal peptide of 25 aa, a B domain of 33 aa, a C domain of 98 aa, and an A domain of 24 aa. The putative receptor binding region in the N'-terminal part of the B domain contained one substitution from the classical GRELVR motif (L-->F). Feline preprorelaxin shared highest homology with porcine and equine preprorelaxin. Northern analysis revealed a specific 1-kilobase transcript present in total RNA of feline uteroplacental tissue but not of liver tissue. Nonradioactive in situ hybridization was used to localize relaxin mRNA, and immunohistochemistry was used to localize the relaxin hormone and cytokeratin, in tissues of the feto-maternal interface recovered from two queens at Day 35 of gestation. Specific hybridization signals for relaxin mRNA were exclusively detected in cells located in the lamellar placental labyrinth but were absent from other placental and nonplacental uterine parts. The cells expressing relaxin mRNA also displayed immunoreactivity for cytokeratin and were, therefore, identified as trophoblast cells. Immunoreactive relaxin colocalized in those placental areas expressing relaxin mRNA. Trophoblast cells located at the villous chorioallantoic tips invading the endometrium and extravillous trophoblast cells in the junctional placental zone were devoid of relaxin.

Comparison of the phagocytosis of two types of cyclosporin (SDZ OXL 400 and SDZ IMM 125) by alveolar macrophages from hamsters.

The aim of this study was to compare two types of cyclosporin (Cs) particles, SDZ OXL 400 and SDZ IMM 125, the latter being more hydrophilic, to understand their uptake by airway macrophages. Alveolar macrophages (AM), harvested by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of hamster lungs, were cultured with two different doses (0.1 mg and 0.5 mg) for 1 h, 6 h, and 24 h. Control incubations without Cs particles or with latex particles were carried out simultaneously. Cell viability, cell activation (i.e., respiratory burst, interleukin-6 (IL-6) synthesis) and mean volume of particles phagocytosed per macrophage were measured. Both types of Cs particles did not modify the AM viability, and failed to induce IL-6 synthesis during phagocytosis but slightly decreased the cell oxidative respiratory burst. The comparison between SDZ OXL 400 and SDZ IMM 125 showed that for the lower dose the mean volume of both Cs types phagocytosed was similar at 1 h and 6 h. At 24 h an increase of the mean volume phagocytosed was seen for SDZ IMM 125 but not for SDZ OXL 400. For the higher dose the mean volume of SDZ IMM 125 phagocytosed was higher than SDZ OXL 400 at 1 h and 6 h and comparable for both types at 24 h. SDZ IMM 125 particles were phagocytosed more rapidly than SDZ OXL 400. The mean volume of phagocytosed latex particles increased with time and dose and was higher than for both Cs particle types. In conclusion, AM were seen to phagocytose particles of different physical properties (i.e., form, size, and shape), chemical properties (i.e., inert or peptidic) and degrees of hydrophilicity in a different manner.

[Modification of in vitro hematopoiesis induced by addition of GM-CSF in long term normal human bone marrow cultures]. / Modifications de l'hématopoïèse in vitro induites par l'addition de GM-CSF dans des cultures à long terme de moelle humaine normale.

We have studied the effects of GM-CSF on cell growth in Dexter's type normal human long-term bone marrow cultures. Non adherent and adherent cells were weekly harvested and studied all over the time of culture up to 10 weeks: number, cytology, hematopoietic granulocyte-macrophage progenitors content (CFU-GM). Control consisted of cultures without growth factor. GM-CSF (100 ng/ml) induced a significant increase in the number of non adherent and adherent cells, mainly increasing the number of cells of the granulocytic lineage. GM-CSF also induced a transient increase in the number of CFU-GM in the non adherent fraction, but as from week 6 of culture, there were no more CFU-GM. At last GM-CSF inhibited completely or partially the adipocyte growth in the adherent stromal cell layers. In conclusion, at this concentration, GM-CSF might be responsible for the accelerated aging, maybe linked to the hematopoietic stem cells exhaustion and to the almost exclusive presence of monocyte-macrophage cell types in the culture supernatant.

[Radiological appearances of angioblastosarcomas: A report on one case and review of the published literature (author's transl)]. / Aspects radiologiques des angioblastosarcomes. A propos d'un cas et revue de la littérature.

A 16-year-old adolescent with metaphysial osteolysis of the proximal end of the fibula was found to have radiological and histological signs suggesting an aneurysmal cyst. Repeated radiological examinations demonstrated local signs of malignancy, followed by the appearance of pulmonary metastases. At the same time, however, histological examination of various tissue samples gave contradictory results leading to a diagnosis of angioblastosarcoma. This is a rare tumor, and the authors describe its principal radiological characteristics and its progression as reported in cases published in the literature.