UK B.1.1.7 variant exhibits increased respiratory replication and shedding in nonhuman primates.

The continuing emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants calls for regular assessment to identify differences in viral replication, shedding and associated disease. In this study, African green monkeys were infected intranasally with either a contemporary D614G or the UK B.1.1.7 variant. Both variants caused mild respiratory disease with no significant differences in clinical presentation. Significantly higher levels of viral RNA and infectious virus were found in upper and lower respiratory tract samples and tissues from B.1.1.7 infected animals. Interestingly, D614G infected animals showed significantly higher levels of viral RNA and infectious virus in rectal swabs and gastrointestinal tract tissues. Our results indicate that B.1.1.7 infection in African green monkeys is associated with increased respiratory replication and shedding but no disease enhancement similar to human B.1.1.7 cases. ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY: UK B.1.1.7 infection of African green monkeys exhibits increased respiratory replication and shedding but no disease enhancement.

Particularités de l'amylose rénale au Togo

Objectifs :analyser la démarche diagnostique, thérapeutique, et l'évolution des trois cas d'amylose rénale diagnostiqués avec une revue de la littérature. Méthodologie : Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective et descriptive portant sur trois cas cliniques observés sur une période de 27 mois, avec une revue de la littérature. Résultats : Nos patients, adultes jeunes (17, 15 et 31ans) ont été tous admis pour un syndrome né-phrotique. L'examen clinique a retrouvé dans tous les cas des œdèmes des membres inférieurs de type rénaux. La biologie a retrouvé une protéinurie massive sans hématurie et une hypoprotidémie dans tous les cas et une fonction rénale préservée au début. Aucune étiologie n'a pu être trouvée pour ce syndrome néphrotique qui s'est avéré cortico-résistant dans tous les cas d'où une amylose rénale avait été suspectée. Une Biopsie des Glandes Salivaires Accessoires réalisée était en faveur d'une amyloseavec des signes d'inflammation. Le typage de l'amylose n'a pas été fait, compte tenu de la pauvreté de notre plateau technique, ce qui a empêché l'instauration d'un traitement curatif de cette pathologie. L'évolution a été marquée dans un cas par une insuffisance rénale terminale, plu-sieurs épisodes de septicémie sévère avec décès de la patiente. Dans un autre cas, nous avons as-sisté à un arrêt de grossesse. Conclusion :L'amylose rénale est une maladie rare. Son diagnostic est histologique et il faut y pen-ser devant tout syndrome néphrotique surtout ceux cortico-résistants. Son traitement doit être précoce pour éviter l'évolution vers les complications

DHA upregulates FADS2 expression in primary cortical astrocytes exposed to vitamin A.

The fads2 gene encoding delta6-desaturase, the rate-limiting enzyme of the LCPUFA biosynthesis is expressed in astrocytes. Dietary fatty acids, which cross the blood-brain barrier, may regulate the transcription of lipogenic enzymes through activation of transcription factors such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). The PPARs form the transcription complex with retinoid X receptors (RXRs) that are activated by 9-cis retinoic acid, a metabolite of vitamin A (VA). The study examines whether challenge of astrocytes with VA, prior 24-h treatment with palmitic acid (PA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has the effect on the FADS2 expression. RT-qPCR showed that in astrocytes not challenged with VA, PA increased fads2 gene expression and DHA decreased it. However, in VA-primed astrocytes, PA doubled the FADS2 mRNA levels, while DHA increased fads2 gene expression, oppositely to non-primed cells. Furthermore, similar changes were seen in VA-primed astrocytes with regard to delta6-desaturase protein levels following PA and DHA treatment. ALA did not have any effect on the FADS2 mRNA and protein levels in either VA-primed or non-primed astrocytes. These findings indicate that in the presence of vitamin A, DHA upregulates fads2 gene expression in astrocytes.

[Epidemiologic and clinical profile of patients at their first consultation with a nephrologist in Togo]. / Profil épidémioclinique des patients en primoconsultation néphrologique au Togo.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical and epidemiologic profile of the source population of the only nephrology department in Togo, to guide the development of prevention. METHODS: Prospective and descriptive cross-sectional study of all patients seen for the first time during the year 2012 in the department of nephrology and hemodialysis of the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital in Lomé. We analyzed the following data: medical specialty of the referring medical professional, the reason for consultation (RFC), demographic information, and the initial assessment. RESULTS: In 2012, 198 new patients were seen as outpatients in nephrology; their mean age was 51 ± 18 years (16-82 years), and the sex ratio M/F 1.5. They were referred by a general practitioner in 97 cases (49%), a medical assistant in 19 (9.6%), a cardiologist in 23 (11.6%), and a nurse in 12 (6.1%); 7 (3.5%) came on their own initiative. The RFC was kidney failure for 145 patients (73.2%), nephrotic syndrome for 10 (5%), hypertension for 11 (5.6%), and polycystic kidney disease for 6 (3%). Mean serum creatinine at consultation was 90 mg/L (15-398 mg/L). Initial GFR was less than 15 mL/min for 130 patients (89.7%), between 15 and 30 mL/min for 9 (6.2%), and between 30 and 60 mL/min for 6 (4.1%). CONCLUSION: Advanced-stage kidney failure is the main reason for nephrology consultations in Togo.

[Medication adherence of 65 patients in hemodialysis in Togo]. / Observance médicamenteuse chez des hémodialysés au Togo. Étude monocentrique chez soixante-cinq sujets.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess adherence in people on hemodialysis and determine the factors of poor adherence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study took place throughout the month of September, 2012, in the hemodialysis center of the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital, the only such center in Togo. RESULTS: The study included 65 patients, with a mean age of 49.5 years (range: 22 to 77 years), more often men (sex ratio: 1.82) and married (74 %). More than half (58%) had completed secondary education, while 73% belonged to the least advantaged socioeconomic class; 61 (94%) had health insurance, and 57% had been on dialysis for 1 to 4 years. The compliance rate was 11%. The main factors associated with good adherence were marital status (p = 0.0339) and the patient's general health status (p = 0.001). Treatment fatigue (p = 0.0347), forgetfulness (p = 0.0001), dosage forms and drug characteristics (p = 0.0198) were all factors of noncompliance. Therapeutic non-compliance was proportional to the number of drugs prescribed (p = 0.4263). CONCLUSION: Adherence in hemodialysis patients in Togo is very poor.