Coumarin-BODIPY hybrids by heteroatom linkage: versatile, tunable and photostable dye lasers for UV irradiation.

Linking amino and hydroxycoumarins to BODIPYs through the amino or hydroxyl group lets the easy construction of unprecedented photostable coumarin-BODIPY hybrids with broadened and enhanced absorption in the UV spectral region, and outstanding wavelength-tunable laser action within the green-to-red spectral region (∼520-680 nm). These laser dyes allow the generation of a valuable tunable UV (∼260-350 nm) laser source by frequency doubling, which is essential to study accurately the photochemistry of biological molecules under solar irradiation. The tunability is achieved by selecting the substitution pattern of the hybrid. Key factors are the linking heteroatom (nitrogen vs. oxygen), the number of coumarin units joined to the BODIPY framework and the involved linking positions.

Protective acquired immunity to Enteromyxum scophthalmi (Myxozoa) is related to specific antibodies in Psetta maxima (L.) (Teleostei).

The acquired protection of three groups of turbot that had survived enteromyxosis outbreaks was tested by challenging with E. scophthalmi in three different experiments. The relation of such a response with the kinetics and duration of antibody production (determined by an ELISA) was studied. The progression of the infection was evaluated by PCR. In experiments 1 and 2, in which turbot had cohabited with highly infected fish during outbreaks, parasite prevalence and mortality were very low or null, and there was a progressive and statistically significant increase in the mean antibody production up to 350 and 152 days post-exposure respectively. By contrast, in experiment 3, fish (coming from non-infected tanks during the initial outbreak), both infection prevalence and cumulative mortality reached 92.8%, and specific antibodies were detected only in two fish. The observed differences in mortality after challenge appear to be related to the production of specific antibodies and it is probably accompanied by a repertoire of mechanisms of innate immunity. The exploitation of the immune system through breeding selection programmes as a possible strategy to control the disease is discussed.

Adhesion molecules as a prognostic marker of liver cirrhosis.

OBJECTIVE: Endothelial activation plays an active role in modifications of the circulatory status of cirrhotic patients. Soluble endothelial adhesion molecules, induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines, could be considered markers of endothelial activation. Their role in the natural history of cirrhosis and portal hypertension has not been reported. Our objective was to analyze the prognostic value of soluble adhesion molecules in cirrhotic patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Serum concentrations of soluble CD14, soluble receptors of tumor necrosis factor alpha and adhesion molecules ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule-1) and VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule 1) as well as mean blood pressure, plasma renin activity, aldosterone, vasopressin and norepinephrine concentrations were determined in 64 cirrhotic patients (Child-Pugh class: A 48.4%, B 34.4%, C 17.2%), without any evidence of infection, and in 25 healthy controls. Patients were followed-up for a mean of 36.4 (range 6-60) months. RESULTS: Increased concentrations of soluble CD14, tumor necrosis factor receptors and ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were detected in cirrhotic patients when compared with healthy controls. Tumor necrosis factor receptors and adhesion molecule concentrations were both significantly higher in advanced phases of cirrhosis (Child Pugh class C and B versus A). Fifteen patients died as a related consequence of liver cirrhosis. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that Child-Pugh score and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor receptor I and ICAM-1 were associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the classic factor implicated in mortality (Child-Pugh class), alterations in inflammation-related components and soluble adhesion molecules, as representatives of hemodynamic alterations, are of prognostic significance in cirrhotic patients.

Development of immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for the detection of circulating antibodies against Enteromyxum scophthalmi (Myxozoa) in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.).

Immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were developed for the detection of specific antibodies against the myxosporean parasite Enteromyxum scophthalmi in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.). Fish which had survived a previous epizootic were exposed to the parasite by cohabitation with infected animals, and 83 days later the plasma was tested for the presence of antibodies. Plasma of non-exposed fish was used as negative control. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) using rabbit anti-turbot IgM antibody was first used to detect these antibodies, and to study to which parasite structures they were directed against. Also, an antibody-ELISA using whole cell lysates of the parasite as antigen, and a monoclonal antibody anti-turbot IgM, was developed. All the exposed fish were found to have specific antibodies against the parasite, and none of them developed signs of disease or died during the experiment. Primary cells were the main parasite stage immunolabelled, and the staining was distinctly located on the cytoplasm and the cytoplasmic membrane. IHC was more sensitive than ELISA, as the endpoint was two to four fold higher with the former technique. Although there was great individual variation, the antibody titres found can be considered high, reaching up to 1:32,000 with ELISA and 1:64,000 with IHC. The results suggest that turbot showing acquired immunity against E. scophthalmi, could develop resistance against new infections.

[Usefulness of ultrasonography in the early diagnosis of hepatocarcinoma in patients with liver cirrhosis]. / Utilidad de la ecografía en el diagnóstico precoz del hepatocarcinoma en pacientes con cirrosis hepática.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of a screening program of ultrasonography (U.S.) every six months in the early diagnosis of HCC in liver cirrhosis patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We review retrospectively the 99 HCC detected by U.S. in our service from January 1991 to July 1994. We compared patients in the ultrasonography screening program (Group I) with patients who did not (Group II) and, also with, patients with a previous diagnosis of cirrhosis (Group IIa) and patients with simultaneous HCC diagnosis of and cirrhosis (Group IIb). Liver function, the tumor size and extension, and the chance of treatment at the time of diagnosis were analyzed in each group. RESULTS: Twenty (58%) HCC out of 34 from group I single nodules < 5 cm in diameter vs seven (11%) out of 65 from group II (p < 0.001) were detected and this difference persisted between group I and groups IIa and IIb (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001). Most patients with grade C Child-Pugh's score (24 from 27) in each group showed a > 5 cm or multinodular HCC. Ten patients from group I were treated vs 4 from group II (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography screening program is useful in the early diagnosis of HCC in liver cirrhosis patients and increases the chances of treatment.

[ADAM syndrome]. / Síndrome ADAM

We present six cases of ADAM syndrome, that we have been studying at the Unit of Clinical Genetics of the Hospital Infantil de México. We wish to stress how it is possible using medical photography to appreciate the different characteristics of ADAM syndrome: A-Amniotic, D-Deformation, A-Adhesions, M-Mutilation.