Lyme snap: A feasibility study of on-line declarations of erythema migrans in a rural area of France.

The incidence of Lyme borreliosis remains a matter of debate, but it can be estimated using the incidence of erythema migrans (EM), which is pathognomonic of the first phase. The aim of this prospective pilot study was to assess the feasibility of the on-line declaration of EM in rural areas where the incidence of Lyme borreliosis was previously estimated at 85 per 100,000 inhabitants per year. The study was limited to a rural area (Les Combrailles, Auvergne) of approximately 52,800 inhabitants and was preceded by an information campaign for the inhabitants and the healthcare professionals. Patients who sent a photo of the suspected EM by email or MMS message between April 2017 and April 2018 and who accepted to answer a questionnaire were included in the study. Two physicians then evaluated the quality of the photographs and the probability of EM. In parallel, the number of EM seen by physicians and pharmacists in the area over the given period was recorded. Out of the 113 emails and MMS messages received, 73 people were outside of the trial area or period and 9 did not complete the questionnaire. The photos of the remaining 31 people were analysed. The median age was 51.5 years old ([38-58] IQR) and 18 (58%) were women. Seven people (25%) stated that they did not have a smartphone and in 9 cases (29%) the photo was sent by a third party. The quality of the photos was considered very good in 22 (71%) cases, good in 7 (23%) cases, and average in 2 (6%) cases. The probability of EM was determined to be strong or possible in 12 (38%) cases, i.e. an estimated incidence of 22.7 per 100,000 inhabitants. Over the study period, 40 physicians and 20 pharmacists were contacted on a monthly basis. A median of 5 physicians [3;7] and 4 pharmacists [3 ;7] answered each month for a total of 18 and 36 declared EM respectively. The EM (strong probability/possible) collected by on-line declaration and those declared by healthcare professionals were all sent between April and October 2017. The total time spent on the information campaign and collection has been estimated at 265 h (divided between 10 people) for an overall cost of 10,669 Euros. The incidence of EM recorded by on-line self-declaration in our study seems to be lower than in previous studies, the under-reporting was probably linked to the low use of new technologies in the rural areas. Increasing the human resources and finances appears difficult to achieve in practice over a longer time period but the development of an application for the automatic recognition of EM could be one method for a more exhaustive collection in the long term and at lower cost.

One-Year stable perovskite solar cells by 2D/3D interface engineering.

Despite the impressive photovoltaic performances with power conversion efficiency beyond 22%, perovskite solar cells are poorly stable under operation, failing by far the market requirements. Various technological approaches have been proposed to overcome the instability problem, which, while delivering appreciable incremental improvements, are still far from a market-proof solution. Here we show one-year stable perovskite devices by engineering an ultra-stable 2D/3D (HOOC(CH2)4NH3)2PbI4/CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite junction. The 2D/3D forms an exceptional gradually-organized multi-dimensional interface that yields up to 12.9% efficiency in a carbon-based architecture, and 14.6% in standard mesoporous solar cells. To demonstrate the up-scale potential of our technology, we fabricate 10 × 10 cm2 solar modules by a fully printable industrial-scale process, delivering 11.2% efficiency stable for >10,000 h with zero loss in performances measured under controlled standard conditions. This innovative stable and low-cost architecture will enable the timely commercialization of perovskite solar cells.

Pathologic Findings and Trends in Mortality in the Beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) Population of the St Lawrence Estuary, Quebec, Canada, From 1983 to 2012.

An isolated population of beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) inhabits the St Lawrence Estuary, Quebec, Canada. This population has failed to recover despite the prohibition of hunting >30 years ago, suggesting the presence of other limiting factors. The authors summarize the reported causes of death and propose risk factors to explain the lack of recovery of this population. From 1983 to 2012, a total of 472 beluga were found stranded. Complete necropsies were carried out on 222 beluga, including 178 adults, 25 juveniles, and 19 newborn calves. Infectious diseases, the most prevalent cause of mortality in this population, accounted for the death of one-third of all beluga (32%). Verminous pneumonia was the cause of mortality of 13 juvenile beluga (52% of juvenile beluga). A total of 39 malignant neoplasms, diagnosed in 35 beluga, caused the death of 31 beluga (20% of beluga >19 years old). Median age at diagnosis of cancer was 48 years (range, 30-61 years). Dystocia and postpartum complications were the cause of death in 18 beluga, accounting for 19% of the females >19 years old examined. The occurrence of parturition-associated complications, as well as mortality of calves <1 year old, have increased recently in this population and may be the probable cause of the recent decrease in the size of this population. One of the hypotheses proposed to explain the unusually high occurrence of some of the pathologic conditions observed in this population is chronic exposure to environmental contaminants.

Biomechanical performance of variable and fixed angle locked volar plates for the dorsally comminuted distal radius.

BACKGROUND: The ideal treatment strategy for the dorsally comminuted distal radius fracture continues to evolve. Newer plate designs allow for variable axis screw placement while maintaining the advantages of locked technology. The purpose of this study is to compare the biomechanical properties of one variable axis plate with two traditional locked constructs. METHODS: Simulated fractures were created via a distal 1 cm dorsal wedge osteotomy in radius bone analogs. The analogs were of low stiffness and rigidity to create a worst-case strength condition for the subject radius plates. This fracture-gap model was fixated using one of three different locked volar distal radius plates: a variable axis plate (Stryker VariAx) or fixed axis (DePuy DVR, Smith & Nephew Peri-Loc) designs. The constructs were then tested at physiologic loading levels in axial compression and bending (dorsal and volar) modes. Construct stiffness was assessed by fracture gap motion during the different loading conditions. As a within-study control, intact bone analogs were similarly tested. RESULTS: All plated constructs were significantly less stiff than the intact control bone models in all loading modes (p<0.040). Amongst the plated constructs, the VariAx was stiffest axially (p=0.032) and the Peri-Loc was stiffest in bending (p<0.024). CONCLUSION: In this analog bone fracture gap model, the variable axis locking technology was stiffer in axial compression than other plates, though less stiff in bending.

Preliminary evaluation on the use of homing pigeons as a biomonitor in urban areas.

This study evaluates the usefulness of homing pigeons as a biomonitor of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban environments. The mean concentrations of total PAHs in liver and lung tissues were greater in pigeons from Beijing compared to pigeons from Chengdu, however, this difference was only statistically significant for PAH concentrations in liver tissue (P < 0.05). Similarly, the severity of anthracosis or pneumoconiosis in lung tissue and hepatitis in liver tissue was greater in pigeons from Beijing compared to pigeons from Chengdu. Low molecular weight PAHs dominated the contribution of individual PAHs in both tissues. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed for most low and moderate molecular weights PAHs in liver and for some low and high molecular weights PAHs in lung between the two cites. The profile patterns of individual PAHs were similar between lung tissue of pigeons and between local ambient airs in summer for both cities, whereas the profile patterns between liver tissue and pigeon food were less similar. These data suggest that homing pigeons may be of value as a biomonitor of environmental pollution in urban areas.

Toxoplasmosis in captive dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and walrus (Odobenus rosmarus).

Toxoplasma gondii infection in marine mammals is intriguing and indicative of contamination of the ocean environment and coastal waters with oocysts. Toxoplasma gondii infection was detected in captive marine mammals at a sea aquarium in Canada. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in all 7 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) tested. Two of these dolphins, as well as a walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) at the facility, died. Encephalitis and T. gondii tissue cysts were identified in histological sections of the brain of 1 dolphin (dolphin no. 1). Another dolphin (dolphin no. 2) had mild focal encephalitis without visible organisms, but viable T. gondii was isolated by bioassay in mice and cats from its brain and skeletal muscle; this strain was designated TgDoCA1. The PCR-RFLP typing using 11 markers (B1, SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, and Apico) identified a Type II strain. The DNA sequencing of B1 and SAG1 alleles amplified from TgDoCA1 and directly from the brains of dolphin no. 1 and the walrus showed archetypal alleles consistent with infection by a Type II strain. No unique polymorphisms were detected. This is apparently the first report of isolation of T. gondii from a marine mammal in Canada.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Canadian pinnipeds.

Sera (n = 328) collected from phocids (1995-97) from the east coast of Canada, including harp seals (Phoca groenlandica), hooded seals (Cystophora cristata), grey seals (Halichoerus grypus), and harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), were diluted 1:25, 1:50, and 1:500 and tested by a modified agglutination test for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii. Titers equal to or greater than 1:25 were considered evidence of exposure. Grey seal (11/122, 9%), harbor seal (3/34, 9%), and hooded seal (1/60, 2%) had titers of 1:25 and 1:50. Harp seals (n = 112) were seronegative. Probable maternal antibody transfer was observed in one harbor and one grey seal pup at 10 and 14 day of age, respectively. Transmission of T gondii in the marine environment is not understood. The discovery of T. gondii in marine mammals might indicate natural infections unknown because of lack of study or might indicate recent contamination of the marine environment from the terrestrial environment by natural or anthropogenic activities.

Adenomatous hyperplasia of the thyroid gland in beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) from the St. Lawrence Estuary and Hudson Bay, Quebec, Canada.

We evaluated thyroid gland lesions in beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) from the St. Lawrence Estuary (n = 16) and Hudson Bay (n = 14). Follicular cysts and nodules of adenomatous hyperplasia of the thyroid gland were found in eight and nine adults from the St. Lawrence Estuary (n = 10), respectively, and in four and six adults from Hudson Bay (n = 14), respectively. The total volume of the lesions of thyroid adenomatous hyperplasia was positively correlated with age in both populations. Comparison between populations could not be performed because of differences in age structures of sample groups. Beluga whales from both populations have unique thyroid lesions among marine mammals.

Postnatal bone marrow stromal cells elicit a potent VEGF-dependent neoangiogenic response in vivo.

Bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) are pluripotent cells capable of differentiation into several tissue types. This present study was performed to determine their functional neoangiogenic potential in vivo. Whole bone marrow was harvested from C57Bl/6 mice, and the adherent cellular fraction was culture expanded for 14 doublings. These MSCs were resuspended in Matrigel and their angiogenic effect assessed in isogenic recipients. At 2 weeks postimplantation, the mean vascular density in Matrigel plugs containing 2 x 10(6) MSCs/ml was 41+/-5.0 blood vessels (BVs)/mm(2) compared to 0.5+/-0.7 for empty Matrigel (P<0.001). In comparison, Matrigel plugs containing either recombinant murine VEGF 165 at 50 ng/ml or bovine bFGF at 1000 ng/ml generated 21+/-5 and 11+/-2.0 BV/mm(2), respectively. Arteriogenesis was observed only in the MSC-containing implants. With the use of LacZ retroviral labeling of ex vivo expanded MSCs, we show that approximately 10% of LacZ(+)MSCs differentiated into CD31(+) and VEGF(+) endothelial cells. More than 99% of the neoangiogenic phenomena arose from recruitment of host-derived LacZ(null) vascular structures. Neutralizing anti-VEGF antibodies inhibited the MSC-initiated angiogenic response in vivo by 85% (P<0.001). In conclusion, MSCs have the ability to effectively recruit and participate in angiogenesis and arteriogenesis de novo and VEGF plays a central role in the observed host-derived angiogenic response. We propose that ex vivo expanded autologous MSCs may serve as cell therapy to promote therapeutic angiogenesis.

Seroprevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in lynx (Lynx canadensis) and bobcats (Lynx rufus) from Québec, Canada.

The seroprevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii was investigated in trapped lynx (Lynx canadensis) and bobcats (Lynx rufus) from Québec, Canada. Forty-seven of 106 (44%) lynx and 4 of 10 (40%) bobcats had positive titers for T. gondii (> or = 25) by means of the modified agglutination test incorporating mercaptoethanol and formalin-fixed tachyzoites. Seroprevalence was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in adult lynx than in juvenile lynx. The presence of antibodies to T. gondii in lynx and bobcats suggests that this organism is widespread in the wild and that exposure to wild felids and game animals from Québec may represent a potential source of infection for humans.

Comparison of serum interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels between normal volunteers and patients with advanced melanoma.

Melanoma is an immunoresponsive malignancy. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a potent regulator of immunosuppression. The purpose of this research was to define the relationship of serum IL-10 to survival in patients with metastatic melanoma. Forty-one melanoma patients and 50 normal volunteers were analyzed. The median IL-10 level as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in melanoma patients was 8.75 pg/ml compared to < 3.0 pg/ml in normal volunteers (p = 0.0001). Survival of melanoma patients with an IL-10 level above 10.0 pg/ml was 365 days compared to 557 days in patients with IL-10 levels less than 10.0 pg/ml (p = 0.0259, Wilcoxon). Elevated IL-10 levels were correlated with poor survival.

Dermatophilus-like infection in beluga whales, Delphinapterus leucas, from the St. Lawrence estuary.

Six beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) found dead on the shores of the St. Lawrence estuary had multiple slightly depressed greyish round areas randomly distributed over the whole body. Histologically, the surface of these areas was covered with a thick layer of Dermatophilus-like organisms which invaded the stratum corneum. The underlying stratum spinosum had marked spongiosis and vacuolar degeneration. Minimal neutrophilic infiltration was present within the underlying dermal papillae. To the authors' knowledge, dermatophilosis in cetaceans has not been reported previously.

Suprasellar germinoma in three lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis).

Suprasellar germinomas were identified in three wild-caught lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) from the St. Lawrence River, Quebec, Canada. Histologically, the three tumors expanded the subarachnoid space of the ventral surface of the brain immediately adjacent to the pituitary gland and, in one case, infiltrated the adjacent neuropil. These tumors were characterized by nests and sheets of round cells with a high mitotic rate, separated by a scant amount of loose fibrovascular stroma. The stroma was infiltrated by a moderate number of small mononuclear cells, including rare CD3-immunoreactive lymphocytes. This is the first report of intracranial germinoma in a fish species.

Fibroleiomyomas of the tubular genitalia in female beluga whales.

Fibroleiomyomas of the tubular genitalia were diagnosed in 6 of 9 adult female beluga whales from the St. Lawrence estuary, Quebec, Canada. These tumors were located in the vagina (6 of 6), the cervix (2 of 6), and the uterus (1 of 6). Endogenous hormones or xeno-estrogens may be implicated in the occurrence of these tumors.

Purification of functional T lymphocytes from splenocytes of the beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas).

In an effort to gain knowledge on immune functions in beluga whales, Delphinapterus leucas, we have used two physical methods for the purification of T lymphocytes of spleen cells. Isolation by sheep red blood cells (SRBC) rosetting and by adherence on nylon wool columns were tested. SRBC-rosetting gave unreliable results in obtaining purified T cells. Therefore, the purification of T cells was done using nylon wool columns. Less than 3% of the IgM(+) B cells remained in effluent populations. In the later population, 45% gave positive staining with mouse anti-human CD4 allowing us to verify functionality of the cells. The study of calcium mobilization and tyrosine kinase activation, mediated by CD4 cross-linking permitted verification of the functionality of cells. We also showed that upon activation with mitogens, beluga T cells upregulate the density of MHC class II molecules on their surfaces. CD4 cross-linking with a specific antibody inhibited the proliferation response. Overall, the activation of beluga whales lymphocytes did not differ markedly from what is known in other species. This study can help in the groundwork for functional investigation of the beluga whale's immune system.

Flash vacuum pyrolysis of methoxy-substituted lignin model compounds.

The flash vacuum pyrolysis (FVP) of methoxy-substituted beta-O-4 lignin model compounds has been studied at 500 degrees C to provide mechanistic insight into the primary reaction pathways that occur under conditions of fast pyrolysis. FVP of PhCH(2)CH(2)OPh (PPE), a model of the dominant beta-O-4 linkage in lignin, proceeds by C-O and C-C cleavage, in a 37:1 ratio, to produce styrene plus phenol as the dominant products and minor amounts of toluene, bibenzyl, and benzaldehyde. From the deuterium isotope effect in the FVP of PhCD(2)CH(2)OPh, it was shown that C-O cleavage occurs by homolysis and by 1,2-elimination in a ratio of 1.4:1, respectively. Methoxy substituents enhance the homolysis of the beta-O-4 linkage, relative to PPE, in o-CH(3)O-C(6)H(4)OCH(2)CH(2)Ph (o-CH(3)O-PPE) and (o-CH(3)O)(2)-C(6)H(3)OCH(2)CH(2)Ph ((o-CH(3)O)(2)-PPE) by a factor of 7.4 and 21, respectively. The methoxy-substituted phenoxy radicals undergo a complex series of reactions, which are dominated by 1,5-, 1,6-, and 1,4-intramolecular hydrogen abstraction, rearrangement, and beta-scission reactions. In the FVP of o-CH(3)O-PPE, the dominant product, salicylaldehyde, forms from the methoxyphenoxy radical by a 1,5-hydrogen shift to form 2-hydroxyphenoxymethyl radical, 1,2-phenyl shift, and beta-scission of a hydrogen atom. The 2-hydroxyphenoxymethyl radical can also cleave to form formaldehyde and phenol in which the ratio of 1, 2-phenyl shift to beta-scission is ca. 4:1. In the FVP of o-CH(3)O-PPE and (o-CH(3)O)(2)-PPE, products (ca. 20 mol %) are also formed by C-O homolysis of the methoxy group. The resulting phenoxy radicals undergo 1,5- and 1,6-hydrogen shifts in a ratio of ca. 2:1 to the aliphatic or benzylic carbon, respectively, of the phenethyl chain. In the FVP of (o-CH(3)O)(2)-PPE, o-cresol was the dominant product. It was formed by decomposition of 2-hydroxy-3-hydroxymethylbenzaldehyde and 2-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, which are formed from a complex series of reactions from the 2, 6-dimethoxyphenoxy radical. The key step in this reaction sequence was the rapid 1,5-hydrogen shift from 2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyloxy radical to 2-hydroxymethyl-6-methoxyphenoxy radical before beta-scission of a hydrogen atom to give the substituted benzaldehyde. The 2-hydroxybenzyl alcohols rapidly decompose under the reaction conditions to o-benzoquinone methide and pick up hydrogen from the reactor walls to form o-cresol.

Toxoplasmosis in beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) from the St Lawrence estuary: two case reports and a serological survey.

Toxoplasmosis was diagnosed in two free-ranging beluga whales from the St Lawrence estuary, Quebec, Canada, in 1988 and 1998. Histologically, tachyzoites and bradyzoites were present in the brain, spleen, lymph nodes, adrenals and lungs of both animals, and in the thymus of one. These organisms were readily labelled by an indirect immunohistochemical method for Toxoplasma gondii antigens. In the lymph nodes, spleen and lungs the organisms were associated with histiocytic infiltration. In the brain of one animal they were associated with mild multifocal gliosis and haemorrhages. There was no evidence of concomitant morbillivirus infection. Serum samples were collected from 22 beluga whales stranded between 1995 and 1998 on the shores of the St Lawrence Estuary and examined for antibodies to T. gondii by the modified agglutination test. Antibody titres of s25 were found in six (27%) of the animals. This is the first confirmed report of toxoplasmosis in beluga whales.

Functional role of local angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in adrenal catecholamine secretion in vivo.

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether exogenous angiotensin I (AngI) is locally converted to angiotensin II (AngII), which in turn results in an increase in the adrenal catecholamine (CA) secretion in the adrenal gland in anesthetized dogs. Plasma CA concentrations in adrenal venous and aortic blood were determined by an HPLC-electrochemical method. Adrenal venous blood flow was measured by gravimetry. Local administration of AngI (0.0062 to 6.2 microg, 0.0096 to 9.6 microM) to the left adrenal gland resulted in significant increases in CA output in a dose-dependent manner. Following administration of 0.62 microg (0.96 microM) of AngI, adrenal epinephrine and norepinephrine outputs increased from 20.8+/-13.6 to 250.9+/-96.4 ng x min(-1) x g(-1) (p<0.05, n = 5) and from 2.8+/-1.7 to 29.6+/-11.1 ng x min(-1) x g(-1) (p<0.05, n = 5), respectively. From the same left adrenal gland, the output of AngII increased from -0.02+/-0.04 to 26.39+/-11.38 ng x min(-1) x g(-1) (p<0.05, n = 5), while plasma concentrations of AngII in aortic blood remained unchanged. In dogs receiving captopril (12.5 microg, 0.5 mM) 10 min prior to AngI, the net amounts of CA and AngII secreted during the first 3 min after AngI were diminished by about 80% (p<0.05, n = 5) compared with those obtained from the control group. There was a close correlation (r2 = 0.91, n = 6) between the net increases in AngII and CA outputs induced by AngI. The results indicate that the local angiotensin converting enzyme is functionally involved in regional AngII formation in the canine adrenal gland in vivo. The study suggests that AngII thus generated may play a role in the local regulation of adrenal CA secretion.

Functional characterization of a piscine retroviral promoter.

Walleye dermal sarcoma virus (WDSV) is a retrovirus aetiologically associated with a multifocal skin tumour of walleye. Tumours synchronously develop on 27% of fish and regress seasonally; their severity is influenced by water temperature. To functionally characterize the LTR of WDSV, the LTR was fused to the luciferase reporter gene. WDSV LTR was found to be transcriptionally active in both fish and mammalian cells. WDSV LTR deletion mutants were constructed to identify specific regions that were functionally important in modulating viral gene expression and in temperature responsiveness. The 5' end 60 bp, which contain a putative ecdysone-response element also present in another fish retrovirus, positively modulated transcription from the WDSV LTR at 25 degrees C, but not at lower temperatures. A 13 bp region (nt -288 to -275) comprising a putative activator protein-1 element was necessary for maintaining WDSV LTR activity at all temperatures. In marked contrast to the short direct repeats found in mammalian retroviral LTRs, five 5 bp direct repeats (nt -336 and -272) were found to negatively regulate transcription from the WDSV LTR. A region spanning nt -440 to -218 stimulated the activity of a heterologous mammalian promoter in an orientation-dependent manner, modestly in fish cells (1.3- to 2-fold), but markedly (3.7- to 5.1-fold) in mammalian cells. Our results strongly suggest that the putative promoter elements present in the WDSV LTR function differentially in a temperature-specific manner and that complex interactions between these elements modulate WDSV LTR activity in response to temperature changes.