In situ hybridization detection of single-copy human papillomavirus on isolated cells, using a catalyzed signal amplification system: GenPoint.

The performance and drawbacks of GenPoint, which is a catalyzed signal amplification system for immunohistochemistry, have been evaluated for its ability to reveal human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA detected by in situ hybridization with biotinylated DNA probes. For this aim, formalin-fixed cell deposits from carcinoma cells of the uterine cervix, CaSki, SiHa, and HeLa, containing, respectively, 600 copies of HPV DNA type 16, 1-2 copies of HPV DNA type 16, and 10-50 copies of HPV DNA type 18, were used, and the GenPoint method (consisting of successive incubations with peroxidase-conjugated streptavidin, biotinyl tyramide, and peroxidase-conjugated streptavidin) was compared to immunoenzymatic revelation procedures involving either a one-step reaction (streptavidin-alkaline phosphatase or streptavidin-peroxidase), or a three-step reaction (anti-biotin mouse monoclonal antibody, rabbit anti-mouse antiserum, and mouse APAAP complex). In these conditions, after analysis with a bright-field microscope, GenPoint appeared the most sensitive method of revelation, easily allowing detection of 1-2 copies of HPV DNA on isolated cells by in situ hybridization.

[Chemical odor intolerance. 5 cases]. / Le syndrome d'intolérance aux odeurs chimiques. 5 observations.

BACKGROUND: Chemical odor intolerance is a benign, non-specific, generally subjective syndrome triggered by inhalation of non-toxic doses of chemical compounds or products which had been previously well tolerated. We report five characteristic cases and discuss current data. CASE REPORTS: Five patients (3 women, 2 men; age range 23-52 years) presented the basic criteria of chemical odor intolerance: acquired syndrome, non-specific signs (headache, nausea, vertigo ...) triggered by the odor of one or more chemical substances. Physical examination and exploratory tests were normal. In 3 cases, the course was favorable after evicting the causal substances. For the other 2 cases, intolerance spread to other compounds. Four of the patients changed their work situation because of the chemical odor intolerance. DISCUSSION: The diagnosis is clinical. Different pathogenic hypotheses have been put forward in the literature: immunological, toxic, neurobiological, psychological, and psychiatric mechanisms have been proposed. The mechanism is probably multifactorial but psychological factors appear to play an important role either as predisposing or triggering factors. CONCLUSION: Due to the social and occupational consequences of chemical odor intolerance, better knowledge of its prevalence and mechanism would be most helpful in managing these patients.

[Clinical development of acute noise-induced acoustic trauma. An evaluation of a study of 250 cases]. / Evolution clinique des traumatismes sonores aigus. Bilan d'une étude de 250 cas.

Traumatic damage on Cochlea (250 cases) induced by assault gun (F.A.M.A.S.) consists in tinitus and hearing impairement on 6000 Hz. Noise's effects are specific to one Cochlea. Dissociated developments of both tinitus and hearing loss show that their anatomical sites are different. Acoustic injury entails definitive haire cells lesions, cellular biochemical and vascular changes. The treatment that reestablishes or raises cochlear blood flow entails recovery in 80% of cases provided that it is given within 48 hours after the trauma.

Tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons in the human cerebral cortex: a novel catecholaminergic group?

Tyrosine hydroxylase-like immunoreactive (TH-IR) neurons with morphological features of interneurons were found throughout the human cerebral cortex. Quantitative estimates in 14 different cytoarchitectonic areas revealed a specific regional distribution pattern, neurons being less dense in primary cortical areas and denser in higher order associative areas and some limbic related areas. A partial relationship was noted between the density of labeled neurons and that of the known dopaminergic innervation. The role of the cortical TH-IR neurons in catecholaminergic function, however, remains unclear since the presence of other catecholaminergic synthesizing enzymes, dopamine-beta-hydroxylase and DOPA decarboxylase, could not be demonstrated at their level. Similar neurons have been observed transiently in the rodent cortex during development; their persistence and topographical extension in the human brain warrants further study on their possible functional role.

[Experimental infection of mice by Salmonella typhi inoculated orally: influence of immunosuppressive therapy]. / Infection expérimentale de la Souris par Salmonella typhi inoculée par voie buccale: influence des traitements immunodépresseurs.

Various immunosuppressive treatments were used in order to induce a Salmonella typhi infection in mouse by oral route. Neither low protein diets nor administration of mucin, iron, streptomycin or silica could modify animal's sensitiveness, but, cyclophosphamide injections enhanced lethal effect of bacteria, while silica increased the number of bacteria in the blood and the spleen.