BCG Moreau Rio de Janeiro: an oral vaccine against tuberculosis--review

The vaccine Bacillus of Calmette Guérin (BCG) was originally developed in France as an oral vaccine against tuberculosis. The oral use of this vaccine was replaced by the parenteral route in almost all countries after the Lubeck disaster. In contrast, Brazil retained the oral delivery of the vaccine until the mid-seventies when it was replaced by the intradermal route. This change in route of delivery was mainly secondary to pressure by medical practitioners based on the poor responses of oral immunized subjects to purified protein derivative (PPD) skin tests. Even after the change of route of delivery, Ataulpho de Paiva Foundation continued making the oral vaccine. Currently, BCG Moreau has been described as one of the most immunogenic and with fewer side effects than other BCGs. The genomics, proteomics and vaccine trials for oral BCG Moreau Rio de Janeiro are currently under investigation. In this review, we intend to describe the history of BCG Moreau Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.     

The Moreau ecological overview

Biological conservation is increasingly concerned with advocacy and lobbying. But its practical politics must stand on a firm basis of scientific fact and understanding: about the behaviour and ecology of species and about the workings of the habitats that are their life-support systems. For Africa, a solid foundation was laid by R.E. Moreau in two scholarly analyses of the continent and its birdlife: The Bird Faunas of Africa and its Islands (1966) and The Palaearctic-African Bird Migration Systems (1972). Hence the title of this paper: a generation having passed, my objectives are to emphasize the salient observations of Moreau (1972), and to review subsequent changes in the face of Africa as they might affect migrant birds from the Palaearctic that winter there     

Immunogenicity of orally-delivered lipid-formulated BCG vaccines and protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

Lipid formulations containing BCG strains Danish 1331 or Moreau (Rio de Janeiro) were trialled as oral vaccines in rodent models. In mice, oral-delivery of either strain resulted in BCG colonisation of the alimentary tract lymphatics and induction of gamma-interferon responses. In guinea pigs, both strains provided pulmonary protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis aerosol challenge, as shown by significantly reduced bacterial loads and lung:body weight ratios. Lipid-formulated BCG provided superior protection against M. tuberculosis over unformulated orally-delivered BCG (Moreau), and equivalent protection to sub-cutaneous BCG (Danish) immunisation. Oral-delivery of lipid-formulated BCG may offer a practical alternative to parenteral-route BCG vaccination.     

Moreau on the Ornithology of Siwa Oasis

[The Ornithology of Siwa Oasis. By R. E. Moreau. Bulletin de l'Institut d'Egypte, vol. xxiii. pp. 248–261 (1941)].     

Temporal changes in Sander vitreus egg thiamine levels

Thiamine pyrophosphate was the predominant form of thiamine present initially in walleye Sander vitreus eggs from two spawning locations in Lake Oahe, South Dakota, U.S.A. Total thiamine content in the eggs at fertilization was 5·18 and 7·97 nmol g⁻¹ for eggs from the Moreau and Grand River spawning sites respectively, and egg thiamine content in all its forms dropped dramatically at the next sampling period of 48 temperature units (TU). Thiamine values did not significantly drop after the 48 TU period, but mean total thiamine composition was < 0·9 nmol g⁻¹ at the last sampling date (156 TU) just prior to hatching.     

Genome sequence of Mycobacterium bovis BCG Moreau, the Brazilian vaccine strain against tuberculosis

Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is the only vaccine available against tuberculosis, and the strains used worldwide represent a family of daughter strains with distinct genotypic characteristics. Here we report the complete genome sequence of M. bovis BCG Moreau, the strain in continuous use in Brazil for vaccine production since the 1920s.     

Recent prospects on trans-Saharan migration of songbirds

Many palaearctic migrants in tropical Africa have to cross the inhospitable land of the Sahara desert. Moreau (1961, 1972) hypothesized that these migrants crossed the Sahara in a single non-stop flight. Recent field data, however, revealed that some migrants stop-over in suitable desert habitats. The majority of grounded migrants showed a high body-mass and fat-loading, indicating sufficient reserves for onward flights. Further evidence on resting periods, retrapping rates and experiments with caged migrants supports the hypothesis of an intermittent migratory strategy, with regular stopovers during the day and flight at night, for some desert-crossing passerines.     

Besprechungen / Reviews

Book reviews in this article:
Annual Review of Phytopathology . Herausgegeben von K. F. B aker , G. A. Z entmyer und E. B. C owling .
Moreau, Cl. , Moisissures toxiques dans l'alimentation.
Sesták, Z., and J. Catský , Photosynthesis Bibliography.     

Habitat use by Palaearctic migrant passerine birds in West Africa

Data on passerine migrants in West Africa published since the works of Moreau j 1972) and Curry-Lindhal (1981) are reviewed and new information on wintering ranges are summarized. An important feature of West Africa as a wintering zone is the presence of the two great river basins of the Senegal and the Niger, which are responsible for the Sahel being far richer than would be expected at this latitude. This 'paradoxical' or 'green' Sahel is under the threat of agricultural developments and of increasing desertification. Conversely, Palaearctic migrants can take advantage of the new-savanna/forest mosaics and agricultural developments which have replaced the rain forest.     

Roles of interstitial fraction and load conditions on the dynamic binding capacity of proteins on capillary‐channeled polymer fiber columns

Capillary‐channeled polymer (C‐CP) fibers are used as a stationary phase for ion‐exchange chromatography of proteins. Collinear packing of the fibers permits operation at high linear velocities (U_o > 100 mm s^?1) and low backpressure (<2,000 psi) on analytical‐scale columns. Rapid solvent transport is matched with very efficient solute mass transfer as fibers are virtually non‐porous with respect to the size of the target protein molecules. Lack of porosity of course limits the equilibrium binding capacity of stationary phases. Breakthrough curves and frontal analysis are used to better understand trade‐offs between the kinetic and thermodynamic properties as C‐CP fibers are applied in preparative situations. Fiber columns packed to different interstitial fraction values affect both the total fiber surface area (e.g., equilibrium binding capacity [EBC]) and the permittivity to flow and mass transport characteristics (e.g., dynamic binding capacity [DBC]). The EBC of the nylon 6 C‐CP fibers was found to be 1.30 mg g^?1, with isotherms that were best matched by a Moreau model, showing linearity up to solute concentrations of ～0.4 mg mL^?1. Isotherms generated under flow conditions were equally well approximated using Langmuir, Freundlich, and Moreau isotherm models. Fairly linear responses were seen up to the maximum load concentration of 1.2 mg mL^?1. Counterintuitively, dynamic studies revealed that conditions of high column porosity yielded a DBC that is ～70% higher than the EBC. These findings point to potential advantages in terms downstream processing applications, where protein throughput and yield are critical metrics. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:97–109, 2015     

At the right distance: ER-mitochondria juxtaposition in cell life and death

The interface between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum is emerging as a crucial hub for calcium signalling, apoptosis, autophagy and lipid biosynthesis, with far reaching implications in cell life and death and in the regulation of mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum function. Here we review our current knowledge on the structural and functional aspects of this interorganellar juxtaposition. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Calcium Signaling In Health and Disease. Guest Editors: Geert Bultynck, Jacques Haiech, Claus W. Heizmann, Joachim Krebs, and Marc Moreau.     

Perithecial formation in Gelasinospora reticulispora

When hyphae in the basal region of 72-hold, dark-grown mycelium of G. reticulispora (Greis et Greis-Dengler) C. et M. Moreau (Sordariaceae) were exposed to a microbeam of monochromatic blue light, perithecial initials were induced only in hyphae located within or in the vicinity of the light spot. The average distance from the periphery of the microbeam spot to perithecial initials produced outside the spots was 100–200 m, regardless of the beam diameter or the incident light energy. The maximum distance of a perithecium formed outside a microbeam spot was ca. 700 m. The inductive effect of blue light became detectable at 100 J m^-2 and reached a maximum at 1000 J m^-2, regardless of beam diameter. A microphotographic examination showed that the microbeam irradiation was effective only in hyphae rich in protoplasm.V=Inoue and Furuya, 1975 b     

4. SUCCESSFUL REARING OF THE BLUE-NECKED CROWNED CRANE IN CAPTIVITY

Little has been recorded in South Africa of these remarkable birds alld the notes that follow were submitted at my request. The author is a Ranger of the Natal Parks, Game and Fish Preservation Board, and his keen observations reveal the interesting fact that a pair of Gypohierax have managed to discover a small and isolated, yet now well established grove of Raphia or Raffia Palms Raphia vinifera. It is known that elsewhere ill Africa the range of the birds coincides largely with that of the Oil Palm, and it is remarkable that so far as Zululand is concerned the species so far appears to be resident only in the two places where Raphia Palms occur; that is to say near Maputa in the extreme North and now in this artificially and quite recently introduced small grove. The name Palm-nut Vulture was first suggested by Mr. R. E. Moreau in 1943; it is considered far more suitable than the old and misleading term of Vulturine Fish Eagle, the latter apparently derived only from the bird's casual likeness 10 Haliaaetus vocifer. (J. Vincent.)     

Immune response to BCG-Moreau (Rio de Janeiro) strain. Spectrum of delayed hypersensitivity in genetically defined mice

Generation of delayed hypersensitivity (DTH) in genetically defined mice immunized with Mycobacterium bovis BCG of the Moreau (Rio de Janeiro) strain was studied. This vaccine strain has been reported as the most virulent and able to induce strong tuberculin sensitivity. Mice were selected by the expression of Bcg gene trait, by responsiveness to mycobacterial antigens and H2 haplotype. DTH was evaluated by the ear-swelling test of mice immunized subcutaneously with live BCG at doses ranging from 1 microgram to 1000 micrograms. A survey of inbred strains of mice showed H2b and H2q mice as high responders, H2d as an intermediate responder, H2k as a low responder and H2a as a non-responder. Study of H2-congenic pairs of high and non-responder strains showed significant DTH in all mice independently of the genetic background and H2 haplotype. A mouse strain expressing Bcg (r) trait displayed DTH superior to a Bcg (s) strain. Comparison of DTH response of strains expressing Bcg (r) or (s) trait showed no relationship between the Bcg locus and DTH to mycobacteria. These data suggest DTH is under polygenic control including the major histocompatibility complex but excluding the Bcg locus.     

The distribution of forest passerine birds and Quaternary climatic change in tropical Africa

A cluster analysis of the distribution patterns of forest passerine birds in tropical Africa showed that they could be divided into three main distribution types: those of restricted distribution (144 species), those of disjunct distributions across West, Central and rarely to East Africa (65 species) and those of very wide distribution (81 species). Centres of species richness, endemism and disjunction coincide spatially, and are identified as forest refugia, where forest persisted throughout Quaternary climatic vicissitudes. These distribution patterns agree with modern interpretations of Quaternary palaeoclimatic changes, which show that glacial periods were arid and interglacials humid. Glacial periods were therefore too dry for montane forest to have spread into areas at present occupied by lowland forest, as advocated by Moreau and other supporters of ihe "pluvial" theory; montane forest is probably as extensive now as at any time during the Quaternary and there is no evidence of past connections between currently isolated montane forests. Bird distribution can be explained largely by slow dispersal outwards from refugia as climatic conditions allowed forest to spread, combined with a relaxing of the distinction between "montane" and "lowland" species under conditions of reduced interspecific competition.     

Immune response to BCG-Moreau (Rio de Janeiro) strain. Spectrum of delayed hypersensitivity in genetically defined mice

Abstract Generation of delayed hypersensitivity (DTH) in genetically defined mice immunized with Mycobacterium bovis BCG of the Moreau (Rio de Janeiro) strain was studied. This vaccine strain has been reported as the most virulent and able to induce strong tuberculin sensitivity. Mice were selected by the expression of Bcg gene trait, by responsiveness to mycobacterial antigens and H2 haplotype. DTH was evaluated by the ear-swelling test of mice immunized subcutaneously with live BCG at doses ranging from 1 μg to 1000 μg. A survey of inbred strains of mice showed H2b and H2q mice as high responders, H2d as an intermediate responder, H2k as a low responder and H2a as a non-responder. Study of H2-congenic pairs of high and non-responder strains showed significant DTH in all mice independently of the genetic background and H2 haplotype. A mouse strain expressing Bcg (r) trait displayed DTH superior to a Bcg (s) strain. Comparison of DTH response of strains expressing Bcg (r) or (s) trait showed no relationship between the Bcg locus and DTH to mycobacteria. These data suggest DTH is under polygenic control including the major histocompatibility complex but excluding the Bcg locus.     

Ajoene prevents fat digestion by human gastric lipase in vitro

Human gastric lipase (HGL) is a sulfhydryl enzyme which has been shown by Gargouri et al. (Gargouri, Y., Moreau, H., Piéroni, G. and Verger, R. (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263, 2159-2162) to be inhibited by hydrophobic disulfides. Since HGL is involved in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats we have investigated in vitro the ability of ajoene, a natural disulfide to inactivate HGL. Ajoene is derived from ethanolic garlic extracts. The finding that ajoene inactivates HGL is consistent with the fact that it is reactive towards sulfhydryl compounds and also corroborates previous reports on the ability of garlic to lower triacylglycerol blood levels. These data may explain the age-old Mediterranean and Oriental belief in the 'blood-thinning' effects of garlic on a molecular and physiological basis.     

Reversible inhibition of cathepsin L-like proteases by 4-mer pseudopeptides.

A library of 121 pseudopeptides was designed to develop reversible inhibitors of trypanosomal enzymes (cruzain from Trypanosoma cruzi and congopain from Trypanosoma congolense). The peptides share the framework: Cha-X1-X2-Pro (Cha=cyclohexyl-alanine, X1 and X2 were phenylalanyl analogs), based on a previous report [Lecaille, F., Authié, E., Moreau, T., Serveau, C., Gauthier, F. and Lalmanach, G. (2001) Eur. J. Biochem. 268, 2733-2741]. Five peptides containing a nitro-substituted aromatic residue (Tyr/Phe) and one a 4-chloro-phenylalanine at the X1 position, and 3-(2-naphthyl)-alanine, homocyclohexylalanine or 3-nitro-tyrosine (3-NO(2)-Tyr) at the X2 position, were selected. They inhibited congopain more effectively than cruzain, except Cha-4-NO(2)-Phe-3-NO(2)-Tyr-Pro which bound the two parasitic enzymes similarly. Among this series, Cha-3-NO(2)-Tyr-HoCha-Pro and Cha-4-NO(2)-Phe-3-NO(2)-Tyr-Pro are the most selective for congopain relative to host cathepsins. No hydrolysis occurred upon prolonged incubation time with purified enzymes. In addition introduction of non-proteogenic residues in the peptidyl backbone greatly enhanced resistance to proteolysis by mammalian sera.     

Patterns of endemism in African birds: how much does taxonomy matter?

It has been suggested that the 'right' biogeographic patterns will only arise with a species concept reflecting the finest splitting of terminal phylogenetic branches. The significance of taxonomic resolution was assessed using distributional data for all resident African land-birds, held at the Zoological Museum of Copenhagen. The primary database (in a one-degree geographical grid) served as a template for creating two new databases: one, where the distributional records were allocated to species according to the 'Speciation Atlases' for African birds (Hall and Moreau 1970, Snow 1978) and two, according to the finest taxonomic splitting that has since then been suggested in the literature. With this spatial resolution, the species richness pattern is almost exactly the same whether old or new taxonomy is used. The endemism follows another pattern with marked local aggregates. The location of principal aggregates are quite robust to recent splitting, although a slightly more complex structure appears. Also some small new areas of endemism emerge, each with 2–3 narrow endemics. However, large portions of African savannah and lowland rainforest are still characterised by a total lack of narrow endemism. Based on the current understanding of diversification processes and adaptive re-distribution it is suggested that the uneven distribution of narrowly endemic and widespread species will persist even if it were possible, in the future, to define terminal taxa in a consistent way.