Endemic goitre: a research protocol elaboration for eradication

The iodine deficiency (ID), which affects 1 person out of 6, is relatively neglected by the responsible of Public Health Service, particularly in developing countries. Consequences of ID are far from being negligible: mental retardation, hypofertility, hyperplasia, carcinoma, early ageing and, in very exposed areas, endemic cretinism. Nevertheless, eradication is easy and cheap but it requires rigorous protocols and control of results. The elaboration of these protocols is complex because it must be adapted to environment, population and financial possibilities of concerned countries. Based on our experience in this field, we propose a combined protocol, between the Public Health too liberal approach and that of too expensive research, which can be adapted to several situations.     

Novel 2′-substituted flavonols from the farinose exudate of Notholaena affinis

The farinose exudate produced on the undersurface of fronds of Notholaena affinis consists of a variety of lipophilic flavonol aglycones. Four of these have been identified as novel interrelated compounds. They all bear methoxyl groups in positions 3,6,7,8 and hydroxyl and/or methoxyl groups at 2′,4′.     

Factors affecting ammonium uptake in streams – an inter-biome perspective

1. The Lotic Intersite Nitrogen eXperiment (LINX) was a coordinated study of the relationships between North American biomes and factors governing ammonium uptake in streams. Our objective was to relate inter‐biome variability of ammonium uptake to physical, chemical and biological processes. 2. Data were collected from 11 streams ranging from arctic to tropical and from desert to rainforest. Measurements at each site included physical, hydraulic and chemical characteristics, biological parameters, whole‐stream metabolism and ammonium uptake. Ammonium uptake was measured by injection of ¹⁵N‐ammonium and downstream measurements of ¹⁵N‐ammonium concentration. 3. We found no general, statistically significant relationships that explained the variability in ammonium uptake among sites. However, this approach does not account for the multiple mechanisms of ammonium uptake in streams. When we estimated biological demand for inorganic nitrogen based on our measurements of in‐stream metabolism, we found good correspondence between calculated nitrogen demand and measured assimilative nitrogen uptake. 4. Nitrogen uptake varied little among sites, reflecting metabolic compensation in streams in a variety of distinctly different biomes (autotrophic production is high where allochthonous inputs are relatively low and vice versa). 5. Both autotrophic and heterotrophic metabolism require nitrogen and these biotic processes dominate inorganic nitrogen retention in streams. Factors that affect the relative balance of autotrophic and heterotrophic metabolism indirectly control inorganic nitrogen uptake.     

Change in the chemical signature of the ant leptothorax lichtensteini bondroit with time

The cuticular hydrocarbons of foraging workers of the ant Leptothorax lichtensteini have been identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Characterization of these compounds at regular intervals, by gas chromatography, has shown a change with time in the relative proportions of some of the hydrocarbons: n-hexacosane, 4-methylhexacosane, 4-methyloctacosane, 3-methylnoncosane. Some of which constitute a part of the colony signature. These changes occur in a synchronous manner, and in the same way for all the individuals of a colony tested at the same time. The changes also appear in queenless colonies; nevertheless, the presence of a queen seems to accelerate the change over the course of 1 yr. Certain hypotheses are formulated as to the mode of regulation of the synthesis of cuticular hydrocarbons responsible for these changes with time and as to the role played by the queen in this regulation. The implications of such a dynamic system for the process of nestmate recognition are discussed.     

Decreased extracellular deposition of fibrillin and decorin in neonatal Marfan syndrome fibroblasts

Abnormalities of the microfibrillar protein fibrillin (Fib) have been reported in Marfan syndrome (MFS). The so-called neonatal Marfan syndrome (nMFS) is a lethal phenotype displaying features that are not seen in classical MFS. We have therefore studied the biosynthesis and extracellular deposition of Fib and decorin in fibroblasts from a patient with nMFS and controls. Immunofluorescence of the patient's cell cultures showed an almost complete absence of Fib and a marked reduction of decorin in the extracellular matrix (ECM). The nMFS skin revealed Fib on subbasal microfibrillar bundles in the papillary dermis, and Fib associated with elastic fibers in the reticular dermis; the bundles and fibers were fragmented and thinner than normal. Pulse-chase labeling of cells with [³⁵S]Met/Cys revealed moderately reduced secretion, but a diminished deposition of Fib in the ECM; this was more apparent at a longer chase time. Fib mRNA and synthesis appeared to be normal, where-as both decorin mRNA and biosynthesis were reduced. We therefore assume a structural Fib defect in this patient causing reduced deposition into and/or enhanced removal from the ECM, whereas the reduced decorin biosynthesis may be a secondary regulatory phenomenon. The clinical relevance of this remains unclear. Our findings imply that Fib defects may be responsible for the severe, complex phenotype of nMFS.     

Ethical aspects of human germ-line gene therapy

This presentation remains limited to a survey of the current debate on germ-line gene therapy. Most of the official, often national, reports show great restraint. On the other hand more and more ethicists have taken a positive stance in the matter. Both these viewpoints will be reflected in the overview.     

Nitric oxide and endothelin secretion by brain microvessel endothelial cells: Regulation by cyclic nucleotides

Endothelin (ET)-1 was originally characterized as a potent vasoconstrictor peptide secreted by vascular endothelial cells. It possesses a wide range of biological activities within the cardiovascular system and in other organs, including the brain. Also secreted by endothelial cells, nitric oxide (NO), has recently been identified as a relaxing factor, as well as a pleiotropic mediator, second messenger, immune defence molecule, and neurotransmitter. Most of the data concerning the secretion of these two agents in vitro has been collected from studies on macrovascular endothelial cells. Given the remarkable heterogeneity of endothelia in terms of morphology and function, we have analyzed the ability of brain microvessel endothelial cells in vitro to release ET-1 and NO, which, at the level of the blood-brain barrier, have perivascular astrocytes as potential targets. The present study was performed with immortalized rat brain microvessel endothelial cells, which display in culture a non transformed phenotype. Our data demonstrate that: (1) these cells release NO when induced by IFNγ and TNFα, (2) they constitutively secrete ET-1, and (3) cAMP potentiates the cytokine-induced NO release and exerts a biphasic regulation on ET-1 secretion: micromolar concentrations of 8-Br-cAMP inhibit and higher doses stimulate ET-1 secretion. This stimulation is blocked by EGTA and the calmodulin antagonist W7, but not by protein kinase C inhibitors, suggesting the involvement of the calmodulin branch of the calcium messenger system. These results suggest that cerebral microvessel endothelial cells may participate in vivo to the regulation of glial activity in the brain through the release of NO and ET-1. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Dryoptkirbioside,A New Fructofuranoside Glycerol,and Other Constituents from Dryopteris kirbi Hook et Grav Rhizomes

A new fructofuranoside glycerol, dryoptkirbioside ( 1 ), along with thirteen known compounds ( 2 - 14 ), was isolated from the MeOH extract of Dryopteris kirbi rhizomes by silica gel column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, and semipreparative HPLC. The structure of the new compound was determined by analyses of its spectroscopic data including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and high-resolution electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS) and chemical conversions. The hexane-soluble portion and the EAF_A fraction showed strong activities against lung (A549), breast (MCF-7), and cervical (HeLa) human cancer cell lines (IC₅₀ values ranging from 4.0 to 8.8 μg/mL). Aspidinol P ( 5 ) and aspidinol B ( 6 ) exhibited moderate to low cytotoxicity on the three cell lines (IC₅₀ values ranging from 20.4 to 58.7 μM). The MeOH extract and hexane-soluble portion had excellent activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis (MICs 11.7 and 23.4 μg/mL), whereas the AcOEt- and BuOH-soluble portions were significantly active on S. aureus (MICs 46.9 and 93.8 μg/mL). The main fractions EAF_B, EAF_C and nBF_B displayed excellent activity against S. aureus (MICs 11.7 and 23.4 μg/mL). Aspidinol B ( 6 ) had significant activity, while aspidinol P ( 5 ) was moderately active against S. aureus and B. subtilis (MICs 42.0 and 89.5 μM).     

Infection génitale à chlamydia chez l’homme et retentissement sur la fécondité

Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the most common sexually transmitted disease, up to 40% of the non gonococcal urethritis. It is a compulsary intracellular parasite. Its peculiar metabolism makes the bacteria interfere with the host cell immunity. Infection can become chronic and induce inflammation, if not properly treated, by permanent emission of antigens and heat shock proteins, and stimulation of Tcells. Autoimmunization against sperm can occur and impair fertilization and embryo implantation. Thus, Chlamydial infection can be associated with male infertility because of tissue damage, altered movement and antisperm immunization. PCR and LCR are to date the most sensitive detection techniques for c.trachomatis. Our study aim was to determine the prevalence of Chlamydial infection by PCR in 6 groups of men in andrologic practice. The highest prevalences have been found in the infertile men group and in the symptomatic group. No Chlamydia culture was found positive in any group. The association of PCR with anti C. trachomatis seminal IgA and seric IgG are useful tools for andrologic exploration.