High levels of the extracellular matrix proteoglycan decorin are associated with inhibition of testicular function

Decorin (DCN), a component of the extracellular matrix of the peritubular wall and the interstitial areas of the human testis, can interact with growth factor (GF) signalling, thereby blocking downstream actions of GFs. In the present study the expression and regulation of DCN using both human testes and two experimental animal models, namely the rhesus monkey and mouse, were examined. DCN protein was present in peritubular and interstitial areas of adult human and monkey testes, while it was almost undetectable in adult wild type mice. Interestingly, the levels and sites of testicular DCN expression in the monkeys were inversely correlated with testicular maturation markers. A strong DCN expression associated with the abundant connective tissue of the interstitial areas in the postnatal through pre-pubertal phases was observed. In adult and old monkeys the DCN pattern was similar to the one in normal human testes, presenting strong expression at the peritubular region. In the testes of both infertile men and in a mouse model of inflammation associated infertility (aromatase-overexpressing transgenic mice), the fibrotic changes and increased numbers of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α-producing immune cells were shown to be associated with increased production of DCN. Furthermore, studies with human testicular peritubular cells isolated from fibrotic testis indicated that TNF-α significantly increased DCN production. The data, thus, show that an increased DCN level is associated with impaired testicular function, supporting our hypothesis that DCN interferes with paracrine signalling of the testis in health and disease.

Minimally invasive resection of a right atrial mass in a cardiac transplant recipient: a case report

Intracardiac thrombus formation usually occurs in the left-sided cavities of the heart, most frequently in the presence of atrial fibrillation or cardiomyopathy. We report the case of an initially unclear mass developing in the right atrium (RA) of a heart transplant recipient, which was subsequently resected via a minimally invasive surgical approach. Access via right anterior minithoracotomy using videoscopic assistance allowed for uncomplicated RA thrombectomy in the presented case, avoiding reentry sternotomy with the potential risk of cardiac injury and without aortic cross-clamping or cardioplegic arrest. The patient is doing fine with excellent graft function at the latest follow-up 4 months after minimally invasive thrombectomy and 30 months after cardiac transplantation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing minimally invasive resection of a right atrial thrombus in a heart transplant recipient.

Interaction between posture, color, and the radiative heat load in birds

The effect of the angle of incidence on the radiative heat load was determined for light and dark plumage. As the angle of incidence to the solar radiation source increases the difference in heat transfer between light and dark plumage disappears. Thus, by postural adjustment, a dark bird may become thermally white with regard to the radiative heat load.

Induction of autoimmunity in Brown Norway rats by oral and parenteral administration of sodium silicate

Silica and silicate may disturb immune function such as autoimmunity and tumour immunity. The main objective of this study was to examine the relation between sodium silicate and induction of autoimmunity in genetically susceptible rats. In this study, thirty Brown Norway rats were randomised into four treatment groups, the first and second group receiving 3 mg of sodium silicate (NaSiO(4)) (equivalent to 2 mg silica) in 0.2 mL of normal saline either per oral or subcutaneously, and the third and fourth group (control) receiving 0.2 mL of normal saline (0.9%) through the same corresponding route. A significant number of rats (80%) (P < 0.05) which received sodium silicate by the subcutaneous route showed a high level of serum ANA compared with controls. In the oral, sodium silicate group showed high serum ANA in an insignificant number of rats. Other autoantibodies in both groups (anti-dsDNA, anti-Smith, anti-SSA, anti-SSB) showed gradual increased post exposure, but the numbers of rats with positive titres post exposure was statistically not significant. Silica exposure in rats appears to induce the development of autoimmunity. A longer duration post exposure to silicate seems to be associated with greater risks.

Suspension-adapted Chinese hamster ovary-derived cells expressing green fluorescent protein as a screening tool for biomaterials

Synthetic biomaterials play an important role in regenerative medicine. To be effective they must support cell attachment and proliferation in addition to being non-toxic and non-immunogenic. We used a suspension-adapted Chinese hamster ovary-derived cell line expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) to assess cell attachment and growth on synthetic biomaterials by direct measurement of GFP-specific fluorescence. To simplify operations, all cell cultivation steps were performed in orbitally-shaken, disposable containers. Comparative studies between this GFP assay and previously established cell quantification assays demonstrated that this novel approach is suitable for rapid screening of a large number of samples. Furthermore the utility of our assay system was confirmed by evaluation of cell growth on three polyvinylidene fluoride polymer scaffolds that differed in pore diameter and drawing conditions. The data presented here prove the general utility of GFP-expressing cell lines and orbital shaking technology for the screening of biomaterials for tissue engineering applications.

Investigation on the reaction of molybdenum with collagen in vivo

Male Wistar rats were treated with Mo in a single dose or over a period of 84 days. The course of molybdenum excretion after a single dose was expressed mathematically. It was shown that various tissues produced different excretion curves and a high retention was observed only in skin. In long-term treatment it was possible to ascribe this retention to direct binding of molybdenum to collagen. In contrast to some other heavy metals molybdenum causes a decrease of collagen stability. The mechanism of this effect is discussed.

The prognosis of glycoregulation disturbances and insulin secretion in alcoholic and C virus liver cirrhosis

We studied 49 alcoholic and viral C liver cirrhosis, over a period of 5 years, we evaluated OGTT, HOMA-IR, HOMA-beta, child score, diabetes mellitus and liver cirrhosis complications and survival. Both insulin resistance and lower insulin secretion in liver cirrhosis are important determinants of the degree of oral glucose tolerance. There is a correlation between the bad prognosis in patients with cirrhosis and glycoregulation disturbances, especially in those with alcoholic etiology.

[Tolerance and efficacy of mefloquine as the first line treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in children]

INTRODUCTION

Given the national therapeutic guidelines in France, halofantrine represents the first line treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) malaria in children. But several disadvantages exist using halofantrine in paediatrics.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the tolerance and the efficacy of mefloquine as the first line treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in a paediatric emergency department. The secondary objective of the study is to evaluate whether symptomatic measures may improve the gastrointestinal tolerance of mefloquine.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective observational cohort study includes all the patients who have been treated for acute uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in the paediatric emergency department of the Hospital Trousseau (Paris, France) in 2003.

RESULTS

First line treatment was mefloquine in 35 children. Early vomiting occurred in 22 (63%) cases. All children responded to mefloquine therapy except two children who had persistent vomiting early after mefloquine therapy and required intravenous quinine. Those two children had initial vomiting. Light meal and metopimazine prophylaxis did not precede mefloquine intake in those two children.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that mefloquine treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria is effective and well tolerated in children. Furthermore, a light meal and metopimazine prophylaxis preceding mefloquine intake may improve its gastrointestinal tolerance.

[Transient myeloproliferative disorder in a neonate without Down syndrome]

We report a new case of transient myeloproliferative disorder (TMD) in a non Down syndrome neonate. The cytogenetic and molecular studies within from the blood blast cells identified a trisomy 21 and a partial deletion in exon 2 of the transcription factor GATA1. Spontaneous regression of the TMD was achieved at the age of 1 month as the clonal and molecular abnormalities. A survey by periodic cytological examinations of peripheral blood cells and GATA1 mutation analysis was instituted since three years and has not detected up to date acute leukaemia.

A genetic variation in the adenosine A2A receptor gene (ADORA2A) contributes to individual sensitivity to caffeine effects on sleep

Caffeine is the most widely used stimulant in Western countries. Some people voluntarily reduce caffeine consumption because it impairs the quality of their sleep. Studies in mice revealed that the disruption of sleep after caffeine is mediated by blockade of adenosine A2A receptors. Here we show in humans that (1) habitual caffeine consumption is associated with reduced sleep quality in self-rated caffeine-sensitive individuals, but not in caffeine-insensitive individuals; (2) the distribution of distinct c.1083T>C genotypes of the adenosine A2A receptor gene (ADORA2A) differs between caffeine-sensitive and -insensitive adults; and (3) the ADORA2A c.1083T>C genotype determines how closely the caffeine-induced changes in brain electrical activity during sleep resemble the alterations observed in patients with insomnia. These data demonstrate a role of adenosine A2A receptors for sleep in humans, and suggest that a common variation in ADORA2A contributes to subjective and objective responses to caffeine on sleep.