Correction to: In vitro prediction of stop-codon suppression by intravenous gentamicin in patients with cystic fibrosis: a pilot study

The original article [1] contains errors in Table 1 affecting some of the presented oligonucleotide sequences and readthrough values in Table 1.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor-induced angioedema and hereditary angioedema: a comparison study of attack severity

Objective There appears to be differences in the clinical presentation of hereditary angioedema (HAE) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor-induced (ACE-I) angioedema (AE). The aim of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics of these two AE forms. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of consecutive patients with HAE or ACE-I AE. The attack characteristics experienced by the patients were compared by a logistic regression analysis using generalized estimating equations. Results A total of 56 patients were included in this study (ACE-I AE, n=25; HAE, n=31). A total of 534 attacks were documented. Severe attacks were more common in the patients who had an acute episode of ACE-I AE than HAE. Swelling of the tongue, lips and larynx were significantly associated with ACE-I AE [OR: 8.70 (95% CI, 1.04-73.70), OR: 20.4 (95% CI, 4.9-84.2) and OR: 7.50 (95% CI, 1.20-48.30), respectively]. Conclusion Swelling of the tongue, lips and larynx are significantly more frequent in drug-induced AE than HAE.

Nasal polyposis and cystic fibrosis(CF): review of the literature

The aim of this study was to address whether NP might be a predictive factor for severity of CF. The authors collected data from the literature on NP as a unique or associated sign in CF and reviewed the clinical and molecular aspects of CF associated with NP. CF genotypes and clinical severity in NP(+) vs. NP(-) patients were reviewed, taking into account pulmonary function, frequency of P. aeruginosa lung infection, frequency of allergy, nutritional status, and exocrine pancreatic function. The CFTR gene was also analyzed in a patient with isolated severe NP as the unique feature of CF. This review of the literature showed a `milder` phenotype in `NP+` vs. `NP-` CF patients, contrasting with a marked association between NP and `severe` CF mutations. In addition, a complex genotype was identified, associating four heterozygous variants, namely p.Q493X (a severe mutation) on the paternal allele, and p.V562I, p.A1006E, and (TG)11(T)5 (IVS8-5T) on the maternal allele, in a case of CF presenting as isolated NP. The authors speculate that genetic/environmental factors associated with NP might attenuate the functional impact of `severe` CF mutations. The overrepresentation of CF carriers among patients with isolated NP also advocates the need for CFTR molecular screening in such populations for genetic counselling purposes.

[Cancer genetic predisposition: current events and perspectives in 2010]

Studies performed during these last 30 years have had a major impact on the understanding of carcinogenesis. They have opened a new field: cancer genetic predisposition. At the present time, most of the cancer predispositions linked to the alteration of one gene, associated with a high risk of cancer and with a specific phenotype have been identified. About 70 genes have been identified and have led to genetic testing. The indication of genetic testing, the management of at risk patients require the establishment of guidelines. The next challenge is the identification of cancer susceptibility genes associated with low risk or modifying the effect of treatment.

Mutations of the noggin (NOG) and of the activin A type I receptor (ACVR1) genes in a series of twenty-seven French fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) patients

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare but very severe disease, characterised by congenital malformations of the toes and by progressive heterotopic ossification of muscles and joints. Two genes, the noggin (NOG) gene and the activin A type I receptor (ACVRI) gene, are involved in FOP. In this study we have searched for the NOG and the 617G>A (ACVR1) mutations in a well characterized series of twenty-seven French FOP patients. Five NOG mutations (delta 42, 274G>C, 275G>A, 276G>A, and 283G>A) have been found in seven (26%) of our FOP patients. The 617G>A mutation in the ACVR1 gene is found in fourteen (52%) of the patients. With one exception (patient number 22), 617G>A and NOG mutations are mutually exclusive in patients. Mutations 274G>C, 283G>A and 617G>A segregate with the trait in five different FOP families, some members of them being partially affected by the disease.

[HHV-6 infection and acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a child]

We report the case of a child who was infected by HHV-6 and who started an acute lymphoblastic leukemia two months later. This case reminds that an etiologic role have been suggested for many viral infections in some leukemias in childhood, particularly the human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6).

Tuméfaction cervicale chez une jeune fille atteinte de mucoviscidose

Lobular emphysema and soft-tissue emphysema can exceptionally complicate malnutrition. We report the case of a teenager presenting malnutrition with cystic fibrosis and anorexia nervosa with soft-tissue emphysema.

[Evaluation of patients' knowledge regarding counsels provided in case of chest pain after an acute myocardial infarction]

INTRODUCTION

an early call to the department of urgent medical assistance--Center 15 (SAMU-centre 15) is associated to shortest delays of reperfusion in case of myocardial infarction. However, patients are not always aware of this.

OBJECTIVE

to assess the assimilated counsels by patients after an acute myocardial infarction.

METHODS

from January 1998 to June 2004, patients managed by SAMU 93 and having benefited from thrombolytic therapy prior to hospitalization and/or primary angioplasty for a ST+ acute coronary syndrome with a confirmation of acute myocardial infarction during their hospital stay were prospectively enrolled into this study. A questionnaire was administered by phone from december 2003 to july 2005, assessing the knowledge about the necessity to alert SAMU-center 15 in case of chest pain and availability of medical files data.

RESULTS

among the 976 patients: 111 (11%) were lost during follow-up, 162 (19%) were deceased when phone contact and 119 (12%) could not be interrogated. Among the 584 (60%) remaining subjects interrogated with a median follow-up period of 985 days (413-1596), 290 (50%) patients answered they received counseling, including 156 (27%) for taking nitrates, 19 (29%) stated they know that they should call SAMU-center 15. Patients with a high level of education and those treated by thrombolytic therapy prior to hospitalization were better informed; 464 (79%) patients declared having a prescription, 392 (67%) a hospital report, 406 (69%) an electrocardiogram, 227 (39%) a CD with their coronary angiography, and 79(14%) their medical file.

CONCLUSION

the level of knowledge regarding the recommended attitude in case of chest pain is poor. The availability of medical data was better. Arch Mal Cceur

[Anti Pseudomonas aeruginosa antibiotic therapy in cystic fibrosis (exclusion of macrolides)]

Antibiotherapy is one of the main treatment in cystic fibrosis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is one of the main causes of pulmonary degradation. The chronic sputum colonisation is characterized by the emergence of the mucoid phenotype, the formation of biofilm and the induction of excessive inflammatory response and consecutive tissue lesion. The choice of antibiotics depends on quantitative and qualitative analysis of sputum, bacteria resistance phenotypes and severity of infection. Treatment of P. aeruginosa is different in case of first colonization or chronic infection. In the first case, parenteral antibiotherapy (beta-lactams-aminoglycosids) followed by inhaled antibiotherapy may eradicate the germ. In the other case, superinfections can be treated with parenteral biantibiothérapy (beta-lactams or quinolons and aminoglycosides) during 15 to 21 days. This is associated with a better nutritional and respiratory status and a prolonged survival. Inhaled antibiotics between the courses have decreased the number of superinfections. This prolonged antibiotherapy must be monitored because of possible induction of bacterial resistance, nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity of aminosids and allergy to beta-lactams.

Prognosis of early-onset breast cancer based on BRCA1/2 mutation status in a French population-based cohort

591

Background: The debate concerning poorer survival for patients with breast cancer (BC) carrying a BRCA1 germline mutation is unresolved, and requires additional data from population-based studies. Methods: We followed 232 women with invasive BC under age 46, ascertained prospectively through a French population-based BC registry, and tested for BRCA1/2 mutations (median follow-up: 82 months). We compared tumour characteristics and survival rates between 21 BRCA1/2 deleterious mutation carriers and 211 non-carriers. Results: As compared to sporadic tumours, BRCA1/2 tumours showed higher grade (p = 0.02), fewer ductal carcinoma in situ (p = 0.02), more frequent medullary histology (p = 0.02), more frequent negative oestrogen and progesterone receptors (p = 0.001 each). At five years, BC-specific survival, metastasis-free survival, ipsilateral recurrence-free survival and contralateral BC-free survival rates for BRCA1/2 mutation carriers were 95.0%, 94.7%, 100% and 90.0% respectively, compared with 89.6%, 78.2%, 88.8% and 94.4% respectively, for non-carriers (not significant). Rates for women carrying only a BRCA1 mutation were 93.3%, 93.3%, 100%, 86.7%, respectively. 76% of BRCA1/2 carriers received chemotherapy. Conclusions: Despite unfavourable tumour features, we found no evidence for poorer short-term survival in BRCA1 mutation carriers compared to non-carriers in this prospective population-based cohort. The high rate of BRCA1 carriers who received chemotherapy for their BC should question the positive impact of this treatment, as suggested by preclinical studies showing increased chemosensitivity of BRCA1-associated tumours.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Usefulness of hand-held ultrasound devices in out-of-hospital diagnosis performed by emergency physicians

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the usefulness of ultrasonographic examinations as a diagnostic tool for emergency physicians in out-of-hospital settings.

METHODS

Prospective study performed in a French teaching hospital. Eight emergency physicians given ultrasound training for out-of-hospital diagnosis of pleural, peritoneal, or pericardial effusion; deep venous thrombosis; and arterial flow interruption. After clinical examination, a probability of diagnosis ("clinical score") was assigned on visual analog scale from 0 (absent lesion) to 10 (present lesion). Clinical score between 3 and 7 was considered as clinically doubtful. After ultrasound examination, a second probability ("ultrasound score") was similarly determined. Potential usefulness of ultrasound examination was evaluated by calculating the absolute difference between clinical and ultrasound scores. Patients were followed up to determine final diagnosis: present or absent lesion. "Ultrasound usefulness score" (USS) was determined attributing a positive (when ultrasonography increased diagnostic accuracy) or a negative (when ultrasonography decreased diagnostic accuracy) value to the absolute difference between clinical and ultrasound scores.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty-nine patients were included and 302 ultrasound examinations performed. Median duration of examination was 6 minutes (5-10 minutes). The suspected lesion was found in 45 cases (17%). Mean USS was +2 (0-4). Ultrasonographic examination improved diagnostic accuracy (ie, positive USS) in 181 (67%) cases, decreased it (ie, negative USS) in 22 (8%) cases, and was not contributive (ie, USS was 0) in 67 (25%) cases. When initial diagnosis was uncertain (n = 115), diagnostic performance reached +4 (3-5) and ultrasonographic examination improved diagnostic accuracy in 103 (90%) cases.

CONCLUSION

Out-of-hospital ultrasonography increased diagnostic accuracy in out-of-hospital settings.

La mesure de la température en pratique pédiatrique quotidienne

The use of rectal mercury thermometer has long been the standard method for measurement of body temperature. The restriction of mercury use since 1996 has led to development of other devices. The liquid crystal strip thermometer held against the forehead has a low sensitivity. The single-use chemical thermometer measures oral temperature. Its accuracy must be evaluated. Infrared ear thermometers are routinely used because it is convenient and fast to use. However, numerous studies have shown that it does not show sufficient correlation with rectal temperature, leading to the risk to miss cases of true fever. Rectal temperature remains the gold standard in case of fever. Rectal temperature measurement with an electronic device is well correlated with the glass mercury standard. Galistan thermometer accuracy must be evaluated because of sterilization of the whole device, which is not the case for the electronic thermometer. A pediatric study is necessary to evaluate the performance of this device in comparison with the electronic thermometer.

A new mutation of the noggin gene in a French Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) family

A new mutation of the Noggin gene in a French Fybrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) family: Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a very rare disease characterized by congenital malformation of the great toes and progressive heterotopic ossification of the muscles. We previously located a FOP gene in the 17q21-22 region and described several mutations of the noggin (NOG) gene (located in 17q22) in four FOP patients, including the G91C mutation which is transmitted dominantly in a Spanish FOP family. We describe in the present study a new mutation of the NOG gene in a French FOP family. This new mutation is a guanine to adenine change at nucleotide 283 (283G --> A) of the NOG gene, and is transmitted in the family (in the heterozygote form) by the affected mother to her two affected children. At the peptide level this mutation (A95T) substitutes an Alanine residue by a Threonine at position 95 of the Noggin protein. The Alanine mutated residue is located just adjacent to the myristoylation site of the protein, where all the mutations we described until now are located.

Novel CFTR mutations in black cystic fibrosis patients

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is considered as a rare disease in black Africans. In fact, this disease is likely to be underestimated since clinical features consistent with CF diagnosis are often ascribed to environmental factors such as malnutrition. Very little is known about CFTR mutations in affected patients from Central Africa. We report here four novel mutations, i.e., IVS2 + 28 (intron 2), 459T > A (exon 4), EX17a_EX18del (exons 17-18), and IVS22 + IG > A (intron 22), in such patients. An update of CFTR mutations reported in black patients from various ethnies is included. These data might be helpful for genetic counselling regarding CF in black patients.

Myocardial ischaemia in children with sickle cell disease

BACKGROUND

The heart may be involved in children affected with sickle cell disease (SCD) via several mechanisms. Principally, chronic anaemia increases cardiac output and may cause left ventricular enlargement and cardiac insufficiency.

AIMS

To investigate whether the heart also suffers from ischaemia in SCD, as has already been shown for other organs (bone, brain, etc), and to look for risk factors predisposing to this complication.

METHODS

Twenty two children with SCD, and chest pain or ECG or echocardiographic signs (left ventricle dilation or hypokinesis) suggesting myocardial ischaemia were subjected to thallium-201 (201Tl) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).

RESULTS

Eight children had a normal SPECT, 14 an abnormal one. Myocardial perfusion defects were reversible in nine, fixed in five. Patients with perfusion defects tended to be older and have more severe disease. Five had had cardiac symptoms (episodes of cardiac failure in three, ventricular fibrillation in one, angina in one). Myocardial perfusion was reassessed after six months of hydroxyurea treatment in three patients, and was found to be improved.

CONCLUSIONS

Myocardial perfusion defects are present in children with SCD and may be demonstrated using SPECT. Hydroxyurea improved perfusion in three patients.

Insulin-like growth factor I correlates with lean body mass in cystic fibrosis patients

BACKGROUND

A major consequence of malnutrition in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is the loss of lean body mass (LBM) and the subsequent impairment of respiratory muscle function.

AIM

To determine whether insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) could be related to the LBM depletion and the evolution of respiratory disease in CF patients.

METHODS

LBM was evaluated by dual energy x ray absorptiometry; serum concentrations of IGF-I were measured in 24 CF patients twice with a one year interval. Both values were expressed as SD score (SDS) calculated from normal data for age, sex, and pubertal stage and analysed with respect to anthropometric evaluation and disease related conditions.

RESULTS

At the initial evaluation, IGF-I SDS had a mean value of -0.98 (range -3.6 to 3.2) and correlated with weight for age index, LBM SDS, and lung disease related conditions. Multiple regression analysis showed that only LBM remained independently related to IGF-I, suggesting that the relation of IGF-I to LBM was independent of weight and that the correlation between IGF-I and the respiratory conditions was related to the level of LBM. IGF-I SDS at the first evaluation was lower for the patients who lost > or =5% of weight for age index or > or =1 SD of LBM between the two evaluations.

CONCLUSION

Low levels of IGF-I could be crucial for clinical outcome by impairing LBM and respiratory function. IGF-I could be a tool for nutritional evaluation by identifying the CF patients at risk of LBM depletion.

Antibiotic prevention of pneumococcal infections in asplenic hosts: admission of insufficiency

Asplenic and hyposplenic patients have an increased risk for overwhelming pneumococcal infections, even several decades after splenectomy. Pneumococcal vaccination and daily oral administration of penicillin V are recommended to prevent such infections, 2-5 years after splenectomy, and for at least 5 years in children affected with sickle cell disease. In order to assess whether the infectious risk is actually known and prevented, we interviewed physicians (belonging to a general practitioner and pediatrician network) who followed patients having undergone a splenectomy and/or children with sickle cell disease under 5 years of age. We received replies from 104 physicians monitoring 152 patients replied. Potential infection risk was not known for 28% of the asplenic patients and 40% of the children with sickle cell disease. Only 75% of the asplenic patients and 36% of the children with sickle cell disease had been vaccinated against pneumococcus. Of the patients who had undergone splenectomy, 27% had been treated with an antibiotic after surgery and 60% had discontinued it, the vast majority of them during the same year. Of the children with sickle cell disease, 48% were not receiving an antibiotic. This study demonstrates that risk of infections in asplenic patients is widely misunderstood, indicating the urgent need to improve their management.

[Phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of non fermenting atypical strains recovered from cystic fibrosis patients]

We used partial 16S rRNA gene (16S DNA) sequencing for the prospective identification of nonfermenting Gram-negative bacilli recovered from patients attending our cystic fibrosis center (hôpital Necker-Enfants malades), which gave problematic results with conventional phenotypic tests. During 1999, we recovered 1093 isolates of nonfermenting Gram-negative bacilli from 702 sputum sampled from 148 patients. Forty-six of these isolates (27 patients) were not identified satisfactorily in routine laboratory tests. These isolates were identified by 16S DNA sequencing as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19 isolates, 12 patients), Achromobacter xylosoxidans (10 isolates, 8 patients), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (9 isolates, 9 patients), Burkholderia cepacia genomovar I/III (3 isolates, 3 patients), Burkholderia vietnamiensis (1 isolate), Burkholderia gladioli (1 isolate) and Ralstonia mannitolilytica (3 isolates, 2 patients). Fifteen isolates (33%) were resistant to all antibiotics in routine testing. Sixteen isolates (39%) resistant to colistin were recovered on B. cepacia-selective medium: 2 P. aeruginosa, 3 A. xylosoxidans, 3 S. maltophilia and the 8 Burkholderia--Ralstonia isolates. The API 20NE system gave no identification for 35 isolates and misidentified 11 isolates (2 P. aeruginosa, 2 A. xylosoxidans and 1 S. maltophilia classified as B. cepacia ). Control measures and/or treatment were clearly improved as a result of 16S DNA sequencing in three of these cases. This study confirms the weakness of phenotypic methods for identification of atypical nonfermenting Gram-negative bacilli recovered from cystic fibrosis patients. The genotypic methods, such as 16S DNA sequencing which allows identification of strains in routine practice, appears to have a small, but significant impact on the clinical management of CF patients.

[New therapeutic approaches to Cystic fibrosis]

Since the cloning of the defective gene in cystic fibrosis, much has been learned on the function of CFTR and on the mechanisms regulating its expression. Based on the current understanding of the processes involved in lung disease progression, a number of approaches have been developed using gene therapy and pharmacological agents. Several of these agents have been reported to restitute a function to CFTR with specific mutations. Other molecules act on channels other than CFTR, and may be effective by bypassing CFTR itself. In the present review the various therapeutical strategies currently investigated are discussed.

Cytology vs molecular analysis for the detection of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in oesopharyngeal brush samples: a prospective study in 56 patients

Oesopharyngeal brush (OPB) sampling with cytological analysis can yield exfoliated cells from asymptomatic tumours of the upper aero-digestive tract and the oesophagus. In this study, we compared cytological evaluation and molecular analysis for the detection of exfoliated cancer cells sampled with an OPB. A total of 56 patients with a known unique head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and five healthy controls were enrolled prospectively. Exfoliated cells from these 61 patients were collected with an OPB before initial endoscopy. p53 mutations and UT 5085 microsatellite instability (MI) were analysed in the HNSCC tumour, lymphocytes and the corresponding OPB DNA samples. p53 mutations and UT5085 MI were detected in 31 out of 56 and 14 out of 56 HNSCC, respectively, but not in any of the five controls. Direct sequencing of p53 was able to detect mutations in OPB DNA in only two out of 29 patients harbouring a p53-mutated primary tumour. Microsatellite instability was detected in OPB DNA of 11 out of 13 informative (bandshift detected in tumour) patients, whereas cytological analysis detected abnormal cells in only six of the same 13 patients (P=0.03). In informative patients, all positive OPB samples at cytological analysis were also positive at molecular analysis of UT5085, and both analyses confirmed the two negative samples. Molecular analysis of OPB from eight uninformative patients and from five healthy controls were all negative. OPB sampling with MI-based molecular analysis could be efficient for early detection of recurrent HNSCC. This result prompts us to use other microsatellite markers in order to maximise the percentage of informative patients.

Sputum itraconazole concentrations in cystic fibrosis patients

Itraconazole diffusion in sputum was studied in 11 cystic fibrosis patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. There was a high interindividual variability in sputum itraconazole concentration and sputum/serum drug concentration ratio. Three children had sputum drug concentrations before oral administration that were lower than the itraconazole MIC at which 90% of Aspergillus fumigatus strains were inhibited, although their serum drug concentrations were within the therapeutic range.

TP53 polymorphism, HPV infection, and risk of cervical cancer

The role of a polymorphism at position 72 of the tumor suppressor gene TP53 in the development of cervical cancer is not well established. The arginine variant of the p53 protein could be more susceptible to degradation by human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 protein than the protein containing proline. Recent studies show controversial results. We investigated a possible association between TP53 polymorphism and cervical cancer in a Peruvian population with high prevalence of HPV infection. HPV status and TP53 polymorphism were determined for 119 cases of invasive cervical cancer and 127 control women from Peru. HPV infection was detected by PCR of cervical cells or tumor biopsies. For determination of TP53 polymorphism, exon 4 of the TP53 gene was amplified by PCR, and DNA was subsequently subjected to restriction enzyme digest. Associations between TP53 polymorphism, HPV infection, and cervical cancer were assessed using logistic regression. Women homozygotes for arginine had a 2.2-fold increased risk (95% confidence interval: 0.6-7.6) for cervical cancer. The odds ratio for women heterozygotes for Arg/Pro was 3.5 (95% confidence interval: 0.9-14). Similarly increased risks were found when restricting analysis to HPV-positive women only. The distribution of TP53 genotypes in this Peruvian population was comparable with that found in Caucasians. Our results cannot rule out an association between the TP53 polymorphism at codon 72, HPV infection, and the etiology of cervical cancer.

Hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets with hypercalciuria: report of a new kindred

We report a new kindred of hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets with hypercalciuria. The symptomatic child and several relatives had increased renal phosphate clearance leading to hypophosphatemia, hyperabsorptive hypercalciuria, low PTH and increased 1,25-(OH)2D serum level. However, association with vitamin D deficiency and normal urinary excretion of cyclic AMP might suggest another tubular defect in phosphate transport.

[Dermoid cysts revealed by meningitis with medullary compression]

The spinal dermal sinus tracts in the lumbosacral region are not usually recognized, especially when they are not associated with other cutaneous lesions. In these sites, the sinus tracts communicate with the dura in 90% of cases, leading to an important risk of meningitis.

CASE REPORTS

Two infants (9 and 12 months old) were hospitalized for meningitis. The hospitalization was preceded two weeks earlier by stubborn constipation, which revealed a neural compression. The physical and MRI examination showed a lumbosacral sinus in contact with a dermoid or an epidermoid tumor. These cysts were infected with anaerobic organisms. Despite surgery and antibiotic therapy, one child remained paraplegic.

CONCLUSION

Dermal sinuses above the intergluteal crease should be surgically excised at the time of diagnosis in all patients, regardless of the patient's age or neurologic findings.

Localization of the gene for fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) to chromosome 17q21-22

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a very rare disease characterized by congenital malformation of the great toes and progressive heterotopic ossification of muscles. To identify the chromosomal localization of the FOP gene, we conducted a genomewide linkage analysis using seven affected families. The FOP phenotype is linked to markers located in the 17q21-22 region (LOD score of 3.41 at the recombination fraction theta = 0). Crossover events localize the putative FOP gene within a 12cM interval, bordered proximally by D17S809 and distally by D17S1838. Noggin (NOG) gene, located in 17q22, is an excellent candidate gene for FOP.

Absence of association between HPV DNA, TP53 codon 72 polymorphism, and risk of oesophageal cancer in a high-risk area of China

We analyzed TP53 codon 72 polymorphism, HPV DNA in 32 subjects with oesophageal cancer and 57 healthy subjects with normal oesophageal cytology from an area of China with a high prevalence for this cancer (Linxian County, Henan Province). The frequency of the proline allele (0.63) was significantly higher in the Chinese population than in most European or American populations. No significant association was found between TP53 codon 72 genotype and cancer. We also found a low prevalence of HPV DNA (6.7%) in both cancer cases and healthy subjects. Our findings do not support the association between risk of oesophageal cancer, human papilloma virus infection, and TP53 codon 72 polymorphism in a Chinese population at high risk of oesophageal cancer.

Odorant and pheromone binding by aphrodisin, a hamster aphrodisiac protein

Aphrodisin is a soluble glycoprotein of hamster vaginal discharges, which stimulates male copulatory behavior. Natural aphrodisin was purified and its post-translational modifications characterized by MALDI-MS peptide mapping. To evaluate its ability to bind small volatile ligands, the aphrodisiac protein was expressed in the yeast Pichia pastoris as two major isoforms differing in their glycosylation degree, but close in conformation to the natural protein. Dimeric recombinant aphrodisins were equally able to efficiently bind odors (2-isobutyl-3-methoxypyrazine and methyl thiobutyrate) and a pheromone (dimethyl disulfide), suggesting that they could act as pheromone carriers instead of, or in addition to, direct vomeronasal neuron receptor activators.

French multicenter randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial on nebulized amiloride in cystic fibrosis patients. The Amiloride-AFLM Collaborative Study Group

The effect of amiloride, a sodium channel blocker, has been evaluated in a multicenter randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial in cystic fibrosis patients more than 5-years-old (n = 137) whose forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV(1)), and forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF(25-75)) were not below 50%, 50%, and 30% of reference values, respectively. Patients were randomly allocated to two parallel groups. Sixty-four patients were chronically colonized with Pseudomonas aeruginosa; they received either amiloride or placebo as a nebulized solution three times daily for 6 months. Routine treatments were continued. Patients chronically colonized with Pseudomonas received nebulized colimycine twice a day for a month during the third and sixth months of treatment. Bronchopulmonary exacerbations were treated in the usual way. The effects of the amiloride treatment were assessed at the end of the 6-month treatment period. The effects on FVC and secondarily on FEV(1), FEF(25-75), the number of days on antibiotic therapy, the Shwachman score, a nutritional index (weight/height(2)), the change in sputum bacterial flora, and nocturnal cough were assessed. For the patients not chronically colonized with Pseudomonas, the effect of the treatment was also evaluated by counting chronic colonizations with pathogens appearing during the trial period. The present study failed to demonstrate any significant benefit of amiloride over placebo on FVC, FEV(1), and the other secondary endpoints in the studied population. Neither the chronically colonized, nor the noncolonized patients benefited. The confidence intervals of the differences between treatment groups indicated small differences that were most likely of no clinical significance. Complementary analyses taking into account the gender, the type of mutation, the subpopulations whose FVC and FEV(1) were below 80% of normal values at the beginning of the study, and also patients less than 10 years old, did not show any statistically or clinically significant improvements following amiloride therapy.