Bioinspired Stevia rebaudiana Green Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for the Adsorptive Removal of Antibiotics from Water

Green zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) synthesized using Stevia rebaudiana as a reducing agent were investigated as ecofriendly adsorbents for the removal of the antibiotics ciprofloxacin (CIP) and tetracycline (TET) from water. Green ZnO NPs were synthesized using a rapid novel approach that did not require annealing or calcination at high temperatures to produce mesoporous NPs with a size range of 37.36-71.33 nm, a specific surface area of 15.28 m2/g, and a negative surface charge of -15 mV at pH 5. The green ZnO NPs exhibited an antioxidant activity of 85.57% at 250 μg/mL and an antibacterial activity with MIC and MBC of 50 and 100 mg/mL, respectively, against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The best adsorption performance was achieved using a 4 g/L dose and pH 5, yielding, respectively, 86.77 ± 0.82% removal and 27.07 ± 0.26 mg/g adsorption capacity for CIP at 10 mg/L and 67.86 ± 3.41% and 15.88 ± 0.37 mg/g for TET at 25 mg/L. The green ZnO NPs achieved 79.71% ± 0.28 and 61.55% ± 0.53 removal of 10 mg/L CIP and 25 mg/L TET, respectively, in a spiked tap water binary system of the two contaminants. Adsorption of CIP and TET occurred mainly via electrostatic interactions, whereby CIP was bound more strongly than TET by virtue of its charge and size. The synthesis and adsorption processes were evaluated by a stepwise regression statistical model to optimize their parameters. Lastly, the green ZnO NPs were regenerated and reused for 5 cycles, indicating their functionality as simple, reusable, and low-cost adsorbents for the removal of CIP and TET from wastewater, in accordance with SDGs #6 and 12 for the sustainable management of water.

Routine childhood immunization in Sub-Saharan Africa: addressing parental vaccine hesitancy

OBJECTIVES

Parental vaccine hesitancy (VH) is a major barrier to childhood vaccination. We aimed to identify the determinants of parental VH towards routine childhood immunization in 12 Sub-Saharan African countries.

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 1 to December 15, 2022.

METHODS

Parents of children aged 19 months to 6 years and residing in the Sub-Saharan Africa were included. An anonymous online survey and face-to-face interviews were conducted. The Parent Attitude about Childhood Vaccine Scale was used to identify vaccine-hesitant parents. Multivariate regression and mediating analysis were performed.

RESULTS

Across the 5032 participants, 21.2% were hesitant towards routine childhood immunization. Urban residents (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10-1.58), non-first-born children (AOR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.19-1.98), and chronically ill children (AOR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.69-2.37) increased the likelihood of parental VH. Mothers with higher education, attending at least one antenatal care (ANC) visit (AOR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.19-0.32), and had a healthcare facility-based delivery (AOR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.44-0.70) decreased the odds of parental VH. Parental VH mediated the effect of ANC and mothers' age on vaccination uptake. ANC increased the odds of vaccination uptake (odds ratio [OR] = 12.49, 95% CI: 9.68-16.13). Parental VH mediated the association between ANC and vaccination uptake, decreasing the likelihood of vaccination uptake (OR = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.10-0.14). Each additional year of the mother's age decreased the odds of vaccination uptake (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.95-0.96). The indirect effect of mother's age on vaccination through parental VH decreased the odds of vaccination uptake (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.44-0.45). Parental VH continued to be a mediator of the combined effect of mother's age and ANC on vaccination uptake, decreasing the likelihood of vaccination uptake (OR = 0.0017, 95% CI: 0.00166-0.00168).

CONCLUSIONS

Context-specific interventions are needed to address parental VH and improve vaccine acceptance and coverage.

Physiological and genomic insights into abiotic stress of halophilic archaeon Natrinema altunense 4.1R isolated from a saline ecosystem of Tunisian desert

Halophilic archaea are polyextremophiles with the ability to withstand fluctuations in salinity, high levels of ultraviolet radiation, and oxidative stress, allowing them to survive in a wide range of environments and making them an excellent model for astrobiological research. Natrinema altunense 4.1R is a halophilic archaeon isolated from the endorheic saline lake systems, Sebkhas, located in arid and semi-arid regions of Tunisia. It is an ecosystem characterized by periodic flooding from subsurface groundwater and fluctuating salinities. Here, we assess the physiological responses and genomic characterization of N. altunense 4.1R to UV-C radiation, as well as osmotic and oxidative stresses. Results showed that the 4.1R strain is able to survive up to 36% of salinity, up to 180 J/m² to UV-C radiation, and at 50 mM of H₂O₂, a resistance profile similar to Halobacterium salinarum, a strain often used as UV-C resistant model. In order to understand the genetic determinants of N. altunense 4.1R survival strategy, we sequenced and analyzed its genome. Results showed multiple gene copies of osmotic stress, oxidative stress, and DNA repair response mechanisms supporting its survivability at extreme salinities and radiations. Indeed, the 3D molecular structures of seven proteins related to responses to UV-C radiation (excinucleases UvrA, UvrB, and UvrC, and photolyase), saline stress (trehalose-6-phosphate synthase OtsA and trehalose-phosphatase OtsB), and oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase SOD) were constructed by homology modeling. This study extends the abiotic stress range for the species N. altunense and adds to the repertoire of UV and oxidative stress resistance genes generally known from haloarchaeon.

carP, encoding a Ca2+-regulated putative phytase, is evolutionarily conserved in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and has potential as a biomarker

Pseudomonas aeruginosa infects patients with cystic fibrosis, burns, wounds and implants. Previously, our group showed that elevated Ca²⁺ positively regulates the production of several virulence factors in P. aeruginosa, such as biofilm formation, production of pyocyanin and secreted proteases. We have identified a Ca²⁺-regulated β-propeller putative phytase, CarP, which is required for Ca²⁺ tolerance, regulation of the intracellular Ca²⁺ levels, and plays a role in Ca²⁺ regulation of P. aeruginosa virulence. Here, we studied the conservation of carP sequence and its occurrence in diverse phylogenetic groups of bacteria. In silico analysis revealed that carP and its two paralogues PA2017 and PA0319 are primarily present in P. aeruginosa and belong to the core genome of the species. We identified 155 single nucleotide alterations within carP, 42 of which lead to missense mutations with only three that affected the predicted 3D structure of the protein. PCR analyses with carP-specific primers detected P. aeruginosa specifically in 70 clinical and environmental samples. Sequence comparison demonstrated that carP is overall highly conserved in P. aeruginosa isolated from diverse environments. Such evolutionary preservation of carP illustrates its importance for P. aeruginosa adaptations to diverse environments and demonstrates its potential as a biomarker.

Novel approach for effective removal of methylene blue dye from water using fava bean peel waste

Fava bean peels, Vicia faba (FBP) are investigated as biosorbents for the removal of Methylene Blue (MB) dye from aqueous solutions through a novel and efficient sorption process utilizing ultrasonic-assisted (US) shaking. Ultrasonication remarkably enhanced sorption rate relative to conventional (CV) shaking, while maintaining the same sorption capacity. Ultrasonic sorption rate amounted to four times higher than its conventional counterpart at 3.6 mg/L initial dye concentration, 5 g/L adsorbent dose, and pH 5.8. Under the same adsorbent dose and pH conditions, percent removal ranged between 70-80% at the low dye concentration range (3.6-25 mg/L) and reached about 90% at 50 mg/L of the initial dye concentration. According to the Langmuir model, maximum sorption capacity was estimated to be 140 mg/g. A multiple linear regression statistical model revealed that adsorption was significantly affected by initial concentration, adsorbent dose and time. FBP could be successfully utilized as a low-cost biosorbent for the removal of MB from wastewater via US biosorption as an alternative to CV sorption. US biosorption yields the same sorption capacities as CV biosorption, but with significant reduction in operational times.

Correction: A phylogenomic and ecological analysis of the globally abundant Marine Group II archaea (Ca. Poseidoniales ord. nov.)

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Revisions to the Classification, Nomenclature, and Diversity of Eukaryotes

This revision of the classification of eukaryotes follows that of Adl et al., 2012 [J. Euk. Microbiol. 59(5)] and retains an emphasis on protists. Changes since have improved the resolution of many nodes in phylogenetic analyses. For some clades even families are being clearly resolved. As we had predicted, environmental sampling in the intervening years has massively increased the genetic information at hand. Consequently, we have discovered novel clades, exciting new genera and uncovered a massive species level diversity beyond the morphological species descriptions. Several clades known from environmental samples only have now found their home. Sampling soils, deeper marine waters and the deep sea will continue to fill us with surprises. The main changes in this revision are the confirmation that eukaryotes form at least two domains, the loss of monophyly in the Excavata, robust support for the Haptista and Cryptista. We provide suggested primer sets for DNA sequences from environmental samples that are effective for each clade. We have provided a guide to trophic functional guilds in an appendix, to facilitate the interpretation of environmental samples, and a standardized taxonomic guide for East Asian users.

Efficacy of Nootka Oil as a Biopesticide for Management of Imported Fire Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Recent concerns regarding the impact of traditional synthetic pesticides on nontarget organisms have generated demand for alternative products with lower environmental impact. This demand has led to increasing focus on plant essential oils as sources of new biopesticides. In this study, we demonstrate that the essential oil of the Alaskan yellow cedar, Cupressus nootkatensis (D. Don) Spach, has activity against hybrid imported fire ant workers, Solenopsis invicta Buren × Solenopsis richteri Forel. In digging assays, ants were repelled by nootka oil and digging continued to be suppressed by nearly 50% in nootka oil-treated sand aged 6 mo in the laboratory. Higher worker mortality was also observed in contact and fumigation assays compared to control checks. In a field drench test, mortality of mounds treated with nootka oil lagged behind mounds treated with bifenthrin treatment for 7 wk, but both nootka oil and bifenthrin had higher mortality than the untreated check at the end of the 12-wk evaluation period. In a band application evaluation, nootka oil plots maintained a 90-95% reduction in fire ant mounds from the 2nd to 17th wk, when new mounds began to intrude on the field plots. The quarantine-approved bifenthrin band treatment maintained 100% control from the 2nd to 24th wk. Although the formulation tested here did not perform to Federal Imported Fire Ant Quarantine standards, other formulations may enable this product to reach 100% control. In addition, nootka oil could be beneficial in situations where ant suppression rather than complete quarantine elimination is the management goal.

Draft genome sequence of Staphylococcus hominis strain Hudgins isolated from human skin implicates metabolic versatility and several virulence determinants

Staphylococcus hominis is a predominant member of the human skin microbiome. We here report on the genomic analysis of Staphylococcus hominis strain Hudgins that was isolated from the wrist area of human skin. The partial genome assembly of S. hominis Hudgins consists of 2,211,863 bp of DNA with 2174 protein-coding genes and 90 RNA genes. Based on the genomic analysis of KEGG pathways, the organism is expected to be a versatile heterotroph potentially capable of hydrolyzing the sugars glucose, fructose, mannose, and the amino acids alanine, aspartate, glutamate, glycine, threonine, cysteine, methionine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, arginine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan for energy production through aerobic respiration, with occasional lactate and acetate fermentation. Evidence for poly-gamma glutamate capsule and type IV Com system pili were identified in the genome. Based on COG analysis, the genome of S. hominis Hudgins clusters away from the previously published S. hominis genome ZBW5.

Draft genome sequence of Microbacterium oleivorans strain Wellendorf implicates heterotrophic versatility and bioremediation potential

Microbacterium oleivorans is a predominant member of hydrocarbon-contaminated environments. We here report on the genomic analysis of M. oleivorans strain Wellendorf that was isolated from an indoor door handle. The partial genome of M. oleivorans strain Wellendorf consists of 2,916,870 bp of DNA with 2831 protein-coding genes and 49 RNA genes. The organism appears to be a versatile mesophilic heterotroph potentially capable of hydrolysis a suite of carbohydrates and amino acids. Genomic analysis revealed metabolic versatility with genes involved in the metabolism and transport of glucose, fructose, rhamnose, galactose, xylose, arabinose, alanine, aspartate, asparagine, glutamate, serine, glycine, threonine and cysteine. This is the first detailed analysis of a Microbacterium oleivorans genome.

Draft genome sequence and detailed analysis of Pantoea eucrina strain Russ and implication for opportunistic pathogenesis

The genus Pantoea is a predominant member of host-associated microbiome. We here report on the genomic analysis of Pantoea eucrina strain Russ that was isolated from a trashcan at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK. The draft genome of Pantoea eucrina strain Russ consists of 3,939,877 bp of DNA with 3704 protein-coding genes and 134 RNA genes. This is the first report of a genome sequence of a member of Pantoea eucrina. Genomic analysis revealed metabolic versatility with genes involved in the metabolism and transport of all amino acids as well as glucose, fructose, mannose, xylose, arabinose and galactose, suggesting the organism is a versatile heterotroph. The genome also encodes an extensive secretory machinery including types I, II, III, IV, and Vb secretion systems, and several genes for pili production including the new usher/chaperone system (pfam 05,229). The implications of these systems for opportunistic pathogenesis are discussed.

Draft genome sequence of Micrococcus luteus strain O'Kane implicates metabolic versatility and the potential to degrade polyhydroxybutyrates

Micrococcus luteus is a predominant member of skin microbiome. We here report on the genomic analysis of Micrococcus luteus strain O'Kane that was isolated from an elevator. The partial genome assembly of Micrococcus luteus strain O'Kane is 2.5 Mb with 2256 protein-coding genes and 62 RNA genes. Genomic analysis revealed metabolic versatility with genes involved in the metabolism and transport of glucose, galactose, fructose, mannose, alanine, aspartate, asparagine, glutamate, glutamine, glycine, serine, cysteine, methionine, arginine, proline, histidine, phenylalanine, and fatty acids. Genomic comparison to other M. luteus representatives identified the potential to degrade polyhydroxybutyrates, as well as several antibiotic resistance genes absent from other genomes.

Draft genome sequence of Pseudomonas moraviensis strain Devor implicates metabolic versatility and bioremediation potential

Pseudomonas moraviensis is a predominant member of soil environments. We here report on the genomic analysis of Pseudomonas moraviensis strain Devor that was isolated from a gate at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA. The partial genome of Pseudomonas moraviensis strain Devor consists of 6016489 bp of DNA with 5290 protein-coding genes and 66 RNA genes. This is the first detailed analysis of a P. moraviensis genome. Genomic analysis revealed metabolic versatility with genes involved in the metabolism and transport of fructose, xylose, mannose and all amino acids with the exception of tryptophan and valine, implying that the organism is a versatile heterotroph. The genome of P. moraviensis strain Devor was rich in transporters and, based on COG analysis, did not cluster closely with P. moraviensis R28-S genome, the only previous report of a P. moraviensis genome with a native mercury resistance plasmid.

A multifunctional GH39 glycoside hydrolase from the anaerobic gut fungus Orpinomyces sp. strain C1A

Background. The anaerobic gut fungi (phylum Neocallimastigomycota) represent a promising source of novel lignocellulolytic enzymes. Here, we report on the cloning, expression, and characterization of a glycoside hydrolase family 39 (GH39) enzyme (Bgxg1) that is highly transcribed by the anaerobic fungus Orpinomycessp. strain C1A under different growth conditions. This represents the first study of a GH39-family enzyme from the anaerobic fungi. Methods. Using enzyme activity assays, we performed a biochemical characterization of Bgxg1 on a variety of substrates over a wide range of pH and temperature values to identify the optimal enzyme conditions and the specificity of the enzyme. In addition, substrate competition studies and comparative modeling efforts were completed. Results. Contrary to the narrow range of activities (β-xylosidase or α-L-iduronidase) observed in previously characterized GH39 enzymes, Bgxg1 is unique in that it is multifunctional, exhibiting strong β-xylosidase, β-glucosidase, β-galactosidase activities (11.5 ± 1.2, 73.4 ± 7.15, and 54.6 ± 2.26 U/mg, respectively) and a weak xylanase activity (10.8 ± 1.25 U/mg), as compared to previously characterized enzymes. Further, Bgxg1 possesses extremely high affinity (as evident by the lowest K m values), compared to all previously characterized β-glucosidases, β-galactosidases, and xylanases. Physiological characterization revealed that Bgxg1 is active over a wide range of pH (3-8, optimum 6) and temperatures (25-60 °C, optimum 39 °C), and possesses excellent temperature and thermal stability. Substrate competition assays suggest that all observed activities occur at a single active site. Using comparative modeling and bioinformatics approaches, we putatively identified ten amino acid differences between Bgxg1 and previously biochemically characterized GH39 β-xylosidases that we speculate could impact active site architecture, size, charge, and/or polarity. Discussion. Collectively, the unique capabilities and multi-functionality of Bgxg1 render it an excellent candidate for inclusion in enzyme cocktails mediating cellulose and hemicellulose saccharification from lignocellulosic biomass.

Anaerobic fungi (phylum Neocallimastigomycota): advances in understanding their taxonomy, life cycle, ecology, role and biotechnological potential

Anaerobic fungi (phylum Neocallimastigomycota) inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of mammalian herbivores, where they play an important role in the degradation of plant material. The Neocallimastigomycota represent the earliest diverging lineage of the zoosporic fungi; however, understanding of the relationships of the different taxa (both genera and species) within this phylum is in need of revision. Issues exist with the current approaches used for their identification and classification, and recent evidence suggests the presence of several novel taxa (potential candidate genera) that remain to be characterised. The life cycle and role of anaerobic fungi has been well characterised in the rumen, but not elsewhere in the ruminant alimentary tract. Greater understanding of the 'resistant' phase(s) of their life cycle is needed, as is study of their role and significance in other herbivores. Biotechnological application of anaerobic fungi, and their highly active cellulolytic and hemi-cellulolytic enzymes, has been a rapidly increasing area of research and development in the last decade. The move towards understanding of anaerobic fungi using -omics based (genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic) approaches is starting to yield valuable insights into the unique cellular processes, evolutionary history, metabolic capabilities and adaptations that exist within the Neocallimastigomycota.

Serum concentration of IL-17, IL-23 and TNF-α among patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria: association with disease activity and autologous serum skin test

BACKGROUND

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a common skin disorder, which is considered in a subset of patients to be an autoimmune disorder. T helper 17 (Th17) cells are crucially involved in the pathogenesis of some autoimmune diseases.

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to test the association of Th17 with CSU. We examined interleukin (IL)-17, IL-23 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) serum levels in CSU patients and studied their association with urticaria activity and autologous serum skin test (ASST).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Serum concentration of IL-17, IL-23 and TNF-α were measured in 75 patients with CSU and 30 healthy control subjects. Disease activity was assessed by using urticaria activity score (UAS) as recommended by EAACI/GA(2)LEN/EDF/WAO Guidelines.

RESULTS

Serum concentration of IL-17, IL-23 and TNF-α were significantly higher in CSU patients as compared with the healthy control subjects (mean: 35.51 ± 31.14 vs. 4.60 ± 1.38 pg/mL; P < 0.001, 38.95 ± 27.82 vs. 9.87 ± 4.62 pg/mL; P > 0.001 and 17.93 ± 6.05 vs. 6.87 ± 3.73 pg/mL; P = 0.004, respectively). There were significant positive correlation between serum IL-17, IL-23, TNF-α and disease activity assessed by cumulative UAS for 7 days before blood sampling. The Serum concentration of IL-17, IL-23 and TNF-α were also significantly higher in ASST positive patients than in ASST negative patients.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed high serum levels of IL-17, IL-23 and TNF-α among CSU patients which may highlight a functional role of these cytokines in the pathogenesis of this important and common skin disease. It also may provide the rationale for new treatment strategies in chronic urticaria.

Evaluation of a Single Application of Neonicotinoid and Multi-Application Contact Insecticides for Flatheaded Borer Management in Field Grown Red Maple Cultivars

Two trials evaluated insecticides for flatheaded borer control and effect on red maple (Acer rubrum L.) cultivar growth over 4 years. Chrysobothris femorata (Olivier) was the only species reared from borer damaged maples during the study. Soil-applied systemic insecticides (acephate, imidacloprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, and thiamethoxam) and trunk-applied contact insecticides (chlorpyrifos and bifenthrin) were tested. In the 2005 trial, a one-time drench of Allectus (imidacloprid + bifenthrin) or Discus (imidacloprid + cyfluthrin) provided 2 to 4 years of protection with ‘Autumn Flame’ and ‘Franksred’ from C. femorata. Soil-applied experimental imidacloprid tablets prevented borer damage in the third and fourth post-treatment years, but were not as effective as imidacloprid drenches in the first two years. Soil applied acephate tablets, chlorpyrifos (Dursban 4E) trunk sprays, or untreated control plants had borer damage each year, which totaled up to 41.7% damage by year 4 in ‘Autumn Flame’. Trunk diameter growth and tree canopy size was greater with Discus drench or imidacloprid tablet treatments than other treatments. In the 2006 trial, drenches of Allectus, Discus, or Safari 20SG (dinotefuran) applied in May and Discus or Arena 50WDG (clothianidin) drenches applied in March provided complete protection from C. femorata the first year in ‘Fairview Flame’, ‘Franksred’, and ‘October Glory’. Discus (March) drench provided four years of complete protection among the three cultivars, while other neonicotinoid drenches had 3.7–6.3% (Arena March), 3.7–12.5% (Arena May), 0–6.3% (Discus May), 0–10.3% (Safari), and 12.5–20.5% (Flagship) total damage. Ineffective treatments included an experimental imidacloprid gel (7.4–18.8% damage), acephate tablets (18.5–75.0%), Onyx Pro Insecticide (5.1–18.8%), Dursban 2E (11.1–31.3%), one imidacloprid tablet (15.4–43.8%), or untreated plants (32.1–41.0%). This study demonstrates a single application of some neonicotinoid treatments can provide multi-year C. femorata prevention, increased maple trunk growth, and provide borer protection superior to trunk sprays.

In situ biosurfactant production by Bacillus strains injected into a limestone petroleum reservoir

Biosurfactant-mediated oil recovery may be an economic approach for recovery of significant amounts of oil entrapped in reservoirs, but evidence that biosurfactants can be produced in situ at concentrations needed to mobilize oil is lacking. We tested whether two Bacillus strains that produce lipopeptide biosurfactants can metabolize and produce their biosurfactants in an oil reservoir. Five wells that produce from the same Viola limestone formation were used. Two wells received an inoculum (a mixture of Bacillus strain RS-1 and Bacillus subtilis subsp. spizizenii NRRL B-23049) and nutrients (glucose, sodium nitrate, and trace metals), two wells received just nutrients, and one well received only formation water. Results showed in situ metabolism and biosurfactant production. The average concentration of lipopeptide biosurfactant in the produced fluids of the inoculated wells was about 90 mg/liter. This concentration is approximately nine times the minimum concentration required to mobilize entrapped oil from sandstone cores. Carbon dioxide, acetate, lactate, ethanol, and 2,3-butanediol were detected in the produced fluids of the inoculated wells. Only CO(2) and ethanol were detected in the produced fluids of the nutrient-only-treated wells. Microbiological and molecular data showed that the microorganisms injected into the formation were retrieved in the produced fluids of the inoculated wells. We provide essential data for modeling microbial oil recovery processes in situ, including growth rates (0.06 +/- 0.01 h(-1)), carbon balances (107% +/- 34%), biosurfactant production rates (0.02 +/- 0.001 h(-1)), and biosurfactant yields (0.015 +/- 0.001 mol biosurfactant/mol glucose). The data demonstrate the technical feasibility of microbial processes for oil recovery.

Breast inflammatory gigantomastia in a context of immune-mediated diseases

CONTEXT

Localized breast lesions have been described in lupic or diabetic patients. However, the description of breast gigantomastia in women presenting with autoimmune diseases has not been reported.

SETTING

The study took place within the Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Necker Hospital, Paris, France.

PATIENTS

We describe eight patients with inflammatory gigantomastia, occurring in a context of immune-mediated diseases: myasthenia, chronic arthritis, or thyroiditis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Together with hormonal, immunological, and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation, breast histology enabled us to perform immunocytochemical and indirect immunofluorescence studies. Control sera were obtained from patients with (n = 10) and without (n = 7) antinuclear antibodies.

RESULTS

Six of the eight patients developed gigantomastia either at puberty or during pregnancy. Neither a hormonal oversecretion nor a specific immunological pattern was observed. All patients except one presented antinuclear antibodies. Histological study revealed a diffuse, stromal hyperplasia and a severe atrophy of the lobules. A rarefaction of adipocytes was also noted, as previously suggested on MRI. There was a perilobular lymphocytic infiltrate made of CD3+ lymphocytes. Study of sera from five of six cases of gigantomastia showed a nuclear immunofluorescence pattern in normal mammary ductal and lobular glandular epithelium, as well as in kidney and intestine epithelial cells. In control sera, a nuclear signal was observed only when antinuclear antibodies were present.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that breast tissue may be a target tissue in autoimmune diseases, this process being favored by the hormonal milieu. However, the precise mechanism of such association is not individualized. The fact that stromal hyperplasia is the main histological feature justifies the search for the involvement of growth factors in such a process.

Non-alcoholic duct destructive chronic pancreatitis: a histological, immunohistochemical and in-situ apoptosis study of 18 cases

AIMS

To assess retrospectively pancreatic changes in non-alcoholic duct-destructive chronic pancreatitis and to investigate the role of apoptosis in duct destruction.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Eighteen patients (mean age 46 years, nine women and nine men) underwent pancreatic resection for suspected pancreatic tumour and were diagnosed as having non-alcoholic duct-destructive chronic pancreatitis. We performed a morphological study either semiquantitatively (fibrosis and inflammation) or quantitatively (CD3+ intraepithelial lymphocytes, M30 and TUNEL+ apoptotic cells). The results were compared with those obtained in 10 cases of chronic alcoholic pancreatitis and nine cases of chronic obstructive pancreatitis. Pancreatic changes were diffuse and heterogeneous in 14 cases, but segmental in four cases. The main pancreatic lesions were ductal epithelial alteration, periductal inflammation and fibrosis. There were no cysts or calcifications. We found a marked increase in mast cells in the infiltrate, a slight increase in TiA1+ lymphocytes and in intraepithelial lymphocytes compared with other types of chronic pancreatitis. No significant increase in ductal apoptosis was observed.

CONCLUSION

Non-alcoholic duct-destructive chronic pancreatitis is a well-defined pathological entity, distinct from alcoholic and obstructive chronic pancreatitis. Our results indicate that apoptosis probably does not play a major role in ductal alterations.

In situ detection of telomerase enzymatic activity in human hepatocellular carcinogenesis

Telomerase enzymatic activity has been detected in most human malignant tumours including hepatocellular carcinoma. In order to assess the cellular source, the topographic distribution, and the chronology of telomerase re-expression during human liver carcinogenesis, an in situ technique derived from the standard TRAP (telomeric repeat amplification protocol) assay was set up that allowed the detection of telomerase enzyme activity at the cellular level on frozen liver tissue sections. In situ TRAP (ISTRAP) was performed on 27 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and 57 non-tumour livers, including normal liver without HCC, liver samples adjacent to tumour with and without hepatic cirrhosis, and biopsies of chronic hepatitis. In HCC, telomerase was detected in the nuclei of liver tumour cells in 23/27 cases (85%), with a heterogeneous distribution within the tumour. This signal was also detected in clusters of hepatocytes in 16/26 (61%) samples of liver adjacent to HCC, in 10/23 (43%) cases of chronic viral hepatitis without adjacent HCC, and in scattered nuclei of 2/8 histologically normal livers. Comparison of the results obtained with ISTRAP and standard TRAP assays on tissue extracts suggests a gain in sensitivity with the in situ technique. This study confirms that telomerase is expressed in most HCCs and suggests that focal telomerase reactivation is an early event during human liver carcinogenesis. ISTRAP is a sensitive technique that allows the study of telomerase expression in the morphological context.

Replicative senescence in normal liver, chronic hepatitis C, and hepatocellular carcinomas

There is growing evidence that senescent cells accumulate in vivo and are associated with the aging process in parallel with the progressive erosion of telomeres. Because recent data show that telomere shortening is involved in the pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis, we looked for replicative senescence cells in normal livers, chronic hepatitis C, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Replicative senescent cells were detected on liver tissue cryosections using expression of a specific marker, senescence-associated beta-galactosidase, a cytoplasmic enzyme detected at pH 6. A total of 57 frozen liver samples (15 normal liver, 32 chronic hepatitis C, and 10 HCCs) were studied. Replicative senescence was graded as absent in 56% of cases (32 of 57) and present in 44% (25 of 57). Replicative senescence was considered present in 3 of 15 normal livers (20%), 16 of 32 chronic hepatitis cases (50%), and 6 of 10 HCCs (60%). In the group of nontumoral livers, the presence of senescent cells in liver was associated with older age (P =.03). In the group with chronic hepatitis C, fibrosis stage, but not activity grade, was significantly correlated with the accumulation of replicative senescent cells (P <.001). Finally, beta-Gal staining in nontumoral tissue was strongly correlated with the presence of HCC in the surrounding liver (P <.001). These results suggest that chronic hepatitis C represents a relevant model of accelerated replicative senescence and that accumulation of replicative senescent cells predispose to HCC development. Detection of replicative senescent cells may then serve as a predictive marker of a hepatocellular carcinoma in the surrounding tissue. HUM PATHOL 32:327-332.

Two unusual tumors in a patient with xeroderma pigmentosum: atypical fibroxanthoma and basosquamous carcinoma

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare autosomal recessive disease, characterized by a genetic defect in DNA repair. The consequence is a high incidence of skin cancers on sun-exposed cutaneous surfaces of affected children. First lesions appear in the first years of life: telangiectasia, actinic keratosis and keratoacanthomas. Squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas are the most frequent neoplasms. We report the case of a 6-year-old girl affected with XP, who developed two unusual tumors: an atypical fibroxanthoma and a basosquamous carcinoma. In both tumors, immunohistochemical study showed abnormal accumulation of the p53 protein, suggesting the presence of mutation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene. Such p53 mutations may be ultraviolet (UV)-induced, as they are frequently observed in tumors occurring in XP.

Ethylmalonic aciduria: an organic acidemia with CNS involvement and vasculopathy

Five infants from 3 families, one Egyptian, two Yemeni, are described with a progressive encephalopathy, four of whom have been studied in detail. All patients showed vascular lesions of the skin, characterized by waxing and waning petechiae and ecchymoses. Acrocyanosis was present in three patients. All patients showed retinal lesions characterized by tortuous veins. Protracted diarrhea was not a consistent finding, although they had metabolic crisis in association with diarrhea. They did not show failure to thrive. The neurologic symptoms were indicative of a progressive pyramidal tract disease. Three patients died following sudden emergence of severe basal ganglia, putaminal and head of caudate lesions. In one patient the CT changes in brain were suggestive of infarction. The patients who died manifested pulmonary congestion, or wet lung, and respiratory difficulties during the terminal stage of the disease. In all patients before and during the terminal event, mild-to-moderate hematuria, and in two RBC in CSF, was observed. In one patient there was mild hemoperitoneum at the terminal event. The urine organic acids indicated increased excretion of ethylmalonic, methylsuccinic, glutaric, and adipic acids. The patients invariably showed lactic acidosis, but no ketosis, during and in between the acidotic attacks of the disease. The acylcarnitine profile in blood of two patients showed a pronounced increase in C4 and C5 carnitine esters. In three patients, biopsies from petechiae indicated absence of an immune event, showing only fresh hemorrhage. An immunologic study in one patient was normal for the suppressor:cytotoxic lymphocyte ratio and concentration of interleukin-2 receptor during and in between hemorrhagic attacks. The cytochrome c oxidase activity in fibroblasts was normal. The rate of oxidation of glucose, leucine, isoleucine, valine, propionate and butyrate by fibroblasts was normal. The disease is not responsive to treatment with riboflavin, ascorbic acid, vitamin E, glycine, or carnitine. One patient remained stable on prolonged large doses of methylprednisolone. The biochemical defect leading to ethylmalonic aciduria in this disease remains unknown.

Biochemical heterogeneity of infantile central nervous system spongy degeneration

Aspartoacylase, the enzyme whose activity is deficient in infantile central nervous system spongy degeneration (Canavan-Van Bogaert-Bertrand disease), is detected as an approximately 59-kD protein in the Sephadex G-200 filtration of normal fibroblast extracts. The enzyme activity in homogenates of fibroblasts is protected by leupeptin, a protease inhibitor. In the absence of leupeptin, 90% of aspartoacylase activity is lost. In some patients with infantile spongy degeneration, no activity (less than 2%) can be detected. In some other patients with residual activity in fibroblasts, two separate peaks of enzyme are eluted with molecular weight corresponding to approximately 59 and 19 kD. Aspartoacylase activity in this latter group is protected to the same extent by the presence of leupeptin. However, the elution of two peaks is independent of the presence of leupeptin. This study indicates biochemical heterogeneity in the pathogenesis of infantile spongy degeneration.

[Evolution of the parietal incision in cesarean sections]

This concerns a multicenter study including 51 centers of the North, Picardy and Champagne areas, 35 public institutions and 16 private institutions. This study was carried out on 7,216 records of Caesarean sections, collected between 1978 and 1983. The objective of this study was to specify maternal and fetal morbidity in Caesarean sections. In this study, the authors attempted to establish a correlation between this morbidity and the parietal incision, as well as compare the responsibility of each of the two incisions that were performed: midline infraumbilical and Pfannenstiel's incision. From a neonatal standpoint, they have demonstrated that the type of parietal incision has no bearing on the condition of the child at birth, in spite of a slightly longer extraction time in the Pfannenstiel incision. From a maternal standpoint, they found a similar number of wall abscesses and wound dehiscence. Abdominal wall hematomas are slightly more frequent with the Pfannenstiel incision and this difference is significant. The reservations formulated concerning transverse incisions and especially the Pfannenstiel incision do not appear to be justified.

An epidemiologic study of the fungal skin flora among the elderly in Alexandria

The fungal skin flora of a sample of 205 elderly persons in Alexandria, drawn by cluster sampling probability technique, was investigated. Pathogenic yeasts were isolated from 18.6% and 10.3% of skin and nails respectively. Candida albicans (16.1% and 7.3%) was prominent. A low prevalence of dermatophytes grown on agar (2.4% from skin and 2.9% from nails) was observed. In contrast, saprophytic filamentous fungi comprised 45.4 and 50.7% of skin and nails samples respectively. This study showed no statistically significant effect of sociodemographic variables (sex, marital status, crowding index, and income per capita) on the skin flora. There was no statistical significant difference between elderly diabetics and non-diabetics as regards fungal skin flora.

Ecological effects of antibiotic production by dermatophyte fungi

Antibiotic production by dermatophyte fungi has been demonstrated in vivo in the lesions of patients with dermatomycoses. Patients infected with antibiotic-producing strains more frequently carried cocci resistant to penicillin and other antibiotics than did patients infected with non-producer strains. The total bacterial load was less in lesions caused by producer fungi. In vitro studies demonstrated the selection of penicillin-resistant S. aureus from mixed populations of resistant and sensitive cells.

Antibiotic production by dermatophyte fungi

Thirty-two clinical isolates of anthropophlic dermatophytes were examined for their capacity to produce antibiotics in liquid culture and on human stratum corneum in vitro. Antibiotics were detected and classified using agar diffusion bioassays and chromatographic analysis. Twenty-four isolates produced antibiotic substances in liquid culture filtrates; some strains produced more than one antibiotic. Only four isolates produced detectable levels of antibiotics when grown on stratum corneum unless an artificial sweat mixture was used as a nutrient supplement, when the number rose 11. Respresentatives of all species studied produced benzyl penicillin-like substances. Some Trichophyton isolates also produced streptomycin-like antibiotics, a characteristic previously unrecorded for eukaryotic organisms. Other antibiotics, which apart from azalomycin F could not be properly classified, were produced by Epidermophyton floccosum. Antibiotic production occurred over the normal skin temperature range but sometimes the type of antibiotic produced and the frequency of detection appeared to be influenced by the incubation temperature.

Determination of the dipole moments of some polar liquids dissolved in polar solvents

The application of a modified form of the Onsager equation at the condition of infinite dilution of a polar solute in a polar solvent leads to reasonable dipole moments for water, pyridine, acetone, tert-butyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, and β-octyl alcohol, except in the case of water in tert-butyl alcohol at 30 and 40 °C and the case of acetone in n-butyl alcohol at 30 to 50 °C. The initial decrease of the dielectric constant of solvent by addition of solute in each of these two cases is associated with a reduction in the Kirkwood g-factor of solute. In all 12 systems investigated, strong hydrogen bonding occurs between solute and solvent molecules and often between solvent molecules themselves. It is thought that this equation must fail when short-range interactions assume predominant importance, but why it works so well for those cases which are also strongly interacting systems is not clear.