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Neutrophilic eccrine hidradenitis ( NEH) is a rare neutrophilic dermatosis, first described in patients undergoing chemotherapy for a malignant haemopathy. It has polymorphous clinical features and the association of both clinical and histological features is necessary to make a diagnosis. We report the first two cases of NEH in patients treated with a BRAF inhibitor ( BRAFi), either dabrafenib or vemurafenib, for a stage IV metastatic melanoma. Disseminated erythematous plaques associated with fever and polyarthralgia occurred early after the initiation of treatment and were badly tolerated. Histological analyses confirmed the diagnosis of NEH. Symptoms disappeared a few days after the cessation of treatment and introduction of topical steroids. The replacement of one BRAFi with another is a therapeutic alternative as it is not necessarily associated with a relapse of NEH. NEH can be added to the spectrum of neutrophilic dermatoses induced by BRAFis. It occurs earlier (3-4 days) than previously described drug-induced NEH (9-12 days) and may be an earlier stage of eccrine squamous syringometaplasia, which has already been reported in the context of BRAFi-treated patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycling of organic waste appeals to more and more people. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological contamination around organic waste bins at three distances over a 12-month period. Contamination near the customary trash of control households was evaluated at the beginning to ensure that there is no recruitment bias. Air samples using the MAS 100 impactor were carried out in 38 dwellings that do household waste composting and in 10 dwellings of controls. Collection of particles by CIP 10 rotating cup sampler and dust samples collected by electrostatic dust collector cloths were acquired in dwellings that do household waste composting. Samples were analyzed by culture and by real-time quantitative PCR. Information about dwelling characteristics and inhabitant practices was obtained by a standardized questionnaire. The genera most often isolated were Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Streptomyces. Near the organic waste bins, bioaerosol samples showed an increase of Acarus siro ( P = 0.001). Sedimented dust analyses highlighted an increase of A. siro, Wallemia sebi, Aspergillus versicolor, and Cladosporium sphaerospermum concentrations after a 12-month survey compared to the beginning. Composting favors microorganism development over time, but does not seem to have an effect on the bioaerosol levels and the surface microbiota beyond 0.5 m from the waste bin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies in European children from a farming background have shown that these children have a reduced risk of asthma and atopic sensitization compared to their urban counterparts. It has been suggested that this might be due to exposure to high levels of endotoxin in the farming environment. The aim of this study was to compare indoor endotoxin concentrations in air and dust samples from randomly selected urban and rural dwellings. In the rural area, endotoxins were analysed in farmhouses and nonfarmhouses as well as housing characteristics, lifestyle factors and agricultural practices likely to influence air and dust endotoxin levels. Endotoxin levels were significantly higher in floor (6600 ± 6100 vs 3600 ± 5600 and 3800 ± 17 000 ng g−1; P < 0·001) and mattress dust (2900 ± 4100 vs 1100 ± 2400 and 800 ± 2600 ng g−1; P < 0·001) from farmhouses compared to other rural and urban homes. However, no difference was observed between endotoxin concentrations in the air of urban and rural houses, and airborne endotoxin levels did not correlate to dust levels. Lack of ventilation and direct entry into the house were correlated with an increase in dust endotoxin levels. These results confirm that dairy farming is associated with high exposure to endotoxins in indoor dust samples. No difference was observed between indoor airborne concentrations between urban and rural houses. These results suggest that measuring endotoxin in dust is the most relevant method to assess endotoxin exposure. Significance and Impact of the Study Rural dairy farming is associated with high exposure to indoor endotoxins as compared to rural nonfarming houses and urban houses. The time spent on the mattress (7 h for an adult) and of the proximity of the contaminated source should be taken into account with the other causes of exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungi that damage documents in archives may harm workers' health, depending on which mold species are inhaled, the concentrations of fungal species inhaled, and individual factors. Our aim was to identify and quantify fungi in archives and to investigate possible links with the symptoms experienced by workers. Ten French archives were sampled using an air impactor and electrostatic dust collectors. Allergies and general symptoms felt by 144 workers were reported using a self-report questionnaire. Utilizing culture-based analysis methods along with qPCR, Penicillium chrysogenum, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, and Aspergillus versicolor were the three main fungi in air and dust in terms of quantity and frequency. Median fungal concentrations in storage areas, ranged from 30 to 465 CFU/m3. People working in the most contaminated archives did not report more symptoms of allergy than others. However, workers in contact with moldy documents reported more headaches (odds ratio, 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-5.3), fatigue (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.2-6.7), eye irritation (OR, 5.4; 95% CI, 1.9-14.9), throat irritation (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.0-5.7), coughing (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.2-8.4), and rhinorrhea (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.0-6.4) than others. Other parameters such as dust levels and concentrations of metabolites and chemical substances should be considered as confounding factors in further investigations to isolate the role of molds. Practical Implications Most studies about fungi and archives deal with the conservation of manuscripts and documents, and few discuss workers' health problems. Our study shows that archives do not represent a highly contaminated environment. Symptoms felt by workers were more often linked to direct contact with moldy documents than to high concentrations of mold in the air of archive storage areas. This study provides data on concentration levels in archives that could be used to interpret microbiological investigations in this type of environment in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY We present the result of a 3-D gravity and P-wave traveltime joint inversion applied to the hydrothermal system of La Soufrière of Guadeloupe. The joint inversion process is used here to overcome the different resolution limitations attached to the two data sets. P-wave traveltimes were obtained from three active seismic surveys that were conducted from 2001 to 2007. Gravity data collected during a microgravity campaign is described in a companion paper. We use a joint inversion process based on a Bayesian formulation and a deterministic iterative approach. The coupling between slowness and density is introduced through a supplementary constraint in the misfit function that tries to minimize the distance between parameter values and a theoretical relationship. This relationship is derived from measurements on samples representative of Mt Pelée of Martinique and La Soufrière volcanoes. We chose a grid discretization that leads to an under-determined problem that we regularize using spatial exponential covariance between the nodes parameters. Our results are compared to geophysical electromagnetic results obtained using resistivity and VLF surveys. They confirm the presence of highly contrasted dense/fast and light/slow zones in La Soufrière dome and crater basement. Our images suggest however that some non-conductive zones may be massive andesite bodies rather than argilized zones, and that these bodies may have deeper roots than hypothesized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The objectives were to quantify the presence of neurogenic inflammation in 4 regions of the upper digestive tract of anaesthetised ducks (post-pharynx, pseudo-crop, transition between the pseudo-crop and the proventriculus, and proventriculus) after application of HCl stimulation of up to 4 M in the pseudo-crop. 2. The second objective was to quantify the presence of neurogenic inflammation in the same digestive tract regions as mentioned above during 4 feeding periods of foie gras production (rearing, preparation to force-feeding, and second and last meals of the force-feeding period). 3. Extravasation increased above a HCl stimulation threshold of 2 M. Furthermore, more extravasation was observed in the proventriculus compared to the other regions (P < 0·001). 4. Highest extravasation responses were observed in the proventriculus and the pseudo-crop at the end of the preparation period, and in the proventriculus after the second forced meal, compared with the rearing period (P < 0·01), with a return to rearing level at the end of force-feeding. 5. Such a kinetic could be indicative of a relative mildness of the irritant components associated with this feeding practice. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Morphometric, metabolic, and behavioral modifications were studied in goat kids after maternal feed restriction during the last one-third of pregnancy. At birth, only kids from twin and triplet litters were studied [n = 40 kids born to control dams (CONT) and n = 38 born to restricted dams (REST)] and only males thereafter (n = 13 CONT and 15 REST kids) until slaughter at 6 wk of age. Kids born to restricted goats had a smaller abdominal girth at birth (P < 0.01) and tended to have a smaller body mass index (P = 0.10) and a smaller density index (P = 0.09) than kids born to CONT goats. Male REST kids had a lighter birth weight (P = 0.03) than male CONT kids, but no differences (all P > 0.10) were found for BW and morphometric measurements thereafter. Decreased NEFA concentrations suggested that male REST kids mobilized their body reserves less than CONT kids at birth (P < 0.01). No modifications in drinking tests at 3 and 5 wk of age were observed, or in feeding behavior and emotional reactivity at 5 wk of age (all P > 0.10). In conclusion, maternal feed restriction in the last one-third of pregnancy resulted in a decrease in birth size, but male kids rapidly caught up, and there were no changes in behavior, morphology, or metabolism during rearing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our prospective case–control study of 118 dwellings in Eastern France examined fungal contamination in unhealthy dwellings ( n = 32) (homes with visible mold contamination and adverse health outcomes reported by the occupants), dwellings occupied by allergic patients (with medical diagnostic and positive prick-tests for molds) ( n = 27) and matched control dwellings ( n = 59). Unhealthy dwellings present higher airborne concentrations of Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporium than control dwellings, irrespective of the room sampled. Bedroom walls were more highly contaminated by molds than others. Dwellings occupied by allergic patients differed significantly for airborne concentrations of Penicillium only, but not for wall surface contamination, whereas bathroom walls were more highly contaminated than other rooms. Molecular identification of 12 Penicillium species showed Penicillium chrysogenum and Penicillium olsonii to be the two main species. From the total average of molds, by impaction method, useful thresholds can be given: below 170 CFU/m3, between 170 and 560 CFU/m3, 560 and 1000 CFU/m3 and above 1000 CFU/m3, respectively for dwellings with low, moderate, high, and very high concentrations. The latter would be considered a potential health hazard. Practical Implications A single measure of airborne concentrations of molds by impaction allows to establish useful thresholds by social services to estimate in a objective way the housing moldiness. Excluding the summer period, reproducibility of this kind of measure on 3 months, in the fixed limits, is 94.3%. The differences in terms of biodiversity of the unhealthy housing and those accommodating allergic patients imply a specific approach to decrease fungi airborne concentrations. The biodiversity of Penicillium raises the problem of the use of the single extract of Penicillium chrysogenum for skin-tests. The extent of the contaminated surfaces must be measured to assess the potential risk linked to spore contamination. Indeed, surface sampling mostly allows qualitative assessment of the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aim of our study was to compare, using real-time (Rt) PCR, quantitative levels of five fungal species in three kinds of dwellings. Methods and Results: Three groups of homes were recruited: moisture-damaged homes (MDH, n = 30), allergic patient homes (APH, n = 25) and paired control homes (CH, n = 55). Five moulds with allergenic compounds or mycotoxin production characteristics ( Cladosporium sphaerospermum, Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus versicolor, Alternaria alternata and Stachybotrys chartarum) were quantified using Rt-PCR. Cycle threshold results were expressed in spore equivalent per volume or surface unit using a direct calculation based on a spore standard curve. MDH presented significantly higher amounts of DNA from C. sphaerospermum in both air and surface samples than CH ( P < 0·001). APH presented slightly elevated amounts of DNA from A. versicolor in both air and surface samples, compared to CH ( P < 0·05). Conclusion: Rt-PCR quantification of targeted fungal species is a rapid, reliable tool that could be included in a global indoor mould evaluation. Significance and Impact of the Study: Quantification of C. sphaerospermum using Rt-PCR can help to better target social service intervention in MDH. Quantification of A. versicolor DNA could be informative for characterization of APH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new TaqMan minor groove binding (MGB) probe and new PCR conditions were designed for quick, specific and sensitive detection of ‘ Candidatus Phytoplasma mali’. The new probe can distinguish a single mismatch between ‘ Ca. P. mali’ and ‘ Candidatus Phytoplasma prunorum’, this constituting an improvement over a previously published method. In our study, the relative position of the mismatch in the MGB probe influenced greatly the specificity of detection. Our new real-time PCR protocol was able to detect one plasmid copy in water and 100 copies in healthy plant DNA extracts. The sensitivity of this new real-time PCR method, three other real-time PCR protocols and a conventional PCR with fU5/rU3 primers was compared. Periwinkles and MM106 rootstocks were grafted with infected material and surveyed over time by symptom observation, conventional PCR and real-time PCR. Phytoplasma infection was detected by symptom observation in all periwinkles within 4 months and in 75% of the MM106 rootstocks by the end of 7 months. Conventional PCR detected phytoplasma infection in all periwinkles within 4 months and in all MM106 rootstocks within 7 months. Best results were obtained by our real-time PCR, which detected phytoplasma infection in all grafted plants within 3 months after inoculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of Peach latent mosaic viroid (PLMVd) was monitored during 2 years in peach orchards located in the North of Tunisia. PLMVd population was surveyed using a specific RT-PCR test adapted to crude sap extract. During the first year (2004), 228 samples were randomly selected in 22 peach orchards (eight cultivars) and tested for the presence of PLMVd. Results showed that PLMVd is highly and equally present in four regions of the North of Tunisia. Analyses of some key factors in relation to PLMVd incidence revealed that the tree age did not influence the infection rate. The eight studied cultivars were clustered in three groups according to their PLMVd incidence. Furthermore, the early and season cultivars were statistically more infected than the late cultivars. Prospections in May and October 2005 were performed in four selected orchards. Each two orchards contained Early May Crest (early cultivar) and Carnival (late cultivar) cultivars, respectively. The difference in PLMVd incidence observed in 2004 was confirmed. Furthermore, no correlation between the tree physiological state and the viroid detection was observed. Further investigations on the origin of the differences in PLMVd incidence between Early May Crest and Carnival cultivars would be of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was developed to investigate the occurrence of ‘peach latent mosaic viroid’ (PLMVd), ‘pear blister canker viroid’ (PBCVd), ‘hop stunt viroid’ (HSVd) and ‘apple scar skin viroid’ (ASSVd) on fruit trees (peach, pear, almond and apple) in Tunisia. The test was initially performed with total RNA preparations from selected isolates and then applied to total RNA preparations from leaf or bark tissues of fruit trees collected in the north of Tunisia and the Sahel. PLMVd was found to occur in peach and pear trees, HSVd in pear, peach and almond trees, and PBCVd in pear trees. Mixed PBCVd–HSVd and PLMVd–HSVd infections occurred naturally in pear trees. ASSVd was not detected in any samples from apple trees. The identity of the detected viroids was confirmed by comparing their sequences with those of other previously characterized isolates. The test was then simplified by direct use of diluted crude plant extracts. The results obtained from crude sap extracts of leaves or bark tissues and from total RNA preparations were identical. This improved test is thus quick and useful for large-scale routine analysis. It can be used in a certification programme to contribute to prevention of the occurrence and spread of PLMVd, HSVd, PBCVd and ASSVd in Tunisia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In phytosanitary certification, there is currently a need for the development of reliable, sensitive and rapid tests for the routine detection ofIlarvirusesand latent viruses from fruit trees during the dormant season. We have developed real-time RT-PCR assays that allow the reliable detection ofPrunus necrotic ringspot ilarvirus,Apple chlorotic leafspot trichovirusandApple stem pitting virusin bark tissues of dormant wood. These assays are well adapted for the routine detection of these three viruses because they eliminate one risk of contamination by performing the whole test in a single closed tube. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The link between various chronic skin disorders and toxocariasis was previously demonstrated by case reports and several case–control studies. However, these previous studies were based only on the Toxocara canis excretory-secretory–enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (TES–ELISA) serological technique, which is not specific due to cross-reactivity with parasites of the genera Anisakis or Ascaris. Immunoblot analysis is highly specific and can detect very low levels of Toxocara antibodies. Therefore, this technique may be useful in the identification of Toxocara infection in patients with chronic skin disorders. Objectives Because urticaria and pruritus/prurigo are skin conditions previously associated with toxocariasis, we carried out a prospective study using both TES–ELISA and Toxocara Western blot on 113 patients with either chronic urticaria ( n = 84) or chronic pruritus ( n = 29). Methods Patients were matched with controls according to gender, age and residence location (rural or urban area). Data were analysed using a Mantel–Haenszel χ2 test. Results The proportion of positive TES–ELISA results was not significantly different for patients with chronic skin disorders (urticaria or pruritus/prurigo) from that of control subjects. However, the proportion of positive immunoblot results was significantly higher for patients with chronic urticaria than for control subjects ( P = 0·009). Conclusions Our study demonstrates the need to perform Western blotting immunodiagnosis, whatever the TES–ELISA result, to improve diagnosis of human toxocariasis in patients with chronic urticaria caused by Toxocara infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]