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Intestinal parasitism and its epidemiological characteristics were studied in an isolated Amerindian population from Upper Oyapock (French Guiana) that has retained its traditional social and cultural specificities. This population consisted of 138 Wayampi Indians, 68 adults and 70 children (below the age of 15 years), with a sex ratio (M/F) of 0.86, spread over the four villages of the community of Trois Sauts, corresponding to more than two thirds of the population recorded as inhabiting the sector in the last census (375 inhabitants). Fecal examination combined the direct examination of fresh feces with the quantitative techniques of Kato-Katz method, Baermann and MIF staining. Overall, 92 % of the subjects were found to have intestinal parasites, 85 % if only direct examination of fresh stools was taken into account. Fourteen species of human parasite were identified: seven protozoa and seven helminths. We observed in particular 1) a high frequency of hookworm infection due to Necator americanus. Over 50 % of subjects were affected, with a range of 25 % to 75 % according to the village, but with only moderate parasite loads; 2) a high level of parasitism by E. histolytica/E. dispar (17 %), Stongyloides stercoralis (16 %) and Hymenolepis nana (18%) ; 3)a lower level of parasitism by Ascaris lumbricoides and very low levels (almost absent) of Trichiuris trichiura ; 4) the absence of Schistosoma and fluke eggs. With the exception of H. nana, which was more frequent in children than in adults, there was no significant difference in the level of parasitism according to sex and age. Although the Wayampi of French Guiana are French citizens and consequently have quite high incomes and ready access to clinics and medicines, intestinal parasites are far from under control in this population. A lack of fecal hygiene and the habit of walking barefoot are widespread in the unchanging Amazonian environment and contribute to this phenomenon.

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Background: Overactivation of the interferon pathways has been demonstrated in patients suffering from different systemic autoimmune diseases (SADs). Genetic associations have been described for many genes involved in these pathways. Gain-of-function mutations in theTMEM173gene have recently been reported in patients with autoinflammatory diseases that share some clinical features with SADs.Methods: We aimed at detecting the reported three mutations of transmembrane protein 173 (TMEM173) exon 5 in 100 patients suffering from: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (n = 22), primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) (n = 20), systemic sclerosis (SSc) (n = 20), dermatomyositis (DM) (n = 20), and vasculitis (n = 18). Samples from 19 healthy controls were also included. Sequence analyses were performed from the derivedTMEM173exon 5 PCR fragment amplified from DNA obtained from whole blood.Results: Neither mutations nor single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the exon 5 of theTMEM173gene were detected. Just the rs7380272 SNP, located in the intronic region upstream exon 5, was detected in some patients and controls. The allele frequency of this SNP, though, was not statistically different between the patients groups and the control group.Conclusions: Our study demonstrates the lack of association between the presence of SADs and mutations in exon 5 of theTMEM173gene. SADs are complex multifactorial diseases in which not just one but probably many different genetic alterations may coexist. Although we cannot rule out the possibility that other variations may exist in other regions of this gene, we think that studies must be directed towards the analysis of other genes which, asTMEM173, also code for nucleic acid sensors that activate the nucleic-acid induced type I IFN pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence, clinical, histological and immunological characteristics, and the long-term outcome of polymyositis- (PM) and dermatomyositis- (DM) associated lung disease, and to define subgroups of lung-associated inflammatory myopathies. This retrospective study included 81 consecutive patients diagnosed with PM/DM. Pulmonary involvement was systematically investigated in relation to clinical symptoms by chest radiography, high resolution computed tomography and pulmonary function testing. Anti-synthetase autoantibodies (ASA) were analysed by ELISA and confirmed by protein and RNA immunoprecipitation methods. Statistical analyses were done with the Student t-test and Fisher exact test. Cumulative survival probabilities were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis. Fifty patients (61%) presented pulmonary involvement. Thirty-two (39%) had interstitial lung disease and five of them had devastating acute interstitial pneumonia with pneumomediastinum and an unfavorable prognosis. Histology showed diffuse alveolar damage in this subgroup and ASA were negative. Eighteen patients (22%) presented restrictive myopathic lung disease; in three of them respiratory muscles could not maintain ventilation. ASA were positive in 17 of the 50 patients (34%) and were significantly associated with interstitial lung disease (OR: 4.5 [95% CI: 1.3–15.3]), arthritis (OR: 6.0 [95% CI: 1.3–29.2]) and 'mechanic hands' (OR: 8.5 [95% CI: 1.7–41.4]); the presence of these autoantibodies did not imply worse survival prognosis. We concluded that clinical and immunological characteristics allowed the grouping of patients into different types of PM/DM lung-associated disease. Presence of ASA did not affect survival. ASA-negative patients with acute interstitial pneumonitis and pneumomediastinum had an unfavorable prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-frequency electron spin echo-electron nuclear double resonance (ESE-ENDOR) spectroscopy is applied to oxovanadium VO2+ complexes of Hcapca in the form of trans-[VOX(capca)] and to H2capcah in the form of cis-[VOX(Hcapcah)], where X = Cl- or SCN-. Nuclear quadrupolar coupling constants (nqcc), which are unobtainable by conventional continuous-wave electron paramagnetic resonance (CW-EPR), were measured and reported in terms of P|| (P|| = 3e2qQ/84 for I = 7/2). P|| values for trans-[VOCl(capca)] and trans-[VOSCN(capca)] were calculated to be -0.18 and -0.21 MHz, respectively. In the cases of cis-[VOCl(Hcapcah)] and cis-[VOSCN(Hcapcah), P|| values were calculated to be -0.35 and -0.45 MHz, respectively. The experimental results are supported by DFT calculations of quadrupolar and hyperfine couplings for various oxovanadium compounds, including the cis and trans complexes studied by ESE-ENDOR. The charged ligands, coordinated axially trans to the oxo bond, reduce the electric field gradient along the V=O bond, thereby decreasing the observed magnitude of the nuclear quadrupolar coupling constants relative to those of the comparable cis compounds. This experimental finding is confirmed by quantum mechanical calculations. Although the absolute values of quadrupolar splittings cannot be calculated with acceptable accuracy, the observed experimental trends are very well reproduced. Thus, the complementary use of DFT and pulsed-ENDOR is a promising methodology for the study of biologically relevant vanadyl compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transverse myelitis is one of the most serious neurological complications occurring in the course of systemic lupus erythematosus. We describe two lupus patients, with transverse myelitis, one of whom had associated optic neuritis. In both, magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal cord showed an abnormal signal. In one case a good response to steroid and immunosuppressive therapy was observed; the other case failed to improve despite the therapy applied. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Copyright of Journal of Medical Mycology / Journal de Mycologie Médicale is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Discusses the absence of a proven resurgence of Chagas diseases or human cutaneous leishmaniasis (HCL) in French Guiana from 1986 to 2000. Detection of antibodies reacting with antigens reacting from Trypanosoma cruzi; Estimate annual incidence from 1986-2000; Contributing factors.

The case of a patient admitted with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura nine years after developing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is reported. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with SLE has been described on other occasions, but in most patients the diagnosis of SLE precedes that of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. The unusual sequence and the chronological separation of the two diseases is emphasised. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

L’association des infections paracoccidioïdomycose et tuberculose est souvent décrite en Amérique latine. Nous reportons ici un cas de co-infection chez un patient brésilien sans facteur de risque connu. Un traitement initial de la tuberculose a été administré sans aucune amélioration après un mois de traitement. Dans un deuxième temps, l’examen mycologique et histologique des lésions a mis en évidence une paracoccidioidomycose associée. Deux mois de traitement par Trimethoprime-Sulfamethoxazole ont conduit à une amélioration clinique ainsi qu’une disparition des lésions endo-buccales. Telle une maladie émergente, une dizaine de cas de paracoccidioidomycose diagnostiqués en Guyane depuis 1997 ont été recensés, tous chez des patients masculins, non VIH, sans comorbidités, et présentant des localisations surtout cutanées, cutanéo-muqueuses ORL, ganglionnaires et pulmonaires. Les diagnostics différentiels cliniques sont la leishmaniose, la tuberculose, la lèpre, voire un carcinome cutanéo-muqueux. Une mauvaise orientation diagnostique est souvent à l’origine d’un retard dans la prise en charge initiale comme lors d’une co-infection. L’examen mycologique direct à frais et après coloration est primodial lorsqu’il est bien orienté. Le diagnostic mycologique différentiel d’une cryptoccocose peut également être évoqué. L’examen anatomopathologique des biopsies vient alors confirmer le diagnostic ainsi que la PCR. Ainsi, les associations possibles de tuberculose et paracoccidioidomycose doivent être réellement prises en compte dans l’évaluation des patients provenant d’Amérique Latine. Il est donc nécessaire de procéder à enquêtes mycobactériennes et fongiques approfondies et exhaustives avant de commencer un traitement spécifique pour la tuberculose ou la paracoccidioïdomycose. Enfin, il faut souligner le rôle essentiel de l’examen direct mycologique dans le diagnostic précoce de la paracoccidioidomycose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Chagas disease is an anthropozoonotic infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, transmitted by a hematophagous triatomine insect vector belonging to the Reduviidae family, while taking a blood meal. There is a large reservoir of wild and domestic mammals. Human contamination may come via vectorial, transplacental, and digestive routes, blood transfusion, organ or tissue transplantation, and by accident. The disease has two phases. The acute phase, oligosymptomatic, is frequently undiagnosed. It is followed by a chronic phase. Most of the infected patients remain asymptomatic all life-long. But 10 or 25years later, one third of infected patients present with cardiac or digestive complications. Chagas disease is endemic in Latin America, from Mexico to Argentina. In French Guyana, the prevalence of the infection was estimated at 0.25% and 0.5% (from 500 to 1000 infected patients) on blood samples collected from 1992 to 1998. In 2000 and 2009, 192 cases were diagnosed. In this district, there is no established domestic vector and the transmission risk is low. The vector is very easily found in forest habitats and even in the peridomestic persistent forest, with an infection rate of 46 to 86%. Vectorial eradication is impossible. Fighting against Chagas disease in French Guyana relies more on individual protection, control of blood transfusion, prevention of mother-to-child transmission, diagnosis, and treatment of infected patients than on vectorial control. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We evaluated the Cutibacterium acnes prevalence in prostatic biopsies and characterized the strains at a molecular level. 18 out of 36 biopsies (50%) were sterile after seven days in culture. C. acnes was observed in only two biopsies. Its prevalence was low (5.6%). Finally, the molecular characterization revealed diverse clusters including phylotypes IA 1 , IB and II. • C. acnes can be found in prostatic tissue. • A low prevalence has been found in France compared to other countries. • No specific cluster is dedicated to prostatic tissue. • C. avidum can also be detected. • Other bacteria such as Bifidobacterium sp. Or Mobiluncus curtisii were also recovered from prostatic tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction – objectifs En Guyane, l’histoplasmose est la première cause d’infection opportuniste chez les patients infectés par le VIH. Sous estimées, les formes digestives d’histoplasmose sont à l’origine d’une mortalité importante. Identifier les facteurs associés à ces formes cliniques permet de sensibiliser les cliniciens à la pratique d’investigations systématiques à la recherche de cette localisation fréquente. Matériels et méthodes Une étude rétrospective, sur une base de données déclarée, a été menée parmi 279 patients co-infectés par le VIH et l’histoplasmose à Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum admis dans un des trois centres hospitaliers de Guyane entre le 1 er janvier 1991 et le 31 juillet 2011. L’identification d’ Histoplasma sur un prélèvement de l’œsophage à l’anus (critères EORTC/MSG) définissait une forme digestive. Ainsi, 43 patients du groupe « forme digestive » et 236 patients du groupe « forme non digestive » ont été comparés à l’aide de modèles de régression logistique. Résultats Le modèle multivarié final retrouvait les douleurs abdominales ORa = 8,15 [3,46–19,17] et les diarrhées ORa = 5,62 [2,44–12,92] associées aux formes digestives. La présence d’une fièvre ORa = 0,22 [0,07–0,71], de plaquettes ≤ 150 000/mm 3 ORa = 0,27 [0,10–0,72] et de TGO ≥ 2N ORa = 0,28 [0,10–0,77] étaient associées aux formes non digestives. Conclusion Cette étude rassemble la plus grande série de formes digestives. La mortalité précoce observée y est 4 fois moindre en comparaison aux données de la littérature (5 % versus 23 %). Après ajustement, elles sont associées à un tableau digestif franc et une moindre sévérité par rapport aux formes non digestives. Toutefois, au stade Sida, la symptomatologie digestive est polymorphe et non spécifique. Elle doit faire l’objet d’une attention accrue et d’investigations mycologiques de la part des cliniciens en zone d’endémie pour l’histoplasmose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work analyzes the relationship between the adherence to antiretroviral treatments and variables such as anxiety, depression and stress in a sample of 100 HIV+ subjects included in a methadone maintenance program and its evolution one year later on 83 of these subjects. It can be shown that the subjects who adhere to the treatment throughout the year show lesser degrees of anxiety, stress and depression than those who do not follow the treatment. Those who give up the treatment increase their scores on anxiety and those who initiate the treatment show a reduction on the stress scale. Results remark the relevant role of these variables in the maintenance of the adhesion, once established, but it is more difficult to explain their role in the establishment or loss of adherence itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]