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Aims To estimate prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with diabetes mellitus and identify their determinants. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at Hassan II University-Hospital of Fes in 2019–2020. Anxiety and depression were measured by using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Multivariate analysis by logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with depression and anxiety, adjusting for confounding factors. All statistical analyses were conducted using EPIINFO7. Results A total of 243 diabetics were included in the study. The average age of the participants was 48.07 ± 14.25 years, 58% were females and 72% were diagnosed with diabetes type II. The prevalence of depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms was (18, 1%, CI95% = (13–23)) and (29.6%, CI95% = (24–35)), respectively. The prevalence of depression and anxiety was higher among women than man and increases with increasing duration of the disease. In multivariate analysis, illiterates (OR = 3.19, CI95% = (1.46–6.98)), those with depression (OR = 3.61, CI95% = (1.78–7.32)), and type 1 diabetics (OR = 3.22, CI95% = (1.44–7.21)) are a higher risk of developing anxiety. Depression was associated with older age (OR = 2, 65, CI95% = (1, 14–6, 14)), use of insulin (OR = 3.77 CI95% = (1.50–9.44)) and anxiety symptoms (OR = 4, 27, CI95% = (2, 05–8, 91)). Conclusion High prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in diabetics suggests consideration of psychological aspect in implementation of diabetes managing program.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted sexual health services for young people, with potential consequences of decreasing preventive screening and increasing undiagnosed sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study aimed to assess trends in asymptomatic screening among patients receiving STI testing and to estimate the number of STI cases that were missed during the early months of the pandemic.A cross-sectional study of electronic health records for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas testing encounters from six pediatric primary care clinics in Philadelphia, July 2014 to November 2020.A total of 35,548 testing encounters were analyzed, including 2958 during the pandemic. We assessed whether testing at each encounter was performed as asymptomatic screening, risk-based testing, or symptomatic testing. We evaluated screening trends over time and estimated the number of missed STI cases during the pandemic.The mean monthly testing encounters decreased from 479 per month prepandemic to 329 per month during the pandemic. The percent of tests performed as asymptomatic screening dropped from 72.5% prepandemic to a nadir of 54.5% in April 2020. We estimate that this decrease in asymptomatic screening would represent 159 missed cases (23.8% of expected cases) based on patient volume from the previous year.During the pandemic, the total volume of STI testing encounters and the proportion of tests performed as asymptomatic screening decreased, potentially resulting in missed diagnoses. Undiagnosed STIs can result in severe sequelae and contribute to community transmission of STIs. Efforts are needed to re-establish and sustain access to STI services for adolescents in response to disruptions caused by the pandemic.

Carotid revascularization within 14 days of a neurologic event has been recommended by society guidelines. Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) carries the lowest overall stroke rate for any carotid artery stenting technique. However, the outcomes of TCAR within 14 days of a neurologic event have not been directly compared with those after carotid endarterectomy (CEA).We compared the 30-day outcomes of symptomatic patients who had undergone TCAR and CEA within 14 days of a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) from January 2016 to February 2020 using the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative carotid artery stenting and CEA databases. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for patient risk factors. The primary outcome was a composite of postoperative ipsilateral stroke, death, and myocardial infarction (MI).A total of 1281 symptomatic patients had undergone TCAR and 13,429 patients had undergone CEA within 14 days of a neurologic event. After 1:1 propensity matching, 728 matched pairs were included for analysis. The primary composite outcome of stroke, death, or MI was more frequent in the TCAR group (4.7% vs 2.6%; P = .04). This was driven by a higher rate of postoperative ipsilateral stroke in the TCAR group (3.8% vs 1.8%; P = .005). No differences were found between TCAR and CEA in terms of death (0.7% vs 0.8%; P = .8) or MI (0.8% vs 1%; P = .7). Although TCAR procedures were shorter (median, 69 minutes [interquartile range, 53-85 minutes]; vs median, 120 minutes [interquartile range, 93-150 minutes]; P .001) and the postoperative length of stay was similar (2 days; P = .3) compared with CEA, the TCAR patients were more likely to be discharged to a facility other than home (26% vs 19%; P .01). Performing TCAR within 48 hours of a stroke was an independent predictor of postoperative stoke or TIA (odds ratio, 5.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.8-16). This increased risk of postoperative stroke or TIA was not found when performing TCAR within 48 hours of a TIA.TCAR within 14 days of a neurologic event resulted in higher ipsilateral postoperative stroke rates compared with CEA, especially when performed within 48 hours after a stroke.

Aspects of the reproductive biology of Atlantic chub mackerel Scomber colias are reported here based on data from random samples of artisanal fish landings from Ghana. The specimens were between 13.7 cm and 40.7 cm total length (TL), and both sexes matured at a mean length (Lm50) of approximately 25 cm TL. An overall sex ratio of 1:1 was estimated for the population. Absolute fecundity of the fish ranged between 10 220 and 155 791 eggs (mean 48 238 [SE 2 324] eggs) in individuals measuring between 22.8 and 36.5 cm TL and weighing 104.3 to 525.3 g. Monthly variations in the gonadosomatic index and the proportion of fish with ripe gonads in the samples indicated the occurrence of spawning activities during two periods, March–April and June–August, the latter period of which coincided with the coastal upwelling season in Ghanaian waters. These findings are compared with those for chub mackerel from the northwestern and southwestern coasts of Africa. The results of this study will help inform the management of this small pelagic species in Ghana.

Introduction Complication frequente et grave du diabete avec un taux d’amputation de membres inferieurs tres eleve. Objectif Determiner le profil epidemiologique, diagnostique, therapeutique et evolutif du pied diabetique. Materiels et methodes Etude retrospective descriptive realisee du 1er janvier 2020 au fevrier 2021 incluant les patients diabetiques ayant consulte pour la prise en charge du pied diabetique au service d’Endocrinologie du CHU HASSAN II de Fes. Resultats Nous avions inclus 35 patients. L’âge moyen etait de 56 ± 0,21 ans. La majorite des patients etait diabetique de type 2 (68,42 %). La duree moyenne d’evolution du diabete etait de 19 ± 0,25 ans. HBA1C etait de 10 % avec des extremes de 7 a 15 %. Les facteurs declenchants des lesions etaient dus a un traumatisme generant une plaie surinfectee dans 60,37 % des cas et a un intertrigo inter orteil (neglige ou mal traite) dans 39,63 % des cas. L’infection quant a elle etait au-devant du tableau clinique dans 60,31 % des cas. La necrose ischemique etait presente dans 20,45 % et la gangrene infectieuse dans 19,24 % des cas. Les lesions etaient classees grade 4 et 5 de Wagner dans 51,20 %. Le traitement medical a consiste en une antibiotherapie a large spectre (89,20 %), une insulinotherapie (77,20 %). Les soins locaux etaient realises chez tous les patients, 12,80 % avaient beneficie d’une amputation. La duree moyenne de cicatrisation etait de 33,15 jours (7–90). Conclusion La prise en charge repose essentiellement sur la prevention par l’education des patients et l’equilibre glycemique. Une prise en charge multidisciplinaire est imperative.

Introduction L’hyperparathyroidie constitue la 3e endocrinopathie. L’adenome parathyroidien peut etre localise en situation « ectopique » dans 11 a 25 % des cas, secondaire a des anomalies de « migration embryonnaire ». Ce travail se propose afin d’etudier les caracteristiques epidemiologiques, cliniques, paracliniques (diagnostique/localisation), le traitement et l’evolution post-therapeutique des HPTP-ectopiques. Materiels et methodes Il s’agit d’une etude retrospective et descriptive de 10 cas d’HPTP-ectopiques colliges au service d’endocrinologie CHU Hassan II de Fes entre janvier 2015 et decembre 2019. Nous avons inclus : les patients qui ont beneficie d’une imagerie preoperatoire et adenectomie avec confirmation anatomopathologique. Nous avons exclu : les adenomes – eutopiques –. Resultats L’âge moyen dans notre serie etait de 57 ans, tous nos patients etaient de sexe feminin. Les circonstances de decouverte etaient le plus souvent lors d’un bilan etiologique devant une symptomatologie : osseuse (2 cas de fractures et 2 cas de douleurs osseuses), 2 cas de lithiase renale et lors du bilan etiologique devant une hypercalcemie (4 cas). La calcemie de nos malades variait entre 110 et 140 mg/L. Une hyperparathormonemie avec une moyenne a 1395 pg/mL (15–62). Pour le bilan topographique, l’echographie cervicale avait permis de localiser l’adenome sauf pour 3 patientes. Une scintigraphie au « 99mTc-sestamibi » a ete realisee chez toutes nos patientes, elle etait concluante dans tous les cas. Une TDM cervicothoracique comme 2e moyen d’imagerie chez les patientes a echographie normale, objectivant une localisation precise de l’adenome. Deux adenomes etaient de localisation mediastinale, 3 para-œsophagiens, 1 sus claviculaire, 1 intra-thyroidien, 1 carotido-tracheal, 1 intrathymique et 1 retro-thyroidien. La chirurgie a ete preconisee chez tous. L’evolution etait favorable, en dehors d’une hypocalcemie corrigee chez 4 patientes. Conclusion L’imagerie est un moyen incontournable a la recherche d’une glande parathyroide « ectopique ». Lorsqu’elle n’est pas retrouvee dans sa localisation habituelle, la strategie de dissection chirurgicale doit etre « methodique ».

Introduction La glande surrenale est le siege de nombreuses pathologies,la detection d’une masse surrenalienne(MS) peut etre fortuite ou dans le cadre d’une anomalie biologique ou encore d’un bilan d’extension. La prise en charge de ces MS est conditionnee par leurs natures : secretoire ou neoplasique. L’objectif de notre travail est de decrire les donnees epidemiologiques, cliniques, paracliniques, etiologiques et therapeutiques d’une serie de MS-rares. Patients et methodes Etude descriptive-retrospective, s’etalant sur 5 ans de-janvier 2015 a decembre2019, portant sur 17 cas de MSrares au sein d’une serie de 68cas,colligees au service d’Endocrinologie-CHU-HassanII-Fes. Resultats La moyenne d’âge etait de 47,3 ans avec une predominance feminine (52,7 %). Les patients presentaient une HTAdans 64,7 % des cas. La MS etait decouverte fortuitement par une-TDM-abdominale dans 47,05 % des cas. Le motif de realisation du bilan radiologique etait la douleur abdominale chez 29,4 % des cas, l’exploration d’une HTAsecondaire (47,5 %),bilan d’une alteration de l’etat generale (23,4 %) et d’une pneumopathie (11,7 %). Il s’agissait d’une lesion unilaterale chez58,8 % patients. La taille moyenne etait de8,7 cm avec une maximale de13,5 cm. L’exploration biologique, radiologique, cytologique et histologique a permis de retenir le diagnostic d’1 schwanome, 1 ganglioneurome, 1 metastase surrenalienne d’un gliome et d’un LMNH, 1 kyste unilateral, 1l ymphome primitif surrenalien, 1 Hematome surrenalien unilateral, 4 Corticosurrenalomes et 8 adenomes de Conn. La prise en charge etait une surrenalectomie chez 70,6 % des cas. Discussion La cause la plus frequente des-MS est representee par les adenomes. Cependant, il ne faut pas meconnaitre la possibilite d’autres affections plus rares qui peuvent toucher la surrenale. La prise en charge reste complexe et les pieges diagnostiques sont nombreux. En parallele des explorations biologiques, l’imagerie tient une place centrale dans la demarche-diagnostique.

Introduction La depression et l’anxiete sont des complications psychiatriques courantes chez les patients diabetiques. Cependant, les donnees sur la prevalence de la depression, de l’anxiete et leurs facteurs associes chez les diabetiques marocains sont rares. L’objectif de la presente etude est d’estimer la prevalence de la depression et de l’anxiete chez les patients diabetiques et d’identifier leurs determinants. Methodes Il s’agit d’une etude transversale menee en 2019-2020 au service d’endocrinologie au CHU Hassan II de Fes. Le recueil des donnees a ete realise a l’aide d’un questionnaire anonyme comportant : les donnees sociodemographiques, socio-economiques, cliniques et therapeutiques. Le diagnostic de la depression et de l’anxiete a ete base sur le score « Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale » (HAD). La regression logistique a ete utilisee pour determiner les facteurs associes a la depression et a l’anxiete en ajustant sur les facteurs de confusion. La saisie des donnees a ete realisee sur Excel 2013 et l’analyse avec le logiciel EPI INFO version7. Resultats Au total, 243 patients diabetiques ont ete inclus dans l’etude, dont 58 % sont de sexe feminin et 72 % sont des diabetiques type II. L’âge moyen des patients etait de 48,07 ± 14,25 ans. La prevalence de la depression et de l’anxiete etait de (18,1 %, IC95 % = (13 %-23 %)) et de (29,6 %, IC95 % = (24 %-35 %)), respectivement. L’analyse multivariee a montre que les analphabetes (OR = 3,19, IC95 % = (1,46-6,98)), les patients depressifs (OR = 3,61, IC95 % = (1,78-7,32)), et les diabetiques type I (OR = 3,22, IC95 % = (1,44-7,21)) avaient un risque plus eleve de developper de l’anxiete. La depression etait associee a l’âge avance (OR = 2, 65, IC95 % = (1,14-6,14)), a l’utilisation d’insuline (OR = 3,77 IC95 % = (1,50-9,44)) et la presence des symptomes anxieux (OR = 4, 27, IC95 % = (2, 05-8, 91)). Conclusion La forte prevalence des symptomes depressifs et anxieux chez les diabetiques suggere la prise en compte de l’aspect psychologique dans la mise en œuvre du programme de gestion du diabete.

Introduction La maladie cœliaque (MC) est une atteinte auto-immune de l’intestin grele caracterisee par une inflammation, atrophie villositaire et hyperplasie cryptique. L’existence des formes asymptomatiques est a l’origine d’une sous-estimation de la frequence de cette maladie, qui peut avoir une revelation atypique. Dans le but d’illustrer une circonstance de decouverte particuliere de la MC, nous rapportons l’observation suivante. Observation Madame K.I., âgee de 24 ans, est suivie depuis 1 an et demi pour anemie ferriprive substituee. L’histoire de sa maladie a commence une semaine avant son hospitalisation, par la survenue de 2 crises de tetanie, compliquees de troubles de conscience spontanement resolutifs motivant sa consultation. Des crises tonicocloniques generalisees ont ete suspectees d’ou sa mise sous traitement antiepileptique. A l’admission, la patiente etait stable. A l’electrocardiogramme, QT corrige etait allonge. Les signes Chvostek et Trousseau etaient positifs. L’IMC a 18,3 kg/m2, en maigreur. Un bilan a ete realise en urgence revelant une hypocalcemie profonde (58 mg/L), hypophosphoremie, hypomagnesemie (13 mg/L), hypovitaminose D et fonction renale correcte, d’ou sa mise sous dose de charge et d’entretien. Le taux de PTH etait a 92,1 pg/mL (15–68,30). L’electroencephalogramme ainsi que l’imagerie cerebrale etaient sans anomalies. Devant la maigreur et le syndrome de malabsorption biologique, les anticorps anti-transglutaminases etaient realises, revenant franchement positifs. La fibroscopie avait montre des signes evocateurs de la MC, confirmee histologiquement. Apres prescription d’un regime sans gluten, l’evolution etait marquee par la normalisation de la calcemie 2 mois apres. Discussion Il est a present clairement etabli que le diagnostic MC doit etre evoque devant des tableaux cliniques frustes ou extradigestifs : type dyspepsie, carence martiale, en vitamine B12-B9, une osteoporose, infertilite et certaines manifestations neuropsychiques.

Objectifs La grossesse chez la femme diabetique est une grossesse a risque dont le pronostic est lie au degre de controle glycemique de la conception jusqu’a l’accouchement ; a la precocite et a la qualite de la prise en charge pendant toute la grossesse. L’objectif de notre etude etait d’evaluer l’impact de la prise ponderale chez ce groupe de femmes enceintes diabetiques. Patients et methodes Etude retrospective portant sur des femmes enceintes diabetiques (types 1 et 2) suivies au service d’endocrinologie du CHU Hassan II de Fes sur la periode entre 2009 et 2018, nous avons evalue la prise ponderale trimestrielle et sa relation avec les parametres glycemiques et obstetriques de nos patientes. Resultats Notre etude comporte 237 cas, Le poids moyen en preconception etait de 74,7 ± 14,7 kg, avec un IMC moyen de 24,5 kg/m2. La prise ponderale etait de 2 ± 4,1 kg au 1er trimestre, au 2e semestre de 6,23 ± 3,5 kg et au 3e trimestre de 8,32 ± 4,3 kg. Le gain ponderal total etait significativement correle au type d’insuline utilise surtout au 3e trimestre (p = 0,02). Aucune liaison statiquement significative n’a ete notee entre la prise ponderale et l’issue de la grossesse. Neanmoins, la macrosomie etait plus frequentes chez les nouveau-nes des patientes avec une prise ponderale plus elevee (p = 0,84). Discussion Notre etude illustre l’interet d’elaborer des recommandations de prise ponderale optimale pour les femmes enceintes diabetiques vu le risque ajoute du diabete particulierement de la macrosomie.

Objectif Preciser les facteurs associes a la retinopathie diabetique (RD) chez une population de diabetiques marocains. Patients et methodes Etude retrospective, s’etalant sur 9 ans, incluant tous les patients diabetiques hospitalises au service. Nos patients etaient repartis en 2 groupes : – G1 : patient avec signes de RD ; – G2 : patient sans signes de RD. Resultats Sept cent quarante-six patients diabetiques etaient inclus dont 581etaient diabetiques de type 2 (77,9 %). La prevalence de la RD etait de 43,3 %. En etudiant les facteurs associes a la RD : la RD etait plus frequente chez les DT2 (47,67 % vs 28,31 %, p = 0,001), avec un âge moyen dans G1 significativement superieur a celui du G2 (57,7 ± 14,1 ans versus 49,44 ans ± 18,7 ; p = 0,02). L’anciennete moyenne du diabete etait de 14,7 ± 8,7 ans dans G1 versus 8,4 ± 7 ans dans G2 (p = 0,001). L’association RD et hyperglycemie chronique etait significative avec une HbA1c > 9 % dans 78,3 % dans G1 versus 54,8 % dans G2 (p Discussion Le desequilibre glycemique, l’HTA et la dyslipidemie sont frequemment associes a la RD d’ou l’importance d’une prise en charge globale des facteurs de risque cardiovasculaires pour prevenir et ralentir la progression de cette microangiopathie.

Objectifs Le cancer anaplasique de la thyroide est defini comme une tumeur epitheliale maligne peu differenciee. Il s’agit d’une variete rare de carcinome thyroidien de pronostic tres reserve. L’objectif de notre etude est d’illustrer la particularite de cette tumeur a travers 4 observations. Materiels et methodes Il s’agit d’une etude retrospective de 4 cas de carcinome anaplasique de la thyroide hospitalises dans notre service d’endocrinologie de CHU Hassan II de Fes colligees entre 2012 et 2018. Resultats Il s’agit de 4 femmes avec un âge moyen de 67 ans. Le motif de consultation etait la modification des caracteres d’un goitre multinodulaire ancien dans les 4 cas. Des signes fonctionnels de compression ont ete rapportes dans 3 cas. A l’examen physique un volumineux goitre dans les 4 cas. L’atteinte ganglionnaire a ete notee chez 3 patientes. A l’echographie cervicale : un goitre multinodulaire dans tous les cas. Une TDM cervicothoracique a ete realisee chez les 4 patientes confirmant le caractere plongeant du goitre dans tous les cas. Une thyroidectomie totale avec un curage ganglionnaire a ete faite. Le bilan d’extension a distance avait objective des metastases dans trois cas. Une chimiotherapie a visee palliative a ete indiquee chez ses dernieres. L’evolution etait fatale pour tous les patients dans un delai moyen de 7 mois. Discussion Le cancer anaplasique de la thyroide a un pronostic habituellement catastrophique. La prevention de cette maladie mortelle consiste en la prise en charge adaptee des goitres chez des patients âges.

Introduction Le syndrome de Fahr (SF) est defini par la presence a la base du cerveau de calcifications strio-pallido-dentelees non arteriosclerotiques bilaterales symetriques. Les calcifications sont associees a des anomalies du metabolisme phosphocalcique. Ce syndrome est secondaire a plusieurs etiologies notamment : l’hypoparathyroidie. Dans le but d’illustrer une circonstance de decouverte particuliere d’un SF, nous rapportons l’observation suivante de ce syndrome secondaire a une hypoparathyroidie revele par un psoriasis. Observation Mme E.T., âgee de 38 ans etait hospitalisee dans le service de dermatologie pour une erythrodermie seche. Les examens histologiques des fragments cutanes etaient en faveur d’un psoriasis. Par ailleurs, cette malade etait operee pour une cataracte bilaterale 1 an plus tot. Cependant, au cours de son hospitalisation, la patiente avait fait une crise de tetanie et un spasme larynge avec a l’electrocardiogramme un allongement du QT corrige. Les examens biologiques phosphocalciques montraient une hypocalcemie profonde (calcemie corrigee : 57 mg/L [88–105]) et une hyperphosphoremie, d’ou sa mise en urgence sous calcitherapie par voie intraveineuse. Le taux serique de la parathormone etait effondre, associe a une insuffisance en 25-OH-vitamineD2D3, hypomagnesemie, calciurie de 24 h correcte et fonction renale normale. Dans le cadre du bilan de retentissement, la tomodensitometrie cerebrale avait revele des calcifications bilaterales des noyaux gris centraux. Le traitement instaure comprenait une calcitherapie orale 3 g/j, l’alfacalcidol, substitution de l’hypomagnesemie ainsi que l’hypovitaminose D. L’evolution etait favorable avec disparition des lesions dermatologiques 3 mois apres instauration du traitement calcique. Discussion Le lien entre l’hypocalcemie et le psoriasis n’est pas entierement compris, mais les etudes ont montre que le calcium est un regulateur cle des keratinocytes. Notre observation illustre l’importante relation entre le SF et la peau.

Introduction Les lymphomes thyroidiens primitifs (LTP) sont une entite clinique rare, qui representent 5 % des tumeurs thyroidiennes et 2 % des lymphomes extra-ganglionnaires. Pour mieux comprendre cette entite, nous rapportons 3 observations de LTP en precisant les particularites epidemiologiques, diagnostiques, therapeutiques et pronostiques de ces tumeurs. Observations Observation 1 : patiente de 53 ans, thyroidectomisee pour un goitre dont l’etude anatomopathologique etait benigne avec infiltrats inflammatoires. L’evolution etait marquee par l’apparition d’une tumefaction cervicale douloureuse atteignant 3 cm lors du suivi. A l’echographie : masse hypoechogene de 3 cm avec polyadenopathies jugulo-carotidiennes centimetriques. La reprise chirurgicale etait en faveur d’un LMNH-type-T-primitifavec un bilan d’extension negatif. La patiente avait beneficie d’une polychimiotherapie/radiotherapie avec une remission totale. Observation 2 : patiente de 72 ans, thyroidectomisee avec a l’immunohistochimie LMNH diffus a grandes cellules phenotype B de 11,5 cm. D’ou sa mise sous polychimiotherapie. L’evolution etait marquee par la reapparition d’une masse cervicale atteignant 7 cm accompagnee d’une ADP de 2 cm. Un 2e protocole de chimiotherapie/radiotherapie etait instaure. Au bilan d’extension, une localisation surrenalienne bilaterale. Observation 3 : patient de 55 ans, thyroidectomise pour un goitre suspect. A l’immunohistochimie, LMNH haut grade type B + foyer de carcinome papillaire de la thyroide de 4 mm sans extension extracapsulaire. En postoperatoire, le patient avait presente une insuffisance surrenalienne aigue substituee secondaire a des localisations secondaires surrenaliennes bilaterales avec carcinose peritoneale. L’evolution etait rapidement fatale avec installation d’une hypercalcemie maligne et defaillance-multiviscerale. Discussion Le LPT est l’un des rares cancers thyroidiens. Le diagnostic positif est difficile a determiner du fait de la non-specificite des signes cliniques. Seule l’immunohistochimie permet de confirmer le diagnostic. Le traitement est base sur la combinaison chimiotherapie/radiotherapie. Le pronostic depend essentiellement de l’âge et de l’extension tumorale.

Introduction L’hypocalcemie est une anomalie metabolique frequente. Elle peut se manifester par des symptomes cliniques sensitifs et neuromusculaires pouvant a l’extreme mettre en jeu le pronostic vital comme elle peut etre asymptomatique de decouverte fortuite. Ses etiologies sont multiples et le traitement doit etre a la fois symptomatique et etiologique. Objectif Decrire le profil epidemiologique, clinique et etiologique de nos patients suivis pour une hypocalcemie. Materiel et methodes Il s’agit d’une etude retrospective incluant 117 patients suivis au service d’Endocrinologie et de diabetologie de CHU Hassan II de Fes pour une hypocalcemie, sur une periode de 10 ans entre janvier 2010 et janvier 2020, les malades presentant une insuffisance renale exclus. Resultats L’âge moyen etait de 44 ans, avec predominance feminine (91 F vs 26 H). A l’admission, 49 % des patients avaient des signes d’hypocalcemie chronique tandis que 21,3 % avaient presente une hypocalcemie aigue avec une crise de tetanie dont 17 % avaient presente un allongement de QT a l’ECG necessitant une perfusion en IV du calcium. Comme complication de l’hypocalcemie chronique, 10 % presentaient une cataracte, 11 % presentaient un syndrome de Fahr. Les etiologies etaient : 76 % hypoparathyroidie post-chirurgie cervicale dont 29 % avaient presente une hypoparathyroidie transitoire. 8 % carence en vitamine D, 6 % de pseudo-hypoparathyroidie, 4 % des hypoparathyroidies dans le cadre d’une polyendocrinopathie auto-immune type 2,3 % hypoparathyroidie idiopathique et 3 % d’hypocalcemie medicamenteuse. L’evolution a ete favorable apres traitement adapte. Discussion L’hypocalcemie peut mettre en jeu le pronostic vital d’ou l’interet d’un apport vitamino-calcique suffisant avec une surveillance au long court.

Calix[4]arene dihydroxyphosphonic acid has been demonstrated to possess an interesting range of biological properties, including atypical anti-cancer activity. The robustness of calix[4]arene dihydroxyphosphonic acid and its ubiquitous dimeric motif offers perspectives for pre-defined solid state complexation with small molecules. In the current article we describe co-crystals (organic salts) of calix[4]arene dihydroxyphosphonic acid with four nucleic base cations: adeninium, cytosinium, guaninium and uracilium. A number of characteristic interactions between the components in the four co-crystals are pointed out also using the Hirshfeld surface analysis. All the four co-crystals are based on layers of calix[4]arene dimers, alternating with layers of nucleic acid molecules. Two of the reported crystal structures (cytosinium and guaninium) are 1D channel-type structures, while the two others (adeninium and uracilium) represent 2D channel-type structures. In three out of four reported structures, interactions between the cations of nucleic bases are present generating 1D chains of cations. A constant motif is that the nucleic base is present in a type of cavity formed by one aromatic ring and a phosphonic acid moiety.

With the objective to formulate multifunctional nanosized liposomes to target amyloid deposits in Alzheimer Disease (AD) brains, a lipid–PEG–curcumin derivative was synthesized and characterized. Multifunctional liposomes incorporating the curcumin derivative and additionally decorated with a Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) transport mediator (anti-Transferin antibody) were prepared and characterized. The fluorescence intensity of curcumin derivative was found to increase notably when the curcumin moiety was in the form of a diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) salt. Both curcumin-derivative liposomes and curcumin-derivative Anti-TrF liposomes showed a high affinity for the amyloid deposits, on post-mortem brains samples of AD patients. The ability of both liposomes to delay Aβ1-42 peptide aggregation was confirmed by Thioflavin assay. However, the decoration of the curcumin-derivative liposomes with the Anti-TrF improved significantly the intake by the BBB cellular model. Results verify that the attachment of an antibody on the curcumin-liposome surface does not block deposit staining or prevention of Aβ aggregation, while the presence of the curcumin–PEG–lipid conjugate does not reduce their brain-targeting capability substantially, proving the potential of such multifunctional NLs for application in Alzheimer disease treatment and diagnosis.

The senile plaque is a hallmark lesion of Alzheimer disease (AD). We compared, without a priori, the lipidome of the senile plaques and of the adjacent plaque-free neuropil. The analysis by liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry revealed that laser microdissected senile plaques were enriched in saturated ceramides Cer(d18:1/18:0) and Cer(d18:1/20:0) by 33 and 78% respectively with respect to the surrounding neuropil. This accumulation of ceramides was not explained by their affinity for Aβ deposits: no interaction between ceramide-liposomes and Aβ fibrils was observed in vitro by surface plasmon resonance and fluorescent ceramide-liposomes showed no affinity for the senile plaques in AD brain tissue. Accumulation of ceramides could be, at least partially, the result of a local production by acid and neutral sphingomyelinases that we found to be present in the corona of the senile plaques. © 2014 Elsevier Inc.

The study of bilingual’s qualities suggests that their decision-making process might differ in both languages. A recent research by Keysar, Hayakawa & An (2012) investigated the phenomenon of reduction in emotional reactivity in the second language on decision-making process, especially amongst bilinguals who acquired their second language later in life, often in a more formal setting (Pavlenko, 2005). This research intended to show a more convincing argument regarding this phenomenon by checking the participants’ physiological arousal during the decision processes, using three physiological measures (Electrocardiogram, Galvanic Skin Response and Electroencephalogram). In congruence with the detachment effect theory, our hypothesis is that when bilinguals think in their foreign language, less emotional reactivity will be shown. The participants (N = 69) are students from Tel-Hai academic college. All of them, native Hebrew speakers who speak English as a foreign language, accomplish a decision-making task (Robert’s apperception test for children 2). All the tasks were performed in both languages, one after the other, while being connected to the physiological measures which measured their arousal in-vivo. In accordance with our hypothesis, a significant difference was found in the task. A significant difference was also found in the Electroencephalogram of the right prefrontal cortex but in the opposite direction to our initial hypothesis. No other significant differences were found. The explanation for these results might derive from a different phenomenon that is well documented, and the anxiety that stem from the need of using a foreign language (Woodrow, 2006). Although we were not able to demonstrate an emotional detachment effect on a physiological level, we believe that holding the anxiety variable constant will yield that effect in future studies.

Coccidiosis is a common parasitic disease of broiler chickens caused by single-celled protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria which are commonly referred to as coccidian. This is an infective disease of the digestive tract which is most frequent with poultry, causing a decrease in daily increment, prolonged fattening, poorer skin pigmentation, slower feed conversion and increased mortality. The disease is caused by Protozoas from the genera of Eimeria, Isospora and Cryptospora, and it is manifested by damaging the intestine epithelial cells, less frequently the bile duct and renal tubuli. Coccidiosis is traditionally controlled by chemotherapy. There are many anticoccidial preparations which are used in the prevention of coccidiosis. We are chose a polyether monocarboxylic acid - salinomycine. Salinomycin is monovalent carboxyl-polyether ionophores. Salinomycin, produced by Streptomyces albus, destroys the cell membranes and causes their lysis. Salinomycin and other ionophoric antibiotics combine with a number of mono and divalent cations and in the form of bi-complexes make it possible to transfer metal ions through lipid hydrophobic membrane, and when they are added to diet, they change bioavailability, gut uptake and absorption and reserves of nutrient tissues. In this paper has been developed and validated process of Liquid chromatography determination of ionophoric coccidiostat salinomycin with UV spectrophotometric detection and post-column derivatisation with dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (DMAB). The method is based on extraction of salinomycin in animal feed samples using mixture acetonitrile-water (80:20, v/v) and purification of extracts obtained by the filter 0,2 μm Acrodisc® PSF. The relative standard deviation (RSD) for reproducibility and accuracy varied from 2,4 to 8,8% and from 2,6% to 8,8%, respectively and the values for the relative recovery rate ranged from 89 to 98%. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were estimated to be below 47 μg/kg and 71 μg/kg, respectively. Based on this results, it is concluded that the described method is accurate, precise, selective and reproducible and can be applied for determination of salinomycine in feeds and premixes for poultry.

Human functioning is influenced by the affective state. The literature contains several references to the possibility that valence and arousal have separable influences on attention. There are several methods of inducing affective state but the most popular are by music and video clips. The latter are more vivid and stimulate several sensory systems, leading to the hypothesis that a stronger effect will result when using video clips for the induction of affective state. Both methods have been used in many studies in the past but their different contributions have never really been tested. Thus the aim of the present study is to systematically establish or refute the assumption that video clips are the stronger tool for affect induction. In order to test this hypothesis a study was conducted in which 194 subjects participated in four groups. Positive and negative affect conditions were induced by validated music and video clips. The results established the validity of the hypothesis. The results should be applied in cognitive research testing the relations between induced affect and cognitive abilities in order to determine whether the effect is replicated when the cognitive abilities are tested.

Accumulation of amyloid peptide (Aβ) in senile plaques is a hallmark lesion of Alzheimer disease (AD). The design of molecules able to target the amyloid pathology in tissue is receiving increasing attention, both for diagnostic and for therapeutic purposes. Curcumin is a fluorescent molecule with high affinity for the Aβ peptide but its low solubility limits its clinical use. Curcumin-conjugated nanoliposomes, with curcumin exposed at the surface, were designed. They appeared to be monodisperse and stable. They were non-toxic in vitro, down-regulated the secretion of amyloid peptide and partially prevented Aβ-induced toxicity. They strongly labeled Aβ deposits in post-mortem brain tissue of AD patients and APPxPS1 mice. Injection in the hippocampus and in the neocortex of these mice showed that curcumin-conjugated nanoliposomes were able to specifically stain the Aβ deposits in vivo. Curcumin-conjugated nanoliposomes could find application in the diagnosis and targeted drug delivery in AD. From the Clinical Editor In this preclinical study, curcumin-conjugated nanoliposomes were investigated as possible diagnostics and targeted drug delivery system in Alzheimer’s disease, demonstrating strong labeling of Aβ deposits both in human tissue and in mice, and in vitro downregulation of amyloid peptide secretion and prevention of Aβ-induced toxicity.

Three water-soluble tetracationic quadrupolar chromophores comprising two three-coordinate boron π-acceptor groups bridged by thiophene-containing moieties were synthesised for biological imaging applications. Compound 3 containing the bulkier 5-(3,5-Me2 C6 H2 )-2,2'-(C4 H2 S)2 -5'-(3,5-Me2 C6 H2 ) bridge is stable over a long period of time, exhibits a high fluorescence quantum yield and strong one- and two-photon absorption (TPA), and has a TPA cross section of 268 GM at 800 nm in water. Confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy studies in live cells indicated localisation of the chromophore at the mitochondria; moreover, cytotoxicity measurements proved biocompatibility. Thus, chromophore 3 has excellent potential for one- and two-photon-excited fluorescence imaging of mitochondrial function in cells.

Amyloid β (Aβ) aggregates are considered as possible targets for therapy and/or diagnosis of Alzheimer disease (AD), and nanoparticles functionalized with Aβ-specific ligands are considered promising vehicles for imaging probes and therapeutic agents. Herein, we characterized the binding properties of nanoliposomes decorated with an anti-Aβ monoclonal antibody (Aβ-MAb). The Aβ-MAb was obtained in mice by immunization with Aβ antigen followed by hybridoma fusion. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) studies confirmed the very high affinity of purified Aβ-MAb for both Aβ monomers and fibrils ( K D = 0.08 and 0.13 n m , respectively). The affinity of the biotinylated Aβ-MAb, used thereafter for liposome decoration, was lower although still in the low nanomolar range ( K D = 2.1 and 1.6 n m , respectively). Biotin-streptavidin ligation method was used to decorate nanoliposomes with Aβ-MAb, at different densities. IgG-decorated liposomes were generated by the same methodology, as control. Vesicles were monodisperse with mean diameters 124–134 nm and demonstrated good colloidal stability and integrity when incubated with serum proteins. When studied by SPR, Aβ-MAb-liposomes, but not IgG-liposomes, markedly bound to Aβ monomers and fibrils, immobilized on the chip. K D values (calculated on Aβ-MAb content) were about 0.5 and 2 n m with liposomes at high and low Aβ-MAb density, respectively. Aβ-MAb-liposome binding to Aβ fibrils was additionally confirmed by ultracentrifugation technique, in which interactions occur in solution under physiological conditions. Moreover, Aβ-MAb-liposomes bound amyloid deposits in post-mortem AD brain samples, confirming the potential of these nanoparticles for the diagnosis and therapy of AD.

Introduction L’hyperparathyroidie tertiaire est reactionnelle a une hypocalcemie chronique secondaire a une IRC. Son traitement precoce permet d’eviter les complications. L’objectif de l’etude est d’etudier l’aspect clinique, paraclinique et therapeutique de cette affection. Materiels et methodes Etude retrospective incluant 9 patients colliges au service d’endocrinologie entre janvier 2016 et decembre 2017. Resultats L’âge moyen des patients etait de 41,1 ans avec une predominance masculine de 55,5 %. La duree moyenne d’evolution de l’insuffisance renale etait de 7,5 ans. L’HTA etait presente chez 5 cas. Le taux moyen de la parathormone etait de 2008 pg/mL, la calcemie etait normale chez 8 cas et elevee chez un seul malade, l’hyperphosphoremie chez tous nos patients, la vitamine D etait normale chez 2 patients, en carence chez un cas et en insuffisance chez 6 cas. Le bilan de retentissement a objective une hypertrophie ventriculaire gauche a l’ETT chez 3 cas, 2 cas de tumeurs brunes et un seul de cas de leontiasis ossea. Tous nos patients ont beneficie d’une echographie cervicale et scintigraphie parathyroidienne objectivant la presence des lesions parathyroidiennes pathologiques. L’intervention chirurgicale consistait en une ablation de ces derniers chez 5 cas et en une parathyroidectomie des 7/8e chez 3 cas dont l’etude anatomopathologique etait benigne. Une seule patiente a ete mise sous calcimimetiques. Les suites postoperatoires etaient marquees par l’installation d’une hypocalcemie d’ou leur mise sous calcitherapie et alfacalcidol. Discussion L’hyperparathyroidie secondaire est une complication de l’insuffisance renale chronique necessitant un diagnostic et prise en charge precoce afin d’eviter ses complications.

Introduction et objectifs Le syndrome de Turner est une affection genetique rare liee a l’absence totale ou partielle d’un chromosome X. Les pathologies malformative et auto-immune sont tres frequentes au cours de ce syndrome. L’objectif est de determiner le profil malformatif et auto-immun chez les turneriennes. Patients et methodes Etude retrospective realisee au service d’endocrinologie et de diabetologie du CHU Hassan II de Fes sur une periode de7 ans (2010–2018), incluant 15patientes hospitalisees pour un syndrome de Turner. Le caryotype etait sous forme de monosomie 45X0 dans 13 cas mosaisme dans 2 cas. Toutes les patientes avaient beneficie d’une exploration des diverses malformations notamment cardiaques, renales, et auditives, en plus d’un bilan d’auto-immunite. Resultats L’âge moyen de nos patientes etait de 20,9 ans (15–37), les circonstances de decouverte etaient l’amenorrhee primaire dans 8 cas, le retard statural dans 5 cas, l’infarctus du myocarde chez une patiente avec une fraction d’ejection cardiaque a 45 %, et l’amenorrhee secondaire dans 1 cas. Sur le plan clinique, le syndrome dysmorphique et le retard statural sont trouves chez toutes nos patientes. Sur le plan malformatif, aucune malformation renale ni cardiaque n’a ete objectivee par les examens paracliniques realises ; en revanche, deux patientes presentaient une atteinte de la fonction auditive. En ce qui concerne l’auto-immunite, toutes les patientes avaient une fonction thyroidienne normale. Cependant, les anticorps antithyroperoxydases etaient positifs dans 20 % des cas, necessitant une surveillance biologique. Discussion Une evaluation malformative et auto-immune systematique de base et reguliere est necessaire chez toute patiente ayant un syndrome de Turner.

Resume Introduction et objectif Les deficits vitaminiques chez les obeses contribuent aux dysfonctionnements metaboliques. Ainsi, les deficits en vitamine D sont impliques dans l’insulinoresistance et l’inflammation, et ceux en vitamines B9 et B12 dans les defauts de methylations. Ces deficits augmentent les risques de pathologies comme le diabete de type 2, les maladies cardiovasculaires et inflammatoires ou les alterations neurologiques. Le depistage des deficits et leur prise en charge devraient etre systematique, en particulier pour les candidats a une chirurgie bariatrique. Methodes Etude retrospective descriptive analytique, allant de janvier 2015 a decembre 2017, incluant 48 patients ayant un IMC ≥ 30 Kg/m2, obesite grade I : 30–34,9 Kg/m2 ; grade II : 35–39,9 ; grade III ≥ 40 Kg/m2. On a procede au recueil des donnees cliniques, paracliniques et demographiques. Resultats L’âge moyen des patients etait de 48,3 ans (20–63), nette predominance feminine 47 femmes, 1 homme. Au total, 8,3 % etaient en obesite grade I ; 16,6 % en obesite grade II et 75,1 % en obesite grade III. La carence en vitamine D a ete note chez 29,1 % une insuffisance chez 68,1 % des cas et 2,08 % avaient un taux correct de vitamine D. Concernant le dosage des vitamine B12 et B9, il etait normal chez tous les patients candidats a une chirurgie bariatrique, en revanche celui de la vitamine A etait chez 40 % des cas. La vitamine B1 etait basse dans 1 cas. Conclusion Nos resultats sont en faveur d’une necessite de depistage systematique des deficits vitaminiques et leur prise en charge chez les sujets obeses, en particulier pour les candidats a une chirurgie bariatrique.

Introduction et objectif L’insuffisance surrenalienne primaire (ISP) est la consequence d’un deficit plus ou moins complet de la production et de la secretion des hormones du cortex surrenalien. Ce deficit est la consequence d’une lesion touchant primitivement les deux glandes surrenales. Objectif Determiner le profil clinique, paraclinique et etiologique de l’ISP de l’adulte (l’IS chez DT1 est exclue) Materiels et methodes Etude retrospective descriptive, menee au service d’endocrinologie du CHU Hassan II-Fes, entre janvier 2012 et decembre 2017. Nous avons recense 8 dossiers. Resultats Huit patients etaient recenses (5 hommes–3femmes). L’âge moyen etait de 45,6 ans. L’asthenie, l’anorexie et l’amaigrissement etaient notes dans 100 % des cas ; un mode de revelation aigue etait note chez 2 cas ; des nausees/vomissements et douleurs abdominales ainsi que la melanodermie etaient notes dans 50 % des cas. Sur le plan biologique, une cortisolemie a 8 heures effondree etait notee dans 75 % des cas. L’origine peripherique etait confirmee par le dosage d’ACTH revenant tres elevee chez 50 % des cas ; un bilan physiologique chez 50 % des cas revenant negatif ; un bilan d’auto-immunite positif dans 37,5 % des cas. L’origine auto-immune de l’insuffisance surrenalienne dans 3 cas dont deux cas dans le cadre de PEA2 (insuffisance surrenalienne + thyroidite d’Hashimoto) un cas d’hematome surrenalien bilateral, un cas d’agenesie surrenalienne bilaterale, un cas d’hypoplasie surrenalienne bilaterale et dans deux cas l’etiologie restait indeterminee. Un traitement substitutif avec education therapeutique etait instaure chez tous les patients avec bonne evolution. Discussion L’insuffisance surrenalienne est une pathologie chronique rare mais potentiellement grave, probablement sous diagnostiquee. Sa prise en charge permet de mettre le patient a l’abri d’une decompensation aigue.

Extensive knowledge of the protein components of the senile plaques, one of the hallmark lesions of Alzheimer's disease, has been acquired over the years, but their lipid composition remains poorly known. Evidence suggests that cholesterol contributes to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. However, its presence within senile plaques has never been ascertained with analytic methods. Senile plaques were microdissected from sections of the isocortex in three Braak VI Alzheimer's disease cases and compared with a similar number of samples from the adjoining neuropil, free of amyloid-beta peptide (A beta) deposit. Two cases were apo epsilon 4/apo epsilon 3, and one case was apo epsilon 3/apoepsilon3. A known quantity of (13)C-labeled cholesterol was added to the samples as a standard. After hexane extraction, cholesterol content was analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The mean concentration of free cholesterol was 4.25 +/- 0.1 attomoles/microm(3) in the senile plaques and 2.2 +/- 0.49 attomoles/microm(3) in the neuropil (t = 4.41, P < 0.0009). The quantity of free cholesterol per senile plaque (67 +/- 16 femtomol) is similar to the published quantity of A beta peptide. The highly significant increase in the cholesterol concentration, associated with the increased risk of Alzheimer's disease linked to the apo epsilon 4 allele, suggests new pathogenetic mechanisms.

The solid-state complexes between para-sulphonato-calix[4]arene and the drugs tamoxifen and tetracaine show an unusual 4:1 guest–host stoichiometry with formation of hydrophobic layer of drug molecules held between bilayers of para-sulphonato-calix[4]arene. In both structures each of the four independent drug molecules adopts different conformation due to the different mode of interaction with the anionic host, the neighbouring drug cations and water molecules.

Solid-state complexes between para-sulphonatocalix[4]arene and a wide variety of organic cations, especially those containing amino groups are studied due to their potential applications. The structures of the complexes between para-sulphonatocalix[4]arene and norspermidine and triethyltetramine show the expected hydrogen bonding interactions between the ammonium and sulfonate groups.

The structure of calix[4]arene dihydrophosphonic acid in its complex with di-methyl ammonium and tetra-methyl ammonium cations shows a novel dimeric structural motifs for the calixarene assembly, with one calixarene unit showing distal aromatic rings inclined into the cavity and then both of the rings partially included into the cavity of a second molecule present in the flattened cone conformation.

A novel family of synthetic biodegradable poly(ester-amide)s (Arg-PEAs) was evaluated for their biosafety and capability to transfect rat vascular smooth muscle cells, a major cell type participating in vascular diseases. Arg-PEAs showed high binding capacity toward plasmid DNA, and the binding activity was inversely correlated to the number of methylene groups in the diol segment of Arg-PEAs. All Arg-PEAs transfected smooth muscle cells with an efficiency that was comparable to the commercial transfection reagent Superfect. However, unlike Superfect, Arg-PEAs, over a wide range of dosages, had minimal adverse effects on cell morphology, viability or apoptosis. Using rhodamine-labeled plasmid DNA, we demonstrated that Arg-PEAs were able to deliver DNA into nearly 100% of cells under optimal polymer-to-DNA weight ratios, and that such a high level of delivery was achieved through an active endocytosis mechanism. A large portion of DNA delivered, however, was trapped in acidic endocytotic compartments, and subsequently was not expressed. These results suggest that with further modification to enhance their endosome escape, Arg-PEAs can be attractive candidates for non-viral gene carriers owning to their high cellular uptake nature and reliable cellular biocompatibility.

We report adhesion, growth, and differentiation of mouse neural cells on ultra-thin films of an organic semiconductor, pentacene. We demonstrate that i) pentacene is structurally and morphologically stable upon prolonged contact with water, physiological buffer, and cell culture medium; ii) neural stem cells adhere to pentacene and remain viable on it for at least 15 days; iii) densely interconnected neural networks and glial cells develop on the pentacene surface after several days. This implies that adhesion proteins secreted by the cells find suitable adsorption loci to anchor the cells. Pentacene is also a suitable substrate for casting thin layers of cell adhesion molecules, such as laminin and poly-L-lysine. Our results show that pentacene, albeit being an aromatic molecule, allows neurons to adhere to and grow on it, which is possibly due to its tightly packed solid state structure. This structure remains unaltered upon exposure to water and interfacial force exerted by the cells. The integration of living cells into organic semiconductors is an important step towards the development of bio-organic electronic transducers of cellular signals from neural networks.

We discuss how an evidence-based theory of human behavior and decision-making—Fuzzy-Trace Theory (FTT)—can be used to better understand and improve public health and medicine. We present an overview of the theory, describing its core principles as well as illustrative evidence. Applications are discussed in the areas of risk perception, prevention, detection and diagnosis of disease, and decision-making regarding treatment. We then review findings from interventions designed to improve health judgments and medical decision-making by effectively communicating risks and benefits. The theory provides guidelines for development of such interventions because it predicts reactions to health messages and explains the causal mechanisms of judgment and decision-making. We also present recommendations for future research.

The solid-state structure of the tri-potassium calix[4]arene dihydroxyphosphonate salt is presented. In this structure, two potassium cations bridge between layers of dimeric calixarene diphosphonate units and two other potassium cations bridge along the face of the layers. The ubiquitous dimeric association of the calixarenes shows the highest interdigitation value so far observed. As expected, the cations are solvated and are complexed exo with respect to calixarene crown. The octahedral coordination sphere of the potassium cations is formed by two phosphonate groups of the calixarenes and four water molecules. Electrostatic forces represent the major element of interaction in the solid-state system.

The solid-state structure of calix[4]arene dihydroxyphosphonic acid with l -lysine shows a high degree of complexity. The system presents three independent molecules of amino acid, all in different conformational structures, associated with four molecules of calixarene, in the presence of a relatively high number of solvent molecules. The general topology of the complex is guided by the layer of two dimeric units of calixarene molecules and by the large network of hydrogen bonds generated by the molecules of lysine. The arrangement of lysine molecules in the crystal generates a 1-D ladder network.

The effects of long-term hormone treatment on monoamines and monoamine metabolites in different regions of the primate brain were examined and compared. Ovariectomised Cynomologous monkeys received daily oral administration of either conjugated equine oestrogens (CEE), CEE + medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), or a low or high dose of tibolone, for a period of 2 years. Tissue punches collected from frozen sections through various regions of the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain were assayed for levels of dopamine, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), serotonin, 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA), and norepinephrine by high-performance liquid chromatography. Few differences between hormone-treated animals and ovariectomised controls were observed. No statistically significant effects of CEE relative to controls were detected in any of the seven brain regions analysed. Animals treated with CEE + MPA showed significant reductions in 5-HIAA in the dorsal raphe nucleus, a significant reduction in dopamine in the hypothalamus, and a significant reduction in serotonin (5-HT) levels in area 8AD of the frontal cortex. Similar to CEE, no significant effects of tibolone relative to controls were detected; however, animals treated with high-dose tibolone showed a decrease in 5-HT levels in the frontal cortex that approached significance and was similar to the effect of CEE + MPA. Collectively, the findings suggest that long-term oral administration of these compounds has relatively few effects on the levels of dopamine, serotonin, and their primary metabolites in the primate brain. This differs from the significant effects on serotonergic and dopaminergic systems detected following parenteral treatment with oestradiol and progesterone, and likely reflects differences between the effects of treating with CEE + MPA versus oestradiol and progesterone on brain monoaminergic systems.

The crystal structures of the complexes between melamine mono-cations and para-calix[4]arene sulfonic acid and calix[4]arene dihydroxyphosphonic acid have been determined. In both cases the structure is based on a bilayer motif of calixarene molecules intercalated by motifs of melamine mono-cations. While in the complex with calix[4]arene dihydroxyphosphonic acid the motifs of melamine cations are parallel to the in-layer arrangement of the calixarene, for para-sulfonatocalix[4]arene there is 17.6° displacement between the axes of the two motifs generating a laminate structure.

Studies on synthetic multifunctional pores with external and internal active sites for ligand gating and noncompetitive blockage are presented, with emphasis on the contribution of external ligands to the characteristics of pore. A comparison between different synthetic multifunctional pores reveals that the location of functional groups in rigid-rod beta-barrel pores is precisely reflected in the function: molecular recognition at the outer barrel surface results in pore opening, while molecular recognition at the inner barrel surface results in pore closing. Negligible nonspecific leakage, disappearance of pH gating, inhibition of intervesicular pore transfer, and maybe also the flickering of currents of single open pores characterize external ligands as adhesive cushions that liberate the pore from lateral pressure exerted by the surrounding membrane. Refined molecular models show good agreement with pore design and experimental facts with regard to function.Studies on synthetic multifunctional pores with external and internal active sites for ligand gating and noncompetitive blockage are presented, with emphasis on the contribution of external ligands to the characteristics of pore. A comparison between different synthetic multifunctional pores reveals that the location of functional groups in rigid-rod beta-barrel pores is precisely reflected in the function: molecular recognition at the outer barrel surface results in pore opening, while molecular recognition at the inner barrel surface results in pore closing. Negligible nonspecific leakage, disappearance of pH gating, inhibition of intervesicular pore transfer, and maybe also the flickering of currents of single open pores characterize external ligands as adhesive cushions that liberate the pore from lateral pressure exerted by the surrounding membrane. Refined molecular models show good agreement with pore design and experimental facts with regard to function.

The synthesis of a mono-galactosylated amphiphilic β-cyclodextrin, in five steps from mono-6-azido-6-deoxy-β-cyclodextrin, via coupling to a N-β- d -galactopyranosylamino-antenna is described. Both characterization by electrospray mass spectrometry and NMR show the presence of only the mono-substituted product. The Langmuir isotherms of the final product and intermediates are described.