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We report on the experimental study of the imaging and spectroscopic capabilities of an uncooled microbolometer array for space missions to small bodies in the inner solar system. The selected Nano640E T M device manufactured by the ULIS company (Grenoble, France) has a format of 640x480 pixels and can measure temperatures down to at least 255 K, the lower limit reached in our tests. It has a Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD) of 40.9 ±4.5 mK (300 K, F/0.86) and the capability to produce excellent, radiometrically calibrated images with an error of the order of 1 to 5 K depending upon the number of calibration sources. Using a set of neutral density filters, we determined the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of a spectrum acquired by the detector, as a function of the scene temperature, wavelength and spectral resolution. Considering an asteroid at 1 AU from the Sun, an optical system at F/0.86, a spectral resolution of 0.3 μm and a scene temperature of >350 K, the resulting spectrum has sufficient SNR to properly identify the main mineralogical emission features. Our results show that uncooled microbolometer arrays are very promising to acquire calibrated thermal images and mid-infrared (8–14 μm) spectra of the surface of small bodies in the inner solar system.

Plant-derived protein hydrolysates (PHs) are gaining prominence as biostimulants due to their potential to improve yield and nutritional quality even under suboptimal nutrient regimens. In this study, we investigated the effects of foliar application of a legume-derived PH (0 or 4 ml L&minus, 1) on greenhouse baby spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) under four nitrogen (N) fertilization levels (0, 15, 30, or 45 kg ha&minus, 1) by evaluating morphological and colorimetric parameters, mineral composition, carbohydrates, proteins, and amino acids. The fresh yield in untreated and biostimulant-treated spinach plants increased in response to an increase in N fertilization from 1 up to 30 kg ha&minus, 1, reaching a plateau thereafter indicating the luxury consumption of N at 45 kg ha&minus, 1. Increasing N fertilization rate, independently of PH, lead to a significant increase of all amino acids with the exception of alanine, GABA, leucine, lysine, methionine, and ornithine but decreased the polyphenols content. Interestingly, the fresh yield at 0 and 15 kg ha&minus, 1 was clearly greater in PH-treated plants compared to untreated plants by 33.3% and 24.9%, respectively. This was associated with the presence in of amino acids and small peptides PH &lsquo, Trainer&reg, &rsquo, which act as signaling molecules eliciting auxin- and/or gibberellin-like activities on both leaves and roots and thus inducing a &ldquo, nutrient acquisition response&rdquo, that enhances nutrients acquisition and assimilation (high P, Ca, and Mg accumulation) as well as an increase in the photochemical efficiency and activity of photosystem II (higher SPAD index). Foliar applications of the commercial PH decreased the polyphenols content, but on the other hand strongly increased total amino acid content (+45%, +82%, and +59% at 0, 15, and 30 kg ha&minus, 1, respectively) but not at a 45-kg ha&minus, 1-rate. Overall, the use of PH could represent a sustainable tool for boosting yield and nitrogen use efficiency and coping with soil fertility problems under low input regimens.

Barks from conifers and broadleaved trees constitute abundant wastes generated from wood harvesting and logging activities. Extracts of such residues obtained from Alnus trees have been reported as interesting resources with potent antibacterial activities. The present study aims to determine the antimicrobial activity of a crude methanol extract prepared from the bark of Alnus glutinosa against a panel of 22 bacteria and yeasts and to optimize a purification method enabling the high production of the most active substances. Fractionation of the crude extract was performed by Centrifugal Partition Chromatography (CPC) using a three-phase solvent system composed of n-heptane, methyl-ter-butyl ether, acetonitrile and water. The major known compounds contained in the fractions produced by CPC were chemically profiled by 13C NMR dereplication, resulting in the unambiguous identification of oregonin, hirsutanonol, betulinic acid, and alusenone 1a. The antibacterial evaluation of the fractions by bioautography on Staphylococcus aureus revealed that oregonin, in addition to being the major metabolite of the crude extract (∼32% w/w), was the most active with an antibacterial inhibitory effect comparable to antibiotics. The purification of oregonin was optimized at the laboratory-scale by CPC. A single injection of 3.7 g of crude extract resulted in a recovery of 72% (850 mg) of the available oregonin at purity higher than 94%. © 2016 Elsevier B.V.

We present THERMAP, a mid-infrared (8-16 {\mu}m) spectro-imager for space missions to small bodies in the inner solar system, developed in the framework of the MarcoPolo-R asteroid sample return mission. THERMAP is very well suited to characterize the surface thermal environment of a NEO and to map its surface composition. The instrument has two channels, one for imaging and one for spectroscopy: it is both a thermal camera with full 2D imaging capabilities and a slit spectrometer. THERMAP takes advantage of the recent technological developments of uncooled microbolometers detectors, sensitive in the mid-infrared spectral range. THERMAP can acquire thermal images (8-18 {\mu}m) of the surface and perform absolute temperature measurements with a precision better than 3.5 K above 200 K. THERMAP can acquire mid-infrared spectra (8-16 {\mu}m) of the surface with a spectral resolution {\Delta}{\lambda} of 0.3 {\mu}m. For surface temperatures above 350 K, spectra have a signal-to-noise ratio >60 in the spectral range 9-13 {\mu}m where most emission features occur., Comment: 21 pages, 12 figures, 3 tables; Experimental Astronomy: in press

Nous avons cherche a reconstituer la serie des fluctuations du bilan de masse pour le Glacier Blanc par teledetection optique, pour la periode 1985-2000. Pour cela nous avons utilise la variation lineaire db/dz pres de la ligne d'equilibre, qui permet de transformer la variation d'altitude de la ligne d'equilibre en une variation de bilan de masse, lorsque l'on dispose d'images satellitales enregistrees en fin de saison d'ablation. Ce mode operatoire permet l'utilisation d'images satellitales et l'obtention des variations de bilan sur de grands espaces, notamment la ou les mesures directes de bilan de masse sont peu nombreuses. Cette methode a ete testee sur le Glacier Blanc dont la morphologie est adaptee au reperage de la ligne d'equilibre, et dont la variation du bilan de masse est proche de celle de ses voisins Sarennes et Saint Sorlin (Massif des Grandes Rousses). Sur l'ensemble de la periode d'etude, les resultats obtenus sont coherents car les donnees des fluctuations du bilan entre le Glacier Blanc et les glaciers du Massif des Grandes Rousses sont relativement semblables et dans des proportions similaires, avec des differences causees principalement par les dates de prise de vue.

This paper is the result of a voluntary service-learning component in a qualitative research methods course. For this course, the service-learning project was the evaluation of the benefits to volunteers whom work a crisis hotline for a local crisis intervention center. The service-learning course model used in this paper most closely resembles the "problem-based service-learning" course model where students work as consultants. This paper focuses on the processes involved and the benefits to students in improving their qualitative research skills through the service-learning project. Key Words: Qualitative Research Methods, Service-learning, and Volunteer Program Evaluation Teaching Qualitative Research Methods through Service-Learning Many qualitative research methods courses demand students work on a class project to encourage the development of basic qualitative skills (e.g., interviewing, analysis, or writing up the research). Involvement in actual studies allows students to confront and resolve issues such as gate keeping, ethical dilemmas, planning the research, entering the field, gathering and analyzing data, rigor of research, and writing the report. One of the core beliefs of the instructor, who is the primary author of this article, is that graduate students learn more about methodology by actively participating as part of a class in a study. Participation can span from conducting a limited literature review, transforming data into information, and writing the report with student reflection throughout the process (Kolb, 1984). To provide such a real-world experience, the instructor integrated a service-learning component into a qualitative research methods course, primarily designed for doctoral students, to provide their students with the opportunity to fully experience a qualitative study and to aid in the students' personal development as researchers. Service-learning is a form of experiential education (Furco, 1996) and there are documented efforts to utilize experiential learning activities based on the Kolb's (1984) model to teach qualitative research methods (Hopkinson & Hogg, 2004). Likewise, research about service-learning "tilts heavily toward quantitative studies," (Boyle-Baise, 2002, p. 329) with a focus on perceptions of college students measured through surveys and questionnaires. Qualitative studies that include an element of service-learning are limited and, for example, a search for qualitative studies that included service-learning in the field of multicultural education only yielded 10 results (Boyle-Baise). In this paper the authors describe how the service-learning component was conceptualized and implemented in an effort to expand service-learning literature, particularly pertaining to issues regarding it use as an experiential learning method to teach qualitative research methods Service-Learning The National Service-Learning Clearinghouse states that there are many definitions of service-learning; however, all definitions have the following components: Service-learning combines service objectives with learning objectives with the intent that the activity change both the recipient and the provider of the service. This is accomplished by combining service tasks with structured opportunities that link the task to self-reflection, self-discovery, and the acquisition and comprehension of values, skills, and knowledge content. (National Service-Learning Clearinghouse, n.d., para. 5) This course fit the model of a "problem-based service-learning course" in which students work individually or in teams work with community partners to "meet specified community needs" which "provide community situations and problems as servicelearning opportunities for students" (Schramm, n.d., p. 4). In this model, students often act as consultants to a community organization (Heffernan, 2001). To find such a community partner, the instructor of the course and the director of the local crisis intervention center met through a mutual associate. …

Mass-balance and dynamic measurements carried out on glacier de Saint Sorlin since 1957 provide a good opportunity to study the dynamics of this glacier. Ice-flow analysis shows that dynamic changes have been important over the last 40 years and that these changes are not consistent with the concepts usually used in glacier modelling. Present velocities are larger than the 1960 velocities, although the thickness decreased everywhere (10–30 m in the ablation zone). A simple numerical ice-flow model which does not include longitudinal stress gradients has been used to investigate these phenomena. This model allows us to infer the sliding velocity from observed surface and calculated deformation velocities. We conclude that: (1) the sliding velocity cannot be described by Weertman analysis or empirical relations which link the sliding to the thickness and surface slope; (2) the inferred sliding velocity is uniform over at least half of the glacier; and (3) there is no clear link between the sliding process and the quantity of water coming from surface ablation. Furthermore, it may not be reasonable to calibrate model flow parameters from geometry changes because the surface geometry is relatively insensitive to velocity changes over some decades.

We describe a case of brainstem infection by Listeria monocytogenes with right oculomotor palsy and lip drop, facial hypoesthesia, left arm paresthesia, positive blood culture, and sterile liquor in a 63-year-old man. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an isolated mesencephalic lesion. Localization of this kind accounted for 3% of 111 cases reviewed.

Objective: In this study, we sought to appreciate the role of adenosine in the regulation of pulmonary vascular tone, especially in the case of clinical pulmonary hypertension, by investigating the relationship between endogenous plasma adenosine levels and pulmonary artery vasoconstriction. Methods: Adenosine plasma concentrations, were measured simultaneously in the distal right pulmonary artery and in the femoral artery, both at steady state (room air) and during pure oxygen inhalation. Three clinical situations were considered: (1) normal hemodynamics [7 control subjects, mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP)=18.5±1 mm Hg], (2) moderate pulmonary hypertension secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), (8 patients, MPAP=31±3 mm Hg), (3) severe primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH), (8 patients, MPAP=70±5 mm Hg). Results: In every instance, adenosine evaluated by HPLC was higher in the pulmonary than in the systemic circulation. For room air, adenosine plasma concentrations were significantly lower in COPD (0.49±0.16 μmol l−1) and PPH patients (0.45±0.14 μmol l−1) than in controls (1.26±0.12 μmol l−1). During O2 administration, adenosine plasma concentrations all decreased but more so in COPD and PPH patients. The significant correlations between adenosine plasma concentrations and both pulmonary vascular resistance and P vO2, in controls, were not found in COPD or PPH patients. Conclusion: The adenosine plasma concentrations in the pulmonary circulation of PPH and COPD patients are low, and may contribute to pulmonary artery hypertension.

We present the evaluation of the performances of microcameras prototypes manufactured in 3D packaging technology developed for the panoramic camera of the lander for the ROSETTA cometary mission. Two different prototypes were tested, one manufactured by Alcatel and the other by CSEM. A specific laboratory setup with cooling capabilities was implemented to perform electrical, mechanical and photometric tests in the temperature range −90°C to +20°C. Our results show that the photometric performances are nominal and do not change in this temperature range. The reduced size of the camera, associated with its operating mode, leads to a transient thermal behaviour that does not affect the cameras properties when operated at temperatures below −55°C. We show that this kind of miniature camera is suitable to deep space missions like ROSETTA, provided specific cares are taken in the electrical and mechanical designs.

Nowadays HCV-related chronic hepatitis represents one of the main challenge for infectious diseases for many reasons: the dimension of the phenomenon, as millions of patients are afflicted with this pathology in the world, the dra- matic consequences on the quality of their life, the economic and sanitary efforts sustained by the society, but also the stimulating results in therapeutic approach due to the introduction of interferons in monotherapy first and association ther- apy (IFN plus ribavirin) later in modern protocols. The results obtained with these therapies are very encouraging even if medical doctors and patients know very well that this therapy is related to some side effects that grow dramatically in number with the progression of scientific knowledge. The Authors review the literature on the relationship among HCV, IFN therapy and diabetes to understand better damages and benefits of this long debated matter and possibly add their contribution to clinical and therapeutic strategies.

We describe the scientific objectives, the design concept and the implementation of the Dust Flux Analyser (DFA) for the ESA Rosetta mission. DFA is designed to detect individual dust particles in order to study their physical and dynamical properties as a function of time and of orbital position, to monitor the spatial distribution of the dust production and correlate it with the nucleus emission sites and to analyse gas-dust interactions and the evolution of the coma. The instrument is composed of three detectors with a common electronic box. The Velocity Measurement System (VMS) will measure the velocity of the incoming dust particles and the dust detector (MOM), its momentum. A separate deposition system (DEP) composed of three quartz microbalances will monitor the cometary dust flux in three directions. DFA will be able to detect dust particles in the size range 5–1000 μm and velocity range 0.1–150 m.s −1 . Required resources are a mass of 4.9 kg, a power of 3.6 W to 16.7 W and a telemetry of 50 to 512 kBits per hour depending upon the operating modes.

HCV is ubiquitous. In 50% of all cases it causes chronic hepatitis that often evolves into liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Recently HCV has been classified in 5 genotypes by Okamoto. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of 5 genotypes in Campania, a region of Southern Italy, where the prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies ranges from 0.87 to 4%, and to evaluate the correlation between the HCV genotypes and the severity of histological damage. One hundred and thirty-five anti-HCV positive patients were enrolled and tested by PCR to identify HCV-RNA. One hundred and twenty-four patients resulted HCV-RNA positive. Genotyping was performed as described by Okamoto et al. with minor modifications of the specific primer to type III proposed by Silini et al. Eight patients were negative for all genotypes. Eight patients were positive for type I(1a), 61 for type II(1b), 39 for type III(2a), 11 for type IV(2b) and 1 for type V(3a). In 4 cases two different genotypes were present in the same sample [II(1b)-IV(2b), III(2a)-II(1b) twice, III(2a)-IV(2b)]. Histological evaluation of liver damage showed: CPH (22 cases), minimal CAH (56), severe CAH (31) and liver cirrhosis (15). There was no statistically significant correlation between the 5 genotypes and the severity of histological damage. Data on the prevalence of genotype II(1b) in Italy are similar to those reported for other European countries. The prevalence of genotypes in Southern Italy is similar to that reported in the population of Northern Italy.

A 53-year-old woman admitted to our department for histologically proven chronic hepatitis C had previously been treated with pegylated interferon-α2b (PEG-IFN) plus ribavirin. Combination therapy ...

Willemite, α-Zn 2 SiO 4 , and KSbOSiO 4 (KSS) were prepared by an aqueous sol-gel process, starting from a H 2 Si 2 O 5 solution as silicon source. Willemite was obtained free from impurities, in a teflon-lined bomb at 473 K under autogenous pressure. In the case of KSS, the same procedure results in a clear solution which gives, by evaporation at room temperature, an amorphous gel. Orthorhombic KSS crystallizes from this gel at 1273 K.

L'observation des fluctuations interannuelles des bilans de masse glaciaires pendant 18 ans sur 900 metres de denivele et l'analyse d'une serie de 42 annees d'observations de l'accumulation et de l'ablation au voisinage de la ligne d'equilibre montrent que la prevision de l'evolution des bilans de masse a partir des fluctuations des temperatures et des precipitations observees a basse altitude demeure entachee d'assez larges incertitudes car les modeles physiques ne rendent pas tres bien compte des observations et les modeles statistiques manquent de robustesse.

We report on the feasibility study of a mid-infrared (8-18 µm) spectro-imager called THERMAP, based on an uncooled micro-bolometer detector array. Due to the recent technological development of these detectors, which have undergone significant improvements in the last decade, we wanted to test their performances for the Marco Polo R ESA Cosmic Vision mission. In this study, we demonstrate that the new generation of uncooled micro-bolometer detectors has all the imaging and spectroscopic capabilities to fulfill the scientific objectives of this mission. In order to test the imaging capabilities of the detector, we set up an experiment based on a 640x480 ULIS micro-bolometer array, a germanium objective and a black body. Using the results of this experiment, we show that calibrated radiometric images can be obtained down to at least 255 K (lower limit of our experiment), and that two calibration points are sufficient to determine the absolute scene temperature with an accuracy better than 1.5 K. Adding flux attenuating neutral density mid-infrared filters (transmittance: 50%, 10%, 1%) to our experiment, we were able to evaluate the spectroscopic performances of the detector. Our results show that we can perform spectroscopic measurements in the wavelength range 8-16 µm with a spectral resolution of R~40-80 for a scene temperature

The aim of the current work was to determine whether the use of a commercial plant-derived protein hydrolysate (‘Trainer’) could improve the growth and nitrogen uptake of maize and lettuce grown in a floating system using full strength and reduced nutrient solution concentrations (100 and 10%, respectively) (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, ‘Trainer’ was applied to the maize roots at the following concentrations 0, 0.25, 0.50 and 2.5 ml L-1, whereas in Experiment 2, two concentrations (0, and 2.5 ml L-1) of ‘Trainer’ were used as foliar spray. Increasing ‘Trainer’ concentration from 0 to 2.5 ml L-1 significantly increased the plant height, shoot dry biomass, SPAD index and leaf nitrogen of maize, whereas an opposite trend was observed for the root-to-shoot ratio. In Experiment 2, at reduced solution concentration (10% of standard solution), weekly foliar applications of ‘Trainer’ at 2.5 ml L-1 increased the fresh weight biomass, SPAD index and leaf nitrogen in lettuce by 50, 11 and 11%, respectively. Thus the application of biostimulants could be considered as a good production strategy for obtaining high growth and yields of valuable crops with lower impact on the environment.

We describe long-term therapy for paracoccidioidomycosis occurring in a 61-year-old housepainter from Venezuela. The diagnostic examinations made in South America had shown pulmonary granulomatous lesions and an osteolytic pattern of the left knee that had been considered suspect of malignant disease with an indication for limb amputation. With the aid of fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and culture examination we diagnosed an osteomyelitis by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and initiated therapy with itraconazole, 400 mg per day, reduced to 200 mg per day after 2 months. At the end of 2 years of drug therapy, we observed complete regression of the pulmonary lesions a nd of the osteolytic a rea of the left knee. Moreover, we have periodically observed our patient to verify his clinical development and he is still in good health. We suggest that this pathology be considered in differential diagnosis of leprosy, tuberculosis, leishmaniasis, and systemic mycoses, even in non-endemic areas.

Les captages d'eau en haute montagne ont quelquefois necessite des explorations sous glaciaires qui ont fourni de nombreuses connaissances nouvelles sur la partie generalement cachee des glaciers. D'un autre cote, ces projets d'exploitation ont beneficie des connaissances deja acquises notamment sur les variations surprenantes des glaciers quant aux vitesses, altitudes et a celle des bilans de masse. Ce sont ces liens principaux qui sont rassembles ici.

BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis C affects about 3% of the world's population. Pegylated interferon (IFN) alpha plus ribavirin is the gold standard treatment. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase(MTHFR) is a key enzyme in the metabolism of homocysteine. MTHFR gene polymorphisms and high levels of homocysteine are associated with a high degree of steatosis and fibrosis, conditions associated with a low sustained virological response (SVR) rate. AIMS: To evaluate whether MTHFR polymorphisms and homocysteine levels are predictors of the outcome of treatment in 102 prospectively enrolled patients with chronic hepatitis C naive to treatment. METHODS: Patients were treated with pegylated interferon alpha-2b plus ribavirin. All patients underwent blood tests, assessment of homocysteine, vitamin B(12), folate, hepatitis C virus (HCV)-RNA levels, screening for MTHFR gene polymorphisms and liver ultrasound examination. RESULTS: Homocysteine levels were deranged (>16 micromol/L) in 10.5% of MTHFR wild-type patients vs 40.3% of non-wild-type patients (P=0.015). Homocysteine levels were 14.4 micromol/L in SVR patients and 15.5 micromol/L in non-SVR patients (P=0.049). The SVR rate was 40.0% in MTHFR wild-type patients, 52.0% in heterozygote mutants and 39.3% in homozygote mutants (P=0.467). At logistic regression analysis, genotypes 2 and 3 (odds ratio: 12.328, 95% confidence interval: 3.390-44.837, P=0.0001), homocysteine

HCV is ubiquitous. In 50% of all cases it causes chronic hepatitis that often evolves into liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Recently HCV has been classified in 5 genotypes by Okamoto. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of 5 genotypes in Campania, a region of southern Italy, where the prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies ranges from 0.87 to 4%, and to evaluate the correlation between the HCV genotypes and the severity of histological damage. One-hundred-and-thirty-five anti-HCV positive patients were enrolled and tested by PCR to identify HCV-RNA. One-hundred-and-twenty-four patients resulted HCV-RNA positive. Genotyping was performed as described by Okamoto et al. with minor modifications of the specific primer to type III proposed by Silini et al. Eight patients were negative for all genotypes. Eight patients were positive for type I(1a), 61 for type II(1b), 39 for type III(2a), 11 for type IV(2b) and 1 for type V(3a). In 4 cases two different genotypes were present in the same sample [II(1b)-IV(2b), III(2a)-II(1b) twice, III(2a)-IV(2b)]. Histological evaluation of liver damage showed: CPH (22 cases), minimal CAH (56), severe CAH (31) and liver cirrhosis (15). There was no statistically significant correlation between the 5 genotypes and the severity of histological damage. Data on the prevalence of genotype II(1b) in Italy are similar to those reported for other European countries. The prevalence of genotypes in southern Italy is similar to that reported in the population of northern Italy.

International audience; The BepiColombo Laser Altimeter (BELA) has been selected for flight on board the European Space Agency's BepiColombo Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO). The experiment is intended to be Europe's first planetary laser altimeter system. Although the proposed system has similarities to the Mercury Laser Altimeter (MLA) currently flying on board NASA's MESSENGER mission to Mercury, the specific orbit and construction of the MPO force the use of novel concepts for BELA. Furthermore, the base-lined range-finding approach is novel. In this paper, we describe the BELA system and show preliminary results from some prototype testing.

Ranitidine may cause liver injuries ranging from transient, subclinical serum transaminases increase every 100-1,000 treated patients to cholestatic hepatitis in less than 1/100,000. Other H2-receptor antagonists are more dangerous: 11 toxic hepatitis cases have been reported as adverse effect after 1 year of marketed ebrotidine. A 75-year-old male with ischemic cardiopathy history was started on an 8 days treatment of oral ranitidine due to pirosis, without any other changes of therapy; 48 h after drug withdrawal, light-coloured stools, dark urine and icteric scleras developed. On hospital admission, 10 days later, physical examination showed slight hepatomegaly and severe jaundice with skin excoriations followed by serum mixed bilirubin further increase and aminotransferases activities mild rise. Total bilirubin peaked at 381.33 mmol/l (5.1-17.1) and progressively returned to normal, after discharge home, in 3 months and now, 1 year later, there is no sign of liver disease. Ultrasonographic biliary anomalies and the most frequent causes of liver damage were excluded. Liver biopsy confirmed ranitidine as the most likely cause of liver toxicity since histological and ultramicroscopical study revealed a drug-induced picture. We report a rare case of intrahepatic cholestasis jaundice related to ranitidine, a widely used drug. Diagnosis would need an ethically unacceptable rechallange test.

We describe the case of a 56-year-old man who had high aminotransferase levels and anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies. He underwent liver biopsy and biochemical screening to evaluate whether he would benefit from interferon (IFN) treatment. The patient was discharged with a diagnosis of HCV-related active chronic hepatitis, skin porphyria, and type 2 diabetes. On December 5, 1995, he began therapy with recombinant IFN-alpha at a dose of 3 MIU three times a week. He stopped this therapy in February 1996 because of asthenia, diplopia, headache, and anxiety. During IFN therapy, he had normal aminotransferase levels and no detectable HCV RNA, a condition that persists to the present. Between March and May 1996, the patient was admitted several times to a neurology clinic, where myasthenia gravis was diagnosed and treatment with pyridostigmine and cyclosporine was initiated. This case and others indicate that caution should be exercised in administering IFN because low doses can be correlated with myasthenia gravis in patients without malignancies.

The ultrastructural changes which occur during the mycelium to yeast transition in Histoplasma capsulatum induced by a temperature shift from 25 degrees C to 34 degrees C are described and compared to those observed after a temperature shift from 25 degrees C to 37 degrees C. 24 hours after the temperature shift to 34 degrees C only 8% of the cells are lysed. However, many mitochondria have lost their characteristic elongated form and have become rounded. Vesicular cristae which are no longer oriented parallel to the long axis of the mitochondria are also observed. In contrast a temperature shift from 25 degrees C to 37 degrees C induces lysis of 70% of the cells; mitochondria are rarely observed in the remaining cells. These ultrastructural changes can be correlated with the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation and the production of heat shock proteins.

The ultrastructural morphology of the early phases of mycelium-yeast transition in Histoplasma capsulatum after a temperature shift from 25-degrees-C to only 34-degrees-C is described. Under this condition of lower temperature oxidative phosphorylation is not completely uncoupled and maximum production of heat shock proteins (hsp) occurs. 24 h after temperature shift more than 90% of the cells still appear vital. Alterations in the organization of the mitochondrial cristae are the only ultrastructural changes observed in these cells. In contrast, 70% of the cells degenerate 24 h after a temperature shift from 25-degrees-C to 37-degrees-C and in the remaining cells mitochondria are rarely observed. These observations are discussed in relation to the production of hsp, the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation and the virulence of different strains of H. capsulatum.

Ultrastructural changes observed during the first 24 hours of mycelium to yeast transition in the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum are reported. During this period the plasma membrane becomes undulated and the cell wall loses its characteristic fibrous outer layer. At 8 h the ordered lamellar structure of the mitochondria is no longer apparent. 24 h after the temperature shift 70% of the cells are lysed. The remaining cells contain many cytoplasmic membrane structures; mitochondria are rarely observed. These morphological changes are probably correlated with the physiological events characteristic of mycelial to yeast transition.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of postoperative lymphocytotoxic antibodies (LA) formation and to assess their potential utility in immunologic monitoring after lung transplantation. We determined prospectively the percentage LA against a reference panel reactive antibody in a complement-dependent microlymphocytotoxicity test in 137 sequential serum samples obtained from 14 consecutive lung transplant recipients who survived over the first postoperative year. Four patients developed high titers of LA (greater than 10% panel reactive antibody reactivity in at least 3 consecutive samples) by 2 to 24 months after surgery. Antibodies were mostly immunoglobulin M isotype, without any specificity against the donor's human leukocyte antigen and were correlated with the development of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (p=.01) and with chronic bronchial infectious colonization (p=.03). In conclusion, a polyclonal immunoglobulin M antibody production can be detected in serum samples from lung transplant recipients and seems to be involved in the progression of chronic rejection process. These preliminary results incline to carry on the cytotoxicity screening of a panel of lymphocytes to better understand the significance of such reactivity.

HCV is ubiquitous. In 50% of all cases it causes chronic hepatitis that often evolves into liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Recently HCV has been classified in 5 genotypes by Okamoto. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of 5 genotypes in Campania, a region of southern Italy, where the prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies ranges from 0.87 to 4%, and to evaluate the correlation between the HCV genotypes and the severity of histological damage. One-hundred- and-thirty-five anti-HCV positive patients were enrolled and tested by PCR to identify HCV-RNA. One-hundred-and-twenty-four patients resulted HCV-RNA positive. Genotyping was performed as described by Okamoto et al. with minor modifications of the specific primer to type III proposed by Silini et al. Eight patients were negative for all genotypes. Eight patients were positive for type I(1a), 61 for type II(1b), 39 for type III(2a), 11 for type IV(2b) and 1 for type V(3a). In 4 cases two different genotypes were present in the same sample [II(1b)-IV(2b), III(2a)-II(1b) twice, III (2a)-IV(2b)]. Histological evaluation of liver damage showed: CPH (22 cases), minimal CAH (56), severe CAH (31) and liver cirrhosis (15). There was no statistically significant correlation between the 5 genotypes and the severity of histological damage. Data on the prevalence of genotype II (1b) in Italy are similar to those reported for other European countries. The prevalence of genotypes in southern Italy is similar to that reported in the population of northern Italy.

Some latent diseases, such as immune disorders, can appear during interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) therapy. These disorders are difficult to predict because of their low prevalence in the general population. We describe a case of pernicious anemia (PA) in a patient affected by chronic hepatitis C and macrocytosis during IFN-alpha therapy. Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration reached 7.3 g/dl. Anti-intrinsic factor (IF) antibodies were present, but not antiparietal cell antibodies (APCA). Suspension of IFN-alpha and administration of vitamin B(12) resulted in normal Hb concentrations. This case is the first instance of early PA (at the second month of IFN therapy) in a patient affected by chronic hepatitis C. The only other case of PA in a patient affected by hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection occurred during the second year of maintenance IFN therapy. We recommend that particular attention be paid to such clinical and laboratory conditions as macrocytosis in administering IFN-alpha therapy for chronic hepatitis C.

Laura Reynaud, Maria Aurora Carleo, Maria Talamo, Guglielmo BorgiaDepartment of Public Medicine and Social Security – Section of Infectious Disease University of Naples “Federico II”, ItalyAbstract: Recent literature is reviewed about treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB), focusing on tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF; Viread®), among the nucleotide and nucleoside analogs. TDF pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, activity in respect of hepatitis B virus (HBV) multi-drug-resistant mutations, efficacy in treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced patients, and side effects are described. The most predictive response factors to TDF therapy are discussed and all available combination therapies to optimize clinical outcome in the various patient profiles are analyzed, such as compensated and/or decompensated cirrhotic patients. The use of TDF in pregnancy, and prophylaxis after exposure to HBV and post-liver transplantation are also evaluated.Keywords: HBV, chronic hepatitis B, tenofovir, antiviral therapy

The Yeast phase of Histoplasma capsulatum has stringent growth requirements. Transition from mycelium to yeast takes place only in the presence of cysteine and can be blocked by the -SH groups inhibitor p-chloromercury-phenylsulfonic acid (PCMS). Ultrastructural studies show lysis and degeneration of PCMS treated mycelium grown at 37 degrees C for 24 hours. Only 50% of PCMS treated mycelium appear degenerate when grown at 34 degrees C for 24 hours. The remaining cells have normal morphology with only slight changes in the cell wall structure. The effect of PCMS is permanent and hereditary. Mice injected with PCMS treated mycelium do not develop disease and are resistant to virulent strains of H. capsulatum when challenged.

A magnetic particle with atomic spins ordered in an unstable direction is an example of a false vacuum that decays via excitation of internal spin waves. Coupled evolution of the particle's magnetization (or the vacuum state) and spin waves, considered in the time-dependent vacuum frame, leads to a peculiar relaxation that is very fast at the beginning but slows down to a nonexponential long tail at the end. The two main scenarios are linear and exponential spin-wave instabilities. For the former, the longitudinal and transverse relaxation rates have been obtained analytically. Numerical simulations show that the particle's magnetization strongly decreases in the middle of reversal and then recovers., Comment: 6 EPL pages, 4 figures

The ultrastructural changes which occur during the mycelium to yeast transition in Histoplasma capsulatum induced by a temperature shift from 25 degrees C to 34 degrees C are described and compared to those observed after a temperature shift from 25 degrees C to 37 degrees C. 24 hours after the temperature shift to 34 degrees C only 8% of the cells are lysed. However, many mitochondria have lost their characteristic elongated form and have become rounded. Vesicular cristae which are no longer oriented parallel to the long axis of the mitochondria are also observed. In contrast a temperature shift from 25 degrees C to 37 degrees C induces lysis of 70% of the cells; mitochondria are rarely observed in the remaining cells. These ultrastructural changes can be correlated with the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation and the production of heat shock proteins.

Isolation of virus-like particles from sera of anti-HCV positive patients and their ultrastructural characterization are reported. Particles were identified in sera of 5 out of 6 patients tested. Immunoelectron microscopy assay revealed small aggregates of viral particles. Size and morphological criteria suggest that these particles can be classified as Togaviridae.

Ultrastructural changes observed during the first 24 hours of mycelium to yeast transition in the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum are reported. During this period the plasma membrane becomes undulated and the cell wall loses its characteristic fibrous outer layer. At 8 h the ordered lamellar structure of the mitochondria is no longer apparent. 24 h after the temperature shift 70% of the cells are lysed. The remaining cells contain many cytoplasmic membrane structures; mitochondria are rarely observed. These morphological changes are probably correlated with the physiological events characteristic of mycelial to yeast transition.

The ultrastructural morphology of the early phases of mycelium-yeast transition in Histoplasma capsulatum after a temperature shift from 25 degrees C to only 34 degrees C is described. Under this condition of lower temperature oxidative phosphorylation is not completely uncoupled and maximum production of heat shock proteins (hsp) occurs. 24 h after temperature shift more than 90% of the cells still appear vital. Alterations in the organization of the mitochondrial cristae are the only ultrastructural changes observed in these cells. In contrast, 70% of the cells degenerate 24 h after a temperature shift from 25 degrees C to 37 degrees C and in the remaining cells mitochondria are rarely observed. These observations are discussed in relation to the production of hsp, the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation and the virulence of different strains of H. capsulatum.