Consolidation of an olfactory memory trace in the olfactory bulb is required for learning-induced survival of adult-born neurons and long-term memory.

Background: It has recently been proposed that adult-born neurons in the olfactory bulb, whose survival is modulated by learning, support long-term olfactory memory. However, the mechanism used to select which adult-born neurons following learning will participate in the long-term retention of olfactory information is unknown. We addressed this question by investigating the effect of bulbar consolidation of olfactory learning on memory and neurogenesis.

Cytotoxicity of the Bacillus cereus Nhe enterotoxin requires specific binding order of its three exoprotein components.

This study focuses on the interaction of the three components of the Bacillus cereus Nhe enterotoxin with particular emphasis on the functional roles of NheB and NheC. The results demonstrated that both NheB and NheC were able to bind to Vero cells directly while NheA lacked this ability. It was also shown that Nhe-induced cytotoxicity required a specific binding order of the individual components whereby the presence of NheC in the priming step as well as the presence of NheA in the final incubation step was mandatory.

Learning-dependent neurogenesis in the olfactory bulb determines long-term olfactory memory.

Inhibitory interneurons of the olfactory bulb are subjected to permanent adult neurogenesis. Their number is modulated by learning, suggesting that they could play a role in plastic changes of the bulbar network associated with olfactory memory. Adult male C57BL/6 mice were trained in an associative olfactory task, and we analyzed long-term retention of the task 5, 30, and 90 d post-training.

[Two consecutive intubations using neonatal Airtraq in an infant with difficult airway].

We used successfully Airtraq-combined to a gum-elastic boogie to intubate twice a dysmorphic infant with mucolipidosis, in whom direct laryngoscopy failed. If this result is confirmed by prospective studies, Airtraq could be a first-line device to intubate infants with difficult intubation.

Induction of MAPK-dependent transcription factors by deoxynivalenol in human cell lines.

Contamination of cereals with the trichothecene deoxynivalenol (DON) is a global problem in agriculture. DON-related cytotoxicity results from inhibition of translation preceded by a ribotoxic stress response, which is characterized by phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases and activation of downstream transcription factors. In this study, we measured the expression of AP-1 associated transcription factor mRNA levels in six human cell lines (Hep-G2, A549, U937, A204, Jurkat, and CaCo-2) by using real-time RT-PCR.

Cardiac MRI in pulmonary artery hypertension: correlations between morphological and functional parameters and invasive measurements.

Objective: To compare cardiac MRI with right heart catheterisation in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and to evaluate its ability to assess PH severity.

Materials And Methods: Forty patients were included. MRI included cine and phase-contrast sequences, study of ventricular function, cardiac cavity areas and ratios, position of the interventricular septum (IVS) in systole and diastole, and flow measurements.

[Radiofrequency ablation of primary lung cancer: a single centre experience].

Introduction: Radiofrequency ablation is a new interventional radiological technique for the treatment of primary or secondary lung tumors of small size (less than 3 cm) in inoperable patients or patients unsuitable for external radiotherapy. This procedure is already used in liver and renal cancers and metastases, and is now being evaluated in primary and secondary lung tumors.

Methods: We have followed-up, by CT scanning, 12 consecutive patients with primary lung tumors treated by radiofrequency ablation in our institution between 2004 and 2008.

[Treatments targeting distal airways in asthma: update on clinical studies].

Two strategies are possible for targeting distal airways in asthma. The first one is systemic, with the delivery of medications either orally or intravenously. Montelukast is the only oral drug that has demonstrated its efficacy on distal airways by reducing lung hyperinflation.

[Stenting for superior vena cava obstruction associated with lung cancer: monocentric study].

Introduction: Superior vena cava obstruction is an urgent complication of lung cancer. Superior vena cava stent insertion can be considered to provide rapid relief of the symptoms.

Methods: To estimate the efficiency and the complications of this procedure, we retrospectively analyzed 41 consecutive patients treated during the last 5 years by self-expanding nitinol stent insertion for superior vena cava obstruction due to lung cancer.

Allergenicity of Hev b 13, a major esterase allergen in natural rubber latex (Hevea brasiliensis) allergy, does not only depend on its carbohydrate moiety.

The three-dimensional model built for the major latex allergen Hev b 13 consists of the typical organization of plant esterases made of a central bundle of five parallel beta-strands surrounded by five alpha-helices associated to two shorter alpha-helical segments. Up to 12 sets of sequential IgE-binding peptides were identified in SPOT experiments along the amino acid sequence of Hev b 13. They correspond in fact to eight IgE-binding epitopic stretches exposed on the surface of the allergen.

Detection of Bacillus cereus with enteropathogenic potential by multiplex real-time PCR based on SYBR Green I.

In order to meet the growing demand for fast and reliable detection of potentially toxinogenic Bacillus cereus, we developed a multiplex real-time PCR assay based on SYBR Green I with subsequent melting curve analysis. We designed and selected primers specific for genes of toxins responsible for diarrhoea (nheA, hblD and cytK1) and emesis (ces). A panel of 337 Bacillus strains was applied to the novel method on Light Cycler 2.

Olfactory perceptual learning requires adult neurogenesis.

Perceptual learning is required for olfactory function to adapt appropriately to changing odor environments. We here show that newborn neurons in the olfactory bulb are not only involved in, but necessary for, olfactory perceptual learning. First, the discrimination of perceptually similar odorants improves in mice after repeated exposure to the odorants.

GATEWAY technology and E. coli recombinant system produce a properly folded and functional recombinant allergen of the lipid transfer protein of apple (Mal d 3).

The lipid transfer protein of apple fruit, Mal d 3, has been produced as a soluble recombinant protein in transformed Escherichia coli cells using the GATEWAY technology. Circular dichroism spectra showing the protein essentially consists of alpha-helices indicate that the rMal d 3 is properly folded. The (1)H NMR spectra also indicates a correct fold for the recombinant allergen.

Analysis of diversity and linkage disequilibrium along chromosome 3B of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

A highly polymorphic core collection of bread wheat and a more narrow-based breeding material, gathered from pedigrees of seven modern cultivars, was analysed in order to compare genetic diversity indices and linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns along the chromosome 3B with microsatellite (SSR) and Diversity Arrays Technology markers. Five ancestral gene pools could be identified within the core collection, indicating a strong geographical structure (Northwest Europe, Southeast Europe, CIMMYT-ICARDA group, Asia, Nepal). The breeding material showed a temporal structure, corresponding to different periods of breeding programmes [old varieties (from old landraces to 1919), semi-modern varieties (1920-1959), modern varieties (1960-2006)].

[INSTANT: national survey of allergic rhinitis in a French adult population based-sample].

Objective: To assess the prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) (according to the SFAR, Score For Allergic Rhinitis and the ARIA Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma classification) in the French adult general population and to describe its impact on quality of life, quality of sleep and prevalence of associated ocular symptoms.

Methods: This cross-sectional survey was carried out in 2006 in a French population-based sample. The data were collected by a polling organization in 3 waves using face-to-face interviews at home.

A regenerable immunochip for the rapid determination of 13 different antibiotics in raw milk.

Access to high-quality and safe food is a basic need in our community and, consequently, the European Union has defined maximum residue levels (MRLs) for a number of antibacterial compounds. However, despite the obvious demand for quantitative multi-residue detection methods that can be carried out on a routine basis, there is currently a lack in the development of such systems. In particular, an automated multianalyte detection instrument is needed that is capable of quantifying several antibiotics simultaneously within minutes.

Comparison of multiplex PCR, enzyme immunoassay and cell culture methods for the detection of enterotoxinogenic Bacillus cereus.

Fast and reliable methods are needed for the detection of pathogenic Bacillus cereus which should provide consistent results. Therefore, we tested a panel of 176 strains, including B. cereus strains, B.

[Skin sensitisation profiles of outpatients with symptoms of respiratory allergies].

Aim: The main objective of the survey was to determine the frequency of the mono and polysensitizations in patients consulting for respiratory allergy, rhinitis or/and asthma. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the severity, the number and the type of the sensitizations, the frequency of the asthma or rhinitis as a function of the sensitizations, the evolution of the sensitizations with age, and identify the principal responsible pneumallergens.

Patients And Methods: The multicentric survey included a patient questionnaire allowing the collection and anonymous treatment of data on socio-demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, cutaneous tests and sensitizations.

Expression of Jug r 1, the 2S albumin allergen from walnut (Juglans regia), as a correctly folded and functional recombinant protein.

Jug r 1, the 2S albumin allergen from walnut, was isolated from ripe nuts as a native allergen and expressed in Escherichia coli using the Gateway technology as a recombinant allergen. The recombinant Jug r 1 (15 kDa) differs from the native allergen by the absence of cleavage of the polypeptide chain in two covalently associated light (3.5 kDa) and heavy (8 kDa) chains.

Expression of Zif268 in the granule cell layer of the adult mouse olfactory bulb is modulated by experience.

Behavioral and physiological evidence indicates that odor processing in the main olfactory bulb is influenced by olfactory experience. At the cellular level, changes in inhibitory influence exerted by granular interneurons may contribute to restructuring odor representations. To assess experience-dependent modulation in the responsiveness of granule cells, we measured the level and spatial distribution of odor-induced expression of the immediate-early gene Zif268 in the granule cell layer of adult mice submitted or not to olfactory discrimination conditioning.

Trichothecene-induced cytotoxicity on human cell lines.

Trichothecene cytotoxicity of type A (T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin), type B (deoxynivalenol, DON, and nivalenol, NIV), and type D (satratoxins G and H) compounds was determined comparatively by using eight permanent human cell lines (Hep-G2, A549, CaCo-2, HEp-2, A204, U937, RPMI 8226, and Jurkat). Viability of cells was measured by a water-soluble tetrazolium (WST-1) reagent cell proliferation assay assessing mitochondrial metabolic activity. Toxicity was expressed as the toxin concentration inhibiting 50% of cell viability (IC50).

Update on the roles of distal airways in asthma.

The present review is the summary of an expert workshop that took place in Vence (France) in 2007 on the role of distal airways in asthma. The evidence showing inflammation and remodelling in distal airways, and their possible involvement in asthma control and natural history, was reviewed. The usefulness and limitations of various techniques used for assessing distal airways were also evaluated, including pulmonary function tests and imaging.