[Detection of HBV DNA by sensitive techniques and definition of chronic VHB infection by pre-C-C mutants].

Our purpose is to assess the question of the definition of hepatitis B virus pre-C-C mutant-chronic infection, according to the level of the viral load at the era of very sensitive techniques of quantification of HBV DNA.

[Pulmonary nocardiosis and broncho-oesophageal fistula in a patient infected with HIV].

Introduction: We report a case of extensive pulmonary nocardiosis in a patient infected with HIV.

Case Report: It presented as bilateral cavitated masses and bulky necrotic mediastinal lymphadenopathy causing broncho-oesophageal fistulae. There was associated infection with Mycobacterium Avium.

Transcription and analysis of polymorphism in a cluster of genes encoding surface-associated proteins of Clostridium difficile.

Recent investigations of the Clostridium difficile genome have revealed the presence of a cluster of 17 genes, 11 of which encode proteins with similar two-domain structures, likely to be surface-anchored proteins. Two of these genes have been proven to encode proteins involved in cell adherence: slpA encodes the precursor of the two proteins of the S-layer, P36 and P47, whereas cwp66 encodes the Cwp66 adhesin. To gain further insight into the function of this cluster, we further focused on slpA, cwp66, and cwp84, the latter of which encodes a putative surface-associated protein with homology to numerous cysteine proteases.

Synthesis of boronic acid analogs of L-arginine as alternate substrates or inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase.

The asymmetric synthesis of an unprotected alpha-amino boronic acid analog of L-arginine 1a (boroarg-OH. 2 HCl) and its N alpha-acetyl derivative 1b (Ac-boroarg-OH. HCl) is described.