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C Durand

Publications and source records attributed to C Durand.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Complexity of the T cell receptor Cbeta isotypes in the Mexican axolotl: structure and diversity of the VDJCbeta3 and VDJCbeta4 chains.

We have reported previously the presence of two T cell receptor beta-chain constant region (Cbeta) isotypes in the Mexican axolotl. Specific Dbeta and Jbeta segments were present at the Vbeta-Cbeta1 and Vbeta-Cbeta2 junctions and nine Vbeta families which associate with both isotypes were characterized. This report describes two new Cbeta isotypes, Cbeta3 and Cbeta4. About 70 % of the amino acids in Cbeta3 are identical to Cbeta1 and Cbeta2. A Dbeta3 and a single Jbeta3 were found at the Vbeta-Cbeta3 junctions. The Dbeta3 consensus core sequence (TACGTGGCTACGTGGG) differs to all the presently known Dbeta and the CDR3beta loops of the Vbeta-Cbeta3 junctions (mean: 11.1 amino acids) contain a majority of aromatic, small hydrophobic and basic residues. The CDR3beta loops of the other isotypes are shorter (mean: 8.5 amino acids), contain a majority of acidic residues and very few aromatic residues. The axolotl Cbeta4 sequence has about 46 % similarity to Cbeta1, Cbeta2 and Cbeta3. Dbeta4 is identical to Dbeta2 and six new Jbeta segments are used at the Vbeta-Cbeta4 junctions. Four new families of Vbeta segments (Vbeta10-Vbeta13) are preferentially associated to Cbeta4. A strong selective pressure must operate in most vertebrates to preserve the structural stability of the extracellular part of the Cbeta chain. The four axolotl Cbeta seem to have evolved more freely, perhaps to favor the early emergence of a large diversity of T cell receptors in an amphibian species which is not fully immunocompetent before the 5th month of development.

Ambystoma↗
PubMed2001

Familial orofaciodigital syndrome type I revealed by ultrasound prenatal diagnosis of porencephaly.

Porencephaly is a rare central nervous system (CNS) abnormality that can be caused by an intraparenchymal destructive process or a developmental defect. Here we report on a prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of complex CNS abnormalities including agenesis of the corpus callosum, agenesis of the cerebellar vermis, bilateral hydrocephaly, and bilateral porencephaly in fetus at 33 weeks' gestation. The diagnosis of familial orofaciodigital syndrome type I (OFD I) was raised after fetal autopsy, clinical examination of the family, and the X-linked dominant inheritance pattern. This is the fourth report of porencephaly in association with OFD I. We discuss the difficulties in genetic counselling since OFD I shows variable expressivity of the phenotypic features. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of a detailed ultrasound examination after a prenatal diagnosis of porencephaly.

Brain↗
PubMed2001

Fetal lung volume: estimation at MR imaging-initial results.

PURPOSE: To plot normal fetal lung volume (FLV) obtained with fast spin-echo magnetic resonance (MR) images against gestational age; to investigate the correlation between lung growth and fetal presentation, sex, and ultrasonographic (US) biometric measurements; and to investigate its potential application in fetuses with thoracoabdominal malformations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective multicenter study, 336 fetuses suspected of having central nervous system disorders underwent fast spin-echo T2-weighted lung MR imaging. Data obtained at 21-38 weeks gestation in 215 fetuses without thoracoabdominal malformations and with normal US biometric findings were selected for an FLV normative curve. FLV measurements obtained at pathologic examination with an immersion method were compared with MR FLV measurements in 11 fetuses. MR FLV values in 16 fetuses with thoracoabdominal malformations were compared with the normative curve. RESULTS: Normal FLV increased with gestational age as a power curve; the spread of values increased with age. Interobserver correlation was excellent (R(2) = 0.96). FLV measurements at MR imaging were 0.90 times those at pathologic examination. A constant ratio (0.78) between FLV on the left and right sides was observed. No significant difference in FLV was observed between fetal presentations. Normal FLV was observed in all fetuses with cystic adenomatoid malformations and in four of six with oligohydramnios. Lowest FLV values were observed in fetuses with diaphragmatic hernia. CONCLUSION: In fetuses with normal lungs, FLV distribution against gestational age is easily assessed in utero with fast spin-echo T2-weighted MR imaging. These preliminary findings illustrate the potential for comparing FLV measurements in fetuses at risk of lung hypoplasia with normative values.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed2001

Connexin 32 fused to the green fluorescent protein retains its ability to control the proliferation of thyroid cells.

Cell-to-cell exchanges of signaling molecules are thought to be involved in the control of cell proliferation. Connexins, which are encoded by a family of genes expressed in a cell type-specific manner, are considered as tumor suppressors. Thyroid epithelial cells co-express connexin 32 (Cx32) and connexin 43 (Cx43) that form distinct and delocalized gap junctions in vivo. The communication-deficient rat thyroid-derived cell lines, FRTL-5 and FRT, stably transfected with the Cx32 cDNA, have a reduced proliferation rate related to a prolonged G1 cell cycle phase. To determine whether Cx32-gap junctions exert the same regulatory role in vivo, we have undertaken a program of production of transgenic mice over-expressing Cx32 specifically in thyrocytes. To this purpose, we designed a vector in which the Cx32 cDNA was fused to the gene encoding the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and placed under the control of a strong and thyroid-specific promoter, the thyroglobulin gene promoter (pTg). In stably transfected FRTL-5 cells, the Cx32/EGFP chimeric protein forms functional gap junction channels and induces the same proliferation slowdown as native Cx32. The pTg-Cx32/EGFP construct should thus allow us to obtain the thyroid-targeted over-expression of Cx32 in the mouse to investigate the involvement of Cx32-gap junctions in thyroid growth, functional activity and propensity to form tumors.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

[Sonography of thoracic diseases in children].

This article reviews the major indications for chest sonography in children. Sonography should be performed after chest radiographs have been obtained in order to assess the need for further imaging with CT and/or MRI. Sonography allows accurate assessment of the pleural compartment especially for evaluation of pleural effusions, the diaphragm, peripheral lung lesions and anterior, middle and postero-inferior mediastinal lesions. Imaging of the thymus is emphasized because normal thymus can mimic pathologic situations and tumors may arise within the thymus. This technique allows tissue characterization and it is superior to other modalities in characterization of fluid. Sonography may be used to guide aspirations and biopsies. Sonography of the chest is the modality of choice in children because of its lack of ionizing radiation and ease to perform.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2000

Synthesis, structure-activity relationships, and pharmacological profile of 9-amino-4-oxo-1-phenyl-3,4,6,7-tetrahydro[1,4]diazepino[6, 7,1-hi]indoles: discovery of potent, selective phosphodiesterase type 4 inhibitors.

The synthesis, structure-activity relationships, and biological properties of a novel series of potent and selective phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) inhibitors are described. These new aminodiazepinoindoles displayed in vitro PDE4 activity with submicromolar IC(50) values and PDE4 selectivity vs PDE1, -3, and -5. Specifically, one compound (CI-1044, 10e) provided efficient in vitro inhibition of TNFalpha release from hPBMC and hWB with IC(50) values of 0.34 and 0.84 microM, respectively. This compound was found to exhibit potent in vivo activity in antigen-induced eosinophil recruitment in Brown-Norway rats (ED(50) = 3.2 mg/kg po) and in production of TNFalpha in Wistar rats (ED(50) = 2.8 mg/kg po). No emetic side effects at therapeutic doses were observed in ferrets.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗
PubMed2000

RAG expression is restricted to the first year of life in the Mexican axolotl.

The developmental expression of the RAG1 gene in the Mexican axolotl hematopoietic organs was studied. RAG1 mRNAs were first detected in trunk extracts from 6-week-old larvae, and in head and trunk extracts of 8- and 9-week-old larvae. RAG1 is expressed in the thymus at all stages of development, until its natural involution after 12 months of age. In contrast, although RAG1 transcripts were present in the spleen and liver of the young larvae, they were not detected in the liver after 4.5 months and in the spleen after 8 months. No RAG1 mRNA expression was observed in the spleens or livers of 24-month-old hyperimmunized axolotls. The developmental expression of the RAG2 protein was also analyzed in axolotl thymus, spleen, and liver extracts using specific anti-RAG2 antibodies. RAG2 was readily detected at 7 months, but not in hematopoietic organs of 12- and 24-month-old axolotls. The presence of RAG1 transcripts was limited to the sub-capsular area of the thymus lobes, as detected by in situ hybridization. Discrete clusters of labeled cells were observed in the spleen sections, and a relatively large number of labeled cells were located in the hepatic peripheral hematopoietic layer of 3-month-old axolotls. The first appearance of RAG1 gene products in the axolotl hematopoietic organs is thus well correlated with the first production of rearranged T-cell and B-cell receptor mRNAs, 40-60 days after fertilization.

Ambystoma mexicanum↗
PubMed2000

Neurocognitive dysfunction after coronary artery bypass surgery: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Substantial, albeit scattered, evidence suggests that coronary artery bypass grafting may impair cognitive function. As methods and definitions differ greatly across studies, the reported incidence of cognitive decline after coronary bypass surgery varies widely as well. The aim of the present study was to systematically review those studies on cognitive decline that are relatively comparable and meet with certain quality criteria. METHODS: Four electronic databases and the references of several abstract books and earlier reviews were used to identify relevant literature. Stringent criteria, based in part on the 1994 consensus meeting on assessment of neurobehavioral outcomes after cardiac surgery, were used to assess the studies that were found. In total, 256 different titles were found, of which 23 met with the formulated selection criteria. RESULTS: Twelve cohort studies and eleven intervention studies were evaluated. A pooled analysis of six highly comparable studies yielded a proportion of 22.5% (95% confidence interval, 18.7%-26.4%) of patients with a cognitive deficit (a decrease of at least 1 standard deviation in at least two of nine or ten tests) 2 months after the operation. CONCLUSIONS: Neurocognitive dysfunction is a frequently occurring complication of coronary artery bypass grafting. The etiologic contribution of cardiopulmonary bypass to this complication will remain unclear until a randomized trial that directly compares off-pump and on-pump bypass surgery is carried out.

Cardiopulmonary Bypass↗
PubMed2000

Comparison of metabolic expenditure during CAEP versus a test adapted to aerobic capacity (Harbor test) in elderly healthy individuals.

Cardiopulmonary exercise tests are frequently used to test rate responsive pacemakers. The chronotropic assessment exercise protocol (CAEP) has been specifically proposed for the evaluation of rate responsive pacing systems. A mathematical method, based on CAEP measurements, was developed with a view of normalizing the exercise induced metabolic response. CAEP was compared to a tailored protocol (Harbor), adapted to the metabolic capacity of each patient. Harbor was set to keep the exercise duration within 10 minutes and achieve a workload as linear as possible. Metabolic parameters were continuously recorded by a cardiopulmonary system. Those data were used in the construction of slopes by the normalization method. The results of the tests performed in 16 elderly healthy patients showed no differences in metabolic or functional parameters. Slopes of the mathematical model were comparable (1.09 +/- 0.16 for CAEP vs 1.07 +/- 0.17 for Harbor), though both were higher than the value of 1, defined as normal. In both cases, linearity was confirmed by the coefficient of correlation (0.98 +/- 0.02 for CAEP and Harbor). In conclusion, no significant differences were found in the outcomes of the two protocols. Higher values of the slopes with the normalization method can be explained by the definition of the maximal predicted heart rate as 220--age, which is probably not appropriate for elderly, healthy, active subjects.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Severe fetal cytomegalic inclusion disease after documented maternal reactivation of cytomegalovirus infection during pregnancy.

Recurrent cytomegalovirus infection during pregnancy is considered less dangerous for the fetus than primary infection. We present a case of severe fetal cytomegalic inclusion disease after maternal reactivation of cytomegalovirus during the first trimester of pregnancy. The possibility of such fetal injury is an argument for prenatal diagnosis in seropositive pregnant women when ultrasonographic findings suggest cytomegalovirus infection.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Structure and developmental expression of Ikaros in the Mexican axolotl.

The Ikaros family of transcription factors plays an essential role in hematopoiesis. We report here the structure of cDNA clones encoding two Ikaros isoforms, Ikl and Ik2, in the Mexican axolotl. The Ik1 cDNA sequence is very similar to that of the rainbow trout, chicken, and mammalian Ik1 sequences. However, a 96 base pair region which encodes the first N-terminal zing finger (F1) is lacking from axolotl Ik1, both in clones from a cDNA library and clones isolated from direct polymerase chain reaction products. A region corresponding to exon 3 is completely absent from the axolotl Ik2 sequence and thus the Ik1 and Ik2 isoforms possess the same number of zinc finger motifs. The structure of these five CC-HH motifs is very well conserved in the axolotl, including the structural deviations from its amino acid consensus composition which are identical in all species analyzed to date. The axolotl Ik1 3' untranslated region sequence is very long (2538 bp) and contains two UA-rich motifs known as instability determinants and which could play a role in mRNA translational efficiency. Ikaros transcripts are first detected in the ventral blood island of stage 36 embryos, about 24 h before the first heartbeats (late tailbud stage), and then in the major lymphopoietic organs of the developing larvae. In situ hybridization demonstrates that Ikaros transcripts are abundant at the periphery of the thymus lobes, in the presumptive site of early thymocyte differentiation.

Ambystoma↗
PubMed1999

[Agenesis of the corpus callosum: etiological and clinical aspects, diagnostic methods and prognosis].

Agenesis of the corpus callosum is a frequent congenital malformation with many etiologies and clinical features. It can occur as an isolated defect which is usually sporadic, it is frequently associated with other malformations, genetic syndromes and metabolic disorders. Ante- or postnatal diagnosis must be followed by a careful search for etiology, and it raises uncertain and difficult question with regard to pregnancy continuation and infant development.

Agenesis of Corpus Callosum↗
PubMed1999

[Hypertensive manifestation of an acute intestinal intussusception].

BACKGROUND: Hypertension may be associated with intussusception. CASE REPORT: An 8-month-old infant showed the following symptoms: lethargy, vomiting and hypertension. Abdominal ultrasound suggested the diagnosis of intussusception, which was confirmed by barium enema. The hypertension resolved after the intussusception was reduced. CONCLUSION: Intussusception should be considered a diagnostic possibility in infants who show a history of vomiting and in whom lethargy and systematic hypertension are noted. This case re-affirms the diagnostic usefulness of abdominal ultrasonography.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1999

[Hip dislocation. Organization of screening and follow-up].

Early detection and low-risk treatment are the two main objectives of the management of developmental dislocation of the hip. The best way to evaluate neonatal hips is to perform clinical and ultrasound examinations at the same time, and to confront their results. Early diagnosis allows to restrict treatment to infants with neonatal dislocation who do not improve by 4 weeks of age. On the other hand, neonates with reductible dislocated hips must be treated at birth and followed at the joint consultation. Early diagnosis and management must not decrease later efforts to detect dislocated hip until walking age.

Follow-Up Studies↗
PubMed1999

'Fou rire prodromique' as the heralding symptom of lenticular infarction, caused by dissection of the internal carotid artery in a 12-year-old boy.

A 12-year-old, right-handed boy experienced a pathological fit of laughter before a sudden right hemiplegia. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a left basal ganglia infarction, induced by a left internal carotid dissection. Arteriography revealed an underlying fibromuscular dysplasia. This case study demonstrates that cerebral artery dissection can occur in children and that a basal ganglia infarction may be preceded by pathological laughter called 'fou rire prodromique'. The clinical and anatomical relationship of this paroxysmal event are discussed.

Carotid Artery Diseases↗
PubMed1999

Transient pulmonary infiltrates during treatment with anti-thymocyte globulin.

We report the case of a 54-year-old woman with aplastic anemia, who developed transient pulmonary infiltrates following intravenous infusion of rabbit antithymocyte globulin (ATG) for 3 days. There was no other explanation than the infusion of ATG for the infiltrates. Rechallenge with ATG induced the recurrence of opacities on the chest radiograph. Although rarely involved with only 4 previous reports, ATG should be included in the list of drugs capable of inducing pulmonary infiltrates.

Anemia, Aplastic↗