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Biomedical subjects

C Mary

Publications and source records attributed to C Mary.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

Characterization of a circulating antigen involved in immune complexes in visceral leishmaniasis patients.

Complications of visceral leishmaniasis are explained in part by immune complex pathology, particularly nephritis. Using the polyethylene glycol precipitation method, we identified among these complexes a Leishmania infantum circulating antigen by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting. Monoclonal antibodies were produced to specifically detect this antigen. This protein (molecular weight 51 kD) is a cytoplasmic antigen of L. infantum and its synthesis by promastigotes is related to stationary-phase culture. It was present in sera from dogs whose leishmaniasis was associated with nephritis, and it was found in the sera of 30% of human patients with visceral leishmaniasis. It was also detected in the sera of patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis, and it persists in the sera of clinically cured subjects.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

[Severe visceral leishmaniasis with hepatic involvement. Diagnostic value of the immunoblotting serologic technic].

The case of a 13 year old boy with a severe form of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) mimicking portal hypertension and of unfavorable outcome is presented. The authors stress the usefulness of investigating humoral immune response by using Western Blot assay in order to confirm the diagnosis when the parasite cannot be isolated. Since VL may be responsible for death if the treatment is delayed, screening of the disease in children presenting with chronic liver disease is important in endemic area.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

[Contribution of immunoblot to the diagnosis and monitoring of toxoplasmosis in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome].

This study evaluates the potential value of immunoblot for serological survey of toxoplasmosis infection in HIV infected patients. This technique was applied to the detection of IgG, IgM, IgA and IgE antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. We compared the patterns obtained from sera of immunocompetent and HIV+ subjects in different situations: absence of toxoplasmosis, primo-infection, chronic infection and reactivation of toxoplasmosis. IgA antibodies were demonstrated in sera of all HIV+ patients with chronic infection: so, these antibodies have any diagnosis value in this group. IgE were only detected by immunoblot when clinical symptoms of toxoplasmosis occurred in cases of HIV+ patients with reactivation of the parasitosis; previously, these subjects presented a serological rise of IgG specific antibodies. In ten cases of neurotoxoplasmosis immunoblot allowed detection of IgA and IgE antibodies in serum and CSF and demonstrated their intrathecal synthesis in three cases. In conclusion immunoblot is a powerful technique for detection of IgA and IgE to Toxoplasma gondii. Demonstration of IgE antibodies seem to be a good criterion to evaluate the evolutivity of the parasitosis in HIV patients.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1992

Western blot analysis of antibodies to Leishmania infantum antigens: potential of the 14-kD and 16-kD antigens for diagnosis and epidemiologic purposes.

When infected with Leishmania species, patients develop specific antibodies that constitute the basis of serodiagnosis. Using Western blot analysis, we studied the specificity of anti-L. infantum antibodies in patients with visceral leishmaniasis (including patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS]) and in healthy subjects living in an endemic area. Sera from patients with visceral leishmaniasis recognized numerous antigens that had a molecular mass range of 12-120 kD. The 14-, 16-, 28-30-, 46-, and 68-kD antigens were recognized by 92%, 95%, 63%, 80%, 69%, and 89% of the patients' sera, respectively. The 14-16-kD antigens had the greatest specificity for leishmaniasis. The same pattern was found with sera from AIDS patients with proven leishmaniasis, but the 14-kD band was not present in some cases; recognition of the 16-kD band was constant. In these patients, Western blotting characterized specific antibodies even when the results of classic serologic tests (indirect immunofluorescent antibody test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) were negative. Western blotting was found to be more sensitive than the IFA and ELISA, and it was used to detect antibodies to the 14-, 16-, 22-, and 24-kD antigens in subjects living in an endemic area. The detection of antibodies for the 14-kD and 16-kD Leishmania antigens would be a valuable tool both in the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis and in epidemiologic studies.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1991

Evidence of subjects sensitized to Leishmania infantum on the French Mediterranean coast: differences in gamma interferon production between this population and visceral leishmaniasis patients.

The Marseilles region is an endemic area for visceral mediterranean leishmaniasis, but although the number of dog cases, the parasite's main host, is very high, only a few people develop the disease. We looked for sensitized healthy subjects among 25 healthy individuals living in this area by studying their in vitro lymphoproliferative response to Leishmania infantum antigens and gamma interferon synthesis. We found that 65% of tested subjects were sensitized against L. infantum. We compared their cell mediated immunity to that of 13 active Kala-Azar patients and 13 controls from non-endemic areas. In patients, results showed a specific cellular immuno-deficiency in the lymphocyte response to L. infantum antigens and a global deficiency of gamma interferon production. Interestingly, the healthy individuals from the endemic area who responded to L. infantum antigens were found to produce high gamma interferon levels after L. infantum antigen stimulation. After healing, the cell mediated-immunity of the 3 patients we followed up was similar to that of the sensitized tested healthy subjects, but the former were still producing antibodies at the time of study.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

[Study of cellular immunity in patients with Mediterranean visceral leishmaniasis].

Cellular immunity against Leishmania infantum antigens was studied in visceral leishmaniasis patients and healthy subjects living in a endemic area. Only the healthy subjects were TTL positive with production of gamma interferon, whereas the visceral leishmaniasis patients presented a transitory inhibition of their specific cellular response mechanisms.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Modulo, a new maternally expressed Drosophila gene encodes a DNA-binding protein with distinct acidic and basic regions.

We have cloned, following an immunological screen of an expression library, five cDNA clones encoding the modulo antigen, a DNA-binding protein differentially expressed during Drosophila development. In addition a series of overlapping cDNA and genomic clones were also isolated. This protein is the product of a 2.2 kb mRNA that is encoded by a single genetic locus (100F). Analysis of the complete 544 amino-acid sequence, deduced from nucleotide sequence of cDNAs, shows that the polypeptide exhibits a primary structure with distinct charged regions, a modular structure found in several eukaryotic nuclear proteins, either transcription regulators or structural factors. The amino and carboxyl termini are rich in basic residues. The first third of the sequence contains a long domain comprised almost entirely of glutamic and aspartic acid residues. A typical cAMP dependent phosphorylation site and five potential glycosylation sites have been detected in the amino-acid sequence. Computer searches fail to reveal any significant homology with known proteins. Developmental pattern of transcription of the modulo gene indicates that messengers are maternally provided to the embryos and that zygotic transcription is required during subsequent development.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1989

[Synergic effect of 5-fluorocytosine and imidazole derivatives against yeast strains resistant to 5-fluorocytosine].

Antifungal agents associations are widely used in therapy of deep mycotic diseases, particularly amphotericin B-5-fluorocytosine association. Synergistic effect has also been described between 5-fluorocytosine and imidazole derivates. The authors have tested here eventual synergy between 5-fluorocytosine and imidazole derivatives (miconazole, ketoconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole) against 57 years isolates resistant to 5-fluorocytosine by a semi-automated methods in liquid medium (Yeast Nitrogen Base and Brain Heart Infusion). The synergistic effect between 5-fluorocytosine and antifungal imidazoles varies widely with the drug tested. It's more frequent with ketoconazole. Itraconazole and fluconazole present very little synergistic effects in vitro.

Antifungal Agents↗
PubMed1988

Carbon assimilation tests: substrates assimilation profiles.

Liquid medium assays for yeasts carbon assimilation tests are the more precise but longer methods. For rapid and automated yeasts identification purposes we analysed the assimilation of 34 carbon compounds by 149 reference strains. Assays were carried in liquid shaken medium (Autobac system) and readings were nephelemetric. Valuable results are obtained in 72 hours and their analysis allowed us to classify substrates for their ability to minimize the number of doubtful results.

Alcohols↗
PubMed1988

[Cerebral cysticercosis: imaging, serology, treatment and evolution. Apropos of 2 cases].

The authors present two cases of neurocysticercosis diagnosed both by serology and medical imaging (computed tomographic scan and magnetic resonance imaging). The first patient had a mixed form with localization of the parasites in the different anatomic parts. He developed suddenly a severe encephalitis which growth has been quickly fatal in spite of a prompt praziquantel and corticosteroids treatment. The second patient had a parenchymal form, and the same treatment was very effective.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

[Comparative value of immunoelectrophoresis and ELISA in the serological diagnosis of human hypodermyiasis].

186 sera of patients with hypodermatosis were comparatively studied by immunoelectrophoresis and ELISA. After establishing limits of certainty (2 distinct precipitating arcs with IEP and an optical density greater than or equal to 0.8 with ELISA), the comparison of obtained results shows that there is a good concordance between the two methods, but that the second, by its higher sensitiveness, allows to reveal residual antibodies during a delay after disease recovery longer than with the first. Consequently, this higher sensitiveness allows, first, retrospective diagnosis, then the more frequent settling, when border-lined serological positivities are obtained with IEP, therefore without possible conclusions. On the other side, importance of crossed reactions between Hypoderma bovis and H. lineatum revealed with ELISA, does not allow, contrarily to what is done frequently by IEP, much more specific method, to know the species of Hypoderma causing the disease and, therefore, to bring more to the prognosis.

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay↗
PubMed1987

[Optimization of sensitivity tests to ketoconazole. Value of experience planning in the choice of a medium].

Using factorial design, the authors evaluate the factors which influence in vitro, the anti-fungal activity of ketoconazole against a strain of Candida albicans (CBS 562). With the four mediums most frequently used, (Sabouraud, Casitone, MEM, YNB) they precise the results concerning inoculum, pH, incubation temperature, growth time, serum concentration, and shaking. This method allows the evaluation of each factor in optimal conditions of test. In most cases, the best results are obtained with a 10(4) UFC/ml inoculum, a pH = 7, in absence of serum and without shaking. The influence of temperature is very small. In these conditions, the Casitone medium seems the most satisfactory.

Candida albicans↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Antileishmanial antibodies in an outbreak of visceral leishmaniasis in eastern Sudan: high antibody responses occur in resistant subjects and are not predictive of disease.

A 3-year longitudinal survey was carried out from 1998 to 2000 in a village in eastern Sudan where a visceral leishmaniasis (VL) outbreak occurred. Leishmania-specific antibodies were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblotting. Immunoblot analysis detected antibodies to Leishmania in 80% of the healthy subjects and half of them harboured high immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibody levels, similar to those of VL patients. These antibodies belonged to the IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses but neither their respective levels nor the immunoblot recognition patterns were predictive of VL. During this epidemic, a large proportion of subjects had a high antileishmanial antibody response, indicating that they were infected by Leishmania though most of them remained healthy during the whole study period. These results obtained in the context of an outbreak contrast with those obtained from studies performed in endemic areas characterized by lower parasite transmission levels. Furthermore, the clinical and serological follow-up of our study subjects showed that VL occurred mainly in subjects who had been serologically positive for 5-24 months rather than resulting from primo infection by the parasite.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Comparison of the in vivo behavior of polyvinylidene fluoride and polypropylene sutures used in vascular surgery.

To find a nonabsorbable suture material that is equivalent to polypropylene in ease of handling and tensile properties, and that has low thrombogenicity and tissue reactivity but improved biostability, some researchers and clinicians see merit in considering the suitability of monofilaments made from polyvinylidene fluoride. The current animal study investigated the relative biocompatibility and biostability of these two suture materials by using them to anastomose a polyester arterial prosthesis in a canine thoracoabdominal bypass model for 10 periods of implantation ranging from 4 hr to 2 years. Biocompatibility was assessed with light and scanning electron microscope examinations of the explanted sutures, and biostability of the cleaned sutures was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope analysis. The polyvinylidene fluoride and polypropylene sutures were found to have similar handling and healing characteristics. During the first months in vivo, both types of suture experienced a temporary increase in carbonyl group absorption that coincided with the duration of the inflammatory response. After 1 and 2 years in vivo, the explanted polypropylene sutures showed visual evidence of surface stress cracking. This was not found with the explanted polyvinylidene fluoride sutures. These results suggest that polyvinylidene fluoride may be more biostable than polypropylene in the long term.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Development of in vitro performance tests and evaluation of nonabsorbable monofilament sutures for cardiovascular surgery.

There have been reports suggesting that polypropylene (PP) monofilament sutures are associated with mechanical failure. To overcome this problem, a new monofilament suture made from polyvinylidene fluoride, under the trade name of Teflene, has been developed. Few studies have measured the in vitro properties of Teflene sutures, and those that have, have been limited to a few tensile properties of the straight suture such as tensile strength, elongation, and creep behavior. The in vitro performance properties of Teflene sutures were evaluated and compared with those of commercial sutures made from PP such as Prolene and Surgilene in four sizes, 2-0, 3-0, 4-0, and 5-0. The performance properties of sutures included both the physical properties of straight sutures, such as suture diameter, tensile strength, elongation, surface roughness, coefficient of friction, bending stiffness, and tissue drag, and the knot characteristics, such as knot pull strength, knot run-down, and knot security. Existing standard test methods and testing instruments were used if available to measure certain suture properties such as diameter, tensile strength, knot pull strength, and some physical properties. The other novel test methods and unique accessory devices needed to perform the tests for measuring tissue drag, knot run-down, coefficient of friction, and knot security were developed in the authors' laboratories, and the comparative results are reported for the first time. From the test results, Teflene sutures were found in general to possess equivalent characteristics to those of existing PP commercial sutures, but some differences also were observed, such as greater elongation and less knot run-down. These differences may give them a unique feel and handling performance, especially in terms of making a knot, sliding it into position, and causing less damage to adjacent tissue.

Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures↗