Pt nanoparticles dispersed in a mesostrucured silica matrix: towards self-organized 3D nanocomposite.
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Journal Article↗
Biomedical subjects
Pierre Thomas
Publications and source records attributed to Pierre Thomas.
[New epileptic treatments. Current modalities and their utilization].
NINE NEW MOLECULES: Since 1990, nine antiepileptic drugs have been launched in France: vigabatrin (Sabril), felbamate (Taloxa), gabapentin (Neurontin), lamotrigine (Lamictal), tiagabine (Gabitril), fosphenytoin (Prodilantin), topiramate (Epitomax), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) and levetiracetam (Keppra). INDICATIONS EXTENDING: The indications for these new antiepileptic molecules, initially indicated in the case of insufficient efficacy or intolerance to first (phenobarbital, phenytoin) or second generation (valproate, carbamazepine) antiepileptics are in fact progressively extending, notably with the approval of first line monotherapy with gabapentin (partial epileptic seizures in adults), lamotrigine (partial and generalised epilepsy, and in addition in children) and oxcarbazepine (partial epilepsy). PROBLEMS OF TOLERANCE: Two molecules (vigabatrin and felbamate) had their prescription reduced because of rare but severe side effects, which had not been detected during the studies preceding marketing authorisation. The availability of these new antiepileptics has broadened and diversified but also complicated the medical management of epilepsy. Although the efficacy of the molecules has been demonstrated, particularly in certain specific indications, some products (felbamate, tiagabine, topiramate) exhibit an average efficacy/safety profile, whereas others (felbamate, lamotrigine) expose the patients to rare but potentially severe idiosyncratic effects. Moreover, some drugs with limited spectrum (vigabatrin, gabapentin, tiagabine and oxcarbazepine) may even worsen the symptoms of epilepsy. INTEREST AND LIMITS: The new antiepileptics often lead to remarkable results in cases of moderate epilepsy. However, they do not appear to change the conditions of the small percentage of patients who suffer from truly severe epilepsy. More targeted indications, notably in children, warrant specification in rigorous clinical trails that are still difficult to elaborate. All these data justify the efforts made in the development of new drugs, and the emergence of surgical and alternative approaches.
Anticonvulsants↗
[Suicide behavior in adolescents and adults].
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Adolescent↗
Persistence of ictal activity after functional hemispherectomy in Rasmussen syndrome.
A 15-year-old girl with a 3-year history of Rasmussen syndrome (RS) underwent left functional hemispherectomy by central disconnection. Clinical seizures then ceased. Five months postoperatively, ictal EEG discharges were associated with focal hyperperfusion on SPECT within the disconnected hypoperfused left hemisphere, suggesting that the basic mechanisms of RS may continue, only to remit later. EEG and SPECT may complement studies of these in seizure-free surgically treated patients in whom clinical follow-up may be unrevealing.
Adolescent↗
Desulfovibrio capillatus sp. nov., a novel sulfate-reducing bacterium isolated from an oil field separator located in the Gulf of Mexico.
A new spirilloid sulfate-reducing bacterium designated strain MET2(T) (T=type strain), was isolated from a Mexican oil field separator. Electron microscopy revealed a Gram-negative cell wall consisting of a 150nm thick undulating outer membrane. Strain MET2(T) appeared singly or in long chains and was actively motile with a corkscrew-like motion. The isolate grew optimally at 40 degrees C, pH 7.4 and 3% NaCl in a medium containing lactate, thiosulfate and yeast extract. Sulfate, sulfite, thiosulfate, and elemental sulfur served as electron acceptors but not nitrate or fumarate. Lactate, pyruvate and H(2) (with acetate as carbon source) were used as electron donors. Pyruvate was fermented. Desulfoviridin and cyt c were present. The G+C content of the DNA was 58.7mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA sequencing showed that strain MET2(T) was a member of the genus Desulfovibrio with "D. gracilis" and D. longus being its closest relatives (similarities of 98.3% and 97.1%, respectively). However, DNA-DNA hybridization studies indicated poor homologies (values <70%) with both species. On the basis of genotypic, phenotypic, and phylogenetic characteristics, strain MET2(T) (=DSM14982(T)=CIP107483(T)) is proposed as the type strain of a new species, Desulfovibrio capillatus sp. nov. GenBank accession number for the 16S rDNA sequence for MET2(T) is AY176773.
Journal Article↗
Chronic graft-versus-host disease revealed by lichenoid vulvar lesions successfully treated with thalidomide.
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Administration, Oral↗
Clostridium caminithermale sp. nov., a slightly halophilic and moderately thermophilic bacterium isolated from an Atlantic deep-sea hydrothermal chimney.
A strictly anaerobic, slightly halophilic and moderately thermophilic, sporulating rod designated strain DVird3T was isolated from deep-sea hydrothermal vent samples collected at a depth of approximately 800 m on the Atlantic Ocean Ridge. Strain DVird3T possessed a few laterally inserted flagella, had a DNA G + C content of 33.1 mol% and grew optimally at pH 6.6 and at 45 degrees C. Growth was observed at temperatures between 20 and 58 degrees C and at pH values between 5.8 and 8.2. The optimum NaCl concentration for growth was 3% sea salt (30 g l(-1)); no growth was observed in the presence of 15 or 60 g sea salt l(-1). Strain DVird3T is heterotrophic and utilizes some sugars and various single amino acids. Acetate was the main fatty acid detected from carbohydrate fermentation, together with H2 and CO2. Gelatin was used as an energy source. It performed the Stickland reaction. Phylogenetically, strain DVird3T branched with members of cluster XI of the order Clostridiales, with Clostridium halophilum as its closest relative (similarity of 94.6%). On the basis of its phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic characteristics, strain DVird3T (= DSM 15212T = CIP 107654T) is proposed as the type strain of a novel species of the genus Clostridium, Clostridium caminithermale sp. nov.
Atlantic Ocean↗
Desulfonauticus submarinus gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel sulfate-reducing bacterium isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent.
A novel moderately thermophilic, hydrogenotrophic, sulfate-reducing bacterium, strain 6N(T) (=DSM 15269(T)=CIP 107713(T)), was isolated from matrixes of Alvinella and Riftia originating from deep-sea hydrothermal-vent samples collected on the 13 degrees N East-Pacific Rise at a depth of approximately 2600 m. It was a Gram-negative, non-sporulating, curved rod, motile with one polar flagellum, that did not possess desulfoviridin. It grew at temperatures ranging from 30 to 60 degrees C, with an optimum at 45 degrees C, in the presence of 0-5 % NaCl (optimum 2 %). Strain 6N(T) utilized only H(2)/CO(2) and formate as electron donors with acetate as carbon source. Sulfate, sulfite, thiosulfate and elemental sulfur were used as terminal electron acceptors during hydrogen oxidation. The G+C content of DNA was 34.4 mol%. Strain 6N(T) grouped with members of the family Desulfohalobiaceae in the delta-subclass of the PROTEOBACTERIA: Its closest phylogenetic relative was Desulfonatronovibrio hydrogenovorans, with only 90 % similarity between the sequences of the genes encoding 16S rRNA. Because of significant phylogenetic differences from all sulfate-reducing bacteria described so far in the domain Bacteria, this novel thermophile is proposed to be assigned to a new genus and species, Desulfonauticus submarinus gen. nov., sp. nov.
Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins↗
Garciella nitratireducens gen. nov., sp. nov., an anaerobic, thermophilic, nitrate- and thiosulfate-reducing bacterium isolated from an oilfield separator in the Gulf of Mexico.
A novel Gram-positive, anaerobic and thermophilic bacterium, strain MET79(T), was isolated from an oil well located in the Gulf of Mexico. Cells were straight rods, motile by a subpolar flagellum. Spores were formed in old cultures. Inner gas vacuoles swelled the cells when exposed to air. The optimum growth conditions were 55 degrees C, pH 7.5 and 1 % NaCl. Yeast extract was required for growth. Strain MET79(T) fermented several sugars, some organic acids and Casamino acids. Glucose was fermented into lactate, acetate, butyrate, H(2) and CO(2). Strain MET79(T) reduced thiosulfate to hydrogen sulfide and nitrate to ammonium. The DNA G+C content was 30.9 mol%. The closest phylogenetic relative of strain MET79(T) was Caloranaerobacter azorensis (88.7 % 16S rDNA sequence similarity). As strain MET79(T) (=DSM 15102(T)=CIP 107615(T)) was physiologically and phylogenetically different from its closest relatives, it is assigned as the type strain of a novel species of a new genus, Garciella nitratireducens gen. nov., sp. nov.
Anaerobiosis↗
Benign idiopathic occipital epilepsy: report of a case of the late (Gastaut) type [corrected].
We report the electro-clinical characteristics of a case with Gastaut type idiopathic occipital epilepsy. The visual seizures, a cardinal feature of the syndrome, are described and illustrated by video sequences. A number of stereotyped seizures are shown where the child, an 11-year-old boy, clearly describes the visual phenomena experienced. Prognosis of this common form of partial idiopathic epilepsy is relatively good but, as in our case, seizures may be very frequent during a long period of time. In such cases the term 'benign' is probably not the most appropriate.
Child↗
Ictal SPECT in a case of pure musicogenic epilepsy.
A 39-year-old, right-handed woman had seizures for two years which were always triggered by exposure to various types of music: the first occurred while she listened to a tune she particularly liked, Con Te Partiro, by Andrea Boccelli. Other triggering factors were various types of music such as supermarket background music and polyphonic singing or instrumental music played by family members. The seizures had a stereotyped course: she felt anxious, tearful, then occurred slight obtundation, during which she smacked her lips and moved restlessly. There was no complete loss of consciousness, but some degree of amnesia. She never experienced a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, but reported rare spontaneous feelings of déjà-vu that had begun at the same time as the induced seizures. There were no other spontaneous attacks; only one seizure was apparently provoked, not by music but by a loud background noise in her office. She was a music lover and a singer. Interictal EEG showed independent slow waves over the temporal regions. Several seizures with EEG localisation over the right temporal region were elicited after several minutes of exposure to music. Monoauricular stimulation with the same music produced a seizure when applied to the left ear but was ineffective when applied to the right ear. Ictal SPECT demonstrated right temporal hyperperfusion. MRI was normal. On high dose of carbamazepine, seizure frequency decreased. The addition of topiramate resulted in full seizure control. Musicogenic epilepsy is a rare form of reflex epilepsy. Pure cases, when patients do not experience unprovoked seizures, are exceptional. Our report confirms the implication of the right temporal lobe in this epilepsy.
Adult↗
[Latex allergy].
Latex is an ubiquitous natural product, frequently used at home or at work (gloves, balloon, condom...). Latex hypersensitivity is an increasing problem and now presents worrying prevalence among exposed subjects, particularly health care workers or atopic subjects or patients with multiple invasive procedures. Latex allergy generally refers to a type 1 reaction to natural rubber latex proteins with clinical manifestations ranging from contact urticaria to asthma and anaphylaxis. But eczema reaction of type IV hypersensitivity to latex rubber adding (anti-oxidant, preservative, accelerator) is also observed.
Dermatitis, Occupational↗
SPECT imaging, clinical features, and cognition before and after low doses of amisulpride in schizophrenic patients with the deficit syndrome.
The aim of the study was to examine the action of low-dose amisulpride (100 mg/d), an atypical antipsychotic from the benzamide class with a high affinity for the D2 and D3 dopamine receptors, given for 4 weeks in 19 schizophrenic patients with the deficit syndrome, in terms of clinical response, modifications in their cognitive performance and changes in brain perfusion values. A secondary objective was to distinguish between primary and secondary deficit, according to Carpenter's definition. Both efficacy and a relatively low rate of side effects of low-dose amisulpride in the deficit forms of schizophrenia were found as expected from earlier placebo-controlled studies. Our study found significant changes in the cerebral blood flow, before and after treatment, more marked in the frontal area and particularly in the dorso-lateral frontal area. A significant improvement of cognitive function was found after treatment, without a link to any particular changes in a loco-regional perfusion value. Finally, a distinction between primary and secondary deficit showed a higher percentage of clinical improvement in the patients with a secondary deficit. The psychometric and cerebral perfusion changes were no different in the two groups.
Adult↗
Regional cerebral blood flow in deficit/nondeficit types of schizophrenia according to SDS criteria.
A relationship between "hypofrontality" and a negative form of schizophrenia is commonly found. The Schedule for the Deficit Syndrome (SDS) provides specific criteria for assessing the presence of negative symptoms, their duration and whether the symptoms are primary or secondary. The purpose of our study was to compare the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) at rest, in 62 deficit and nondeficit schizophrenic patients, according to the SDS criteria (French version). The deficit patients in our population were comparable to those described in the literature (stability of their negative symptoms with time, poor premorbid adjustment, duration of the illness, age at the first episode, etc.). No difference was found in the locoregional perfusion with respect to the DSM-III-R type of schizophrenia, the sex or the type of treatment received. The patients with a deficit form of schizophrenia showed a significant bilateral reduction in single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) perfusion in the right frontodorsolateral cortex (P=.0105) and the left frontodorsolateral cortex (P=.0004) compared with the nondeficit schizophrenic patients. The contribution of SDS seems to be helpful in distinguishing between significant cerebral characteristics in deficit schizophrenics, as defined by Carpenter. These results suggest a decrease in prefrontal perfusion at rest, which corresponds with neuropsychological data.
Adult↗
Sporanaerobacter acetigenes gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel acetogenic, facultatively sulfur-reducing bacterium.
A strictly anaerobic, moderately thermophilic, sporulating rod, designated strain Lup 33T, was isolated from an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor in Mexico. Strain Lup 33T possessed a few laterally inserted flagella, had a DNA G+C content of 32.2 mol % and grew optimally at pH 7.4 and 40 degrees C. Growth was observed at temperatures of up to 50 degrees C and was inhibited in the presence of 5% NaCl. Strain Lup 33T is heterotrophic and utilized some sugars, peptides and various single amino acids. Gelatin and casein were not used as energy sources. It performed the Stickland reaction and reduced elemental sulfur to sulfide. Acetate was the only fatty acid detected from glucose fermentation, whereas acetate together with isobutyrate and isovalerate were found as end products from peptone fermentation. Phylogenetically, strain Lup 33T branched with members of cluster XII of the order Clostridiales, with Clostridium hastiforme as the closest relative (similarity of 93%). On the basis of the phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic characteristics of the isolate, it is proposed as a novel species of a new genus, Sporanaerobacter acetigenes gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is strain Lup 33T (= DSM 13106T = CIP 106730T).
Acetates↗
Clostridium thiosulfatireducens sp. nov., a proteolytic, thiosulfate- and sulfur-reducing bacterium isolated from an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor.
A strictly anaerobic, gram-positive, sporulating rod (0.5-0.6 x 2.0-4.0 microm), designated strain Lup 21T, was isolated from an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor treating cheese-factory wastewater. Strain Lup 21T was motile by means of peritrichous flagella, had a G+C content of 31.4 mol% and grew optimally at 37 degrees C, pH 7.4, in the absence of NaCl. It is a heterotrophic micro-organism, utilizing proteinaceous compounds (gelatin, peptides, Casamino acids and various single amino acids) but unable to use any of the carbohydrates tested as a carbon and energy source. It reduced thiosulfate and elemental sulfur to sulfide in the presence of Casamino acids as carbon and energy sources. Acetate, butyrate, isobutyrate, isovalerate, CO2 and sulfide were end products from oxidation of gelatin and Casamino acids in the presence of thiosulfate as an electron acceptor. In the absence of thiosulfate, serine, lysine, methionine and histidine were fermented. On the basis of 16S rRNA similarity, strain Lup 21T was related to members of the low-G+C Clostridiales group, Clostridium subterminale DSM 6970T being the closest relative (with a sequence similarity of 99.4%). DNA-DNA hybridization was 56% with this species. On the basis of phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic characteristics, the isolate was designated as a novel species of the genus Clostridium, Clostridium thiosulfatireducens sp. nov. The type strain is strain Lup 21T (= DSM 13105T = CIP 106908T).
Anaerobiosis↗
Depressive disorder with psychotic symptoms as psychiatric presentation of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: a case report.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare neurodegenerative disease and shows a wide range of early clinical manifestation. We report the case of Ms. A, a 50-year-old woman, who exhibited an atypical psychiatric presentation of CJD at the beginning of the disease, as a depressive disorder with psychotic features. We discuss this case, the clinical attitudes that can lead to misdiagnose such presentation of CJD with other psychiatric diseases, and propose to repeat complementary investigations when the diagnostic is evocated, even if these tests are often negative or nonspecific in the early stages of CJD.
Affective Disorders, Psychotic↗
Psychophysical assessment of magno- and parvocellular function in schizophrenia.
Recently developed psychophysical techniques permit the biasing of the processing of the stimulus by early visual channels so that responses reflect characteristics of either magno- or parvocellular pathways (Pokorny & Smith, 1997). We used such techniques to test psychophysically whether the global magnocellular dysfunction reported in schizophrenia also affects early processes. Seven schizophrenic patients and 19 normal controls participated. The task was a four-alternative forced-choice luminance discrimination, using a 2 x 2 configuration of four 1-deg squares. Target luminance threshold was determined in three conditions: the stimulus, including the target, was pulsed for 17 ms (pulse paradigm); the target was presented on a steady background of four squares (steady paradigm), or the target was presented alone (no background paradigm). We replicated previous results demonstrating magnocellular and parvocellular signatures in control participants. No evidence for an early magnocellular deficit could be detected as the thresholds of all schizophrenic observers were higher both in the steady paradigm (presumed magnocellular mediation) and in the pulse paradigm (presumed parvocellular mediation). Magnocellular dysfunction, if present in schizophrenia, must concern more integrated processes, possibly at levels at which parvocellular and magnocellular paths interact.
Adolescent↗