Subversion of complement by hematophagous parasites

in Developmental & Comparative Immunology (2009), 33(1), 5-13

The complement system is a crucial part of innate and adaptive immunity which exerts a significant evolutionary pressure on pathogens. It has selected for those pathogens, mainly microorganisms but also ... [more ▼]

The complement system is a crucial part of innate and adaptive immunity which exerts a significant evolutionary pressure on pathogens. It has selected for those pathogens, mainly microorganisms but also parasites, that have evolved countermeasures. The characterization of how pathogens evade complement attack is a rapidly developing field of current research. In recent years, multiple complement evasion strategies have been characterized. In this review, we focus on complement escape mechanisms expressed by hematophagous parasites, a heterogeneous group of metazoan parasites that share the property of ingesting the whole blood of their host. Complement inhibition is crucial for parasite survival within the host tissue or to facilitate blood feeding. Finally, complement inhibition by hematophagous parasites may also contribute to their success as pathogen vectors. [less ▲]

Subwavelength surface-relief gratings for stellar coronagraphy

in Applied Optics (2005), 44 Issue 34

We present a new design of a phase mask coronagraph implemented with subwavelength diffractive optical elements consisting of optimized surface-relief gratings. Phase mask coronagraphy is a recent ... [more ▼]

We present a new design of a phase mask coronagraph implemented with subwavelength diffractive optical elements consisting of optimized surface-relief gratings. Phase mask coronagraphy is a recent technique that seeks to accommodate both high dynamic and high angular resolution imaging of faint sources around bright astrophysical objects such as exoplanets orbiting their host stars. The original design we propose is a new, integrated, and flexible solution to the pi phase-shift chromaticity of the phase mask coronagraphs. It will allow broadband observations, i.e., shorter integration times and object characterizations, by means of spectroscopic analysis. The feasibility of the component manufacturing is also considered through a tolerance study. [less ▲]

Succès au long cours du traitement par pompe à insuline externe en débit constant d’insuline lispro au cours d’une allergie insulinique chez une diabétique de type1.

in Diabètes & Métabolism (2002), 28

Le succès des 'héritières' : un effet conjugué du genre et du niveau d'études des parents sur la réussite en 1re année de l'Université

in Revue Française de Pédagogie (2012), 180

This study aims at investigating influencing factors of achievement in higher education (1st year of University). The analyses of empirical data collected in French-speaking Belgium show that on average ... [more ▼]

This study aims at investigating influencing factors of achievement in higher education (1st year of University). The analyses of empirical data collected in French-speaking Belgium show that on average girls outperform boys; the gender gap is not explained by students’ previous career. Besides, interaction effects between gender and parents’ level of education are observed. Gender achievement gaps are larger when parents’ level of education is higher. Moreover, when the father’s level of education is kept under control, the mother’s level of education is not related to boys’ achievement, but is related to girls’ achievement. [less ▲]

Succès ou réussite ? Formes et normes de la consécration symbolique

Conference (2004, February 19)

Successful abdominal aortic aneurysm resection in long-term survivors of cardiac transplantation.

in Cardiovascular Surgery (1995), 3(3), 321-4

With the improvement of survival rates following cardiac transplantation, the probability of recipients developing extracardiac disease is increased. Three cases are reported of abdominal aortic aneurysm ... [more ▼]

With the improvement of survival rates following cardiac transplantation, the probability of recipients developing extracardiac disease is increased. Three cases are reported of abdominal aortic aneurysm successfully operated on in cardiac allograft recipients 1 to 4 years after transplantation. Indications for transplantation were valvular, idiopathic and ischaemic cardiomyopathy. Post-transplant hypertension and hyperlipidaemia may have played a role in the rapid growth of the aneurysms. Cardiac function and the incidence of graft atherosclerosis were assessed before surgery by coronary angiography. All three patients were discharged from hospital. Abdominal aortic aneurysm resection may be a safe procedure in cardiac transplant patients. In view of the rapid increase in the size of the aneurysms in transplanted patients, careful screening should be performed during follow-up. [less ▲]

Successful Asteroseismology for a Better Characterization of the Exoplanet HAT-P-7b

in Astrophysics and Space Science Proceedings (2013), 31

It is well known that asteroseismology is the unique technique permitting the study of the internal structure of pulsating stars using their pulsational frequencies, which is per se very important. It ... [more ▼]

It is well known that asteroseismology is the unique technique permitting the study of the internal structure of pulsating stars using their pulsational frequencies, which is per se very important. It acquires an additional value when the star turns out to be a planet host. In this case, the asteroseismic study output may be a very important input for the study of the planetary system. With this in mind, we use the large time-span of the Kepler public data obtained for the star system HAT-P-7, first to perform an asteroseismic study of the pulsating star using Time-Dependent-Convection (TDC) models. Secondly, we make a revision of the planet properties in the light of the asteroseismic study. [less ▲]

Successful Controlled Limb Reperfusion after Severe Prolonged Ischemia

in Journal of Vascular Surgery : Official Publication, the Society for Vascular Surgery and International Society For Cardiovascular Surgery, North American Chapter (1997), 26(2), 346-50

Controlled limb reperfusion was performed in two patients who were admitted for lower limb-threatening ischemia as a result of embolism. After embolectomy, the inflow blood was drained with a cannula and ... [more ▼]

Controlled limb reperfusion was performed in two patients who were admitted for lower limb-threatening ischemia as a result of embolism. After embolectomy, the inflow blood was drained with a cannula and mixed with a crystalloid solution to obtain an hyperosmolar, hypocalcemic, alkalotic, and substrate-enriched (aspartate, glutamate) reperfusate. This reperfusate was reinjected with a roller pump for 30 minutes through two cannulas inserted in the profunda and superficial femoral arteries. Temperature, intraarterial pressures, and flow were closely controlled. No complications occurred, and complete recovery of motor and sensory functions were observed, with restoration of pedal pulses. [less ▲]

Successful mobilization of peripheral blood HPCs with G-CSF alone in patients failing to achieve sufficient numbers of CD34+ cells and/or CFU-GM with chemotherapy and G-CSF.

in Transfusion (2000), 40(3), 339-47

BACKGROUND: Mobilization with chemotherapy and G-CSF may result in poor peripheral blood HPC collection, yielding <2 x 10(6) CD34+ cells per kg or <10 x 10(4) CFU-GM per kg in leukapheresis procedures ... [more ▼]

BACKGROUND: Mobilization with chemotherapy and G-CSF may result in poor peripheral blood HPC collection, yielding <2 x 10(6) CD34+ cells per kg or <10 x 10(4) CFU-GM per kg in leukapheresis procedures. The best mobilization strategy for oncology patients remains unclear. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In 27 patients who met either the CD34 (n = 3) or CFU-GM (n = 2) criteria or both (n = 22), the results obtained with two successive strategies-that is, chemotherapy and G-CSF at 10 microg per kg (Group 1, n = 7) and G-CSF at 10 microg per kg alone (Group 2, n = 20) used for a second mobilization course-were retrospectively analyzed. The patients had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (5), Hodgkin's disease (3), multiple myeloma (5), chronic myeloid leukemia (1), acute myeloid leukemia (1), breast cancer (6), or other solid tumors (6). Previous therapy consisted of 10 (1-31) cycles of chemotherapy with additional chlorambucil (n = 3), interferon (n = 3), and radiotherapy (n = 7). RESULTS: The second collection was undertaken a median of 35 days after the first one. In Group 1, the results of the two mobilizations were identical. In Group 2, the number of CD34+ cells per kg per apheresis (0.17 [0.02-0.45] vs. 0.44 [0.11-0.45], p = 0. 00002), as well as the number of CFU-GM (0.88 [0.00-13.37] vs. 4.19 [0.96-21.61], p = 0.00003), BFU-E (0.83 [0.00-12.72] vs. 8.81 [1. 38-32.51], p = 0.00001), and CFU-MIX (0.10 [0.00-1.70] vs. 0.56 [0. 00-2.64], p = 0.001134) were significantly higher in the second peripheral blood HPC collection. However, yields per apheresis during the second collection did not significantly differ in the two groups. Six patients in Group 1 and 18 in Group 2 underwent transplantation, and all but one achieved engraftment, with a median of 15 versus 12 days to 1,000 neutrophils (NS), 22 versus 16 days to 1 percent reticulocytes (NS), and 26 versus 26 days to 20,000 platelets (NS), respectively. However, platelet engraftment was particularly delayed in many patients. CONCLUSION: G-CSF at 10 microg per kg alone may constitute a valid alternative to chemotherapy and G-CSF to obtain adequate numbers of peripheral blood HPCs in patients who previously failed to achieve mobilization with chemotherapy and G-CSF. This strategy should be tested in prospective randomized trials. [less ▲]

Successful reduction of cholelithiasis in a holstein cow

in Cattle Practice (2012), 20(1), 93-98

A pregnant 3.5 year-old high-productive Holstein cow in the third month of lactation showed colic signs, marked anorexia, and stopped milk production. Clinical examination revealed tachypnea, pyrexia and ... [more ▼]

A pregnant 3.5 year-old high-productive Holstein cow in the third month of lactation showed colic signs, marked anorexia, and stopped milk production. Clinical examination revealed tachypnea, pyrexia and the mucous membranes were all congested. Signs of abdominal discomfort were observed, the abdomen was tense and painful; digestive activity was poor. Blood investigations revealed inflammation, cholestasis, and leucocytosis with marked neutrophilia. Trans-abdominal ultrasonography revealed decreased digestive transit and enlarged gall-bladder. Hepatic or biliary involvement was suspected. A right-flank exploratory laparotomy revealed a gallbladder filled with firm and mobile 0.5 to 1cm diameter fluctuant masses. Digital palpation allowed cholelith extraction through the cystic duct into the duodenum. After the surgery, the cow progressively regained a normal appetite and pain signs decreased. Blood samples analysed 10 days after the surgery still showed inflammation but to a lesser extent. Hepatic enzymes were markedly increased, indicating hepatic injury. Three months after the surgery, the cow was healthy and was inseminated. This case report suggests that cholelithiasis may be diagnosed and successfully treated in early stage of the disease in cattle, though this condition is rare in this species. This is the second report of manual cholelith extraction in a cow. [less ▲]