Etat des lieux des pratiques en éducation thérapeutique dans les institutions hospitalières en provinces de Liège et de Luxembourg

in Diabètes & Métabolism (2012), 38(2), 51

Strontium ranelate in knee osteoarthritis trial (SEKOIA) : a structural and symptomatic efficacy

in Arthritis and Rheumatism (2012), 64(S10), 681

Effects of Strontium ranelate on knee osteoarthritis pain : a responder analysis

in Arthritis and Rheumatism (2012), 64(S10), 110

Clinically meaningful effect of strontium ranelate on knee osteoarthritis symptoms

in Arthritis and Rheumatism (2012), 64(S10), 110

Respiratory system elastance monitoring during PEEP titration

in Critical Care: the Official Journal of the Critical Care Forum (2012), 34 (Suppl 1)

Seeking for the optimum retrieval strategy of methanol (CH3OH) from ground-based high-resolution FTIR solar observations recorded at the high-altitude Jungfraujoch station (46.5ºN)

in Geophysical Research Abstracts (2012), 14

Methanol (CH3OH) is a key organic compound in the Earth’s troposphere, with reported concentrations of the order of a few ppbv. It is indeed the second most abundant organic atmospheric compound after ... [more ▼]

Methanol (CH3OH) is a key organic compound in the Earth’s troposphere, with reported concentrations of the order of a few ppbv. It is indeed the second most abundant organic atmospheric compound after methane (Jacob et al., 2005). The same authors have estimated its lifetime to a few days. Natural sources of CH3OH include plant growth, oceans, decomposition of plant matter, oxidation of methane,. . . They are complemented by anthropogenic (from vehicles, industry) and biomass burning emissions. Oxidation by the hydroxyl radical is the main sink, leading to the formation of carbon monoxide (CO) and formaldehyde (H2CO) (Rinsland et al., 2009; Stavrakou et al., 2011, and references therein). The first retrievals of methanol from ground-based Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra have been reported by Rinsland et al. (2009), using spectra recorded at Kitt Peak (31.9ºN) and a microwindow extending from 992 to 999 cm-1. Soon after, Stavrakou et al. (2011) used another spectral interval from 1029 to 1037 cm-1, for methanol retrievals at Reunion Island (21ºS). In both cases, lines of the strong nu8 band of CH3OH were adjusted, accounting for interferences by several isotopologues of ozone and by water vapor. In this contribution, we will present first retrievals of CH3OH from observations recorded at the high-altitude station of the Jungfraujoch (46.5ºN, 8ºE, 3580 m asl), with a Bruker 120HR spectrometer, in the framework of the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC, visit http://www.ndacc.org). We will implement existing retrieval approaches –and possibly additional one(s)– to determine which strategy is the most appropriate for our dry high-altitude site. If successful, a long-term CH3OH total column time series will be produced using the Jungfraujoch observational database, and we will perform preliminary investigations to characterize the seasonal and inter-annual variations of this species at northern mid-latitudes. [less ▲]

Intelligence Naturelle et Intelligence Artificielle

in Acta Europeana Systemica (2011, December 07), 1

This article presents a systemic approach to the concept of natural intelligence with the aim of creating an artificial intelligence. Thus, the natural intelligence, human and nonhuman animals, is a ... [more ▼]

This article presents a systemic approach to the concept of natural intelligence with the aim of creating an artificial intelligence. Thus, the natural intelligence, human and nonhuman animals, is a function composed of faculties to know and understand. In addition, natural intelligence is inseparable from the structure, namely the organs of the brain and body. The temptation is to equip computer systems with artificial intelligence that should have a function composed of the same faculties as those encompassed in human intelligence. The artificial intelligence must also remain inseparable from the structure, namely the organs of an artificial brain and an artificial body. As a result, the artificial robot is the ideal structure to see the emergence of a strong artificial intelligence. Note that a weak artificial intelligence is developed on computer systems by a simulation program of intelligence. In this paper, neural programmable memories will be presented and simulated [less ▲]

Evolution récente de l'incidence des fractures de hanche et de la consommation de médicaments anti-ostéoporotiques en Belgique

in Revue du Rhumatisme (2011, December), 78(Suppl. 5), 43-44

Approche par compétences et équité des apprentissages : un mariage impossible ? Etude de cas à propos de l'enseignement de l'histoire

in Puzzle. Revue du Centre interfacultaire de formation des enseignants de l'ULg (2011, December), n°30

L'objet de cette communication était de présenter les résultats d'une recherche exploratoire menée dans 5 classes de l'enseignement secondaire de transition en avril-mai 2011.

Contrôle de la pression artérielle (PA) et mesure de la rigidité artérielle (RA) chez des transplantés rénaux (TR) (étude EPARA)

in Archives des Maladies du Coeur et des Vaisseaux (2011, December), Hors série 3

EPARA a étudié le contrôle de la PA au cabinet de consultation et en dehors, et l'état de rigidité artérielle chez des transplantés rénaux stables, greffés depuis plus d'un an. Le contrôle de la PA est ... [more ▼]

EPARA a étudié le contrôle de la PA au cabinet de consultation et en dehors, et l'état de rigidité artérielle chez des transplantés rénaux stables, greffés depuis plus d'un an. Le contrôle de la PA est loin d‘être satisfaisant dans cette population de TR hypertendus, traîtés pour la plupart, particulièrement à domicile. L‘HTA masquée est fréquente, associée à un risque cardio-vasculaire élevé et une rigidité accrue des grosses artères. La PAS centrale est d‘autant plus élevée que la fonction rénale est mauvaise. Proposer de recourir systématiquement à des mesures ambulatoires de PA est hautement conseillé chez ce type de patients! [less ▲]

EVALUATION OF ORGANIC DUST COMPONENTS CYTOTOXICITY ON THP1 MONOCYTES-DERIVED-MACROPHAGES USING HIGH CONTENT ANALYSIS

in Veterinary Clinical Pathology (2011, December), 40(4), 583

Background: Organic dust contains pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) which can induce, following chronic exposure, significant airway diseases. Mononuclear phagocytes are key protecting cells ... [more ▼]

Background: Organic dust contains pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) which can induce, following chronic exposure, significant airway diseases. Mononuclear phagocytes are key protecting cells of the respiratory tract. Several studies have investigated the effects of PAMPs, and mainly endotoxins, on cytokine production. However the sub-lethal cytotoxicity of organic dust components on macrophages has not been tested yet. The novel technology of high content analysis (HCA) is already used to assess subclinical drug-induced toxicity. It combines the capabilities of flow cytometry, intracellular fluorescence probes, and image analysis and enables to perform rapid multiple analysis in large numbers of samples. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was, by using HCA, to investigate the cytotoxicity of the 3 major PAMPs contained in organic dust, ie. endotoxin (LPS), peptidoglycan (PGN) and β-glucans (zymosan) on THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages. Methods: LPS was used at concentrations of 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.1 and 1 μg/ml; PGN and zymosan were used at concentrations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 μg/ml. Cells were exposed to PAMPs for 24 hours. In addition, the oxidative burst and the phagocytic capabilities of the cells were tested. Results: An overlap between PGN intrinsic fluorescence and red/far-red fluorescent dyes occurred, rendering the evaluation of some parameters impossible for PGN. LPS induced sub-lethal cytotoxicity at the lowest dose (from 10 ng/ml). However, the most spectacular changes occurred with zymosan. In addition, zymosan, but not LPS, induced phagosome maturation and oxidative burst. Conclusions: Given the fact that β-glucans can be up to 100 fold more concentrated in organic dust than LPS, these results suggest that β-glucans could play a major role in macrophages impairment following heavy dust exposure and will deserve further investigation in the near future. [less ▲]

Imagerie motrice après fracture de l'extrémité distale du radius

in Chirurgie de la Main (2011, December), 30(6), 477

Exercise and epinephrine affect equine leukocytes distribution and gene expression in a distinct but closely related pattern

in Veterinary Clinical Pathology (2011, December), 40(4), 583-584

Background: In horses-athletes, exercise has been shown to be an important regulator of immune cells and their functions, and catecholamines to be essential components of the physiological response to ... [more ▼]

Background: In horses-athletes, exercise has been shown to be an important regulator of immune cells and their functions, and catecholamines to be essential components of the physiological response to exercise. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to compare immunological reactions and molecular events during exercise and epinephrine infusion. Methods: Horses were submitted to exercise or epinephrine infusion for 10 min. Blood samples were collected at T0, T5, Tl0, T20 and T40 min for biochemistry and haematology at T0 and T20 min for RNA extraction and microarray analysis. Results: In both protocols, packed-cell-volume and neutrophils peaked at T5 and T10, and returned to baseline at T40. Lymphocytes increased at T5 with exercise and at T20 with epinephrine and then remained high until the end of the protocols. Between T0 and T20, 55 probes, coding for 25 genes, and 19 probes, coding for 11 genes, were differentially regulated with epinephrine and exercise respectively (P<0.001). Ten of the genes over-expressed with epinephrine were related to inflammatory response and leukocytes trafficking and activation. Among the genes with the highest significant fold changes following exercise were FOS, DUSP-1 and CXCL1. FOS was over-expressed in both conditions. Among genes differentially regulated, Ingenuity software identified 3 overlapping functional networks with epinephrine and 1 functional network with exercise that overlapped the 3 epinephrine networks. Conclusions: Circulating leukocytes distribution and gene expression are rapidly affected following exercise and epinephrine infusion. Distinct but closely-related sets of gene activities were shown to be altered with exercise and epinephrine, with lesser changes in the immunological pattern with physical stress than epinephrine alone, arguing for compensatory mechanisms in exercise. [less ▲]

Genetic screening for AIP mutations in Young patients with sporadic and Familial Pituitary Macroadenomas

in Endocrinologia = Endokrinologiia (2011, November 18)

Etude des qualités métrologiques d'un nouvel outil d'évaluation des peurs-évitements du lombalgique chronique

in Revue du Rhumatisme (2011, November), 78(Suppl 5), 50-51

Les séances d'école du dos n'augmentent pas les peurs liées à la douleur du lombalgique chronique

in Revue du Rhumatisme (2011, November), 78(Suppl 5), 182

Le sommeil chez les patients en état de conscience altérée

in Sommeil et Vigilance (2011, November), 20

Cet article offre un résumé des études sur le sommeil menées chez les patients dans le coma, en état végétatif, avec un syndrome "locked-in" et après récupération. Il illustre l'importance de tester le ... [more ▼]

Cet article offre un résumé des études sur le sommeil menées chez les patients dans le coma, en état végétatif, avec un syndrome "locked-in" et après récupération. Il illustre l'importance de tester le fonctionnement du sommeil chez le patient blessé au cerveau afin de contriburer à son évaluation clinique. [less ▲]

Study of Conduction Mechanisms in Antistatic Felts at the Mesoscopic Scale

in Proceedings of the International Symposium on New Frontiers in Fiber Materials Science (Fibers2011) (2011, October 11)

This work is part of a project that deals with the optimization of the quantity and the nature of conductive fibers in antistatic felts used for filtering and sieving powders. Our research concerns the ... [more ▼]

This work is part of a project that deals with the optimization of the quantity and the nature of conductive fibers in antistatic felts used for filtering and sieving powders. Our research concerns the electrical properties at the mesoscopic scale. It aims at determining the conduction mechanisms and the distribution of the electric potential at the scale of the distance between the conductive fibers. In this paper, current-voltage (I-V) measurement results are presented and discussed. X-ray microtomography is used to obtain the geometry of the conductive fibers inside the felts before and after these I-V tests. The studied textile material is based on polyester fibers and stainless steel conductive fibers. [less ▲]

Size, density, albedo and atmosphere limit of dwarf planet Eris from a stellar occultation

in EPSC-DPS Joint Meeting 2011, held 2-7 October 2011 in Nantes, France. <A href="http://meetings.copernicus.org/epsc-dps2011">http://meetings.copernicus.org/epsc-dps2011</A>, p.137 (2011, October 01)

We report the observation of a multi-chord stellar occultation by the dwarf planet (136199) Eris. The event was observed on November 6, 2010 UT, from two sites in Chile. Our observation is consistent with ... [more ▼]

We report the observation of a multi-chord stellar occultation by the dwarf planet (136199) Eris. The event was observed on November 6, 2010 UT, from two sites in Chile. Our observation is consistent with a spherical Eris with radius RE=1163±6 km, density =2.52±0.05 g cm-3, and visible geometric albedo pV=0.96+0.09 -0.04. Besides being remarkably similar in size to Pluto, Eris appears as one of the intrinsically brightest objects of the solar system, with a density suggesting a mainly rocky interior. Upper limits of about 1 nbar are derived for the surface pressure of possible nitrogen, argon or methane atmospheres of the dwarf planet. [less ▲]

L’influence du contexte culturel et institutionnel dans le choix du style managérial dans le secteur non marchand en Afrique subsaharienne: cas des ONG internationales au Burundi

in Actes de Colloques de l'AGRH 2011 (2011, October)

La présente étude s’inscrit dans une logique de recherche d’un style de management approprié à l’Afrique subsaharienne en général, et à l’Afrique de l’Est plus spécifiquement. Partant des grandes ... [more ▼]

La présente étude s’inscrit dans une logique de recherche d’un style de management approprié à l’Afrique subsaharienne en général, et à l’Afrique de l’Est plus spécifiquement. Partant des grandes approches managériales dans le domaine de la GRH reprises dans la littérature, nous tentons d’identifier le style managérial qui s’adapte mieux à la réalité et aux exigences auxquelles sont soumises les organisations internationales qui travaillent en Afrique subsaharienne en général, et celles œuvrant dans la Région des Grands-Lacs en particulier. Nous nous focalisons sur les organisations du secteur non marchand présentes dans cette région marquée par d’interminables conflits et guerres fratricides à caractère ethnique, une instabilité politique, une fragile démocratie ou une faillite quasi totale de l’Etat. Notre problématique consiste à comprendre l’influence du contexte culturel et institutionnel dans le choix ou l’adoption de telle ou telle autre approche de Management des ressources humaines par les ONG internationales au Burundi. Dans ce pays, les grandes valeurs qui marquent la culture nationale sont notamment l’attachement à la famille, la confiance discrète et le dialogue comme mode de résolution de conflits entre des personnes ou groupes de personnes. Ainsi, tenterons-nous de répondre à la question centrale suivante: Des contextes culturels et institutionnels différents peuvent-ils affecter la cohérence des pratiques de GRH et l’intégration de celles-ci dans la stratégie globale de l’organisation? Pour y répondre, nous adoptons une méthodologie qualitative à travers une étude de cas et une analyse exploratoire des données issues d’interviews semi-directives et d’observations directes réalisées sur terrain au Burundi. Les résultats de cette étude penchent davantage vers un style managérial négocié qui se situe entre l’imposition du style managérial du pays d’origine et la soumission au style de management local. Notre étude se termine par la formulation d’un certain nombre d’hypothèses qui seront, par la suite, validées ou infirmées dans nos études ultérieures à la suite d’une analyse plus approfondies de données empiriques portant sur plusieurs ONG internationales. [less ▲]

Rate of Malignancies and Infections in a Large Single Center Cohort of IBD Patients Treated With Thiopurines and Anti-TNF-Antibodies.

in Gut (2011, October)

La défiguration du prototype urbain et l'image incertaine de la ville contemporaine

in Degrés : Revue de Synthèses à Orientation Sémiologique (2011, October), (printemps-été), 1-16

L’influence du contexte culturel et institutionnel dans le choix du style managérial dans le secteur non marchand en Afrique subsaharienne: cas des ONG internationales au Burundi

in Actes des Congrès de l'AGRH (2011, October)

Résumé La présente étude s’inscrit dans une logique de recherche d’un style de management approprié à l’Afrique subsaharienne en général, et à l’Afrique de l’Est plus spécifiquement. Partant des grandes ... [more ▼]

Résumé La présente étude s’inscrit dans une logique de recherche d’un style de management approprié à l’Afrique subsaharienne en général, et à l’Afrique de l’Est plus spécifiquement. Partant des grandes approches managériales dans le domaine de la GRH reprises dans la littérature, nous tentons d’identifier le style managérial qui s’adapte mieux à la réalité et aux exigences auxquelles sont soumises les organisations internationales qui travaillent en Afrique subsaharienne en général, et celles œuvrant dans la Région des Grands-Lacs en particulier. Nous nous focalisons sur les organisations du secteur non marchand présentes dans cette région marquée par d’interminables conflits et guerres fratricides à caractère ethnique, une instabilité politique, une fragile démocratie ou une faillite quasi totale de l’Etat. Notre problématique consiste à comprendre l’influence du contexte culturel et institutionnel dans le choix ou l’adoption de telle ou telle autre approche de Management des ressources humaines par les ONG internationales au Burundi. Dans ce pays, les grandes valeurs qui marquent la culture nationale sont notamment l’attachement à la famille, la confiance discrète et le dialogue comme mode de résolution de conflits entre des personnes ou groupes de personnes. Ainsi, tenterons-nous de répondre à la question centrale suivante: Des contextes culturels et institutionnels différents peuvent-ils affecter la cohérence des pratiques de GRH et l’intégration de celles-ci dans la stratégie globale de l’organisation? Pour y répondre, nous adoptons une méthodologie qualitative à travers une étude de cas et une analyse exploratoire des données issues d’interviews semi-directives et d’observations directes réalisées sur terrain au Burundi. Les résultats de cette étude penchent davantage vers un style managérial négocié qui se situe entre l’imposition du style managérial du pays d’origine et la soumission au style de management local. Notre étude se termine par la formulation d’un certain nombre d’hypothèses qui seront, par la suite, validées ou infirmées dans nos études ultérieures à la suite d’une analyse plus approfondies de données empiriques portant sur plusieurs ONG internationales. [less ▲]

Science based management of coastal waters

in Journal of Marine Systems (2011, October), 88(1),

Plasma enrichi en plaquettes et cicatrisation tendineuse : modèle sur rats

in Annales de Réadaptation et de Médecine Physique (2011, October), 54(1), 123

Introduction: Le but de notre étude était de déterminer si une injection de plasma enrichi en plaquettes (PRP) pouvait améliorer et accélérer le processus de cicatrisation de tendons d'Achille de rats ... [more ▼]

Introduction: Le but de notre étude était de déterminer si une injection de plasma enrichi en plaquettes (PRP) pouvait améliorer et accélérer le processus de cicatrisation de tendons d'Achille de rats rompus. Matériel et méthode : Un défect de 5mm a été réalisé chirurgicalement au niveau de tendons d'Achille de 120 rats. Soixante rats ont reçu respectivement une infiltration de PRP ou PBS in situ après chirurgie. Vingt rats de chaque groupe ont été euthanasiés après 5, 15 et 30 jours. Quinze tendons de chaque groupe ont été directement soumis à un test de traction biomécanique jusqu'à rupture à l'aide de clamps de type "cryo-jaw" et ensuite collectés pour réaliser des analyses transcriptomiques. Des études histologique et biochimique ont également été réalisées sur les 5 tendons restant de chaque groupe. Résultats: Les tendons du groupe PRP étaient plus résistants à la rupture à 15 et 30 jours que ceux du groupe contrôle. La section transverse des tendons était significativement plus grande au sein du groupe PRP à J5 et J15. Les contraintes étaient significativement plus grandes au sein des tendons dans les phases tardives de cicatrisation. L'étude histologique montrait une augmentation de coloration pour les fibres de collagène à J5 au sein du groupe PRP, résultats confirmés par l'analyse biochimique montrant une augmentation de la concentration de collagène au sein du "cal" tendineux. L'expression de la ténomoduline, un marqueur de la différentiation des ténocytes, était significativement plus important au sein du groupe PRP à J5. Aucune différence significative en terme d'ARNm n'a été observée pou r le collagène de type III ni pour la MMP-9, à aucun temps, entre les 2 groupes. Conclusion : Une injection de PRP au sein de tendons d'Achille de rats rompus influence les phases précoces du la cicatrisation tendineuse, entrainant une meilleure résistance mécanique à la rupture. [less ▲]

Viability for the Siemens Ecat HR+ of the new stability test of PET scanners elaborated by the Belgian Hospital Physicist Association

in European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (2011, October), 38(S2), 174

Research on Crude Protein Contents in Medicago Sativa Hay Harvest During 2008-2009 Using FT-NIR Spectrometry

in Bulletin UASVM Agriculture (2011, September 29)

Medicago sativa or Alfalfa is a flowering plant that belongs to Pea Family that is widely grown throughout the world as forage for cattle, and is most often harvested as hay. Medicago Sativa usually has ... [more ▼]

Medicago sativa or Alfalfa is a flowering plant that belongs to Pea Family that is widely grown throughout the world as forage for cattle, and is most often harvested as hay. Medicago Sativa usually has the highest nutritive value of all common hay crops. This work aims to highlight a way for direct, non-destructive analysis of crude protein content in Medicago sativa hays. The primary objective was to build a model for crude protein calibration for Medicago sativa based on FT-NIR spectroscopy. The samples for analysis were collected over two experimental years (2008-2009) from field trials from the research station– Agricultural Development, Jucu. In order to construct the model, references values are needed; for this reason, crude protein content was determined using the classical Kjeldahl method (Kjeltec Auto Analyser, Tecator). The values for crude protein ranged from 12.63% to 19.12% on the dry matter basis. The regression models build was based on Partial Least Squares (PLS) calculated with the SIMPLS algorithm, using different pre-processing techniques and leave-one-out cross validation. Calibration of the two years together drove to a coefficient of determination for cross validation,R2, of 0.965. The robustness of the model was confirmed by applying it to independent samples (external validation) where the coefficient of determination was R2 = 0.977, RMSEP = 0.8. The results obtained indicated that NIRS can be used to determine crude protein, which could be used as a criteria for quality control of Medicago sativa hays. [less ▲]

IMPACT OF THE TEMPERAMENT OF YOUNG STALLIONS ON THEIR STRESS REACTIONS WHEN SUBJECTED TO A STANDARDISED VETERINARY EXAMINATION

in Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research (2011, September), 6

Intervening in sub-acute sickness absences : a large potential for belgian occupational health services

in Occupational and Environmental Medicine (2011, September), 68(September 2011), 95

LIVER TRANSPLANTATION FROM DONATION AFTER CARDIOCIRCULATORY DEATH (DCD) DONORS: BELGIAN EXPERIENCE 2003-2009

in Transplant International (2011, September), 24(2), 84-84

Suivi longitudinal des concentrations de PTH et de phosphatase alcaline osseuse chez le sujet hémodialysé: mesure-t-on la même chose?

in Néphrologie & Thérapeutique (2011, September), 7(5), 324

Estimation du débit de filtration glomérulaire en transplantation rénale: étude multicentrique d'évaluation de la performance de la cystatine C

in Néphrologie & Thérapeutique (2011, September), 7(5), 290-91

Nouveautés sur la stabilité de la parathormone telle que mesurée à l'aide d'un kit de troisième génération: impact sur la pratique quotidienne

in Néphrologie & Thérapeutique (2011, September), 7(5), 284-85

PRESERVATION OF NORMAL MORPHOLOGY OF HUMAN LIVERS AFTER 24 HOURS OF HYPOTHERMIC MACHINE PERFUSION. A FIRST-IN-MAN STUDY

in Transplant International (2011, September), 24(2), 151-151

Do persistent organic pollutants represent a threat to marine turtles, Chelonia mydas and Eretmochelys imbricata, nesting in Guadeloupe (Lesser Antilles)?

in Organohalogen Compounds (2011, August)

Unusual skip marks from the early Visean Molignee Formation (Mississippian) of sourthern Belgium

in Geological Survey of Western Australia, Record (2011, July), 2011/20

Ecological and pedological combined studies to improve the management of an endangered commercial timber species : the case of Pericopsis elata (Harms) van Meeuwen in the south-eastern part of Cameroon

in Primate Tidings (2011, July), 24

Patterns of seed dispersal and implications for regeneration: example of Milicia excelsa (Welw.) C.C.Berg in the south-eastern part of Cameroon

in Primate Tidings (2011, July), 24

A new methodological approach to try to link past disturbances and modern landscapes

in Primate Tidings (2011, July), 24

HTLV-1 clonality during chronic infection and BLV clonality during primary infection

in AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses (2011, June 06), 8(1), 185

HTLV-1 clonality during chronic infection and BLV clonality during primary infection Nicolas A Gillet1,2*, Carol Hlela1, Tine Verdonck3, Eduardo Gotuzzo3, Daniel Clark3, Sabrina Rodriguez2, Nirav Malani4 ... [more ▼]

HTLV-1 clonality during chronic infection and BLV clonality during primary infection Nicolas A Gillet1,2*, Carol Hlela1, Tine Verdonck3, Eduardo Gotuzzo3, Daniel Clark3, Sabrina Rodriguez2, Nirav Malani4, Anat Melamed1, Niall Gormley5, Richard Carter5, David Bentley5, Charles Berry6, Frederic D Bushman4, Graham P Taylor7, Luc Willems2, Charles R M Bangham1 1Department of Immunology, Wright-Fleming Institute, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK. 2Molecular and Cellular Epigenetics, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics (GIGA) of University of Liège (ULg), Liège, 4000, Belgium. 3Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru. 4Department of Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA. 5Illumina, Chesterford Research Park, Essex, Little Chesterford, CB10 1XL, UK. 6University of California, California, La Jolla San Diego, CA, 92093-0901, USA. 7Department of Genitourinary Medicine and Communicable Diseases, Wright-Fleming Institute, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK. HTLV-1 persists by driving clonal proliferation of infected T-lymphocytes. A high proviral load predisposes to the inflammatory and malignant diseases associated with HTLV-1. Yet the reasons for the remarkable variation within and between individuals in the abundance of HTLV-1-infected clones remain unknown. We demonstrate that negative selection dominates during chronic infection, favouring establishment of proviruses integrated in transcriptionally silenced DNA: this selection is significantly stronger in asymptomatic carriers. We postulated that this selection occurred mainly during the primary infection. We are testing this hypothesis in an animal model by studying the BLV clonality during the primary infection in cows. By measuring the proviral load, the anti-BLV immune response and the BLV clonality we aim to quantify the impact of the immune response on the rate of infectious spread and on the selection of proviruses inserted in a particular genomic environment. Co-infection with Strongyloides stercoralis or Staphylococcus appears to be another risk factor for the development of HTLV-1 associated diseases. We observed that HTLV-1 clonality is altered by co-infection with these pathogens with an increase of both the number and the abundance of the infected T-cell clones. The genomic characteristics of the proviral integration sites in the most abundant clones differ significantly between co-infected individuals and those with HTLV-1 alone, implying the existence of different selection forces in co-infected patients. The rate of appearance of new clones in patients co-infected with Strongyloides stercoralis is higher than in patients with HTLV-1 alone. By comparing skin lesions and blood samples from patients with Infective Dermatitis associated with HTLV-1 (IDH), we observed a significant proportion of distinct infected clones between the two compartments. The skin lesions seem to be a site for HTLV-1 infectious spread. [less ▲]

A life-attenuated BLV deletant as a candidate vaccine to inhibit viral transmission in bovine herds

in AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses (2011, June 05), 8(1), 12

A life-attenuated BLV deletant as a candidate vaccine to inhibit viral transmission in bovine herds Gerónimo Gutiérrez2*, Sabrina M. Rodríguez1*†, Arnaud Florins3, Lucas Vagnoni2, Irene Alvarez2, Nicolas ... [more ▼]

A life-attenuated BLV deletant as a candidate vaccine to inhibit viral transmission in bovine herds Gerónimo Gutiérrez2*, Sabrina M. Rodríguez1*†, Arnaud Florins3, Lucas Vagnoni2, Irene Alvarez2, Nicolas Gillet3, Karina Trono2‡, Luc Willems1,3‡ *‡S.M. Rodríguez / G. Gutiérrez and K.Trono / L. Willems contributed equally to this work. 1 Molecular and Cellular Epigenetics, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics (GIGA), University of Liège (ULg), Liège (4100), Belgium. 2 Instituto de Virología, CICVyA, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, (1712), Castelar, Argentina. 3 Molecular and Cellular Biology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège (ULg), Gembloux (5030), Belgium †E-mail: sabrina.rodriguez@ulg.ac.be There are different strategies to reduce BLV prevalence. Eradication by culling of infected animals is not economically sustainable in highly infected regions such as Argentina, US or Japan. Partition and confinement on BLV-infected cows is expensive due to duplication of facilities. Finally, several candidate vaccines based on recombinant viral proteins were unsuccessful to protect from challenge. Facing these failures, we propose a novel strategy based on the use of a live-attenuated BLV provirus. The rationale behind this strategy relies on the deletion of genes required to induce pathogenesis leaving those involved in infectivity, resulting in an attenuated mutant with impaired transmissibility. In a first set of experiments, we show that the mutant is infectious and elicits an efficient immune response in sheep (n=3) and in cows (n=9). Lack of spread to uninfected sentinels further supports the safety of the vaccine. Based on these promising results, a validation program in herd (n=105) is ongoing to evaluate the capacity of the candidate vaccine to protect from wild-type BLV infection. The following experiments are carried out: quantification of the proviral loads, assessment of immune response efficiency (antibody titers, CTL response and cytokine profiling), measure of viral expression in vivo (qRT-PCR) and ex vivo (expression of Tax and p24gag) and determination of provirus clonality during infection. This data will be instrumental for understanding the basic mechanisms undergoing during BLV infection and for elaborating of a novel vaccine. [less ▲]

Le dossier des ouvrages médicaux attribués à Cléopâtre dans le fonds M.D. Grmek conservé à l'IMEC

in Histoire des Sciences Médicales (2011, June), 45(2), 149-154

After describing the dossier of the medical works attributed to Cleopatra in the M.D. Grmek fund deposited at IMEC (Institut Mémoires de l'Édition Contemporaine, Abbaye d'Ardenne, Saint-Germain-la-Blanche ... [more ▼]

After describing the dossier of the medical works attributed to Cleopatra in the M.D. Grmek fund deposited at IMEC (Institut Mémoires de l'Édition Contemporaine, Abbaye d'Ardenne, Saint-Germain-la-Blanche-Herbe, near Caen), this paper reports some recent papyrological discoveries (P. Oxy. 71.4809, third century AD, and P. Berol. inv. 25239, BC 33), as well as some new studies in the field over the past ten years, and presents the project of the Centre de Documentation de Papyrologie Littéraire (CEDOPAL, University of Liège) for an edition of the fragments of Cleopatra's Kosmetikon. [less ▲]

Impact of Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) on the survival rates of other aphidophagous species in semi-field conditions

in Communication in agricultural and applied biological sciences (2011, May 24), 76(2), 219-226

The multicoloured Asian ladybird Harmonia axyridis Pallas (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), previously introduced as a biological control agent against aphids, is now frequently considered as an intraguild ... [more ▼]

The multicoloured Asian ladybird Harmonia axyridis Pallas (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), previously introduced as a biological control agent against aphids, is now frequently considered as an intraguild predator, consuming other aphid natural enemies. Interactions between this exotic ladybird and other aphidophagous species present in Belgian agro-ecosystems such as Coccinella septempunctata, Episyrphus balteatus and Chrysoperla carnea are asymmetric to the benefit of H. axyridis. This study focuses on the survival rate of three aphidophagous species Harmonia axyridis (Ha), Coccinella septempunctata (C7) and Episyrphus balteatus (Eb) placed in cages in biological fields of potato and sugar beet. During June and July, hermetic cages were disposed on the crops with 10 larvae (second stage) of each aphidophagous. Four types of cages were observed (1) Ha+Eb+C7+ aphids, (2) Ha+Eb+C7, (3) Eb+C7+ aphids and (4) Eb+C7. Each combination was repeated three times. In sugar beet fields, E. balteatus was the species with the highest mortality rate. The two coccinellid species had a better survival rate than E. balteatus. All aphidophagous species had higher mortality rates in absence of aphids. In potato, when aphids were present in excess, the survival rates of all aphidophagous insects were lower than in sugar beet probably because A. fabae is less adapted to the potato morphology. Nevertheless, we have observed in potato no mortality of C. 7-punctata during all its development cycle. This suggests that (1) C. 7-punctata may use aphids as food sources more efficiently than H. axyridis and (2) that interactions between aphidophagous could be less frequent (difficulty of mobility). In potato and sugar beet, H. axyridis had the longest development cycle, being still at the larval stage when C. 7-punctata and E. balteatus reached the pupae stage. We can suppose that pupae of E. balteatus and C. 7-punctata were an alternative food (intraguild prey) to H. axyridis when aphids were lacking. Pupae are immobile and therefore more sensitive to the attack of predators. [less ▲]

Potentialités quantitatives et qualité d'image de la camera TEMP/TDM Siemens Symbia T6

in Médecine Nucléaire : Imagerie Fonctionnelle et Métabolique (2011, May 07), 35

Importance des inhibiteurs de la thyrosine kinase

in Vaisseaux, Coeur, Poumons [=VCP] (2011, May 01)

Filter failure analysis for the SWAP instrument on-board of PROBA2

in COMPDYN (2011, May)

During its intensive testing campaign, SWAP (Sun Watcher using Active Pixel System detector and image Processing), an optical instrument developed by Centre Spatiale de Liege (CSL) and mounted onto the ... [more ▼]

During its intensive testing campaign, SWAP (Sun Watcher using Active Pixel System detector and image Processing), an optical instrument developed by Centre Spatiale de Liege (CSL) and mounted onto the Belgian satellite PROBA2, was subjected to a multitude of load cases to verify the integrity of the instrument during and after the launch and during the operational phase. The front and rear filters of SWAP, 200 nm thin films, survived intensive vibration tests on the qualification model and acceptance tests on the flight model, both at an instrument level. During the acoustic test on the spacecraft, the front filter exploded while the rear one was undamaged. A new, strengthened filter, coated with a very fine metal mesh was mounted in the instrument. However, this new filter has less good optical properties due to optical diffraction. Therefore a profound analysis of the filter failure is necessary to provide the best possible optical accuracy for future missions with similar equipment. Three load cases are further studied in this paper: the acceleration of the rocket, the instrument depressurisation and the vibro-acoustic behaviour under the large sound and vibration levels. The acceleration and depressurisation are studied together in a two-level computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis to assess the effect of the venting of the instrument on the differential pressure over the filter. The main focus of this paper is on a numerical vibro-acoustic analysis, following the procedures used by CSL and ESTEC (European Space Research and Technology Centre). This analysis needs special attention because of the presence of a stochastic excitation (diffuse field) and the very nonlinear behaviour of the filter itself due to its small thickness. Also, an additional postprocessing step based on filter displacements, rather than differential pressure, as done in the ESTEC procedure, is discussed. [less ▲]

Vitamin D: clinical relevance, analytical issues

in Clinical Chemistry & Laboratory Medicine (2011, May), 49(s1), 66

Fatty acids and cardiovascular risk

in Clinical Chemistry & Laboratory Medicine (2011, May), 49(Special Suppl), 313

Elevation of cardiac and oxidative stress biomarkers after a running activity in sedentary subjects

in Clinical Chemistry & Laboratory Medicine (2011, May), 49(Special Suppl), 313

Tout concept a-t-il sa genèse dans l'intuition? Husserl et la psychologie descriptive brentanienne

in Bulletin d'Analyse Phénoménologique (2011, May)