A missense mutation in the ClC-7 chloride channel causes hamartomas with osteopetrosis in cattle.

Conference (2012, October 19)

Study of the microbial flora of freshwater and seawater fish filets in different packaging conditions by metagenomic analysis targeted on the 16S ribosomal DNA

Conference (2012, October 19)

Metagenomics has appeared as a powerful tool to study bacterial composition of various environmental samples. This work describes the application of this technique to study the bacterial population of two ... [more ▼]

Metagenomics has appeared as a powerful tool to study bacterial composition of various environmental samples. This work describes the application of this technique to study the bacterial population of two fresh fish filets. The two fish species are from freshwater (pangasius) and seawater (haddock), respectively. Samples where directly analyzed the day of receipt. Others samples were analyzed at the end their shelf life after storage at 4°C (1/3 of their shelf life) and 8°C (2/3 of their shelf life). For these samples, packagings were made in plastic wrap for atmospheric air condition and in trays under modified atmosphere. Classical microbiological and 16S rDNA metagenomic analysis were carried out on all these samples. The composition and evolution of microbial populations of fish filet stored under different packaging conditions and temperatures of storage were investigated with identification of bacteria species. A total of 40 different species were identified for both fish types. Gram-negative bacteria are always predominated among the initial flora and at the end of the shelf life in all the trials. At the beginning of storage, the predominant Gram-negative microflora consisted of Moraxellaceae (Acinetobacter spp, Psychrobacter spp.), Pseudomonadaceae (Pseudomonas spp), and Shewanella spp and the Gram-positive flora was identified as Lactobacillaceae (Carnobacterium spp), Brochothrix thermosphacta and Planococcus donghaensis (only for pangasius). For the pangasius, Planococcus donghaensis is only present before the fish is packed and its dominant presence could provide an indication of the freshness of the fish. The metagenomic analysis is a useful tool to identify and to measure the relative proportions of bacterial species in fish filet samples. [less ▲]

Caractérisation des performances d’élevage et de production de deux variétés de la race Ardennaise

Poster (2012, October 19)

La poule Ardennaise est une race emblématique de la biodiversité avicole belge. Dans un contexte mondial favorable à la conservation des races locales d’animaux domestiques, cette étude est consacrée à la ... [more ▼]

La poule Ardennaise est une race emblématique de la biodiversité avicole belge. Dans un contexte mondial favorable à la conservation des races locales d’animaux domestiques, cette étude est consacrée à la comparaison de deux variétés de la race Ardennaise (Noire dorée et Noire Argentée). La comparaison est réalisée par le biais de trois études: (1) caractérisation morpho-biométrique des deux variétés; (2) caractérisation de la croissance et de la qualité de la carcasse et de la viande; (3) suivi du taux de ponte pendant 52 semaines et l’étude de la qualité des œufs à 30, 45, 60 et 75 semaines d’âge. Des différences significatives ont été enregistrées au niveau des poids corporels, du grand diamètre du tarse, de la longueur du tarse et de la taille de la crête des deux variétés. La variété de la poule Ardennaise n’influence pas significativement les caractères quantitatifs et qualitatifs de production de viande (rendement, poids après abattage, pH, couleur de la viande). Elle influence cependant significativement le poids de l’œuf entier, le poids du blanc, le pourcentage du blanc, le pourcentage du jaune, le rapport jaune/blanc et le pH du blanc (p<0,05). Pour plusieurs caractères morphologiques, d’engraissement et de ponte, les deux variétés ne présentent aucune différence significative. Il serait intéressant de compléter cette étude par une analyse moléculaire permettant de préciser le degré de similitude génétique entre les deux variétés et éventuellement avec les autres variétés de la race. [less ▲]

A Numerical Study of Fiber Glass Drawing Process

Scientific conference (2012, October 19)

The industrial glass fiber process is very sensitive to disturbances as they can lead to fibers break during the extrusion step. To identify and better characterize the relevant underlying physics and the ... [more ▼]

The industrial glass fiber process is very sensitive to disturbances as they can lead to fibers break during the extrusion step. To identify and better characterize the relevant underlying physics and the possible causes of fiber break, the glass behavior from the die exit to the winder is investigated numerically. In a first step, simulations of the glass fiber extrusion process are performed where the fluid is considered Newtonian. The full Navier-Stokes equations including the energy equation for the temperature are solved with a finite-element method. The solution is then compared to previous results from the literature. In a second step, we conducted a sensitivity analysis of the key process variables, such as glass height above the tip, viscosity and flow rate at the tip exit, winder velocity... Additionally, the importance of an accurate physical representation of the heat transfers, i.e., conduction within the fiber, radiation of the fiber, and convection around the fiber, is investigated. This model shows very good agreement with cases from the literature. It was found that bushing temperature and fiber environment have a significant impact on forming fiber shape. This demonstrates that numerical simulations can provide a useful tool to adjust the process operating window. [less ▲]

Infusion of third party mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) after kidney and liver transplantation: a phase I-II, open-label, clinical study

Conference (2012, October 19)

MSC cells have demonstrated significant immunosuppressive effects in various in vivo and in vitro studies. This study aims to be the first evaluation of the safety and tolerability of third party MSC ... [more ▼]

MSC cells have demonstrated significant immunosuppressive effects in various in vivo and in vitro studies. This study aims to be the first evaluation of the safety and tolerability of third party MSC infusion after cadaveric kidney and liver transplantation in a prospective phase I-II study, taking advantage of our centre expertise and experience in MSC use in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after bone marrow transplantation and using an already functioning GMP-compliant laboratory producing clinical-grade MSC. Secondary end-points will help to evaluate the immunosuppressive potential of MSC after organ transplantation, and the opportunity to develop larger randomised, controlled, phase III trials. After successful transplantation, 10 liver and 10 kidney transplant recipients under standard immunosuppression (tacrolimus, MMF, steroids) will receive an intravenous infusion of 1.5-3x106/kg of third-party MSC on post-operative day 3±2. These patients will be prospectively compared to 10 liver and 10 kidney recipients who meet the inclusion criteria but deny MSC infusion. Safety will be assessed by recording side effects, including opportunistic infections and cancers. Immunosuppressive potential will be evaluated by rejection episode rates, by graft/patient survivals, by immunohistology of 3-months kidney and 6-month liver graft biopsies and by in vitro evaluation of the immunity profile of the recipients. In a second step, reduction (kidney) and progressive weaning (liver) of immunosuppression will be attempted in recipients who received MSC. This ongoing study is supported by research grants from the CHU of Liège, University of Liège, and by the Senior Clinical Research Grant from ESOT. The first patients were included and treated in early 2012, and final results expected in late 2013. [less ▲]

Cardiac ultrasound in canine emergencies with a systemic inflammatory response syndrome

Poster (2012, October 19)

CCL2 as a serum biomarker of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in dogs

Poster (2012, October 19)

Vitamin D Status, calcium and protein metabolism in dogs fed bone and raw food (BARF) or commercial pet food

Poster (2012, October 19)

Immature equine oocyte vitrification

Scientific conference (2012, October 19)

Characterization of T-helper lymphocytes in peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage of healthy horses and in horses with recurrent airway obstruction

Poster (2012, October 19)