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• Robust combination of techniques to investigate fate of nanosilicas filled PDMS. • Validation of results by using two lab-scale incinerations applied to nanosilicas filled polydimethylsiloxane nanocomposites. • Silica particles origin hypotheses: from degradation of the matrix or from the additive silica. At the end of their life cycle, it is expected that many industrial silicone components end up in incineration waste plants. Hence, the issue concerning the risks resulting from the generation of fumes (combustion gas and aerosol) has to be addressed. The aim of our work was to investigate the behavior and fate of nanosilicas from filled polydimethylsiloxane nanocomposites burnt under two different scenarios of incineration. Combustion tests have been performed at lab-scale using a particular tubular furnace and a specific cone calorimeter. The collected fumes (particulate matter and gas phase) have been characterized using various techniques. The results show persistent nanosilica particles, newly produced nanosilica particles in the fumes and in the residues, as well as silicon oxycarbide SixOyCz particles which seem to originate from polysiloxane matrix decomposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Toxicological risk is linked to the physico-chemical parameters that can be modified during incineration process. • The incineration can lead to chemical transformation of pristine nanofillers (i.e. transformation of boehmite into alumina). • in vitro cytotoxicity responses show that safe boehmite nanoparticles become toxic after incineration process. Abstract The number of products containing nanomaterials is increasing this last ten years. Information and literature about the end-of-life of nanocomposites often remains partial and does not address the overall fate and transformations of nanoparticles that may affect biological responses. This paper underlines that the physico-chemical features of nanoparticles can be modified by the incineration process and the available toxicological data on pristine nanofillers might not be relevant to assess the modified nanoparticles included in soot. Combustion tests have been performed at lab-scale using a cone calorimeter modified to collect fumes (particulate matter and gas phase) and have been characterized using various techniques. Nanocomposites selected were poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) containing Al-based nanoparticles, i.e. boehmites or alumina. Evaluations of in vitro cytotoxicity responses on pristine nanofillers, soot and residual ash, show that safe boehmite nanoparticles, become toxic due to a chemical modification after incineration process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigates the aerosols emitted during combustion of aircraft and naval structural composite materials (epoxy resin/carbon fibers and vinyl ester/glass fibers and carbon nanotubes). Combustion tests were performed at lab-scale using a modified cone calorimeter. The aerosols emitted have been characterized using various metrological devices devoted to the analysis of aerosols. The influence of the nature of polymer matrices, the incorporation of fibers and carbon nanotubes as well as glass reinforcements on the number concentration and the size distribution of airborne particles produced, was studied in the 5 nm–10 μm range. Incorporation of carbon fibers into epoxy resin significantly reduced the total particle number concentration. In addition, the interlaced orientation of carbon fibers limited the particles production compared to the composites with unidirectional one. The carbon nanotubes loading in vinyl ester resin composites influenced the total particles production during the flaming combustion with changes during kinetics emission. Predominant populations of airborne particles generated during combustion of all tested composites were characterized by a PN 50 following by PN 100–500 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Dietary fat supplementation can improve oocyte quality in ruminants. The influence of the type of dietary fat on the number and quality of oocytes collected by ovum pick-up and on the production of embryos in vitro was investigated in Holstein heifers. Heifers were given hay plus one of two dietary supplements for 42 days. The supplements were linseed (L, rich in linolenic acid, C18:3n-3, n = 9) or soya bean (S, rich in linoleic acid, C18:2n-6, n = 9). Oocytes were collected by ovum pick-up (OPU) for 6 wks (2 sessions/wk) and morphologic quality assessed. Half the oocytes were frozen and the other half was used to produce embryos. Blood samples were analyzed for: insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, β-hydroxy butyrate and urea and the proportions of fatty acids. Neither growth rate nor plasma hormone and metabolite concentrations were affected by dietary supplement. However, L significantly increased the proportion of plasma C18:3n-3 while S significantly increased the proportion of C18:2n-6(P < 0.001). Neither oocyte characteristics (number, their quality and number fertilized and cleaved per heifer per session) nor embryo characteristics (number and quality per heifer per session) and embryo development stages were affected by dietary treatment. Real-time RT-PCR was performed on immature and mature cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC). Prostaglandin E synthase-1 expression increased in L compared to S heifers. In conclusion, the type of fatty acid did not modify the numbers of oocytes and embryos produced by OPU-IVF and their quality in dairy heifers. Upregulation of prostaglandin E synthase-1 may ensure sufficient PGE2 production for oocyte maturation even when its precursor is low. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The fire behavior and the characterization of solid and gaseous fire effluents of polymers [polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polyamide-6 (PA-6)] filled with nanoparticles (silica, alumina, and carbon nanotubes) used to improve their flame retardancy were investigated. To determine the impact of these composites on the emission of airborne particles produced during their combustion in accidental fire scenarios, an experimental setup was developed to measure the mass distribution in the 30 nm-10 μm range, and the concentrations of submicrometric particles in the aerosol. Comparisons were made between unfilled and filled polymers, and the influence of filler surface treatments (silane-based), as well as combinations with a flame retardant [ammonium polyphosphate (APP)], was investigated. The presence of nano-oxides in PMMA shows a significant effect on the rate of particle emission with a decrease in the concentration of the emitted submicrometric particles. APP in PMMA led to a decrease in the mass fraction of ultrafine particles and an increase in the rate of submicrometric particle emission compared to filled compositions with nano-oxides. Atomic force microscopy was used as a complementary tool for the characterization of the particles emitted during combustion, allowing direct observation of nanoparticle morphology, detection of carbon nanotubes in the aerosol, and visualization of the effect of APP on nanoparticle morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper deals with the effects of the addition of a fourth component to the starch glycerol/water/system used in thermoplastic starch materials on the basis of starch sorption site availability. These sites can sorbed both water and glycerol depending on the glycerol content and the chosen relative humidity. Starch sorption sites are saturated by specific glycerol+water concentrations, which defined the starch saturation point. The addition of a fourth component before, near or after this starch saturation point is a potentially interesting concept because of its effect on the mechanical properties of the whole system (quaternary system). This was illustrated with various types of fourth components introduced at low concentrations. The addition of maltose led to an efficient coplasticizing effect only after the saturation point. The addition of a polar polymer led to a strain increase (at break) before and at the saturation point, and to a strain decrease after the saturation point. The addition of fillers at the saturation point led to an unattempted plasticizing effect. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mechanical properties of starch/PVA blends (maximum 5% wt PVA), with or without crosslinking, have been analyzed in order to study how the increase in the linear to branched chain can improve the material''s performances. As a result, elongation is enhanced without significant strength decrease for both casting and extrusion processes. Water sorption and photocrosslinking ability have also been measured showing a fairly good compatibility between the two macromolecular components: PVA and starch. For example, a decrease in water sorption on PVA addition was observed which could not simply be related to additivity between the two polymers. Finally, systems composed of pure glycerol plasticized starch blends were photocrosslinked at very low rates in order to ‘lengthen’ the macromolecules. The results of the mechanical tests on these materials showed an enhancement of the elongation at break. These results highlighted the fact that a modification of the molecular weight distribution (or linear long chains ratio, i.e. PVA) led to the development of entanglements or long distance interactions (strain at break increase). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper deals with gas transport properties of starch based films. Oxygen permeability of plasticised starch, octanoated starch, starch–EVOH blend, and PE–starch multilayer was first studied. The best gas barrier properties of starch based films are generally obtained for low water and plasticiser contents. It was then shown that the interesting low permeability of these systems is due to the low solubility of gases. These results broaden the scope of starch gas transport properties, which are generally discussed in terms of mobility (i.e. gas diffusivity). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The ageing of wheat starch based materials was followed as a function of time for different systems suitably hydrated to be in the rubbery state. In particular, one aspect of retrogradation, that is to say the development of crystallinity is analysed in order to study the influence of a specific crosslinking treatment of starch films made by UV irradiation (photocrosslinking). Mechanical and thermal properties showed that an important limitation on this particular ageing occurs after photocrosslinking at room temperature. A process of accelerated ageing, monitored by modulated DSC, was also performed at 60 °C in order to increase retrogradation kinetics. The results showed a recrystallisation decrease and it appeared that the presence of the plasticiser enhances retrogradation. For a plasticised sample (17% glycerol), a decrease of 30% of the melting enthalpy was observed compared to 91% for an unplasticised one. A modification in the nature of the melting peaks, as recorded by modulated DSC, allowed us to propose a model for amylopectin retrogradation after crosslinking. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A new family of crosslinked starches were synthesised in the solid state by UV irradiation. The crosslinking treatment is novel because starch is treated in the solid state and no crosslinking agent is used. The original photosensitisers used were water soluble and members of the benzoic acid family. They were able to crosslink starch even at concentrations as low as 0.1%. The crosslinking kinetics were established by the determination of both the swelling degree and the gel fraction in order to characterise the network created. Crosslinking densities can be varied by altering the UV exposure time (1–10 min). Although the final crosslinking density is relatively low, it is still sufficient to render starch nearly insoluble in DMSO. The reactivity is discussed (i) as a function of the plasticisers content (water, glycerol, sorbitol), which can modify both the macromolecular mobility and the material density and (ii) as a function of the presence of a destructuring agent (NaOH) which favours starch accessibilites to the reactants. Mechanical properties were measured. Due to the relatively low crosslinking rate, only a slight increase is observed for crosslinked samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pregnancy after a chemotherapy for breast cancer is no longer a rare event. The example of two women who started a spontaneous pregnancy after a chemotherapy proves it. Patient education, better knowledge of medicines and their side effects as well as the possibilities of assisted reproduction techniques now-a-days allow willing women to consider a pregnancy in secure conditions for mother and child. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smoke release data from the cone calorimeter are often underused. They may provide additional information to better understand the fire reaction of polymers and the efficiency of flame retardants. A new method is proposed to investigate the smoke release in cone calorimeter tests and to correlate it to heat release, based on studies with pure and flame retarded polymers. Smoke release rate is plotted versus heat release rate and new parameters are pointed out. In particular, parameter A represents the smoke release per unit energy (in Joules) released. Its value increases when the carbon fraction and the aromaticity of a polymer increase. It can reach around 0.05 m2/kJ for epoxy resins but is null for well-known smoke-free polyoxymethylene (POM). HRR threshold (HRRth) represents the critical heat release rate above which smoke release is measured. Its value is close to 100 kW/m2 for polyolefins but decreases drastically for aromatic polymers. The approach developed in this study is potentially useful for assessing the smoke release of different materials for a heat release rate scenario chosen arbitrarily. The influence of two specific smoke suppressants and of two specific flame retardants on smoke release is also discussed and the proposed method allows for a better understanding of their role in smoke release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to identify biological factors affecting oocyte collection, embryo production, and subsequent pregnancy rates through a retrospective study conducted from 381 commercial ovum pickup (OPU)-IVP sessions performed on high genetic Holstein and Montbeliard donors. Oocytes were retrieved using an ultrasound scanner SC 200 (Pie Medical, Maastricht, the Netherlands) equipped with a 7.5-MHz annular-array transducer. Donors were superovulated at Day 12 of presynchronized cycle with FSH (Stimufol®, Rhone-Merieux, Lyon, France) divided in 5 decreasing doses over 2.5 days. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected 12h after last FSH injection and matured for 22 h in TCM-199 HEPES plus FCS, FSH, estradiol, and EGF They were then fertilized in fert-TALP with frozen-thawed semen. Zygotes were cultured for 6 days on a monolayer of Vero cells in B2 medium. Day 7 embryos were transferred as fresh into recipients. The effects of donor breed, dominant follicle puncture (DFP), and physiological state of females on oocyte and embryo production were analyzed by ANOVA (proc GLM, SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA). From all collected animals, most (80.6%) of the donors were cows (55% collected as early pregnant and 31.9% previously infertile) and 19.4% were heifers (from those 86.5% pregnant). The mean number of collected COCs per session was 13.3 ± 8.3 (mean ± SD), 57.8% of which had ≥3 layers of cumulus cells (grades 1 and 2). A mean of 10.8 ± 6.9 COCs were subjected to IVM-IVF-IVC, which resulted in 3.5 ± 3.5 blastocysts per session (77% were graded as 1 and 2) whereas 2.8 ± 2.5 embryos were transferred into recipients. An overall pregnancy rate of 50.4% (544/1080) was obtained at Day 90: 59.1%, 50.4%, and 27.9% for grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 blastocysts, respectively. The OPU sessions resulted in at least one Day 90 pregnancy in 61.2% of the cases. Breed had no effect on the number of collected COCs but a higher percentage of grade 1 and 2 COCs were observed for Montbeliard than for Holstein donors (60 v. 53%). Dominant follicle puncture 48 h prior to superovulation treatment significantly increased the number of COCs (15.7 ± 9.9 v. 10.9 ± 5.6; P< 0.05), the number of developed and transferred embryos and the number of pregnancies per session (4 ± 33.9 v. 7 ± 2.8; 3.3 ± 2.6 v. 2.4 ± 2.4; 1.7 ± 1.6 v. 1.2 ± 1.4, respectively). This effect was particularly impressive for Montbeliard heifers. Higher numbers of COCs were collected from infertile cows, nonpregnant cows as for early pregnant heifers (16.9 ± 10.4; 13.8 ± 7.6, and 13.8 ± 8.6, respectively) when compared with pregnant cows and nonpregnant heifers (11.0 ± 6.1; 10.5 ± 6.6; P< 0.05). The mean number of developed embryos was also influenced by parity of the donor and was 4.5 ± 4.5; 3.4 ± 3.7; 3.1 ± 2.8 for infertile, nonpregnant, and pregnant cows and 3.0 ± 3.4 and 2.5 ± 2.3 for pregnant and nonpregnant heifers, respectively. In conclusion, oocyte collection and embryo production were mainly influenced by parity and physiological status of Holstein and Montbeliard donors. Puncture of dominant follicle at the start of superovulation treatment increased the overall quantity of COCs and improved the efficiency of the IVP procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examine the correlation between subacute polyradiculoneuritis and syphilis in Niamey, Niger. Effect of antibiotics on neurosyphilis; Analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid; Determination of the cause of polyradiculoneuritis.

An abstract of the study "Detecting Pre-Ovulatory Luteinizing Hormone Peaks in Order to Optimize the Ratio of Viable Embryos Using Predi'bov®, a New On-Farm Ovulation Test," by L. Dupuy and colleagues is presented.

The performance of the anaerobic digestion process depends deeply onthe quality of the waste to be treated. This has been already demonstrated at the lab-scale. The objective of this study is to confirm this result at the industrial scale, with very long representative period and with the same process, the Valorga process. According to the waste quality and the collection type and even with the same conditions of fermentation, the biogas yield can vary by a factor of 1.5 when it is expressed (under normal conditions of pressure and temperature)in m3 biogas/t fresh waste, and by a factor of 2 when it is expressed in m3 CH4/t volatile solids. So, the biogas performance does not characterise a process since it is deeply governed by waste composition. This biogas productivity becomes a pertinent parameter only with consistent and relevant hypothesis and/or analytical results on the waste composition which depends on the collection procedure, the site characteristics and the season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic digestion has been up to now essentially applied to wastewater. However, anaerobic treatment of organic solid waste fits in well with the new requirements for waste management. The Valorga full-scale plant in Tilburg (the Netherlands) is designed to process 52,000 tons per year of organic municipal solid waste separately collected. The Valorga digestion process is a semi-continuous, high-solid, one-step, plug-flow type process. The main characteristic is the complete absence of any mechanical equipment inside the reactors. The waste tobe treated consists of food and garden waste. The characterization of the waste stream revealed a seasonal fluctuation in quantity and quality, that was correlated with seasonal garden waste production. Themethane yield is varying from 210 to 290 m3 STP per Mg ofvolatile solids. It is related to waste composition. During the slack winter period the waste contains proportionally more food waste that is more biodegradable than lignocellulosic garden waste. The biological process was stable based on volatile acidity, alkalinity and ammonia measurements in the effluent. The organic residue, after dewatering and storage under aerobic conditions, can be considered as soil conditioner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoclay-based nanocomposites have been widely studied and produced since the late 1990s, and frequently end up in waste disposal plants. This work investigates the behavior of PA6/HNTs nanocomposites (nylon-6 incorporating halloysite nanotubes) during incineration. Incineration tests were performed at lab-scale using a specific tubular furnace modified in order to control the key incineration parameters within both the combustion and postcombustion zones. The combustion residues and combustion aerosol (particulate matter and gas phase) collected downstream of the incinerator furnace were characterized using various aerosol analysis techniques. Time tracking of the gas and particle-number concentrations revealed two-step char formation during combustion. HNTs transformed into other mineral structures which were found in both the aerosol and the residues. During combustion of the polymer, it appears that HNTs contribute to the formation of a cohesive char layer that protects the residual material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study evaluates a new synthetic substitute (CRYO3, Ref. 5617, Stem Alpha, France) for animal-based products in bovine embryo cryopreservation solutions. During the experiment, fetal calf serum (FCS) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) were used as references. A combination of a thermodynamic approach using differential scanning calorimetry and a biological approach using in vitro-produced bovine embryo slow-freezing was used to characterize cryopreservation solutions containing CRYO3, FCS and BSA. The CRYO3 and fetal calf serum (FCS) slow-freezing solutions were made from Dulbecco''s phosphate-buffered saline containing 1.5 m ethylene glycol, 0.1 m sucrose and 20% (v.v−1) of CRYO3 or FCS. The bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution was made by adding 0.1 m sucrose to a commercial solution containing 1.5 m ethylene glycol and 4 g L−1 BSA. These solutions were evaluated using three characteristics: the end of melting temperature, the enthalpy of crystallization (thermodynamic approach) and the embryo survival and hatching rates after in vitro culture (biological approach). The CRYO3 and FCS solutions had similar thermodynamic properties. In contrast, the thermodynamic characteristics of the BSA solution were different from those of the FCS and CRYO3 solutions. Nevertheless, the embryo survival and hatching rates obtained with the BSA and FCS solutions were not different. Similar biological properties can thus be obtained with slow freezing solutions that have different physical properties within a defined range. The embryo survival rate after 48 h of in vitro culture obtained with the CRYO3 solution (81.5%) was higher than that obtained with the BSA (42.2%, P = 0.000 12) and FCS solutions (58%, P = 0.016). Similarly, the embryo hatching rate after 72 h of in vitro culture was higher with the CRYO3 solution (61.1%) than with the BSA (31.1%, P = 0.0055) and FCS solutions (36%, P = 0.018). We conclude that CRYO3 can be used as a chemically defined substitute for animal-based products in in vitro-produced bovine embryo cryopreservation solutions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The investigation of a core collected in the Socotran area (western Indian Ocean) provides new insights into water mass exchanges between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden through the strait of Bab el Mandeb during the penultimate deglaciation. The benthic oxygen isotope record documents the occurrence of stillstands and possibly reversals within the general trend of sea-level rise. Plumes of warm and salty waters are recorded at the surface of the Arabian Sea and as far as the Socotran coast for each increase in sea-level. These plumes disappeared whenever global sea-level stopped rising, or showed a brief lowering. According to their high salinities, these plumes can only originate in the Red Sea. The sill of Bab el Mandeb, becoming deeper and wider during the deglaciation, allowed greater exchange between both seas, and stronger flow out of the Red Sea at each episode of sea level rise. Isotopic and faunal evidence suggest a strengthening of coastal upwelling in the Arabian Sea during these periods. This increase in upwelling activity may explain how plumes of highly saline waters were maintained at the surface. Moreover, the high salinity surface plumes may have facilitated upwelling activity through the destabilisation of density stratification in the upper water column. The occurrence of at least high salinity salty water outflows during Termination II confirms the step-wise, non-linear structure of the penultimate deglaciation, providing a perfect example of the threshold concept in rapid climate changes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: The present study compared the evolution of the functioning of Medial Olivocochlear System (MOCS) with age between subjects who acquire reading normally (NR) and subjects with impaired reading (RI). Material and methods: Two hundred and forty subjects participated in the study (120 NR and 120 RI) divided into 5 age groups ranging from 8 to 32 years. MOC function was assessed in each ear by quantifying the amount of suppression of TEOAEs by contralateral acoustic stimulation (CAS), a phenomenon known as Contralateral Suppressive Effect (CSE). Results: Differences in the developmental trajectory of the CSE were found. These are differences between the right and left ears within the NR and RI groups but also differences between the NR and RI groups within each ear. Thus, the asymmetry of MOC function evolves with age but in a different way depending on whether reading is correctly acquired or impaired. Conclusions: The maturation of the MOCS, which continues until adulthood, shows differences according to the acquisition of reading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residual municipal solid waste can be treated by anaerobic digestion after a sorting process in order to remove the unwanted materials. After a mechanical sorting the quality of the final compost can hardly cope with requirements for agriculture use. In this way, a more efficient sorting process using a specific equipment that provides a combined biological and mechanical effect, has been implemented on the plant of Varennes Jarcy prior to anaerobic digestion. This paper presents the main results obtained on this plant. The reduction of biodegradable organics in particle lower than 10mm allows a very efficient separation by screening. An additional ballistic sorting removes the remaining glass. The composition of the resulting sorted waste was close to a source-sorted organic fraction. The sorted waste exhibit methane yields comparable with raw biodegradable organics, showing that the pre-treatment had little impact on anaerobic digestion performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The water-binding properties of wheat starch films were studied through the determination of water vapour adsorption isotherms at 20°C. Starch films were obtained by casting after mixing native starch at 95°C for 15min with different ratios of plasticizer (glycerol). Unplasticized starch film was found to adsorb less water than native starch granules. The effect of glycerol on water vapour adsorption by plasticized films depends on equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) value and glycerol content. Below ERH=44%, plasticized film is less hygroscopic than native starch and above this value, adsorbed water increases with glycerol content. An amount of 20% glycerol seems to be the maximum that can act as plasticizer. Above this percentage, phase separation occurs and the amount of adsorbed water increases as it binds to starch film as well as to “free” glycerol. The interactions between water, glycerol and starch determined in a wide range of ERH (0–80%) and of plasticizer ratios (0–52.6%) were analysed on a stoichiometric basis. A phase diagram is reported which contains characteristic points distinguished by their composition, stoichiometric ratios and type of phase observed. The phase separation and quantification of free glycerol is particularly discussed. A schematic representation of the different types of binding between starch water and glycerol is given to illustrate our understanding of the molecular interactions in the different phases. The hydration of plasticized starch films depends on the nature and amount of plasticizer. Water vapour adsorption is proportional to the number of hydrophilic sites (hydroxyl groups) in the plasticizer. Modified starch films adsorb less water than native or plasticized films. The higher the hydrophobicity of substituent, the lower the amount of adsorbed water. Binding of water to starch films influences their thermo-mechanical properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights • The proposed method is capable of giving stable navigation and mapping solutions. • Position accuracy is around 2 m in long GNSS (more than 300 s) outage. • The mapping results achieve the meter-level accuracy. • An approximately 60% improvement of long GNSS-denied experiments is achieved. Abstract Mobile Mapping Systems (MMS) with Inertial Navigation System / Global Navigation Satellite System (INS/GNSS) and mapping sensors have been widely developed in recent years. However current systems and results are still prone to errors, especially in GNSS-denied or multipath environments. To provide robust and stable navigation information, particularly for mapping in long-term GNSS-denied environments, we propose a semi-tightly coupled integration scheme which integrates INS/GNSS with grid-based Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). Although traditional SLAM using LiDAR can map the GNSS-denied environment efficiently, it is only in local localization. The proposed integration scheme is based on the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) with motion constraints. In this scheme, a measurement model for grid-based SLAM is aided by the heading and velocity information. A special innovation of this scheme is the improved fusion of GNSS/INS with the use of grid-based SLAM serves like virtual odometer and virtual compass, thus gaining reliable measurements and error models to maintain good performance during INS-only mode. In addition, the initial values for example position and heading, are given to solve global localization and loop closure problems in SLAM. Finally, a smoothing and multi-resolution map strategy are applied offline to increase the robustness and performance of the proposed grid-based SLAM. Evaluation based on experimental data shows the significant improvement by the proposed semi-tightly coupled integration scheme with low-cost INS/GNSS and LiDAR, which is able to achieve 1–2 m' accuracy in terms of positioning and mapping. An approximately 60% improvement was achieved during long-term GNSS-denied environments using the proposed integration scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Our aim was to investigate the water sources used by woody species under contrasting water availability and the extent of water-sources-use differentiation among dominant woody species in a tropical coastal dune forest. Methods: We sampled 15 woody species in a Brazilian restinga forest and, through Bayesian isotope mixing models, we estimated the proportion of water sources used. We tested whether water-sources-use was (i) different between contrasting water availability conditions; (ii) dependent on growth form, plant size or crown illumination; and (iii) influenced by stand density, evenness or biomass. Results: We found a seasonal variation in water-sources-use, but no vertical soil-water partitioning among woody species. In wetter periods, plants used mainly water from top-soil, as a shallow water table limited water uptake to top-soil layers recharged with rainwater. Contrastingly, during drier periods, with the absence of rain and a deeper water table, plants generally relied on deeper (50 cm) soil layers. Only under less-wet conditions, a greater evenness and density implied higher water-uptake depth heterogeneity among plants. However, changes in the main water-sources used by plants were neither evoked in more dense or diverse plots, nor induced by plant size. Conclusions: Our study shows that restinga species have dynamic shifts in water-uptake depth caused by seasonal water availability changes, influenced by the combined effect of insufficient moisture at shallow soil layers and water-table lowering in drier periods. These temporal shifts are common among species, implying that restinga woody community has a homogeneous strategy of water-resources acquisition. This study enhances our understanding of the effects that water variations can have on water-resource use in restinga forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Three flame-retarded systems based on PLA, PMMA and PLA/PMMA blend have undergone hydrothermal ageing. The miscibility of the blend as well as the crystallization behaviour of PLA were studied by DSC. The impact of ageing in terms of weight variations, melt viscosity, molecular weight distribution, morphology, and thermal degradation was investigated. Results showed that crystallization of PLA and significant hydrolysis phenomenon occurred during ageing. Flame retardant content determined by EDX and ICP revealed a loss of phosphorus during ageing, especially for flame-retarded PLA (91 wt% phosphorus loss after ageing). Incorporation of 50 wt% PMMA moderated the negative impacts observed. Fire properties evaluated using cone calorimeter revealed almost no impact of ageing on flame-retarded PMMA, contrary to flame-retarded PLA (increase of pHRR from 291 to 487 kW/m2). Flame-retarded blend shows intermediate properties. It revealed the positive effect of incorporation of PMMA in PLA, by limiting the water diffusion and by reducing the loss of phosphorus. Highlights • Prepared flame-retarded polymers based on PLA and PMMA. • Negative impacts of hydrothermal ageing on flame-retarded PLA. • Improved resistance to ageing after incorporation of PMMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryomodules of the superconducting accelerator SPIRAL 2 have been successfully qualified and are now under commissioning on the linac at GANIL (France). This paper presents the successful results of the power conditioning of the couplers both on a test bench in Grenoble and during the cryomodules qualification. It also shows the influence of some factors, such as surface state and experiencing a cavity quench around the antenna, on the power conditioning process (duration, quality). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed embryo culture medium (CM) and recipient blood plasma using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) metabolomics to predict pregnancy outcome. Individually cultured, in vitro-produced (IVP) blastocysts were transferred to recipients as fresh and vitrified-warmed. Spent CM and plasma samples were evaluated using FTIR. The discrimination capability of the classifiers was assessed for accuracy, sensitivity (pregnancy), specificity (nonpregnancy), and area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC). Within all IVP fresh embryos (birth rate = 52%), high AUC were obtained at birth, especially with expanded blastocysts (CM: 0.80 ± 0.053; plasma: 0.89 ± 0.034). The AUC of vitrified IVP embryos (birth rate = 31%) were 0.607 ± 0.038 (CM, expanded blastocysts) and 0.672 ± 0.023 (plasma, all stages). Recipient plasma generally predicted pregnancy outcome better than did embryo CM. Embryos and recipients with improved pregnancy viability were identified, which could increase the economic benefit to the breeding industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genomic tools are now available for most livestock species and are used routinely for genomic selection (GS) in cattle. One of the most important developments resulting from the introduction of genomic testing for dairy cattle is the application of reasonably priced low-density single nucleotide polymorphism technology in the selection of females. In this context, combining genome testing and reproductive biotechnologies in young heifers enables new strategies to generate replacement and elite females in a given period of time. Moreover, multiple markers have been detected in biopsies of preimplantation stage embryos, thus paving the way to develop new strategies based on preimplantation diagnosis and the genetic screening of embryos. Based on recent advances in GS, the present review focuses on new possibilities inherent in reproductive technologies used for commercial purposes and in genetic schemes, possible side effects and beneficial impacts on reproductive efficiency. A particular focus is on the different steps allowing embryo genotyping, including embryo micromanipulation, DNA production and quality assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed the change in gene expression related to dam physiological status in day (D)18 embryos from growing heifers (GH), early lactating cows (ELC), and late lactating cows (LLC). Dam energy metabolism was characterized by measurement of circulating concentrations of insulin, glucose, IGF-1, nonesterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, and urea before embryo flush. The metabolic parameters were related to differential gene expression in the extraembryonic tissues by correlation analysis. Embryo development estimated by measuring the length of the conceptuses and the proportion of expected D18 gastrulating stages was not different between the three groups of females. However, embryo metabolism was greatly affected by dam physiological status when we compared GH with ELC and GH with LLC but to a lesser extent when ELC was compared with LLC. Genes involved in glucose, pyruvate, and acetate utilization were upregulated in GH vs. ELC conceptuses (e.g., SLC2A1, PC, ACSS2, ACSS3). This was also true for the pentose pathway (PGD, TKT), which is involved in synthesis of ribose precursors of RNA and DNA. The pathways involved in lipid synthesis were also upregulated in GH vs. ELC. Despite similar morphological development, the molecular characteristics of the heifers' embryos were consistently different from those of the cows. Most of these differences were strongly related to metabolic/hormone patterns before insemination and during conceptus free-life. Many biosynthetic pathways appeared to be more active in heifer embryos than in cow embryos, and consequently they seemed to be healthier, and this may be more conducive to continue development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY QUESTION Does BCAR4 have a role in mammalian embryo development? SUMMARY ANSWER Expression, localization and functional data support that BCAR4 is a maternal-effect protein in non-rodent mammals. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY BCAR4 was previously identified as an oocyte-specific gene in cattle, and as a marker of certain breast tumors in humans. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Human oocytes were obtained from patients undergoing IVF, but had failed to mature after ovarian stimulation. Dog oocytes were obtained from ovariectomized bitches. Pig, horse and bovine ovaries were obtained from commercial slaughterhouses for extraction of immature oocyte–cumulus complexes. In vivo matured bovine matured oocytes were obtained after ovulation induction and ovulation inducing treatment of Montbeliard heifers. MATERIALS, SETTING AND METHODS Expression at the RNA level was analyzed by reverse transcription coupled to polymerase chain reaction. Western blot and immunolabeling coupled to confocal or electronic microscopy were used to analyze bovine protein expression and intracellular localization. For the functional approach, short-interfering RNA were microinjected into mature bovine oocytes, followed by IVF; cleavage and embryo development were recorded. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The BCAR4 gene is conserved in mammalian species from various orders and has been lost in rodents after divergence with lagomorphs. The transcript is expressed in the oocytes of humans and domestic species. We bring the first experimental evidence of the BCAR4 protein in mammals. In cattle, the protein is not detected in immature oocytes but starts to be synthesized during maturation, increases in the zygote and persists until the morula stage. The protein is detected throughout the cytoplasm in mature oocytes, concentrates in and around the pronuclei in the zygote, and appears to shuttle in and out of the nuclei starting in the 2-cell embryo; BCAR4 is also present at the junctions between blastomeres from 2-cell to morula. In our functional approach, targeting the BCAR4 transcript by small-interfering RNA significantly compromised development to the morula or/and blastocyst stages (P < 0.05, logistic regression). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION As indicated above, protein expression and function were investigated in cattle and mostly in vitro matured oocytes were used. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study provides a novel candidate gene whose mutation or deregulation may underlie certain cases of unexplained female infertility. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was sponsored by grants from the French Ministry of Research (#03P409), Agence Nationale de la Recherche (#ANR-07-GANI-004-01) and Apisgene. No competing interests declared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Injection drug users are at increased risk for hepatitis B. Surveillance of the unexposed to infection and of the vaccinated is necessary to understand the impact of interventions. We aimed to analyze HBV serum profiles and rates of HBV vaccination over 20 years. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in IDUs admitted to detoxification between 1987 and 2006 in two hospitals in Barcelona, Spain. Clinical data and serum samples for HBV, HCV and HIV infections were collected. HBV serostatus was assessed with HBsAg, Anti-HBs and Anti-HBc. RESULTS: A total of 1223 IDUs were eligible; 80.3% were men; median age at admission was 28 years. Prevalence of HCV infection and HIV infection was 84.2% and 44.3%, respectively. There was a significant (p<0.001) increase of the rates of HBV vaccine-induced immunity from 3.7% in period 1987-1991 to 19.9% in period 2002-2006 and, a significant (p<0.001) decline of those with HBsAg from 9.3% in 1987-1991 to <2% after 1997. The rates of absence of HBV markers and of natural immunity remained stable from 1992 onwards. In multivariate logistic regression model, HBV vaccination was significantly (p<0.001) less frequent in older individuals (OR=0.61 [95% CI: 0.50-0.74] for a 5-year increase in age) and in HIV infected patients (p=0.014) (OR=0.51 [95% CI: 0.30-0.87]). CONCLUSIONS: In the 20-year period from 1987 to 2006, HBV vaccine-induced immunity in IDUs has shown an upward trend, although overall prevalence remained low. More effective interventions are needed to reduce high rates of HBV infection in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Historically, due to the often overwhelming complexity of the substances migrating from food contact materials (FCMs) into food, the specific legislation in Europe started from the substances used to manufacture these materials and articles. There are, however, FCMs with migrates almost exclusively consisting of reaction products, such as those produced from resins used, e.g. for coatings (epoxy resins, polyesters, organosols, trimellitic acid resins). Since the reaction products do not necessarily have the same toxicological profile as the starting substances to produce the resins, the use of authorized starting substances does not rule out the migration of compounds endangering human health. The European framework Regulation 1935/2004 requires the safety of all substances migrating from FCMs into food. Resolution AP2004/1 on coatings of the Council of Europe puts the emphasis on the safety evaluation of the migrants rather than that of the substances used for manufacturing the resins and then the coatings. Nonetheless, the Code of Practice for Coatings recently issued by industry focuses on the evaluation of the starting substances to produce resins. The authors of this paper consider the present situation unsatisfactory. It is the duty of industry to respect the legal requirements and of the regulatory authorities to ensure that these requirements are met. The authors recommend setting a time limit to have this achieved. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The direct sea–land correlation applied to core MD99-2331 retrieved from the north-western Iberian margin shows a two-phase pattern within Heinrich events 4, 2 and 1 in the ocean and in the adjacent landmasses. Changes between wet/cold and dry/cool conditions in the Iberian Peninsula detected during these extreme events cannot be explained by a simple oceanographic mechanism related to changes in the strength of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. Here we propose an additional atmospheric mechanism able to produce this scenario based on the comparison between the MD99-2331 record and other available palaeoclimate sequences from the North Atlantic region (18–75°N and 0–75°W). The climatic asymmetry observed between mid- and subtropical eastern North Atlantic latitudes (wet/dry) and the Blake Outer Ridge (dry/wet) during H4, H2 and H1 can be explained by changes in the position of the Atlantic jet-stream. During the first phase of H4, H2 and H1 the Atlantic jet-stream was located further south following the southward displacement of the oceanic thermal front as far south as 35°–37°N. On the contrary, during the second phase of H4, H2 and H1 the jet-stream was located further north following the northward displacement of this thermal front as far north as 42°N. From the atmospheric point of view, these two phases are reminiscent of the present-day negative and positive prevailing modes of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), respectively, but high-resolution studies of additional North Atlantic key sites and climate simulations are needed to confirm the hypothesis of a NAO-like mechanism operating on millennial timescales. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection follows an accelerated course in patients co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); establishing the extent of liver fibrosis is crucial for disease staging and determining treatment strategy in these patients. The utility of noninvasive markers of fibrosis as alternatives to liver biopsy has not been well-studied in these patients. We evaluated the predictive value of serum transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) and hyaluronic acid (HA) levels for determining the extent of liver fibrosis. Liver biopsies and blood samples were collected from 69 consecutive patients (74% male; median age, 41 years) between May 2005 and November 2006. Serum TGF-β1 and HA were analysed using commercial kits. Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase levels were elevated in 81%, 70% and 60% of patients, respectively. Fifty-three patients (90%) were on highly active antiretroviral therapy and the median CD4-positive cell count was 422 cells/μL. The extent of fibrosis according to Scheuer’s scoring was 32% F0 (no fibrosis), 16.5% F1, 16.5% F2, 26% F3 and 7% F4 (cirrhosis). Mean serum TGF-β1 was 36.1 ± 14.4 ng/mL; mean serum HA was 75.2 ± 85.0 μg/L. Serum HA was positively associated and significantly correlated with the stage of fibrosis ( r = 0.56; P < 0.05). The area under the curve for discriminating mild (F0–F2) from significant (F3–F4) fibrosis in receiver operating analysis using HA was 0.83 (sensitivity, 87%; specificity, 70%). These data suggest that HA is clinically useful for predicting liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients co-infected with HCV/HIV. However, serum TGF-β1 was not predictive of histological damage in co-infected individuals treated with HAART. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La pandémie mondiale de COVID-19 commence à être contrôlée par une vaccination massive. Les patients atteints de maladies auto-immunes (MAI) traités par rituximab ont un risque de décès 4 fois plus élevé (2,32–7,03) et semblent ne pas avoir la même réponse humorale que les témoins sains au vaccins à ARNm. L'objectif est de comparer les réponses cellulaires et humorales au vaccin ARNm BNT 162b2 contre le COVID-19 de patients atteints de MAI traités par rituximab (RTX) ou d'autres immunosuppresseurs ou immunomodulateurs (autres IS) à des sujets contrôles. Les patients et les témoins sains (HC) ont été vaccinés avec le BNT162b2 aux jours 0 et 28 et prélevés aux jours 28 et 56. Les patients présentant une infection antérieure au SARS-CoV 2 ont été exclus. Les patients ont été divisés en 2 groupes : « groupe RTX » s'ils avaient reçu du RTX il y a moins d'1 an, ou « autre IS » s'ils étaient traités avec d'autres traitements. Une évaluation sérologique de la réponse vaccinale (ECLIA Cobas, Roche) et de la neutralisation (iFlash-2019-nCoV Nab, Ylho) a été réalisée. Nous avons défini un seuil ≥ 50 d'IgG anti-Spike comme la réponse au vaccin car c'est la valeur seuil au-delà de laquelle les HC avaient tous des anticorps neutralisants détectables. La réponse cellulaire T contre les peptides de la protéine Spike a été réalisée en détectant le marquage intracellulaire du TNF, de l'IFNg, de l'IL2, sur les lymphocytes T CD4 et CD8 activés. Vingt-huit contrôles et 57 patients atteints de MAI ont été inclus ; 24 patients dans le groupe rituximab et 33 dans l'autre groupe autre IS. À j56, Le groupe RTX avait significativement moins d'IgG anti-Spike (68,6 ± 110) par rapport au groupe HC (235 ± 58) (p < 0,0001) et au groupe autres IS (180 ± 100) (p = 0,0017). Le pourcentage de répondeurs était plus faible dans le groupe RTX : 29,2 % versus 79,4 % (p = 0,0003) dans le groupe autres IS et 92,2 % dans le groupe HC (p < 0,0001). Il n'y avait pas de différence de taux d'IgG anti-Spike ou de pourcentage de répondeurs entre les HC et le groupe autres IS. Parmi les T CD4 activées, le pourcentage de LT CD4 spécifiques de Spike secrétant de l'IFNg après stimulation était identique dans le groupe RTX (0,039 % [0–0,13]) et dans les groupes autre IS (0,023 % [0–0,07]) et HC (0,029 % [0–0, 07]) (p = 0,38). Il n'y avait pas non plus de différence entre les groupes concernant le pourcentage de LT CD4 spécifiques sécrétant de l'IL-2 ou du TNF. Dans le groupe RTX, le délai médian depuis la dernière perfusion de RTX était significativement plus faible chez les non-répondeurs en anticorps (81 jours [IQR 147]) par rapport aux répondeurs (231 jours [IQR 89]). Aucun des patients ayant reçu RTX au cours des 6 mois précédents n'avait de réponse IgG anti-Spike. La réponse cellulaire T n'était pas corrélée au délai depuis la dernière perfusion ou à la réponse humorale. Chez les patients atteints de MAI vaccinés avec 2 doses de vaccin anti-COVID-19 BNT162b2, la réponse humorale était significativement altérée chez les patients traités par RTX mais pas chez les patients traités par d'autres IS. Cependant, la réponse cellulaire T CD4 n'était pas différente entre le groupe RTX et les autres groupes. Des données cliniques sont nécessaires pour juger de la protection contre la maladie chez les patients RTX ayant une réponse cellulaire sans réponse humorale. En attendant, il est justifié de proposer une 3e dose vaccinale à tous les patients ayant reçu une injection de RTX moins de 6 mois avant la 1re injection vaccinale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: IPN Orsay is strongly involved within the EURISOL and EUROTRANS projects, especially collaborating to the overall design of their linac architecture. Since a few years, main part of the R&D work is dedicated to the development of superconducting spoke cavities and their associated components (RF coupler, tuning system horizontal cryomodule, etc.). Following the very promising results obtained with our first single-spoke prototype (2-gap, 352MHz, beta 0.35), a new prototype has been designed and fabricated (2-gap, 352MHz, beta 0.15) in order to be integrated in a future linac. The mechanical and RF tests, done on this prototype, are presented. Then, an overview of the latest beam dynamics calculations performed to design a linac using spoke cavities will be described. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: SPIRAL2 is a radioactive beams facility, composed of a superconducting linac driver, delivering deuterons with an energy of up to 40MeV (5mA) and heavy ions with an energy of 14.5MeV/u (1mA). This facility is now fully approved by the French government. The first prototype of beta 0.12 quarter-wave resonator has been recently fabricated by Zanon company and tested at IPN Orsay. The details on its fabrication and the results of the RF and mechanical tests at 4K will be presented. Then, we will show the design of the cryomodule-B, dedicated to the high energy section of the linac, which is now ready to be ordered. Finally, the last studies of the R&D program, such as the last optimizations of the geometry, the new developments of the tuning system and the design of the helium vessel, are described. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The final steps of oocyte capacitation and maturation are critical for embryonic development but detailed information is scarce on how the oocyte is affected during this period. In this study, 2033 oocytes were collected from 106 superovulated cattle at four different time points before ovulation. Follicular characteristics were measured and oocyte quality was assessed by morphology, mRNA expression of eight marker genes or developmental ability after in vitro/in vivo maturation and subsequent in vitro fertilization and culture. Approaching ovulation, expected increases in follicular size and cumulus expansion suggested progression of oocyte maturation. No differences were found in the expression patterns of analyzed genes, except for heat-shock-protein (Hsp) that was lower in in vivo matured oocytes collected shortly before ovulation. Oocytes collected at this time also had higher developmental ability measured as blastocyst rates (57.6%) after in vitro production while no differences were found between oocytes recovered earlier at the first three time points (39.3–41.5%). We conclude that oocytes recovered late in the preovulatory period are more developmentally competent than oocytes recovered at the pre-capacitation and the capacitation period, probably due to the former having matured in vivo. However, a precisely defined time for aspirating immature oocytes for subsequent in vitro development seems not to be crucial. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Study Objectives: To compare the outcome of Legionnaires disease (LD) in patients with and without HIV infection.Design: Retrospective review of clinical charts.Setting: Six hundred-bed university hospital.Patients: We studied the clinical findings of 64 patients without HIV and 15 patients with HIV. Patients with a serologic diagnosis only were not included. Patients with previous immunosuppressive therapy or transplant recipients were excluded from the former group. In the HIV group, the mean CD4 cell count was 347.5/ microL, plasma viral load was undetectable in 50% of the patients, and only one patient (7%) was receiving cotrimoxazole as prophylaxis against Pneumocystis carinii at the time of pneumonia. No differences were observed in the two groups with respect to community or nosocomial acquisition, delay in the initiation of appropriate treatment, the use of macrolides or fluoroquinolones, and Fine score in cases of community-acquired LD.Results: Univariate analysis showed that time to apyrexia was longer, and respiratory symptoms, bilateral infiltrates in chest radiograph, hyponatremia, increase in aspartate aminotransferase and creatine phosphokinase (CK), and respiratory failure were more frequent in the HIV group. Mortality was greater in patients with HIV, achieving a statistically significant value of 20%; however, multivariate analysis only confirmed these differences with respect to the increase in CK.Conclusions: LD has a more severe clinical presentation and worse evolution in patients with HIV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cercarial dermatitis, a re-emerging disease world-wide, may affect those engaged in water sports. Many of those who swim in the annual cross-lake races at Annecy in France, for example, develop such dermatitis. In an attempt to see whether ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate (IR3535) would protect swimmers from the dermatitis, the exposed skin on the right side of each of 78 participants in the cross-lake races of 2001 was treated with IR3535-based ointment. When contacted by telephone during the week following the races, 64 (82%) of the subjects reported that they had developed cercarial dermatitis. Subjects with a past history of cercarial dermatitis were more likely to report an attack in 2001 than those who said that they had never had such dermatitis prior to 2001 (P=0.001). The skin lesions were scattered all over the body in 89% of the cases and limited to the left side of the body in 11%. Of the 63 cases who reported time of onset, 32 (51%) had noticed lesions within an hour of the race. The mean duration of clinical manifestations was 4.8 days (range=30 min-18 days). The clinical manifestations were significantly more severe in the subjects aged >16 years than in the younger subjects, although these two age-groups swam in separate races. Thirty-one of the affected subjects attempted to cure their dermatitis, using any of five different treatments. Overall, the results were disappointing, with the IR3535-based ointment, which had initially been developed as an insect repellent, appearing to offer little, if any, protection against cercarial dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

summary. To assess the factors associated with liver fibrosis in human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus (HIV/HCV) co-infected patients eligible for anti-HCV therapy, we performed an observational, single-centred, cross-sectional study of 180 HIV/HCV co-infected patients who underwent liver biopsy between May 1998 and November 2001. A total of 126 patients with a known date of HCV infection were evaluated. Liver fibrosis was defined as a Knodell stage of fibrosis 1–4. The mean age was 36.7 (3.8) years, 81% were male and had a mean age of 20.5 (3.8) years at HCV infection. Mean CD4 cell count and plasma HIV-1 RNA load at the time of biopsy were 552 cell/mm3 (239) and 2.5 log10 (0.9), respectively; 118 patients had been on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for a median of 45 months (Q1–Q3: 21–75) and 84 on protease inhibitor for a median of 12.0 months (Q1–Q3: 0–29.5); 55 had an AIDS event or a CD4 cell count nadir < 200 cells/mm3 prior to biopsy. Median histological activity index was 6 and 27% had a Knodell stage of fibrosis 0. On the multivariate analysis time on ART (OR for 6 months extra: 0.954, 95% CI: 0.859–0.994), CD4 cell count at the time of liver biopsy (OR for 100 cells/mL increase: 0.740, 95% CI: 0.670–0.905), age at HCV infection acquisition (OR for 5 years extra: 2.594, 95% CI: 1.326–5.133) and alcohol intake (> 50 g/day) (OR: 2.73, 95% CI: 1.108–6.731) were associated with liver fibrosis. Hence ART should be a priority in HIV/HCV co-infected patients eligible for anti-HCV treatment as it is a protective factor for liver fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The characteristics of nitrogen acquisition, transport and assimilation were investigated in species of an Atlantic Forest succession over calcareous soil in south-eastern Brazil. Differences in behaviour were observed within the regeneration guilds. Pioneer species showed high leaf nitrogen contents, a high capacity to respond to increased soil nitrogen availability, a high capacity for leaf nitrate assimilation and were characterized by the transport of nitrate + asparagine. At the other end of the succession, late secondary species had low leaf nitrogen contents, little capacity to respond to increased soil nitrogen availability, low leaf nitrate assimilation and were active in the transport of asparagine + arginine. The characteristics of nitrogen nutrition in some early secondary species showed similarities to those of pioneer species whereas others more closely resembled late secondary species. Average leaf δ 15 N values increased along the successional gradient. The results indicate that the nitrogen metabolism characteristics of species may be an additional ecophysiological tool in classifying tropical forest tree species into ecological guilds, and may have implications for regeneration programmes in degraded areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]