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Extra-medullary hematopoiesis is a rare condition that corresponds to the ectopic development of hematopoietic tissue outside the bone marrow in response to bone marrow hyperstimulation. This phenomenon occurs mainly in embryonic hematopoiesis sites (spleen, liver, lymph nodes), sometimes in other organs such as the kidneys and lungs. Mediastinal localization is more rare. We present the observation of a patient in whom the diagnosis of beta-thalassemia was evoked in front of paravertebral tissue masses related to extra-medullary hematopoiesis. Observation: A 36-year-old patient hospitalized in our NYHA dyspnea department for the last three weeks, a thoracic CT scan was performed showing the presence on both sides of the dorsal spine of the 02 spontaneously dense masses enhanced after contrast. Biologically, the blood smear showed 78% erythroblastemia of Howell-Jolly’s acidophilic erythroblasts and the presence of red blood cell anisopoikylocytosis with target red blood cells and sickle cell disease. Electrophoresis of hemoglobin showed a hemoglobin F level at 90 %, we completed with molecular biology, this result is in favor of a β0 thalassemia (β0/β0 allele). Conclusion: Our observation describes an exceptional case of spinal extra-medullary hematopoiesis whose diagnosis of B-thallasemia was made on molecular biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well documented that choline is known as one of the essential ingredients of phospholipids. Choline acts as a determinative element for appropriate cell membrane functions. On the other hand α-tocopherol (Vit E) is a fat-soluble vitamin. This vitamin acts as a strong antioxidant in the living body's defense system against oxidative stress. Lipid peroxidation in peripartum and early lactating cows is significantly increased while the level of serum Vit E is decreases dramatically. These concomitant physiological changes demonstrate a higher level of oxidative stress subsequently leads to serious health issues in dairy cows. Therefore, the present research was designed to investigate the following items in dairy cattle: 1) evaluation of the possible changes in serum protein fractions, and 2) comparing the oxidative status of orally RPC and vitamin E supplementation in dairy cows in early lactation period. In the current study 30 early lactating primiparous and multiparous Holstein cows (body condition score (BCS)=2.51 ± 0.10) were used beginning five weeks postpartum. All the animals were randomly divided in to three groups (n=10) (number of lactation=2.61). The animals were randomly assigned to receive one of the following treatments. Group 1 served as control group were not received any supplement. The second group was supplemented with 90 g/d of RPC (Reashre Choline, Balchem, USA). The third group was administrated 4400 IU/d vitamin E (Roche, Vitamins Ltd; Switzerland). In the current study, serum protein electrophoresis showed four main fractions as follows: albumin, α-globulin, β-globulin, and γ-globulin. The recorded data showed that the percentages of albumin and γ-globulin fractions were higher in treated groups compared to the control group. In the animals supplementing with RPC and vitamin E the percentages of serum albumin increased to the value of 37. 70±1.63 and 38.21±1.28 respectively compare to the control group (34.69±1.21), which were significant (P

The assessment of von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimer distribution, particularly following the implantation of circulatory support devices, is a crucial parameter in hemostasis. Our study aimed to evaluate the semi-automated quantification of VWF multimers using the Sebia Hydrasys analyzer. Our analysis focused on quantifying high molecular weight, intermediate weight, and low molecular weight VWF multimers. Electrophoretic migration was performed using the Hydrasys 2 scan, and interpretation was carried out using densitometric analysis with the Phoresis software. The Hydrasys scan 2 successfully separated all the expected VWF multimer profiles based on the type of von Willebrand disease. The analysis revealed that in patients with circulatory support devices, elevated levels of plasma VWF rendered multimer migration unanalyzable using the methodology recommended by the manufacturer. Therefore, adjustment to a 100 % VWF antigenic level improved gel precision. We also suggest using as a standardized control the Cryocheck™ plasma, and have established reference values. Overall, this semi-automated, standardized, and optimized VWF multimer analysis system allows for an effective assessment of the VWF multimeric profile.

Urine protein electrophoresis is often required for diagnosis and monitoring of urological or renal diseases and lymphoid hemopathies. We here report an uncommon urine protein electrophoresis result. The test was performed using agarose gel electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis. It was a monoclonal peak of unknown significance migrating with gammaglobulins. Scientific literature and the tests performed demonstrated that it was myoglobin. In fact, myoglobin (17 kDa) is freely filtered by the glomerulus and normally reabsorbed by the tubules. If tubule capacity for reabsorption is exceeded, its presence results in overcharging proteinuria. Myoglobinuria helped diagnose rhabdomyolysis in our patient. Thus, the analysis of unknown peaks, can provide information on symptoms but also underlying pathologies, which may be of clinical interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helianthinin is a major storage protein of the sunflower seed. The polypeptides composition of helianthinin is heterogeneous and corresponded to the family gene heterogeneity. The SDS electrophoresis polyacrylamide gel analyses of total fractions of proteins extracted from 24 of sunflower genotypes developed by INRA of Montpellier have revealed a variable helianthinin polypeptide. The electrophoretic analysis revealed specific polypeptide of wild genotypes, hybrids, normal and high oleic acid breeding line. These results show six variables polypeptides of helianthinin with molecular weight of 43.8 kD, 43.5 kD, 43.3 kD, 27.2 kD, 26.4 kD et 24.6 kD. The high oleic content genotype has three polypeptides of 43.8 kD, 43.3 kD and 24.6 kD, similar to the hybrid Helianthus Argophyllus x Helianthus Annus. The Russian population Vniimk and the Armavir population with normal oleic acid have similar helianthinin electrophoretic profile.

Voxelotor (GBT440, OXBRYTA®) appeared recently as one of the possible treatments for sickle cell disease. This molecule, by binding the alpha globin of hemoglobin, causes hyperaffinity of the latter for oxygen and reduces its polymerization properties. Several therapeutic trials have been able to show its effectiveness on certain aspects of sickle cell disease; thus, the french HAS (High Authority of Health) college issued an early access authorization and, since 2021, this treatment can be offered to patients under a temporary authorization for use. Consequently, the laboratories that carry out the biological monitoring of sickle cell patients will be confronted with new profiles characteristic of the presence of hemoglobin combined with GBT440. This work presents a collection of images obtained by different techniques: HPLC, capillary electrophoresis, isoelectrofocusing, alkaline gel and acid agar gel electrophoresis in transfused or non-transfused sickle cell disease patients. The ability to observe the presence of GBT440 by these analyzes could be useful in order to characterize the therapeutic follow-up of patients.

Immunofixation is currently very used in medical laboratories. The interpretation of the results is usually easy, but some cases raise interpretative problems. We here report two cases difficult to interpret. In the first case, we report a case of nonspecific precipitation of the protein on each track, in the second case we report a case of double monoclonal band on immunofixation electrophoresis. Reducing agent such as β2-mercaptoethanol used in these two cases allowed to solve the problem and to make a diagnosis. A comparison between clinical radiological and laboratory test data is necessary before making a diagnosis of monoclonal immunoglobulin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood samples were collected from 20 healthy miniature Caspian horses at 37 °C. Isolation of cryoglobulin was performed based on a standard method in present study. Harvested sera were kept at 4 °C for two hours and then examined for cryoglubolin. Four serum samples containing precipitate Suspicious of containing cryoglobulin were selected. Subsequently serum protein electrophoresis was performed on normal serum samples and also on four serum samples containing precipitates using an automated electrophoresis system on cellulose acetate strips. In addition Ig isotypes detection (IgG, IgM and IgA) was performed on both precipitates and serum containing precipitates using single radio immunediffusion method (SRID). A narrow-based peak on gamma region of precipitate acetate cellulose strips was observed. Precipitate concentrations were strikingly higher than normal concentration of serum immuneglobulins. It can be suggested that cryoglobulin concentration in a proportion of Caspian miniature horse is higher than other equides may be in relation with animal susceptibility to neoplasias such as lymphoma and leukemia.

Résumé L’hémoglobine est la principale protéine des globules rouges assurant le transport de l’oxygène (O 2 ) du poumon vers les tissus et le retour du gaz carbonique (CO 2 ) des tissus vers le poumon. Sa structure oligomérique permet une régulation fine par l’O 2 lui-même (effet allostérique) et par le pH et le 2,3-diphosphoglycérate. Le fer (Fe 2+ ) de la molécule d’hème portée par les chaînes de globine constitutives de l’hémoglobine assure la liaison de l’O 2 . Des mutations sur les gènes codant pour les chaînes de globine peuvent modifier la solubilité, la stabilité, l’affinité pour l’O 2 , la liaison du Fe 2+ ou son état d’oxydation, de l’hémoglobine. La mutation la plus fréquente est celle responsable de la drépanocytose avec apparition d’HbS de migration anormale à l’électrophorèse et d’hématies falciformes. D’autres mutations amènent à des protéines mutantes moins solubles et de migrations anormales ; on regroupe cet ensemble sous le terme d’hémoglobinoses, ou anomalies qualitatives de l’hémoglobine. D’autres types de mutations se manifestent par des anomalies quantitatives, dites thalassémies, avec défaut de synthèse de la chaîne α dans les α-thalassémies et de la chaîne β dans les β-thalassémies. L’exploration de ces anomalies qualitatives ou quantitatives passe par des méthodes séparatives basées sur des différences de charges électriques, comme l’électrophorèse alcaline ou acide en gel ou en capillaire, l’isoélectrofocalisation et la chromatographie d’échange d’ions. Il sera souvent nécessaire de disposer de dosages fiables en Hb anormale, HbF et HbA2 auxquels on peut ajouter la numération-formule sanguine montrant l’anémie hémolytique et la génétique moléculaire pour identifier la mutation. D’autres analyses plus spécialisées sont réservées aux centres de référence. Summary Hemoglobin is the major protein in red cells responsible for the transport of oxygen (O 2 ) from lung toward tissues and coming back of carbonic gas (CO 2 ) from tissues toward lung. Its oligomeric structure allows a fine regulation by O 2 it-self (allosteric effect) and by pH and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate. Iron ion (Fe 2+ ) in the heme molecule carried by globin chains constitutive of hemoglobin is responsible for O 2 transport. Mutations in genes encoding globin chains can modify solubility, stability, affinity for O 2 , linkage of Fe 2+ or its oxidative state, of hemoglobin. The most usual mutation is that responsible for sickle cell disease with the appearance of HbS with abnormal migration in electrophoresis. Other mutations lead to mutant proteins less soluble and with abnormal migration ; this group of diseases is called hemoglobinoses, or qualitative abnormalities of hemoglobin. Other types of mutations are characterized by quantitative abnormalities, called thalassemia, with the defect in the synthesis of the α-chain in α-thalassemia or the β-chain in β-thalassemia. The exploration of these qualitative or quantitative abnormalities needs separative methods based on the differences in electric charges, such as alkaline or acidic electrophoresis in a gel or a capillary, isoelectrofocusing and ion-exchange chromatography. Often it would be necessary to quantify the abnormal Hb, also HbF and HbA2 with blood counting showing the hemolytic anemia and molecular genetics for the identification of the mutation. Other more specialized analyses are reserved to reference centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suitable electrophoretic separation methods of 34 isozymes from 17 enzyme systems resolved in Phaseolus lunatus L. (Lima bean) were developed. Data from the migration of the staining zones indicated that three loci control EST, GPI, IDH and MDH expression, while two loci control ACO, ADH, DIA, G6PDH, PER, PGDH, and PGM expression. The difference between the stained zones intensity on gels assayed for GDH and SOD suggest that each of these enzymes is also controlled by two loci. A single locus controls END, beta-GLU, LAP and SKDH. Based on the observed isozyme banding patterns, we inferred the quaternary structure of 11 enzyme systems. DIA isozymes were identified as tetrameric, ADH, fEST, GPI, MDH and PGDH as dimeric, and ACO, cEST, END, G6PDH, PGM and SKDH as monomeric. Allozyme polymorphisms of the resolved loci were estimated at both species and population levels. At species level, 74 / of the analysed loci were polymorphic while 44 / were polymorphic at population level.

This review summarizes all available publications on isoelectric focusing carried out on planar microfabricated devices. Characteristic features of microchip isoelectric focusing (MC-IEF), such as resolution independence of separation length and compression of pH gradient, are discussed. An overview of materials used for microchip fabrication and developed detection strategies is given. Accomplishments in on-chip coupling of MC-IEF with other electrophoretic separation techniques or with mass spectrometry are briefly described. The review ends with alternative approaches to MC-IEF separation in terms of unusual sample introduction, kinds of support used for IEF separation, and in manner in which the pH gradient is generated.

Résumé: La recherche et l’étude des protéinuries constituent un outil simple du dépistage, du diagnostic et du suivi de certaines pathologies rénales ou urologiques et des hémopathies lymphoïdes. Ces dernières années, de nettes avancées ont été réalisées sur les méthodes d’analyse quantitatives et qualitatives des protéines urinaires. Les méthodes d’électrophorèse des protéines urinaires sont plus sensibles et permettent désormais l’analyse des échantillons sans concentration préalable. Ces techniques d’analyse sont désormais accessibles à un grand nombre de laboratoires. L’objet de cet article est de présenter les avancées observées dans ce domaine et les différentes performances de ces méthodes analytiques. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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Copyright of Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Societe et Environnement is the property of Les Presses Agronomiques de Gembloux and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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Copyright of Journal of Medical Mycology / Journal de Mycologie Médicale is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of IBS, Immuno-analyse & Biologie Specialisee is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of IBS, Immuno-analyse & Biologie Specialisee is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Phytothérapie is the property of John Libbey Eurotext Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Résumé: Objectifs: Les mécanismes de développement de l’arthrose liée à l’âge ne sont pas clairement élucidés. Nous avons comparé le protéome du cartilage arthrosique à celui du cartilage normal afin de mieux comprendre la pathogénie de cette maladie et les bases moléculaires de la destruction progressive du cartilage d’arthrose. Méthodes: Après élimination des protéoglycanes et des collagènes, les protéines extraites de genoux normaux ou arthrosiques étaient séparées par électrophorèse bidimensionnelle (E-2D). Les protéines exprimées dans les cartilages d’arthrose étaient identifiées par spectrométrie de masse à résonance (linear ion trap-Fourier transform ion cyclotron, [LTQ-FT/MS]). Résultats: Au total, 1436±49 (cartilage normal) ou 1472±7 (cartilage d’arthrose) spots de protéines étaient résolus en E-2D. Des différences statistiquement significatives étaient mises en évidence pour 16 spots d’échantillons protéiques de cartilage d’arthrose en comparaison des témoins. Sur ces 16 spots, 14 protéines étaient identifiées sans ambiguïté par LTQ-FT/MS. Elles étaient séparées en cinq groupes fonctionnels : production d’énergie et glycolyse (ADH, ADK, ENOA, KPYM et FR), signalisation (ANNX-I, PEBP et TUB), oxydoréduction (PRDX3 et SODM), et matrice du cartilage (COLL-I et COLL-VI). De façon intéressante, deux nouvelles protéines « RING-finger », RF et Zn-RF, étaient identifiées, suggérant de nouvelles voies de régulation des protéines du cartilage. Conclusion: Cette étude montre que l’E-2D suivie de LTQ-FT/MS est efficace pour caractériser le protéome du cartilage sans nécessité de culture in vitro, étape pouvant potentiellement masquer des différences physiologiques. L’identification d’un profil unique d’expression protéique du cartilage arthrosique permet de définir de nouveaux mécanismes de l’arthrose et des acteurs dont le rôle reste à élucider dans l’apparition de la maladie. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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Abstract: Objectives: To determinate the origin of acquired S. aureus among hospitalised patients and to evaluate the transmission of strains between health care workers and hopistalised patients. Methods: The method chosen is a prospective study in risky clinical yards. Nasal swabing of patients and health care workers has been done to isolate bacterial samples. Caracterisation and comparaison of bacterial strains have been made using their antibiotic resistance profil and a recent molecular genotyping technic named MLVA (Multi Locus Variable Number of Tandem Repeat). It has never been used in such context. Résults: One hundred and fifty-seven strains have been isolated. They have been compared while realizing 1900 PCR and agar gel electrophoresis in 10 days. 15 clones were identified. One of them is mainly represented among patient''s nasal carriage and acquired strains. As far as antibiotype and agr type are concerned, it is similar to hospital-acquired clone described in Europe with other technics (MRSA, Gentamicine-S agr 1). This clone appears to be also transmitted between health care workers and patients. Conclusion: Although it exists, we can''t appreciate the intensity of this transmission. These results don''t allow us to proceed to a systematic screening for nasal carriage among our health care workers. This study shows that MLVA could be a reliable molecular typing method, which could be used in every day practice. In our experience, it is as performing as PFGE, more didactic, faster and easier. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: From September to December 2004, contaminations were found in fifteen conservation and transport mediums of corneal grafts at the tissue bank of Brest, including seven by Sphingomonas paucimobilis. The pulsed-field gel electrophoresis made it possible to establish the genotypic profiles of each strain and to compare them. Similarities were found between certain strains of the contaminated mediums and those of the thermostated double boiler of the tissue bank. The link between the contamination and the defrosting of the mediums in the double boiler was thus established. Measures of prevention are currently proposed to defrost the bottles like the use of a dry bath to replace the current one. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: Investigation of an outbreak caused by an imipenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain and research of its hospital reservoir. Patients and methods: Nine strains isolated from protected tracheal specimens during 14 weeks (October 2004 to January 2005) from 8 infants, and one strain from vacuum interrupter were studied. Epidemiological study was investigated by determination of antibiotics susceptibility, serotyping and Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Results: Strains were of O:12 serotype, they have the same antibiotype characterised by imipenem resistance. Strains were indistinguishable or closely related as determined by PFGE. The common source of P. aeruginosa O:12 strains was not determined, however eradication of the epidemic strain was obtained by amelioration of hygiene conditions and the change of disinfectors. Conclusion: Outbreak of respiratory infections due to an imipenem-resistant P. aeruginosa O:12. The common source of the epidemic strain was not determined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Out of the 90% of cytomegalovirus (CMV) congenitally infected children that are asymptomatic at birth, 5 to 15% will later develop complications, mainly neurodevelopmental defects and/or deafness. Unfortunately, after the first 2 weeks of life, usual diagnostic techniques for CMV detection (viral culture and serology) are useless to differentiate congenital infection from post-natal acquired infection, whereas detection of viral DNA from dried blood spots (DBS; Guthrie cards), systematically collected from all newborns in the first days of life, has been described for late diagnosis of CMV congenital infection. The aim of our study was to choose and optimise a viral DNA extraction method from DBS and to study if CMV DNA detection is reliable when DBS are stored for 1 year at room temperature or 2 months at 37 °C. 10 reference cards (blood collected from CMV seronegative newborns (IgG/IgM negative) were “infected” with serial dilutions of virus and spotted on Guthrie cards) were tested. 3 extraction methods were evaluated, products of PCR were analyzes by agarose gel electrophoresis and quantification of CMV from DBS was also performed. Analysis of the results obtained from reference cards showed higher sensitivity of phenol/chloroform extraction following treatment with proteinase K, compared to heat extraction in cell culture medium or extraction with a commercial kit. We did not observe quantitative loss of viral DNA after 1 year storage at room temperature. CMV DNA detection from Guthrie cards could become a very useful tool for retrospective diagnosis of congenital CMV infection when sequelae are diagnosed in the first years of life. We are pursuing this study with DBS from congenitally infected children. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective. – The aim of the study was to investigate two nosocomial outbreaks due to Salmonella Livingstone in a pediatric ward in Sfax hospital using molecular typing techniques. Materials and methods. – We included 84 strains of S. Livingstone isolated from patients hospitalized in a pediatric ward between November 1999 through August 2002 in addition to one environmental sample. Three epidemiological unrelated strains of S. Livingstone were also tested. The molecular typing techniques were: plasmid analysis, enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC–PCR), random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD–PCR) and pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Results. – The plasmid analysis and the ERIC–PCR generated a similar profile for outbreak isolates including the environmental sample while the epidemiologically unrelated strains demonstrated distinct patterns. The RAPD–PCR applied on 20 strains showed three patterns but one profile was predominating. All the strains isolate of S. Livingstone, except the veterinary strain, could not be typed by PFGE. Conclusion. –> Using the molecular typing techniques, we showed that these two outbreaks in the pediatric ward were due to the clonal spread of a single strain of S. Livingstone. The identification of the source of contamination and the improvement of hygiene conditions are required. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of IBS, Immuno-analyse & Biologie Specialisee is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of IBS, Immuno-analyse & Biologie Specialisee is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of IBS, Immuno-analyse & Biologie Specialisee is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of IBS, Immuno-analyse & Biologie Specialisee is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: We report the case of a 2.5-month-old infant with severe anaemia discovered fortuitously during an acute febrile illness. The patient was admitted because of a septic arthritis of the knee. Initial biology showed a 3.5 g/dl haemoglobin concentration. The anaemia was microcytic and hypochromic, with obvious haemolysis and reticulocytosis. Standard analysis was not contributive. Further investigations allowed the diagnosis of elliptocytosis. The patient was treated by antibiotics, orthopaedic measures and iterative transfusions. Now, 18 months from the initial episode, she is in good health. With this history, we discuss the clinical process facing severe anaemia during infancy and review the particularities of such uncommon congenital anaemia. Elliptocytosis is a haemolytic anaemia caused by congenital anomalies of the erythrocyte membrane. Diagnosis requires morphological studies of the red blood cells on peripheral blood smear. The disease is often overlooked by membrane protein electrophoresis. The condition is heterogeneous concerning clinical, biochemical and genetic aspects. Most of the cases are linked to mutations of the alpha-spectrin gene, in autoassociation regions. Search of spectrin and protein 4.1 genes mutations can confirm the diagnosis but is not routinely performed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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During spermiogenesis replacement of histones by protamines results in a highly condensed chromatin. Normal chromatin condensation is important for the function of the spermatozoa to carry the paternal genome. Abnormal chromatin can produce DNA damage such as denaturation or fragmentation and can be associated with impaired spermatogenesis. The degree of chromatin condensation can be studied with aid of different techniques: acidic aniline blue staining, chromomycin A3, acridine orange staining and sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA), chromatin decondensation tests, gel electrophoresis of basic nuclear proteins… These tests provided valuable baseline information about semen or sperm preparation. If chromatin condensation is affected not only in malformed but also in morphologically normal spermatozoa, the proportion of spermatozoa with abnormal chromatin structure, in semen, appears to be potentially useful as predictor of fertilizing ability or pregnancy outcome. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A total of 141 clinical isolates of Neisseria meningitidis was collected between 1992 and 2001, in Algerian cities. One hundred and thirty were isolated from meningitis cases (92.19%). More than 46% of these cases were children under 10 years of age. The antigenic typing and the determination of electrophoretypes (by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis: MLEE) revealed the predominance of strains A:4:P1.9 subgroup III1. The frequency of subgroups B and W135 was equivalent in each serogroup (10.6%). The determination for the minimal inhibitory concentration of penicillin G revealed five relatively resistant strains (MIC = 0.25 mg/l). The surveillance system for meningitis, involving the microbiological laboratories network, should be updated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of IBS, Immuno-analyse & Biologie Specialisee is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of IBS, Immuno-analyse & Biologie Specialisee is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of IBS, Immuno-analyse & Biologie Specialisee is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Weed Research is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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Copyright of IBS, Immuno-analyse & Biologie Specialisee is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Haptoglobin is a late positive acute phase protein of inflammation. Haptoglobin binds to free hemoglobin released from erythrocytes during intravascular hemolysis to form a complex which is removed shortly. Other properties like inhibition of oxidative stress and prostaglandin synthesis have been described. Three main phenotypes of haptoglobin have been identified: Hp1-1, Hp2-1, Hp2-2, which may have an impact in different diseases such as cardiovascular or infectious diseases. Haptoglobins of different phenotypes can be separated by capillary electrophoresis. They may induce a split of the alpha 2-globulin zone in the electrophoretic pattern. Hp1-1 and Hp2-1 phenotypes induce an important and a moderate split of the α2 globulin zone, respectively, whereas Hp2-2 does not. In vitro hemolysis and migration of a monoclonal component (i.e. immunoglobulin free light chain) may also induce a split of the alpha 2-globulin zone. In daily practice, Hp2-1 or Hp1-1 phenotypes could be notified in the electrophoresis report to alert the clinician about the possible physiopathological consequences.

The lipoproteinogram (or lipidogram) consists in an electrophoretic separation of the main classes of serum lipoproteins. Separation was done in agarose gel using the Sebia Hydragel Lipo + Lp(a)® kit. A repeatability study (n=6) was conducted on 3 sera (1 normolipidemic, 1 hypertriglyceridemic and 1 with a high Lp(a) concentration). The reproducibility was studied on these 3 sera and on an ascites liquid containing chylomicrons, upon 6 days (n=6). A quantitative approach was made by studying areas under the curve and percentages of fractions. In both cases (repeatability and reproducibility), the revelation of the lipoproteins in the gel after electrophoretic migration was made either by staining with Sudan Black (procedure recommended by Sebia), or with Fat Red 7B. Regardless of staining, both repeatability and reproducibility studies show that all lipoprotein fractions were correctly detected at their respective positions, leading to satisfactory interpretations of lipoproteinograms. Our reproducibility study also confirmed a good stability of the fractions over 6 days (storage at +5 ± 3̊C). In addition, the Fat Red 7B staining leads to a shorter technical time (about 40 min) for the gel drying and staining/destaining phases, which allows us to respond more quickly to certain urgent requests such as chylothorax diagnosis.