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31st International Symposium of the International-Society-for-Laboratory-Hematology (ISLH) on Technological Innovations in Laboratory Hematology, Brussels, BELGIUM, 2018; International audience; Hydration status is critical for erythrocyte survival and is mainly determined by intracellular cation content. Active pumps, passive transporters, and ion channels are the key components of volume homeostasis, whereas water passively fits ionic movements. Whenever cation content increases, erythrocyte swells, whereas it shrinks when cation content decreases. Thus, inappropriate cation leak causes erythrocyte hydration disorders, hemolytic anemia, and characteristic red cell shape abnormalities named stomatocytosis. All types of stomatocytosis either overhydrated or dehydrated are linked to inherited or de novo mutations in genes encoding ion transporters or channels. Although intracellular ion content can be assessed by experimental methods, laboratory diagnosis is guided by a combination of red blood cell parameters and deformability measurement when possible, and confirmed by sequencing of the putative genes. A better knowledge of the mechanisms underlying erythrocyte hydration imbalance will further lead to therapeutic improvements.

The XXL survey currently covers two 25 sq. deg. patches with XMM observations of ~10ks. We summarise the scientific results associated with the first release of the XXL data set, that occurred mid 2016. We review several arguments for increasing the survey depth to 40 ks during the next decade of XMM operations. X-ray (z 1 cluster density. It will eventually constitute a reference study and an ideal calibration field for the upcoming eROSITA and Euclid missions.

Patients with Gaucher type 1 (GD1) throughout Argentina were enrolled in the Argentine bone project to evaluate bone disease and its determinants. We focused on presence and predictors of bone lesions (BL) and their relationship to therapeutic goals (TG) with timing and dose of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). A total of 124 patients on ERT were enrolled in a multi-center study. All six TG were achieved by 82% of patients: 70.1% for bone pain and 91.1% for bone crisis. However, despite the fact that bone TGs were achieved, residual bone disease was present in 108 patients on ERT (87%) at time 0. 16% of patients showed new irreversible BL (bone infarcts and avascular osteonecrosis) despite ERT, suggesting that they appeared during ERT or were not detected at the moment of diagnosis. We observed 5 prognostic factors that predicted a higher probability of being free of bone disease: optimal ERT compliance; early diagnosis; timely initiation of therapy; ERT initiation dose ≥45 UI/kg/EOW; and the absence of history of splenectomy. Skeletal involvement was classified into 4 major phenotypic groups according to BL: group 1 (12.9%) without BL; group 2 (28.2%) with reversible BL; group 3 (41.9%) with reversible BL and irreversible chronic BL; and group 4 (16.9%) with acute irreversible BL. Our study identifies prognostic factors for achieving best therapeutic outcomes, introduces new risk stratification for patients and suggests the need for a redefinition of bone TG. Am. J. Hematol. 91:E448-E453, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Summary The polymer cast film process consists of stretching a molten polymer film between a flat die and a drawing roll. Drawing instabilities are often encountered and represent a drastic limitation to the process. Newtonian fluid film stretching stability is investigated using two numerical strategies. The first one is a ‘tracking’ method, which consists of solving Stokes equations in the whole fluid area (extrusion die and stretching path) by finite elements. The interface is determined to satisfy a kinematic equation. A domain decomposition meshing technique is used in order to account for a flow singularity resulting from the change in the boundary conditions between the die flow region and the stretching path region. A linear stability method is then applied to this transient kinematic equation in order to investigate the stability of the stationary solution. The second method is a direct finite element simulation in an extended area including the fluid and the surrounding air. The time-dependent interface is captured by solving an appropriate level-set function. The agreement between the two methods is fair. The influence of the stretching parameters (Draw ratio and drawing length) is investigated. For a long stretching distance, a critical Draw ratio around 20 delimitating stable and unstable drawing conditions is obtained, and this agrees well with the standard membrane models, which have been developed 40 years ago. When decreasing the stretching distance, the membrane model is no longer valid. The 2D models presented here point out a significant increase of the critical Draw ratio, and this is consistent with experimental results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The effects of 18 essential oils, yeast, Quebracho tannin and Quillaja saponin on ruminal methane and gas production (GP) were studied in vitro. A lactating cow diet was incubated with rumen inoculum. Doses of the additives (mg/L) were: essential oils = 500; tannin = 67; yeast = 8.35 and 16.7; and saponin = 300. Lemongrass, estragole, eugenol, geraniol, limonen, thyme oil and thymol produced less gas (overall mean 33.8 mL/200 mg dry matter (DM)) than control (43.6 mL/200 mg DM; P

Ghrelin, the endogenous ligand of the GH secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) has been previously shown to inhibit gastric acid secretion in pylorus-ligated rats. Two isoforms of GHS-R have been identified: GHS-R(1a) and GHS-R(1b). The present study aimed: (i) to characterise the type of GHS-R involved in the central gastric inhibitory activity of ghrelin by using des-octanoyl ghrelin, and synthetic GHS-R(1a) agonist (EP1572) and antagonist (D-Lys(3)-GHRP-6) and (ii) to investigate the relationship between ghrelin and cortistatin (CST) in the control of gastric acid secretion by using the natural neuropeptide CST-14 and the synthetic octapeptide CST-8. The specific interactions of all the compounds with GHS-R(1a) were determined by comparing their ability to displace labelled ghrelin or somatostatin from its receptors on rat hypothalamic membranes or on rat cardiomyocyte, respectively. Intracerebroventricular administration of 0.01 and 1 nmol/rat des-octanoyl ghrelin did not affect gastric acid secretion in pylorus-ligated rats, whereas EP1572 either i.c.v. (0.01-1 nmol/rat) or i.p. (10 and 20 nmol/kg) inhibited acid gastric secretion. Preteatment with D-Lys(3)GHRP-6 (3 nmol/rat, i.c.v.) was able to remove the inhibitory action of ghrelin (0.01 nmol/rat, i.c.v.) on gastric acid volume and acid output, thus indicating that the type 1a GHS-R likely mediates the gastric inhibitory action of ghrelin. This is supported by binding data showing that D-Lys(3)GHRP-6, but not des-octanoyl ghrelin, binds to hypothalamic GHS-R. CST-14 (1 nmol/rat, i.c.v.) did not affect either basal or ghrelin inhibition of gastric acid secretion. CST-8 (1 nmol/rat, i.c.v.) was able to counteract the gastric ghrelin response. The observation that CST-14 binds both GHR-S and somatostatin receptors, whereas CST-8 specifically displaces only ghrelin binding, indicates that CST-8 behaves as a GHS-R(1a) antagonist.

BACKGROUND: Camelina sativa (CS) is an oilseed crop used for biofuel production. By-products from oil extraction are high in protein and can be used in ruminant rations; more information about their nutritive value is required also considering the antinutrional factor content of the by-products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritive value of CS meal genotypes in comparison with canola. RESULTS: TenCSgenotypesandonecanolacultivarwereevaluated.Mealswereobtainedfromseedsaftersolventoilextraction. CSaveragecrudeprotein(CP)content(gkg −1 drymatter)was457.Numericaldifferencesinlysineandsulfuraminoacidcontent were observed among CS genotypes. Glucosinolate (mmolkg −1 ) content was higher for CS (23.1) than canola (7.2). Sinapine content (gkg −1 ) was lower for CS (2.79) than for canola (4.32). Differences were observed among CS genotypes for rumen undegraded protein (RUP). Average RUP (gkg −1 CP) was 316 for CS and 275 for canola. CONCLUSIONS: CS meal has potential for use in ruminant rations as a high-quality protein source.Invivo studies are needed to compare CS with other protein sources used in cattle rations. Implementation of breeding programs for improved meal quality is recommend. c � 2013 Society of Chemical Industry

The KCNQ1 potassium channel associates with various KCNE ancillary subunits that drastically affect channel gating and pharmacology. Co-assembly with KCNE3 produces a current with nearly instantaneous activation, some time-dependent activation at very positive potentials, a linear current-voltage relationship and a 10-fold higher sensitivity to chromanol 293B. KCNQ1:KCNE3 channels are expressed in colonic crypts and mediate basolateral K(+) recycling required for Cl(-) secretion. We have previously reported the female-specific anti-secretory effects of oestrogen via KCNQ1:KCNE3 channel inhibition in colonic crypts. This study was designed to determine whether sex and oestrogen regulate the expression and function of KCNQ1 and KCNE3 in rat distal colon. Colonic crypts were isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats and used for whole-cell patch-clamp and to extract total RNA and protein. Sheets of epithelium were used for short-circuit current recordings. KCNE1 and KCNE3 mRNA and protein abundance were significantly higher in male than female crypts. No expression of KCNE2 was found and no difference was observed in KCNQ1 expression between male and female (at oestrus) colonic crypts. Male crypts showed a 2.2-fold higher level of association of KCNQ1 and KCNE3 compared to female cells. In female colonic crypts, KCNQ1 and KCNE3 protein expression fluctuated throughout the oestrous cycle and 17β-oestradiol (E2 10 nM) produced a rapid (

Summary Two groups of 3-day-old Saanen goat kids (MILK and WMIX) were studied in order to investigate the effect of weaning on plasma ghrelin and insulin and on pancreatic activity. MILK kids received goat milk to age 50 days; WMIX kids were initially fed milk but started weaning at 30 days and were completely weaned by 48 days. Dry matter intake and body weights were recorded, and plasma samples were analysed for metabolites, ghrelin, insulin, leptin and α-amylase. At 50 days, all the animals were slaughtered, pancreas samples were analysed for α-amylase, zymogen, DNA and ribosomal capacity (RNA/zymogen). Seven days after the beginning of the weaning program, dry matter intake in the WMIX group began to decrease in relation to the MILK group. Nonetheless, body weight did not differ throughout the study period. Weaning significantly decreased plasma levels of glucose, amino acids, urea and insulin, but increased creatinine and ghrelin. In weaning kids ghrelin secretion may help minimize the negative consequences of the new diet on dry matter intake. Pancreatic zymogen and ribosomal capacity did not differ between the groups, whereas pancreatic amylase activity was over three times higher in MILK than WMIX kids even though the former had no dietary starch. This finding could be a consequence of lower pancreatic secretion of amylase in the MILK group due to the lack of dietary starch, resulting in pancreatic accumulation, but could also be due to higher plasma insulin in the MILK group, suggesting a role for insulin in the functional development of the pancreas in weaning goats.

Demographics, outcome, and management of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in children present differences between countries. Although several factors influence outcome, it is impossible to predict at diagnosis which patients will have acute or chronic disease. High rates of spontaneous remission in chronic ITP have been reported.Data concerning 1,683 patients with ITP diagnosed from 1981 to date are presented; outcome was evaluated in 1,418 children.Remarkable presenting features were an incidence peak in the first 2 years of age and male predominance in patients24 months of age. Three age groups with different recovery rates (P0.001) were established (2-12 months: 89.8%; 1-8 years: 71.3%; 9-18 years: 49.0%). Platelet count10 x 10(9)/L and history of previous illness were associated with higher remission rates only in patients12 months of age. The score developed by the NOPHO Group showed a predictive value of 83.9% for acute ITP. Spontaneous remission between 6 months and 11 years from diagnosis was achieved by 107 of 325 (32.9%) non-splenectomized children with chronic ITP, and in 44.9% of them between 6 and 12 months from diagnosis.Age and score were main prognostic factors. Infants1 year of age are a special group with a brief course and very high recovery rate that are not influenced by other prognostic factors. Definition of groups based on age and scoring could be useful to establish differential management guidelines. The cut-off value to define chronic ITP should be changed to 12 months.

Background and purpose: Ghrelin, a gut-brain peptide, is considered a gastroprotective factor in gastric mucosa. We investigated the role of prostaglandins (PG) and the possible interplay between PGs and nitric oxide (NO) in ghrelin gastroprotection against ethanol (EtOH)-induced gastric lesions. Experimental approach: We examined the effects of (1) central ghrelin (4 μg per rat) injection on PGE2 accumulation in normal or EtOH–lesioned gastric mucosa, (2) pretreatment with indomethacin (10 mg kg−1, p.o.), a non-selective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor, and with a selective COX-1, SC560 (5 mg kg−1, p.o.) or COX-2 inhibitor, celecoxib (3.5 mg kg−1, p.o.) on ghrelin gastroprotection against 50% EtOH (1 mL per rat)-induced gastric lesions, (3) the NO synthase inhibitor, L-NAME (70 mg kg−1, s.c), on gastric PGE2 content in ghrelin-treated rats and (4) central ghrelin on the expression of constitutive and inducible NOS and COX mRNA and on the localization of the immunoreactivity for COX-2 in the gastric mucosa exposed to EtOH. Key results: Ghrelin increased PGE2 in normal mucosa, whereas, it reversed the EtOH-induced PGE2 surge. Ghrelin had no effect on mucosal COX-1 expression but reduced the EtOH-induced increase in COX-2 expression and immunoreactivity. Indomethacin and SC560, but not celecoxib, removed ghrelin gastroprotection. L-NAME prevented the PGE2 surge induced by ghrelin and, like indomethacin, reduced EtOH-induced PGE2 increase. Ghrelin enhanced eNOS expression and reduced iNOS mRNA. Conclusions and implications: This study shows that COX-1-derived PGs are mainly involved in ghrelin gastroprotection and that the constitutive-derived NO together with PGE2 are involved in ghrelin gastroprotective activity. British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 154, 688–697; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.120; published online 14 April 2008

We describe the main characteristics of the mortar element method, together with the usual arguments for its numerical analysis in an abstract framework. We illustrate this presentation by focussing on mortar spectral element and mortar finite element methods. We give three examples of recent applications, concerning the treatment of non homogeneous media, eddy currents in moving conductors, and finite element mesh adaptivity. (© 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

SUMMARY As a first model for an electromagnetic wave guide, we consider Maxwell's system in a three- dimensional axisymmetric domain provided with appropriate boundary conditions on different parts of the boundary. We check the well-posedness of the corresponding variational problem. We write the Fourier expansion of the solution as a function of the angular variable and derive the well-posedness of the two-dimensional problems satisfied by each Fourier coefficient. The first step for approximating the three-dimensional solution relies on Fourier truncation, and we prove optimal estimates for the error issued from this truncation. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. RESUME Comme modele de base d'un guide d'ondes electromagnetiques, nous considerons les equations de Maxwell dans un domaine tri-dimensionnel axisymetrique, munies de conditions aux limites adequates sur differentes parties de la frontiere. Nous prouvons que le probleme variationnel correspondant est bien pose. Nous ecrivons le developpement en serie de Fourier de la solution par rapport a la variable angulaire et constatons que les problemes bi-dimensionnels verifies par chaque coefficient de Fourier sont egalement bien poses. La premiere idee pour construire une approximation de la solution tri-dimensionnelle consiste en une troncature en Fourier, et nous etablissons des majorations optimales de l'erreur dues a cette troncature.

We studied 31 children with hemolytic anemia, or with positive family history for hereditary spherocytosis (HS), to assess the reliability of capillary blood samples for the diagnosis. HS was diagnosed in 20 patients. Cryohemolysis (CH) was positive in 94% and eosin-5′-maleimide flow cytometry in 90% of them, whereas flow cytometric osmotic fragility was positive in 94%. Capillary blood sampling showed to be useful for the diagnosis. Simultaneous use of these three tests allows confirming diagnosis in 100% of patients. The use of very small blood volumes (300 µl) allows an earlier diagnosis in neonates and small infants. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59: 1299–1301. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

This paper combines the use of high order finite element methods with parallel preconditioners of domain decomposition type for solving electromagnetic problems arising from brain microwave imaging. The numerical algorithms involved in such complex imaging systems are computationally expensive since they require solving the direct problem of Maxwell's equations several times. Moreover, wave propagation problems in the high frequency regime are challenging because a sufficiently high number of unknowns is required to accurately represent the solution. In order to use these algorithms in practice for brain stroke diagnosis, running time should be reasonable. The method presented in this paper, coupling high order finite elements and parallel preconditioners, makes it possible to reduce the overall computational cost and simulation time while maintaining accuracy.

The subject presented in this paper concerns the approximation of the eddy current problem in non-stationary geometries with sliding interfaces. The physical system is supposed to be composed of two solid parts: a fixed one (stator) and a moving one (rotor) which slides in contact with the stator. We consider a two-dimensional mathematical model based on the transverse electric formulation of the eddy currents problem in the time domain and the primary unknown is the electric field vector. The first-order approximation of the problem that we propose here is based on the mortar element method combined with the edge element discretization in space and an implicit Euler scheme in time. Numerical results illustrate the accuracy of the method and allow to understand the influence of the rotor movement on the currents distribution. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.