Microbiome of free-living amoebae isolated from drinking water

Free-living amoebae (FLA) are protozoa that can be found in water networks where they prey on bacteria within biofilms. Most bacteria are digested rapidly by phagocytosis, however some are able to survive within amoebae and some are even able to multiply, as it is the case for Legionella pneumophila. These resisting bacteria are a potential health problem as they could also resist to macrophage phagocytosis. Several publications already reported intra-amoebal bacteria but the methods of identification did not allow metagenomic analysis and are partly based on co-culture with one selected amoebal strain. The aim of our study was to conduct a rRNA-targeted metagenomic analysis on amoebae and intra-amoebal bacteria found in drinking water network, to provide the first FLA microbiome in environmental strains. Three sites of a water network were sampled during four months. Culturable FLA were isolated and total DNA was prepared, allowing purification of both amoebal and bacterial DNA. Metagenomic studies were then conducted through 18S or 16S amplicons sequencing. Hartmannella was by far the most represented genus of FLA. Regarding intra-amoebal bacteria, 54 genera were identified, among which 21 were newly described intra-amoebal bacteria, underlying the power of our approach. There were high differences in bacterial diversity between the three sites. Several genera were highly represented and/or found at least in two sites, underlying that these bacteria could be able to multiply within FLA. Our method is therefore useful to identify FLA microbiome and could be applied to other networks to have a more comprehensive view of intra-amoebal diversity.     

Dark matter searches with H.E.S.S.

WIMP annihilations are required to reproduce the correct dark matter abundance in the Universe. This process can occur in dense regions of our Galaxy such as the Galactic center, dwarf galaxies and other types of sub-haloes. High-energy γ-rays are produced in dark matter particle collisions and can be detected by Cherenkov telescopes such as H.E.S.S. We report here the search for γ-ray signals from the Galactic center and the nearby Sagittarius and Canis Major satellites. In the absence of a convincing signal, modelling the dark matter density within these objects allows to put constraints on the WIMP parameters such as its mass and annihilation cross-section. Beyond these targeted searches, the wide-field survey of the inner Galaxy with H.E.S.S. is used to constrain sub-halo formation models involving intermediate-mass black holes.     

Retreatment of silicon slurry by membrane processes

The purpose of the present study is to develop a process to regenerate the polish liquid used in Chemical and Mechanical Polishing (CMP), called “slurry”, and more specifically Silicon CMP slurry. Physico-chemical analyses show a considerable dilution of slurry through washing waters used in polishing. Thus, this effluent has been characterised for a better identification of the deviations from the slurry of reference (Point Of Use). Hence, the principle is to regenerate this effluent by membrane processes. The ultrafiltration results obtained at laboratory scale have led to the development of an industrial prototype. An optimal utilisation of this treatment allows completing a two-step process: the reconcentration by ultrafiltration and a chemical adjustment by addition of concentrated slurry. A stable behaviour of the slurry at the different steps of the process has been observed. Polishing results are similar with retreated and POU slurries. Furthermore, the functioning at industrial scale permits to maintain the performances obtained on the laboratory pilot.     

Coagulation-flocculation-decantation of dye house effluents: concentrated effluents

The treatment and valorization (recycling of water and mineral salts) of dyeing effluents constitutes a major economic and environmental issue. Cotton dyeing using reactive dyes is actually the most polluting in terms of discharge. In order to treat and valorize the effluent from a dyeing process using reactive dyes, the firm Clariant and the LPPE have developed and patented a process allowing the recovery of most of the water and salts present in the effluent and also of a concentrate containing the hydrolyzed reactive dyes and the highly concentrated auxiliaries. This paper describes the coagulation-flocculation-decantation process used to optimize water recovery from the concentrate. Coagulants and flocculants are used in the industry for the treatment of effluents produced by the synthesis of dyes in general (acid, disperse, reactive). Although the settling velocity is relatively low, the results show that it is possible to recycle a great volume of water using a small decanter area, since the concentrate flow rate is low. These effluents are substantially discolored, it possible to envisage recycling them.     

Congenital eccrine angiomatous hamartoma

BACKGROUND: Eccrine angiomatous hamartoma is an uncommon skin disease with vascular and sudoral components: less than thirty cases have been reported in the literature. CASE REPORT: A 3.5 month-old female infant developed a painful angiomatous plaque on the abdomen which was first seen 15 days after birth. Histology showed numerous vessels and eccrine sudoral glands in the dermis. Exeresis could not be complete and was followed for 15 years. There has been a slight hyperpigmentation with localized hyperhidrosis over the plaque. This hypersudation confirms the diagnosis which could not be confirmed on the initial biopsies. DISCUSSION: This case of congenital eccrine angiomatous hamartoma could only be diagnosed late in the clinical course. This is the first case report on the abdomen, 80 p. 100 of the previous reports were on the limbs. After a 15 year follow-up, there was no progression of the hamartoma and pain regressed gradually. Without secondary development of localized hyperhidrosis, the diagnosis could not have been made. Careful comparison of pathology findings and clinical expression are essential for the diagnosis of eccrine angiomatous hamartoma.     

Postoperative follow-up of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas: assessment by CT scan and MR imaging

The purpose of this study was to assess the radiological findings after surgical removal of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas (JNA). The postoperative CT and MRI scans of ten patients were reviewed. The cured group included six patients. The non-controlled group included six patients with eight recurrences. Two patients belonged to both groups as they were also followed and cured after surgery for relapse. Four recurrences were asymptomatic and diagnosed by imaging. The imaging patterns were matched to the patients clinical status and endoscopic findings. In the cured group, non-enhanced residual soft tissue masses were seen in all cases. In the non-controlled group, recurrence was always demonstrated on early postoperative CT or MR as a dramatically enhanced mass. The recurrence was located in the lateral or superior aspect of the nasopharynx (n = 3), deep to the fossa of Rosenmuller (n = 4) or out of the nasopharynx (n = 1). In two cases a remaining enhanced mass disappeared spontaneously on iterated examinations. Because of numerous asymptomatic relapses, a radiological workup is recommended four months after surgery, even in patients with normal endoscopy, to rule out posterolateral or extranasopharyngeal recurrences. Spontaneous evolution of residual masses must be appreciated on iterated imaging examinations.     

A clinical evaluation of transdermal therapeutic system fentanyl for the treatment of cancer pain

PROBLEM: Circulating inflammatory cytokines have been implicated in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. To test this hypothesis, we measured plasma levels of immunoreactive tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and -beta, interleukin (IL)-1 alpha and -beta, and IL-6 and -10 in women with preeclampsia, in women with transient gestational hypertension, and throughout normal pregnancy. METHOD OF STUDY: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used and subjected to extensive validation studies. RESULTS: The median concentration of plasma TNF-alpha was increased by twofold in women with preeclampsia compared with that in normal third-trimester pregnancy (P < 0.001) and in women with gestational hypertension (P < 0.04). The median concentration of plasma IL-6 was increased by threefold in women with preeclampsia compared with that in normal third-trimester pregnancy (P < 0.001) and increased twofold compared with that in women with gestational hypertension (P < 0.1). There were no significant differences observed in the levels of plasma IL-1 beta and IL-10 between the preeclamptic and other subject groups. The level of IL-1 beta, but not the levels of IL-10, TNF-alpha, or IL-6, was significantly changed during normal pregnancy compared with the nonpregnant condition manifesting an overall decline (P < 0.04). TNF-beta and IL-1 alpha were not detected in any samples, possibly because of the low sensitivity of these particular immunoassays. CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 may contribute to the putative endothelial dysfunction of preeclampsia.     

Copper planar microcoils applied to magnetic actuation

Recent advances in microtechnology allow realization of planar microcoils. These components are integrated in MEMS as magnetic sensor or actuator. In the latter case, it is necessary to maximize the effective magnetic field which is proportional to the current passing through the copper track and depends on the distance to the generation microcoil. The aim of this work was to determine the optimal microcoil design configuration for magnetic field generation. The results were applied to magnetic actuation, taking into account technological constraints. In particular, we have considered different realistic configurations that involve a magnetically actuated device coupled to a microcoil. Calculations by a semi-analytical method using Matlab software were validated by experimental measurements. The copper planar microcoils are fabricated by UV micromoulding on different substrates: flexible polymer (Kapton^®) and silicate on silicon. They are constituted by a spiral-like continuous track. Their total surface is about 1 mm².     

Interrelations between transiently evoked otoacoustic emissions, spontaneous otoacoustic emissions and acoustic distortion products in normally hearing subjects

Active cochlear mechanisms and especially outer hair cells seem to be involved in oto-acoustic emissions (OAEs) genesis. This study sought to investigate basic characteristics of spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAEs), click-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TOAEs) and interrelations between SOAEs, TOAEs and 2f1-f2 and 2f2-f1 distortion product OAEs (DPOAEs) in 135 normally hearing subjects. A gender effect was shown on TOAEs and DPOAEs amplitude, and is attributed to the higher incidence of SOAEs in women (58%) than in men (22%). Moreover, SOAEs presence seems to mask the age effect found, especially at high frequency components, on TOAEs amplitude. A general influence of SOAEs on TOAEs and DPOAEs is shown, especially at frequencies ranging from 1 kHz to 3 kHz, collecting more than 66% of the SOAEs peaks recorded. Lastly, correlations between TOAEs frequency band amplitude and 2f1-f2 DPOAEs amplitude, shows frequency specificity, at least at low frequencies (i.e., from 0.5 to 2 kHz) in agreement with previous works suggesting that the 2f1-f2 DPOAEs generation site is at the geometric mean of the primaries. The same correlations calculated with 2f2-f1 DPOAEs amplitude show frequency specificity at low frequencies i.e., at 800 Hz and 1600 Hz. 2f2-f1 DPOAEs in humans are shown to be generated near the 2f2-f1 frequency region on the cochlear partition.     

The economics of natural gas development

There is significant potential for natural gas to meet a growing share of developing countries' energy demands. The constraints to rapid gas development are not related to supply potential or cost but rather to the country-specific problem of evolving a gas-investment framework, in which producer and consumer prices play a central role, that is conducive to rapid and matched growth of gas supply and demand. The paper considers three linked questions. First, what gas-utilization patterns can be expected in developing countries and how will they differ from those in developed countries? Second, what principles should determine the price of gas for local use and how can they be applied in practice? Third, how can exploration agreements provide incentives for investors to explore in gas-prone areas? These questions are explored drawing on World Bank experience in lending for gas projects in developing countries.