Leukemogenicity of v-myb-transformed monoblasts cells can be modulated by normal bone marrow environment

The avian myeloblastosis virus (AMV) causes monoblastic leukemia in the chick. Two non-producer clones of AMV-transformed monoblasts, BM2/C3A and BM2L/A2B5, have been described (see Bottazzi et al., this issue). They differ in their growth requirements and in their ability to induce leukemia when injected into the chick embryo. We first genetically tagged these clones by retroviral infection with a vector expressing the bacterial lacZ gene. Then, we injected the lacZ-positive cells via the chorioallantoic vein into chick embryos. With BM2L/A2B5 cells, the bone marrow of the injected birds was rapidly invaded by lacZ-positive cells. In addition, these cells rapidly overgrew cultures of bone marrow cells derived from injected animals. Conversely, the growth of BM2/C3A was inhibited in the injected animals and only a few blue cells, with the morphology of macrophages, were detected in cultures of bone marrow cells. We developed an in vitro assay to mimic in vitro the differential growth of BM2/C3A and BM2L/A2B5 observed in vivo. These data strongly suggest that BM2/C3A cells retain their ability to differentiate into macrophages in the normal bone marrow environment and that BM2L/A2B5 cells differ from BMC/C3A in the loss of this capacity.     

Retro-iliac ureter. Report of a case lumbosacral agenesis

The authors report a case of retro-iliac ureter associated with a lumbo-sacral agenesis. Retro-iliac ureter seems in relation with abnormal constitution of aortic division and/or ilio-cava confluence when the metanephros migrates. Lumbosacral agenesis is the most severe state of sacral agenesis and is a part of the syndrome of caudal regression. The association of the two malformations have never been described and could be fortuitous. Nevertheless, the vertebral malformation could induce a perturbation in the formation of vascular structures and so an abnormal migration of the metanephros.     

Comparing wine sustainability certifications around the world: history,status and opportunity

The number of sustainability certifications in the wine industry has grown over the past decades. They are distinctly different from organic, biodynamic or other certifications. This paper combines a detailed literature review of related sustainability certifications to understand the trend in wine certification. The methods include a questionnaire of 12 identified wine certifications (including wineries, vineyards or both) around the world that have sustainability in the certification or organization title. These data help elucidate how these sustainability measures were developed, their levels of membership over time, the mechanics to become certified as sustainable and their plans for future certification. Results show strong support from the wine-making industry and compounded growth in certification. Even with the many differences, all certifications encourage an education component and technological advances. The paper compiles hectares and number of vineyards certified globally. The authors find that the certifications differ in mechanics, leading to issues surrounding transferability and possible confusion for the consumer. Other issues include varying cost to certify, lack of transparency of certified information and no cooperation between certification bodies. Given that all of the certifications plan to grow, more research is needed into sustainability certification, especially from the consumer perspective.     

Cyclodextrin‐anionic polysaccharide hydrogels: Synthesis,characterization, and interaction with some organic molecules (water pollutants,drugs, proteins)

Hydrogel microparticles have been prepared through cocrosslinking of cyclodextrin and of anionic carboxymethyl or sulfopropyl pullulan with a new bifunctional reagent: 3‐(glycidoxypropyl)trimethoxysilane. This reagent forms crosslinking both through grafting with the epoxy end on the OH polysaccharide and through hydrolysis and condensation of the methoxy silane groups from the other end. Samples of cyclodextrin/anionic polysaccharides with various amounts of crosslinking agent were prepared. Characterization of the hydrogel microparticles considered the water swelling behavior, porosity measurements, retention of biologically active substances, which can occur by their inclusion in cyclodextrin inner cavities and in the pores of hydrogels, as well as through the electrostatic forces toward anionic polyelectrolyte charges. Their improved retention of various organic molecules as water pollutants, drugs, enzymes, recommend them as chromatographic supports, supports for the separation/immobilization of enzymes or for controlled release systems. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Biased information search in group decision making.

Research has shown that people prefer supporting to conflicting information when making decisions. Whether this biased information search also occurs in group decision making was examined in three experiments. Experiment 1 indicated that groups as well as individuals prefer supporting information and that the strength of this bias depends on the distribution of the group members' initial decision preferences. The more group members had chosen the same alternative prior to the group discussion (group homogeneity), the more strongly the group preferred information supporting that alternative. Experiment 2 replicated these results with managers. Experiment 3 showed that the differences between homogeneous and heterogeneous groups reflect group-level processes. Higher commitment and confidence in homogeneous groups mediated this effect. Functional and dysfunctional aspects of biased information seeking in group decision making are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Quelles histoires?

The author wonders about the merits of historical interrogations, given the risk that so much energy will be devoted to such work, ending in sheer loss. Only a gourmet usage of history is legitimate. The author seeks to change social psychology, to put it back in touch with its object and its past, through the pursuit of different scientific concepts and and practices. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Mesocaval H shunt using an external iliac graft in the treatment of portal hypertension in children

The authors reported four cases of mesocaval interposition shunt in children with autogenous vein graft. In three cases, external iliac vein was used as the graft because its appropriate size in diameter and length; for local reasons, jugular graft was used in last case. Post-operative controls by angiography in all patients except the one recent case showed a patent anastomosis; esophago gastric endoscopy three month post operatively in the last case showed regression of varices. External iliac vein is convenient to this shunt. Edema of the lower limb is minimal and well tolerated. The control of hypersplenism and esophogastric varices is progressive with time.