Classical analogues of two-photon quantum interference

Chirped-pulse interferometry (CPI) captures the metrological advantages of quantum Hong-Ou-Mandel (HOM) interferometry in a completely classical system. Modified HOM interferometers are the basis for a number of seminal quantum-interference effects. Here, the corresponding modifications to CPI allow for the first observation of classical analogues to the HOM peak and quantum beating. They also allow a new classical technique for generating phase super-resolution exhibiting a coherence length dramatically longer than that of the laser light, analogous to increased two-photon coherence lengths in entangled states.

Set-up and routine use of a database of 10,555 genotyped blood donors to facilitate the screening of compatible blood components for alloimmunized patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Large-scale genotyping of blood donors for red blood cell and platelet antigens has been predicted to replace phenotyping assays in the screening of compatible blood components for alloimmunized patients. Although several genotyping platforms have been described, novel procedures and processes are needed to perform genotyping efficiently and to maximize its benefits for blood banks.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Here we describe the processes and procedures developed to introduce large-scale genotyping in our routine operations.

RESULTS

Preliminary cost-benefit analysis indicated that genotyping must target frequent blood donors (> 3 donations/year) to be efficiently used. A custom-designed computer application was developed to manage the whole project. It selects frequent donors among recent donations, prints coded labels to identify blood samples sent to the external genotyping laboratory, and stores genotyping results. It can search for donors compatible for any combination of the 22 genotyped antigens as well as consult the current inventory for the presence of the corresponding blood components. The phenotype of recovered components is confirmed by standard serology techniques prior to shipment to hospitals.

CONCLUSION

Since October 2007, 10 555 blood donors have been genotyped. The database is used on a regular basis to find compatible blood components with a genotype-phenotype concordance of 99.6%.

Quantum-optical coherence tomography with classical light

Quantum-optical coherence tomography (Q-OCT) is an interferometric technique for axial imaging offering several advantages over conventional methods. Chirped-pulse interferometry (CPI) was recently demonstrated to exhibit all of the benefits of the quantum interferometer upon which Q-OCT is based. Here we use CPI to measure axial interferograms to profile a sample accruing the important benefits of Q-OCT, including automatic dispersion cancellation, but with 10 million times higher signal. Our technique solves the artifact problem in Q-OCT and highlights the power of classical correlation in optical imaging.

The development of experimental procedures for the evaluation of additives to attenuate manure odour, and the impact of these additives on workers, animals and the environment

The objective of this project was to develop a laboratory research protocol to evaluate the effect of additives on manure odour and physico-chemical characteristics, and establish conditions that are representative of those found in farm storage structures (temperature, solids content, pH, ventilation above the manure surface, storage period). The results suggested that system configuration might have an impact on additive effect. An open system should be used when it is recommended that additives be applied in the animal diet or the gutters. Additionally, the surface/depth ratio of the gutter should be respected, since it will impact on the relative importance of the aerobic layer and on ammonia volatilization. On the other hand, a closed system should be used when the additive is applied to the manure storage tank, especially if the tank has a cover. Odour analysis still requires fundamental research to establish reliable procedures and protocols, especially in the area sample collection and dilution levels required to decrease H2S concentration to safe levels for the panellists. Odour analysis should also be conducted in triplicate, because of the possible large experimental error due to dilution, the human factors, and also instrumental error.

Stem cell transplantation for myelofibrosis: a report from two Canadian centers

We describe the course of 25 patients with myelofibrosis (MF) due to agnogenic myeloid metaplasia (n=19) or essential thrombocytosis (n=6) who underwent allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) at one of two Canadian centers. The median age at transplantation was 48.7 (IQR 45.9-50.4) years and transplantation was carried out at a median of 10.7 (IQR 5.67-26.5) months after diagnosis. Granulocyte engraftment (absolute neutrophil count >0.5 x 109/l) occurred at a median of 20 days after transplantation for splenectomized patients, compared with 27.5 days for nonsplenectomized individuals (P=0.03). Increased risk of grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (P=0.04) was noted in patients transplanted after splenectomy. Patients with MF received 0.264+/-0.189 U of packed red blood cells per day over the first 180 days after transplantation, and remained dependent on red blood cell transfusions for a median of 123 (IQR 48-205) days. Complete remission of MF was documented in 33% of evaluable patients. The 1 year cumulative nonrelapse mortality was 48.3%. Median survival for this group of patients was 393 (IQR 109-1014+) days, with a projected 2-year overall survival of 41%. We conclude that allogeneic SCT offers a reasonable chance for prolonged survival in patients with advanced MF, but this occurs at the cost of considerable toxicity and nonrelapse mortality.

[A program of research on biocultural dynamics]

"The objective of the research program presented in this note is to analyse the interrelations between biological and social factors in the process of demographic renewal. Population registers of various communities, among them those of Saint-Barthelemy (French Antilles) and Ile-aux-Coudres (Quebec), are used. The genealogies which were obtained from these registers contribute to the study of genetical epidemiology. The research program also includes the identification of social factors which may have contributed to the biological structure of the communities under study." (SUMMARY IN ENG AND SPA)

Lymphoblasts already in the DNA synthesis phase of the cell cycle can be reversibly arrested at the R/G transition

Early and late S-phase of the cell cycle are separated by the R-band/G-band (R/G) transition. This corresponds to the time at which R-band synthesis has been completed while G-band synthesis has yet to begin. The aim of this work was to study cell cycle kinetics during S-phase using different blocking agents: mimosine, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine and an excess of thymidine. The stage at which these blocking agents arrest the cell cycle and their efficiency at blocking Epstein-Barr virus transformed lymphoblasts at the R/G transition were evaluated using flow cytometric techniques. Mimosine blocked 90% of the cells near the G1/S-phase boundary. Methotrexate, 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine and 5-fluorouracil, and particularly thymidine, let a significant proportion of cells enter S-phase. The cells were released from the arrest state and their progression through early S-phase was monitored by flow cytometry. Before the cells reached the R/G transition, a second agent was added to inhibit cell cycle progression. For example, the use of mimosine followed by thymidine allowed up to 60% of the cells to be blocked at the R/G transition. The arrest of DNA replication at the R/G transition was confirmed by a marked decrease of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdUrd) incorporation, revealed by using bivariate flow cytometric analysis. The blocking agent was then removed and the cell cohort was released in the presence of BrdUrd so that replication banding analysis could be performed on the harvested mitotic cells. This yielded a mitotic index of approximately 10% and chromosomes showing replication bands. Flow cytometric analysis combined with cytogenetic banding analysis suggested that the R/G transition is an arrest point within the S-phase of the cell cycle and allowed us to conclude that only cells that have already initiated S-phase are blocked at this point. It corresponds to a susceptible site where S-phase can be arrested easily. The R/G transition could also be a regulatory checkpoint within S-phase, a checkpoint that could respond to imbalance in deoxyribonucleotide pools.

Neonatal aortic arch reconstruction avoiding circulatory arrest and direct arch vessel cannulation

BACKGROUND

Aortic arch reconstruction in neonates routinely requires deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. We reviewed our experience with techniques of continuous low-flow cerebral perfusion (LFCP) avoiding direct arch vessel cannulation.

METHODS

Eighteen patients, with a median age of 11 days (range 1 to 85 days) and a mean weight of 3.2 +/- 0.8 kg, underwent aortic arch reconstruction with LFCP. Seven had biventricular repairs with arch reconstruction, 9 underwent the Norwood operation and 2 had isolated arch repairs. In 1 Norwood and 7 biventricular repair patients, LFCP was maintained by advancing the cannula from the distal ascending aorta into the innominate artery. In 8 of 9 Norwood patients, LFCP was maintained by directing the arterial cannula into the pulmonary artery confluence and perfusing the innominate artery through the right modified Blalock-Taussig shunt fully constructed before cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass. In 2 patients requiring isolated arch reconstruction, the ascending aorta was cannulated and the cross-clamp was applied just distal to the innominate artery.

RESULTS

LFCP was maintained at 0.6 +/- 0.2 L x min(-1) x m(-2) for 41.0 +/- 13.9 minutes at 18.5 degrees C +/- 1.1 degrees C. In 10 of the 18 patients, blood pressure during LFCP was 15 +/- 8 mm Hg remote from the innominate artery (left radial, umbilical or femoral arteries). In 8 of the 18 patients, right radial pressure during LFCP was 24 +/- 10 mm Hg. The mean mixed-venous saturation was 79.8% +/- 10% during LFCP. Two patients had preoperative seizures, whereas none had seizures postoperatively. One patient died.

CONCLUSIONS

Neonatal aortic arch reconstruction is possible without circulatory arrest or direct arch vessel cannulation. These techniques maintained adequate mixed-venous oxygen saturations with no associated adverse neurologic outcomes.

Systemic steroid pretreatment improves cerebral protection after circulatory arrest

BACKGROUND

This study evaluates whether systemic steroid pretreatment enhances neuroprotection during deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) compared with steroid in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) prime.

METHODS

Four-week-old piglets randomly placed into two groups (n = 5 per group) were given methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg) into the pump prime (group PP), or pretreated intravenously 4 hours before CPB (group PT). All animals underwent 100 minutes of DHCA (15 degrees C), were weaned off CPB, and were sacrificed 6 hours later. Postoperative changes in body weight, bioimpedance, and colloid oncotic pressure (COP) were measured. Cerebral trypan blue content, immunohistochemical evaluation of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) expression, and caspase-3 activity were performed.

RESULTS

Percentage weight gain (group PP 25.0% +/- 10.4% versus group PT 12.5% +/- 4.0%; p = 0.036), and percentage decrease in bioimpedance (PP 37.2% +/- 14.5% versus PT 15.6% +/- 7.9%; p = 0.019) were significantly lower, whereas postoperative COP was significantly higher in group PT versus group PP (PT 15.3 +/- 1.8 mm Hg versus PP 11.6 +/- 0.8 mm Hg; p = 0.003). Cerebral trypan blue (ng/g dry tissue) was significantly lower in group PT (PT 5.6 x 10(-3) +/- 1.1 x 10(-3) versus PP 9.1 x 10(-3) +/- 5.7 x 10(-4); p = 0.001). Increased TGF-beta1 expression and decreased caspase-3 activity were shown in group PT.

CONCLUSIONS

Systemic steroid pretreatment significantly reduced total body edema and cerebral vascular leak and was associated with better immunohistochemical indices of neuroprotection after DHCA.

TGF-beta(1) and prepro-ANP mRNAs are differentially regulated in exercise-induced cardiac hypertrophy

The induction of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta and prepro-atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) mRNAs represent hallmark features of pathological cardiac hypertrophy. The present study examined whether this pattern of mRNA expression was conserved in a physiological model of cardiac hypertrophy. To address this thesis, female Sprague-Dawley rats were individually housed and permitted to run freely. Voluntary exercise for 3 and 6 wk resulted in biventricular hypertrophy and increased cytochrome c oxidase activity in the triceps muscle. In the hypertrophied left ventricle, the steady-state mRNA level of the cardiac fetal gene prepro-ANP and the extracellular matrix proteins preprocollagen-alpha(1) and fibronectin were similar in exercise-trained and sedentary rats. By contrast, an increased expression of TGF-beta(1) mRNA was observed, whereas TGF-beta(3) mRNA level was unchanged in the hypertrophied left ventricle of exercise-trained compared with sedentary rats. These data highlight a heterogeneity in the regulation of TGF-beta isoforms, and the increased expression of ventricular TGF-beta(1) mRNA in physiological cardiac hypertrophy may contribute to myocardial remodeling.

Emissions of chemical compounds and bioaerosols during the secondary treatment of paper mill effluents

This study identified and quantified the main chemical compounds--the substances responsible for the disagreeable odors--and the bioaerosols emitted during the biological treatment of paper mill effluents. It also identified the characteristics of the process that effects the generation or diffusion of these substances. All treatment stages were evaluated. Measuring sites were located as closely as possible to the potential emission sources. Measurements were taken in the summer in 11 paper mills during a 2- to 3-day period in each mill. Chemical compounds were evaluated by direct-reading instruments; bioaerosols were sampled by impaction and counted. Sulfur compounds, emitted into the air when the effluent or the sludge is stirred, had the highest concentrations; their presence was attributable to such things as kraft-type paper pulp. Next in concentration were the carbon and nitrogen oxides, ammonia, and some organic acids, produced by the action of microorganisms. These acids are found mainly in the sludge environment. Terpenes, which come from wood, are present at various locations in paper mills. Odor perception thresholds for most of these substances are much lower than those established to protect the health of workers. Significant concentrations of total bacteria, total molds, and endotoxins were measured at several sites. Gram-negative bacteria were high at only one site, whereas the mold Aspergillus fumigatus was occasionally present at low concentration. No actinomycetes bacteria were detected. The highest concentrations were measured where there was water or dust aerosolization. Emissions are therefore controlled by controlling the operations that lead to the dispersion of water and particles into the air.

Evaluation of health and safety risks in municipal solid waste recycling plants

Designers and managers of recycling processing plants need to be informed about the inherent occupational health and safety risks; however, there are few studies in the literature describing these risks. Therefore, the objectives of this project were to document the biological, chemical, physical, and ergonomic risks in three household-waste recycling plants. Bioaerosols (molds and bacteria) were measured using the methodology recommended by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Chemical contaminants and physical agents suspected of being present in this type of environment were measured using the standard methods of the Quebec Occupational Health and Safety Research Institute (IRSST). The ergonomic part of the study identified the work requirements and risk factors causing the workers' physical symptoms. In summer, the average concentrations of total bacteria were greater than the Scandinavian guideline of 10,000 colony forming units per cubic meter of air (CFU/m3) in the receiving areas in plants 1 and 3, in the sorting areas of the three plants, and in shipping in plants 1 and 3. When the average concentrations of gram-negative bacteria were compared to the Scandinavian guideline of 1000 CFU/m3 of air, only the sorting department in plant 2 in summer exceeded this value. Average indoor concentrations of molds that were statistically significantly greater than those measured in the upwind outdoor air were measured in all departments in plants 1 and 3, regardless of the season, and only in sorting in plant 2 during the summer. The only chemical contaminant measured at average concentrations greater than 50% of the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) proposed by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) was CO in the sorting departments in plants 1 and 2 during the winter. Noise exceeded the ACGIH TLV in plant 2. The workers' physical symptoms seem to be caused by the posture and effort required while remaining in a stationary position. Action must be focused on improving aspects such as work organization and personal protection and on informing citizens of the need for cleanliness of the material to be recycled.

Establishment and characterization of a new cell line derived from a human primary breast carcinoma

A new cell line, designated HDQ-P1, was successfully established from a primary ductal infiltrating mammary carcinoma by using a 3T3 feeder layer lethally irradiated to 60 Gy. The HDQ-P1 cells have been grown in culture for over 115 passages and have a doubling time of 60 hours. Characterization of the cell line was performed. This included morphology by light and transmission electron microscopy, karyotype, growth rate, telomerase expression, tumor antigen expression, xenograft implantation into nude mice, colony formation in soft agar, TP53 sequencing, and gene copy number of C-MYC, C-ERBB-2, and C-H-RAS oncogenes. The epithelial nature of this cell line was confirmed by ultrastructural analysis, expression of cytokeratins, and epithelial membrane antigen. The HDQ-P1 cells possess an extensively rearranged and polyploid karyotype, with an average of 20 recurrent marker chromosomes. Scatchard analysis demonstrated that both primary tumor and HDQ-P1 cells were estrogen- and progesterone-receptor negative. The HDQ-P1 cells had the same expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase as other established breast cancer cell lines such as MDA-MB-231, SK-BR-3, and MCF-7. Direct DNA sequencing showed a point mutation which yielded to a stop codon at the amino acid 213 in exon 6 of the TP53 gene. A five-fold amplification of C-MYC was observed in HDQ-P1 cells. No amplification of C-ERBB-2 and C-H-RAS genes were observed. This cell line presents unique characteristics and may prove to be a good experimental model for investigating breast cancer biology.

Physiological and cytogenetic characterization of immortalized human endometriotic cells containing episomal simian virus 40 DNA

The study of misplaced endometrial cells, which abnormally implant and grow outside the uterine cavity, is of considerable interest for the understanding of the pathophysiology of endometriosis. However, endometriotic cells, particularly epithelial cells, required for primary cell culture are not easily available. We report here the characterization of an endometriotic cell line immortalized after infection of primary endometriotic cell cultures with simian virus 40. Transformed cells express T-antigen, and blot hybridization analysis showed that the viral genome is present as an episome. Cytogenetic analysis revealed a polyploid karyotype with numerical and structural rearrangements involving mainly the same chromosomes (6, 10, 11, 15, and 17). The cell line has been maintained in culture for over 80 passages and was still proliferating without any noticeable change in the biological properties investigated. Transformed endometriotic cells expressed both progesterone and estradiol receptors and were stimulated by these ovarian hormones to secrete monocyte chemotactic protein-1, a factor that may play an important role in the recruitment and activation of peritoneal macrophages. In addition, this response was enhanced in interleukin-1-treated cells. Taken together, these findings support the view that this cell line may be an interesting tool for the study of the pathophysiology of endometriosis.

Plasma and CSF benzodiazepine receptor ligand concentrations in cirrhotic patients with hepatic encephalopathy: relationship to severity of encephalopathy and to pharmaceutical benzodiazepine intake

Increased plasma and CSF concentrations of substances which bind to brain benzodiazepine receptors have previously been reported in cirrhotic patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE). However, their relationship to previous intake of pharmaceutical benzodiazepines has not been clearly established. In the present study, plasma levels of benzodiazepine receptor ligands (BZRLs) were measured using a sensitive radioreceptor assay in 12 control subjects with no evidence of hepatic, neurological or psychiatric illness, 11 cirrhotic patients without HE, 24 cirrhotic patients with moderate (grade I-II) HE and in 45 cirrhotic patients with severe (grade II-IV) HE. In addition, CSF concentrations of BZRLs were measured in 8 cirrhotic patients with HE and an equal number of age-matched controls. Recent intake (within 10 days) of pharmaceutical benzodiazepines was assessed by detailed review of medical files, and interviews with the patient, at least one family member as well as the pharmacist. Significantly increased plasma concentrations of BZRLs were observed in cirrhotic patients with severe encephalopathy (p < 0.02) compared to controls and to cirrhotic patients without (or with mild) neurological impairment. Increased plasma BZRLs could be accounted for by prior exposure to benzodiazepine medication in all cases. CSF concentrations of BZRLs in cirrhotic patients were not significantly different from control values. These findings do not support a role for "endogenous" benzodiazepines in the pathogenesis of HE in chronic liver disease but suggest that pharmaceutic benzodiazepines administered to cirrhotic patients as sedatives or as part of endoscopic work-up could have contributed to the neurological impairment in some patients.

Decreased survival in rat liver transplantation with extended cold preservation: role of portal vein clamping time

Primary liver graft dysfunction is currently related to cold ischemia-reperfusion injury, although a wide survival range has been reported using 24-hour preservation in cold University of Wisconsin (UW) solution. We hypothesized that the portal vein clamping time (PVCT) played a more important role than cold preservation injury in the postoperative outcome. Rat liver transplantation was performed using different clamping times after 24-hour cold ischemia in the UW solution. Survival rates, plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and nitrate/nitrite levels were examined. Subsequently, the effect of clamping time was evaluated on hepatocyte and sinusoidal endothelial cell (SEC) function using isolated perfused livers. Survival rate was directly related to clamping time length. Marked increases in TNF and nitrate/nitrite levels were found after surgery, particularly after long clamping times. In perfusion studies, the SEC function was already markedly altered after preservation alone and was not further modified by transplantation. By contrast, the hepatocyte function was moderately altered after transplantation, irrespective of clamping times, even when rats operated with long clamping times were in terminal conditions. In rats, 24-hour preservation in cold UW solution is not a severely compromising condition leading to primary liver nonfunction. Long PVCTs are associated with an endotoxemia-like syndrome more related to a warm intestinal ischemia than to cold ischemia injury of the liver.