GraphML-SBGN bidirectional converter for metabolic networks

Systems biology researchers need feasible solutions for editing and visualisation of large biological diagrams. Here, we present the ySBGN bidirectional converter that translates metabolic pathways, developed in the general-purpose yEd Graph Editor (using the GraphML format) into the Systems Biology Graphical Notation Markup Language (SBGN-ML) standard format and vice versa. We illustrate the functionality of this converter by applying it to the translation of the ReconMap resource (available in the SBGN-ML format) to the yEd-specific GraphML and back. The ySBGN tool makes possible to draw extensive metabolic diagrams in a powerful general-purpose graph editor while providing results in the standard SBGN format.

Newt: a comprehensive web-based tool for viewing, constructing and analyzing biological maps

MOTIVATION

Visualization of cellular processes and pathways is a key recurring requirement for effective biological data analysis. There is a considerable need for sophisticated web-based pathway viewers and editors operating with widely accepted standard formats, using the latest visualization techniques and libraries.

RESULTS

We developed a web-based tool named Newt for viewing, constructing and analyzing biological maps in standard formats such as SBGN, SBML and SIF.

AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION

Newt's source code is publicly available on GitHub and freely distributed under the GNU LGPL. Ample documentation on Newt can be found on http://newteditor.org and on YouTube.

Eurados review of retrospective dosimetry techniques for internal exposures to ionising radiation and their applications

This work presents an overview of the applications of retrospective dosimetry techniques in case of incorporation of radionuclides. The fact that internal exposures are characterized by a spatially inhomogeneous irradiation of the body, which is potentially prolonged over large periods and variable over time, is particularly problematic for biological and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) dosimetry methods when compared with external exposures. The paper gives initially specific information about internal dosimetry methods, the most common cytogenetic techniques used in biological dosimetry and EPR dosimetry applied to tooth enamel. Based on real-case scenarios, dose estimates obtained from bioassay data as well as with biological and/or EPR dosimetry are compared and critically discussed. In most of the scenarios presented, concomitant external exposures were responsible for the greater portion of the received dose. As no assay is available which can discriminate between radiation of different types and different LETs on the basis of the type of damage induced, it is not possible to infer from these studies specific conclusions valid for incorporated radionuclides alone. The biological dosimetry assays and EPR techniques proved to be most applicable in cases when the radionuclides are almost homogeneously distributed in the body. No compelling evidence was obtained in other cases of extremely inhomogeneous distribution. Retrospective dosimetry needs to be optimized and further developed in order to be able to deal with real exposure cases, where a mixture of both external and internal exposures will be encountered most of the times.

Deer keds on wild ungulates in northern Italy, with a taxonomic key for the identification of Lipoptena spp. of Europe

Deer keds (Lipoptena spp.) are blood-sucking ectoparasites of domestic and wild animals, and also accidentally of humans. In Europe, five Lipoptena spp. have been recorded, although the lack of specific taxonomic keys has often led to mistaken identification or to missing data. The present study aimed to develop an identification key of the European species and also to identify Lipoptena spp. found on wild ungulates in northern Italy. In total, 390 hippoboscids were collected from Rupicapra rupicapra, Capreolus capreolus, Cervus elaphus and Ovis aries musimon in an Alpine area of Italy. After morphological identification, 140 specimens were subjected to phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial (CO1) and nuclear (CAD) gene sequences. Despite the expected presence of slight morphological variations, all specimens examined were identified both microscopically and molecularly as Lipoptena cervi (100% identity for both CO1 and CAD genes). The massive increase in wild ungulate populations can favour the possibility of detecting other species of Lipoptena. The identification keys proposed in the present study may help with monitoring the presence of Lipoptena species, particularly in European countries where this ectoparasite is neglected and for which various data (from diffusion to control methods) are still missing.

cd2sbgnml: bidirectional conversion between CellDesigner and SBGN formats

Motivation

CellDesigner is a well-established biological map editor used in many large-scale scientific efforts. However, the interoperability between the Systems Biology Graphical Notation (SBGN) Markup Language (SBGN-ML) and the CellDesigner’s proprietary Systems Biology Markup Language (SBML) extension formats remains a challenge due to the proprietary extensions used in CellDesigner files.

Results

We introduce a library named cd2sbgnml and an associated web service for bidirectional conversion between CellDesigner’s proprietary SBML extension and SBGN-ML formats. We discuss the functionality of the cd2sbgnml converter, which was successfully used for the translation of comprehensive large-scale diagrams such as the RECON Human Metabolic network and the complete Atlas of Cancer Signalling Network, from the CellDesigner file format into SBGN-ML.

Availability and implementation

The cd2sbgnml conversion library and the web service were developed in Java, and distributed under the GNU Lesser General Public License v3.0. The sources along with a set of examples are available on GitHub (https://github.com/sbgn/cd2sbgnml and https://github.com/sbgn/cd2sbgnml-webservice, respectively).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

P11.39 Chloroquine as an anti-glioblastoma therapeutic: repurposing of an old drug

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive type of primary brain tumour in adults. These tumours depict anarchic proliferation and brain infiltration as well as radio- and chemoresistant profiles. The complete surgical resection is unachievable and responses to standard therapy are transitory. Recurrence is thus inevitable and patient prognosis is generally less than 15 months. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) holds a substantial role in supporting the GBM phenotype. We showed that TGF-β 1 expression levels correlate with overall and progression-free survival in newly diagnosed GBM patient. We also observed that chloroquine (CQ) can reduce the production of TGF-β together with proliferation, invasion, radioresistance and radio-induced invasion in vitro. Unfortunately, little is known regarding the ability of CQ to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Therefore, our objective is to determine whether intravenous (IV) or intra-arterial (IA) infusions of CQ and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), a pharmacological analog of CQ, can yield therapeutic brain concentrations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

To assess BBB penetration, the brain, plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of CQ/HCQ were measured by LCMS/MS at different timepoints post-IV or post-IA infusions with 20 mg/kg of CQ/HCQ in tumour-free Wistar rat. For the survival studies, We implanted 10’000 F98 murin glioblastoma cells in the right putamen of Fischer rats. Ten days post-implantation, IA and IV infusion were accomplished through cannulations of the external right carotid and tail vein respectively.

RESULTS

With IV injections, CQ/HCQ brain concentrations 15 minutes post-injection reached 15.76 mg/g (0.18 µM) and 1.67 mg/g (0.078 µM) respectively. However, following IA infusions, we observed a 1.74 and 20.9 fold increase (20 mg/kg HCQ) as well as 7.1 and 84.7-fold-increase (20 mg/kg CQ) in contra- and ipsilateral brain concentrations respectively. Although brain concentrations gradually decreased over time post-IA infusions, the ipsilateral hemisphere CQ concentration was still 82.81 mg/g (34.52 µM) after 6 hours. Whereas plasma concentrations were very similar following IV and IA infusions, both molecules barely accumulated in the CSF and only when using IA infusions. The median survival of the control group (IA phosphate-buffered saline) and the group treated with 20 mg/kg CQ IV were 23.5 days and 24.5 days respectively. However, rats injected with 20 mg/kg CQ IA had a median survival of 28.5 days.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that IA CQ could be used to abrogate the GBM phenotype. As TGF-β is associated with resistance to both radio- and chemotherapy, we plan to characterize the combination of IA infusions of CQ in combination with radiation or chemotherapy (carboplatin).

BIODOSIMETRY AND BIODOSIMETRY NETWORKS FOR MANAGING RADIATION EMERGENCY

Biological dosimetry enables individual dose reconstruction in the case of unclear or inconsistent radiation exposure situations, especially when a direct measurement of ionizing radiation is not or is no longer possible. To be prepared for large-scale radiological incidents, networking between well-trained laboratories has been identified as a useful approach for provision of the fast and trustworthy dose assessments needed in such circumstances. To this end, various biodosimetry laboratories worldwide have joined forces and set up regional and/or nationwide networks either on a formal or informal basis. Many of these laboratories are also a part of global networks such as those organized by World Health Organization, International Atomic Energy Agency or Global Health Security Initiative. In the present report, biodosimetry networks from different parts of the world are presented, and the partners, activities and cooperation actions are detailed. Moreover, guidance for situational application of tools used for individual dosimetry is given.

Wolverines (Gulo gulo luscus) on the Rocky Mountain slopes: natural heterogeneity and landscape alteration as predictors of distribution

A species’ occurrence can be influenced by natural and anthropogenic factors; disentangling these is a precursor to understanding the mechanisms of distribution. Anthropogenic factors may be especially important at contracting range edges. We test this premise for wolverines (Gulo gulo luscus L., 1758) at the edge of their Rocky Mountain range in Alberta, Canada, a mosaic of natural heterogeneity and extensive landscape development. As wolverines have a suspected negative response to human activity, we hypothesized their occurrence on the Rockies’ slopes is predicted by a combination of natural and anthropogenic features. We surveyed wolverines at 120 sites along a natural and anthropogenic gradient using hair trapping and noninvasive genetic tagging. We used abundance estimation, generalized linear, and hierarchical models to determine whether abundance and occurrence was best predicted by natural land cover, topography, footprint, or a combination. Wolverines were more abundant in rugged areas protected from anthropogenic development. Wolverines were less likely to occur at sites with oil and gas exploration, forest harvest, or burned areas, even after accounting for the effect of topography. The relative paucity of wolverines in human-impacted portions of this range edge suggests that effective conservation requires managing landscape development, and research on the proximal mechanisms behind this relationship.

Interlaboratory comparison of dicentric chromosome assay using electronically transmitted images

The bottleneck in data acquisition during biological dosimetry based on a dicentric assay is the need to score dicentrics in a large number of lymphocytes. One way to increase the capacity of a given laboratory is to use the ability of skilled operators from other laboratories. This can be done using image analysis systems and distributing images all around the world. Two exercises were conducted to test the efficiency of such an approach involving 10 laboratories. During the first exercise (E1), the participant laboratories analysed the same images derived from cells exposed to 0.5 and 3 Gy; 100 images were sent to all participants for both doses. Whatever the dose, only about half of the cells were complete with well-spread metaphases suitable for analysis. A coefficient of variation (CV) on the standard deviation of ∼15 % was obtained for both doses. The trueness was better for 3 Gy (0.6 %) than for 0.5 Gy (37.8 %). The number of estimated doses classified as satisfactory according to the z-score was 3 at 0.5 Gy and 8 at 3 Gy for 10 dose estimations. In the second exercise, an emergency situation was tested, each laboratory was required to score a different set of 50 images in 2 d extracted from 500 downloaded images derived from cells exposed to 0.5 Gy. Then the remaining 450 images had to be scored within a week. Using 50 different images, the CV on the estimated doses (79.2 %) was not as good as in E1, probably associated to a lower number of cells analysed (50 vs. 100) or from the fact that laboratories analysed a different set of images. The trueness for the dose was better after scoring 500 cells (22.5 %) than after 50 cells (26.8 %). For the 10 dose estimations, the number of doses classified as satisfactory according to the z-score was 9, for both 50 and 500 cells. Overall, the results obtained support the feasibility of networking using electronically transmitted images. However, before its implementation some issues should be elucidated, such as the number and resolution of the images to be sent, and the harmonisation of the scoring criteria. Additionally, a global website able to be used for the different regional networks, like Share Points, will be desirable to facilitate worldwide communication.

Effect of lymphocytes culture variations on the mitotic index and on the dicentric yield following gamma radiation exposure

Fundamentals of biological dosimetry are described in the International Atomic Energy Agency manual, but all over the world each laboratory is using its own protocol. To test the influence of protocol variations, some blood samples were exposed to 0.5 Gy of gamma radiation and mitotic index and dicentric rates were measured under different experimental conditions. The effect of seven parameters [bromodeoxyuridin (BrdU), phytohaemagglutinin and colcemid concentrations, blood and medium volumes, culture duration and incubation temperature] was tested using a Placket and Burman experimental design. The analysis reveals that the mitotic index was influenced by the concentration of BrdU, medium and blood volumes, the culture duration and the temperature. However, none of the factors has a significant impact on the yield of dicentrics. The dicentric assay is robust against reagent variations within the range tested. These results could be used by relevant laboratories as elements of their procedures robustness in any event requiring such demonstration.

Effects of different dietary omega-6/3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ratios on infarct size and the limbic system after myocardial infarction

Changes in dietary omega-6/3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ratios affect anti- and proinflammatory equilibrium. As reperfused myocardial infarction (MI) is an inflammatory pathology that alters the cell integrity of the myocardium but also of other tissues, such as the hippocampus and amygdala, attenuation of the inflammation could be helpful in maintaining cell integrity after MI. Therefore, we hypothesized that a decrease in the dietary omega-6/3 PUFA ratio, without altering the diet content in total fat, proteins, or carbohydrates, will result in a reduction of infarct size and a diminution of postreperfusion apoptosis observed in the amygdala and hippocampus. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were fed 1 of 3 diets containing different omega-6/3 PUFA ratios for 2 weeks (5:1; 1:1; 1:5). Then, myocardial ischemia was induced by left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion for 40 min, followed by reperfusion. Cardioprotective mechanisms were studied in the myocardium at 15 min of reperfusion, along with myocardial infarct size after 24 h of reperfusion. Apoptosis was evaluated in the hippocampus and the amygdala. We found that infarct size was significantly reduced by 32% in groups 1:5 and 1:1 vs. group 5:1. Akt activity was higher in groups 1:5 and 1:1 compared with group 5:1. Caspase-3 enzymatic activity doubled in area CA1 and the dentate gyrus (DG) in group 5:1 compared with groups 1:1 and 1:5. In addition, caspase-8 enzymatic activity was increased in the DG at 24 h, and caspase-9 was enhanced in CA1 at 24 h in group 5:1 vs. groups 1:1 and 1:5. These results demonstrate that the increase in the dietary omega-3 PUFA, at the expense of omega-6 PUFA, reduces infarct size and helps to inhibit apoptosis in the limbic system after MI.

Biological dosimetry intercomparison exercise: an evaluation of triage and routine mode results by robust methods

Well-defined protocols and quality management standards are indispensable for biological dosimetry laboratories. Participation in periodic proficiency testing by interlaboratory comparisons is also required. This harmonization is essential if a cooperative network is used to respond to a mass casualty event. Here we present an international intercomparison based on dicentric chromosome analysis for dose assessment performed in the framework of the IAEA Regional Latin American RLA/9/054 Project. The exercise involved 14 laboratories, 8 from Latin America and 6 from Europe. The performance of each laboratory and the reproducibility of the exercise were evaluated using robust methods described in ISO standards. The study was based on the analysis of slides from samples irradiated with 0.75 (DI) and 2.5 Gy (DII). Laboratories were required to score the frequency of dicentrics and convert them to estimated doses, using their own dose-effect curves, after the analysis of 50 or 100 cells (triage mode) and after conventional scoring of 500 cells or 100 dicentrics. In the conntional scoring, at both doses, all reported frequencies were considered as satisfactory, and two reported doses were considered as questionable. The analysis of the data dispersion among the dicentric frequencies and among doses indicated a better reproducibility for estimated doses (15.6% for DI and 8.8% for DII) than for frequencies (24.4% for DI and 11.4% for DII), expressed by the coefficient of variation. In the two triage modes, although robust analysis classified some reported frequencies or doses as unsatisfactory or questionable, all estimated doses were in agreement with the accepted error of ±0.5 Gy. However, at the DI dose and for 50 scored cells, 5 out of the 14 reported confidence intervals that included zero dose and could be interpreted as false negatives. This improved with 100 cells, where only one confidence interval included zero dose. At the DII dose, all estimations fell within ±0.5 Gy of the reference dose interval. The results obtained in this triage exercise indicated that it is better to report doses than frequencies. Overall, in both triage and conventional scoring modes, the laboratory performances were satisfactory for mutual cooperation purposes. These data reinforce the view that collaborative networking in the case of a mass casualty event can be successful.

Cytogenetic assessment of heterogeneous radiation doses in cancer patients treated with fractionated radiotherapy

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vivo dose-response relation of chromosome aberration formation and distribution in a context of localised and fractionated radiotherapy. Cytogenetic analysis was applied to eight patients, all treated for the same tumour localisation; the same localisation was used to prevent the variability usually observed between patients treated with radiotherapy and to allow the corresponding roles of the size of irradiation field and of the dose rate to be studied. The yield of dicentrics, centric rings and fragments was measured in blood samples taken before treatment, during the course of radiotherapy and up to 6 months after. After the first fraction of radiotherapy, we observed that the whole-body dose estimated from the yield of dicentrics and rings was higher (0.35+/-0.2 Gy) than the calculated equivalent whole-body dose (0.07+/-0.04 Gy). By contrast, the partial-body dose derived from the Qdr (quotient of dicentrics and rings) model was estimated to be 2.2+/-0.3 Gy, which agreed quite well with the dose delivered to the tumour (2.1+/-0.1 Gy). We also found a correlation between the yield of induced chromosome aberrations and the target field size (p = 0.014). U-value analysis showed that the distribution of dicentrics and rings was overdispersed, despite the fractionation of the exposure, and a positive correlation between the U-value and the dose rate was observed (p = 0.017). Overall, these results suggest that the proportion of undamaged lymphocytes could increase with the dose rate.

Echocardiographic predictors of symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus in extremely-low-birth-weight preterm neonates

OBJECTIVE

Identify echocardiographic parameters at <or=4 day postnatal that predict the subsequent need for closure of a clinically significant patent ductus arteriosus (sPDA) in extremely-low-birth-weight neonates (ELBW).

STUDY DESIGN

Serial echocardiograms obtained in 115 ELBW at <or=10 day postnatal were examined to estimate PDA size using the PDA:left pulmonary artery (LPA) diameter ratio: >or=1 indicated a large PDA, <1 but >or=0.5 moderate, and <0.5 small. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values (PPV) were determined for ELBW <27 weeks and >or=27 weeks gestational age.

RESULT

Neonates with moderate to large PDA at <or=4 day had 15-times greater likelihood of requiring treatment for sPDA than those with a small PDA (95% confidence interval (CI): 5.6-41). Sensitivity, specificity and PPV of the PDA:LPA at <27 weeks was 80, 86 and 92%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

A moderate to large PDA determined from the PDA:LPA ratio at <or=4 day postnatal identifies neonates <27 week gestation who subsequently require closure of a PDA.

A randomised clinical trial comparing minimally invasive surgery to conventional approach for endoprosthesis in elderly patients with hip fractures

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the concept of minimally invasive surgery has invaded the orthopaedic field and literature on the subject is spawning. Mini-incision surgery for total hip arthroplasty has been studied without a clear consensus on the efficacy, safety and advantage of that technique. To our knowledge, the efficacy and safety of mini-incisions in hip fracture surgery has not been studied in a randomised fashion.

METHODS

This study is a prospective clinically randomised trial whose primary objective was to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of a single posterior mini-incision approach compared to a standard posterior approach for endoprosthesis in acute femoral neck fractures. The mini-incision was defined as less than 8 cm. 25 patients in the mini-incision surgery (MIS) group and 31 patients in the standard incision group (STD) were available for analysis. The following validated disease-specific outcome instruments were used: the Lower Extremity Measurement (LEM) and the Time Up and Go (TUG). Secondary endpoints of pain, function, and quality of life were assessed by the components of the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and SF-36. Radiographic outcomes were also evaluated as well as the rates of all reported complications and adverse events during the 2 years follow-up.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference for operative time, blood losses, 72 h postoperative haemoglobin as well as the need for transfusion therapy between the two groups. Also, there was no difference between the groups for postoperative morphine use and pain evaluation with the Visual Analog Scale. The functional assessment using LEM and TUG did not demonstrate any statistically significant difference between mini- and standard incision. However, the HHS and the physical function component of the SF-36 were statistically better at 2 years in favour of the standard incision group.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of the present study, we cannot recommend the use of a minimally invasive approach over a standard approach in the implantation of a cemented endoprosthesis.

Comparative study of kala-azar vector control measures in eastern Nepal

This study was conducted to explore the most effective vector control tool among indoor residual spraying (IRS), long lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and ecological vector management (EVM) as a part of the regional visceral leishmaniasis elimination initiative. Alpha-cypermethrin as IRS, PermaNet as LLINs and plastering the inner walls of houses with lime as EVM were the interventions. One baseline and three follow-up entomological surveys were carried out in all arms using CDC miniature light traps (LT) and mouth aspirators. Comparisons were made between intervention arms and control arms with pre-intervention and post-intervention vector densities. Light traps were found more efficient in the collection of Phlebotomus argentipes in comparison with aspiration. Vector densities were significantly low in both IRS arm (p=0.009 in LT and p<0.001 in aspirator collections) and LLIN arm (p=0.019 in LT and p=0.023 in aspirator collections) in comparison with control arm. However, in EVM arm, there was no significant difference in P. argentipes sand fly density in comparison with control arm (p=0.785) in LT collections in follow-up surveys. Hence, IRS was found most effective control measure to decrease vector density. LLINs were also found effective and can be considered as a promising alternative vector control tool in VL elimination initiative.

Molecular phylogenetic assessment of host range in five Dermanyssus species

Given that 14 out of the 25 currently described species of Dermanyssus Dugès, 1834, are morphologically very close to each another, misidentifications may occur and are suspected in at least some records. One of these 14 species is the red fowl mite, D. gallinae (De Geer, 1778), a blood parasite of wild birds, but also a pest in the poultry industry. Using molecular phylogenetic tools we aimed to answer two questions concerning host specificity and synanthropicity: (1) is D. gallinae the only species infesting European layer farms?, and (2) can populations of D. gallinae move from wild to domestic birds and vice versa? Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene sequences were obtained from 73 Dermanyssus populations collected from nests of wild European birds and from poultry farms and these were analyzed using maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference. Mapping of the observed host range on the obtained topology and correlation with behavioural observations revealed that (1) host range is strongly dependent on some ecological parameters (e.g. nest hygiene, exposure to pesticides and predators), that (2) out of five species under test, synanthropic populations were found only in lineages of D. gallinae, and that (3) at least some haplotypes found in wild birds were very close to those found in association with domestic birds.

Subcutaneous omacetaxine mepesuccinate in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients resistant or intolerant to two or more tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs): Data from an ongoing phase II trial

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Background: Omacetaxine (OM), a first-in-class cetaxine, shows clinical activity against Ph+ CML with a mechanism of action independent to tyrosine kinase inhibition. Patients (Pts) who have failed multiple TKIs may benefit from an alternative therapy for CML. Methods: Pts include adult CML following resistance or intolerance to at least 2 TKIs. T315I+ Pts are enrolled in a separate trial. Pts receive OM induction at 1.25 mg/m2 subcutaneous (SC) BID for 14 days every 28 days followed by maintenance at 1.25 mg/m2 SC BID for 7 days every 28 days (maintenance after at least one induction cycle and achievement of hematologic response). Results: 60 pts (30 chronic phase [CP], 14 accelerated phase [AP], and 16 blast phase [BP] have been enrolled with 51% having failed at least 3 prior TKIs. Median age: 58 yrs; 50% male. Median disease duration: 74 months. At baseline, 38.5% of pts had Bcr-Abl mutations including 9.6% with compound mutations. The most frequently observed mutations were F317L (11.5%) and V299L (5.8%). OM is well tolerated with transient myelosuppression as the primary toxicity. Grade 3/4 non-hematologic events are rare with pyrexia occurring in 4.3% of patients. Efficacy data are available for 30 Pts: Conclusions: Omacetaxine in multi-TKI resistant or intolerant CML is well tolerated and has achieved hematologic and cytogenetic responses in these heavily pre-treated Pts.

[Table: see text]

[Table: see text]

Delimiting species boundaries within Dermanyssus Dugès, 1834 (Acari:Dermanyssidae) using a total evidence approach

The genus Dermanyssus is currently composed of 24 hematophagous mite species and includes the Poultry Red Mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, a serious pest in poultry houses. Morphologically, Dermanyssus species fall into two groups corresponding to Moss'gallinae-group and to hirsutus-group+Microdermanyssus. Species of the gallinae-group exhibit high levels of morphological variability, and are nearly impossible to distinguish. Species of the second group display consistent characters and host associations and are easily distinguishable. Species of the gallinae-group tend to be the major problems in poultry houses and it is unknown whether D. gallinae is the only pest, or if there are numerous cryptic species present in the system. Twenty species of Dermanyssus were tested phylogenetically based on 46 morphological characters. A subset of species, mainly of the gallinae-group, represented each by several populations, was sequenced for two mitochondrial and one nuclear gene regions. This allowed testing their specific status and their interrelationships based and on morphological and molecular characters. The molecular data was analysed separately and in combination with morphological characters. As expected, morphology did a poor job resolving relationships. Molecular data proved more informative. The resulting phylogenetic hypotheses brought some information about interrelationships among species of the gallinae-group showing a split into two main clades. The invasion of human managed environments seems to occur only in taxa within one of the two clades. The host spectrum seems to get enlarged in more derived taxa in the same clade. A delineation of six species within the gallinae-group is provided. Additionally, a key for morphological identification of these species is provided. D. gallinae appears to be the only pest in poultry houses, but is composed of several different and more or less strongly isolated lineages. A new species found from the black swift is described.

Statistical speckle study to characterize scattering media: use of two complementary approaches

Speckle produced by strongly-scattering media contains information about its optical properties. Statistical speckle study allows discrimination between media and enables one to characterize any change. Two approaches of the speckle phenomenon are used in the measurement of speckle produced by monodisperse-polystyrene microspheres in solution and mixtures of them: a stochastic approach based on the fractional Brownian motion and a classical frequential approach based on speckle size measurement. In this paper, we introduce an approach that contains the multi-scale aspect of the speckle; therefore it provides more information on the medium than the speckle dimension. The obtained results show that the stochastic approach allows a better samples discrimination than the classical frequential approach.

Historical review of the genus Dermanyssus Dugès, 1834 (Acari: Mesostigmata: Dermanyssidae)

A synthetic review of the historical systematics of Dermanyssus Dugès, 1834 (Acari: Mesostigmata: Dermanyssidae) is provided. The classification at the specific level in this early genus has not really been clarified during more than a century despite its economic impact, and the history of the genus is complex and includes various stages. Moreover, Dermanyssus currently includes 23 species, whereas the last review took only 18 species into account. Changes in the species status and position in the genus Dermanyssus from 1834 until today are presented. The evolution of the generic definition is explored and compared with other genera of the group. How the discrimination between the different species evolved in the genus is also examined. Some difficulties in the specific definitions are discussed. A current diagnosis of the genus Dermanyssus is given. A table of the species included in this genus since its first description along with their respective current positions, a list of the currently included species in Dermanyssus with their hosts, and a world map presenting their geographic distribution are provided.

Mutation status and clinical outcome of 89 imatinib mesylate-resistant chronic myelogenous leukemia patients: a retrospective analysis from the French intergroup of CML (Fi(phi)-LMC GROUP)

The emergence of ABL point mutations is the most frequent cause for imatinib resistance in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patients and can occur during any phase of the disease; however, their clinical impact remains controversial. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the predictive impact of 94 BCR-ABL kinase domain mutations (18 T315I, 26 P-loop, 50 in other sites) found in 89 imatinib-resistant CML patients. At imatinib onset, 64% of patients (57/89) were in chronic phase (CP), 24% (21/89) in accelerated phase (AP) and 12% (11/89) in blastic phase (BP). T315I and P-loop mutations were preferentially discovered in accelerated phase of BP CML, and other types of mutations in CP (P=0.003). With a median follow-up of 39.2 months (6.3-67.2), since imatinib initiation, overall survival (OS) was significantly worse for P-loop (28.3 months) and for T315I (12.6 months), and not reached for other mutations (P=0.0004). For CP only, multivariate analysis demonstrated a worse OS for P-loop mutations (P=0.014), and a worse progression-free survival (PFS) for T315I mutations (P=0.014). Therefore, P-loop and T315I mutations selectively impair the outcome of imatinib-resistant CML patients, in contrast to other mutations, which may benefit from dose escalation of imatinib, able to improve or stabilize disease response.

Follow-up of stable chromosomal aberrations in gamma-ray irradiated non-human primates

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine a new approach to retrospective biological dosimetry, by using a long-term animal model to determine the stability of translocation frequency after in vivo irradiation. While the frequency of dicentrics is known to decrease over time, the persistence of more stable chromosomal aberrations such as translocations could be useful if their stability were definitively proved.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) were exposed to two different doses of ionizing radiation: 2 Gy whole body irradiation for two and 4 Gy for two others. Blood samples were obtained at various times after irradiation. Both total and two-way translocations were detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Translocations were scored in stable cells, that is, those without dicentrics, rings or fragments. The course of translocation frequency was analysed at four time-points: one hour (H1), 2 months (M2), 10 months (M10) and 31 months (M31) after irradiation.

RESULTS

We observed two separate trends in translocation frequency: Total translocation frequency decreased slightly in animals irradiated with a dose of 2 Gy, while two-way translocation frequency was relatively stable in all irradiated animals.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirmed the long-term stability of translocations and found that it seems to depend on the type of the translocation recorded. Overall translocations were stable for up to 31 months regardless of dose, but two-way translocations were more stable than those that were non-reciprocal, especially in stable cells.

Study of the tools available in biological dosimetry to estimate the dose in cases of accidental complex overexposure to ionizing radiation: the Lilo accident

PURPOSE

To compare the efficiency of different cytogenetic tools in estimating the doses received by four people involved in the Lilo accident and to monitor the dose estimate over 4.5 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Several young Georgian frontier guards handled at least one of the 12 Caesium sources found in a former Russian military camp. Overexposure lasted from July 1996 to May 1997. The Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN) obtained blood samples taken at several intervals post-exposure from the four most highly-exposed people. Dose estimation was performed using dicentric and translocation scoring.

RESULTS

The first dose estimations performed by dicentric scoring gave whole-body doses ranging from 0.4 to 1.3 Gy. Overexposure was complex and several mathematical models were used to take this complexity into account. This could provide information concerning the circumstances of overexposure. Concerning follow-up, the yield of dicentrics decreased by about 50% in the first 4 months following the end of overexposure whereas translocations were stable over the period of analysis.

CONCLUSION

It has been useful to compare cytogenetic results with clinical results. The results presented here reveal good stability of translocations. However the first dose estimation was not attempted until 6 months after the last exposure.