Perspectives of Breast Cancer Thermotherapies

International audienceIn this article, the use of different types of thermotherapies to treat breast cancer is reviewed. While hyperthermia is most commonly used as an adjuvant in combination with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or cryotherapy to enhance the therapeutic effect of these therapies, thermoablation is usually carried out alone to eradicate small breast tumors. A recently developed thermotherapy, called magnetic hyperthermia, which involves localized heating of nanoparticles under the application of an alternating magnetic field, is also presented. The advantages and drawbacks of these different thermotherapies are highlighted

Nanomaterials as Ultrasound Theragnostic Tools for Heart Disease Treatment/Diagnosis.

A variety of different nanomaterials (NMs) such as microbubbles (MBs), nanobubbles (NBs), nanodroplets (NDs), and silica hollow meso-structures have been tested as ultrasound contrast agents for the detection of heart diseases. The inner part of these NMs is made gaseous to yield an ultrasound contrast, which arises from the difference in acoustic impedance between the interior and exterior of such a structure. Furthermore, to specifically achieve a contrast in the diseased heart region (DHR), NMs can be designed to target this region in essentially three different ways (i.e., passively when NMs are small enough to diffuse through the holes of the vessels supplying the DHR, actively by being associated with a ligand that recognizes a receptor of the DHR, or magnetically by applying a magnetic field orientated in the direction of the DHR on a NM responding to such stimulus). The localization and resolution of ultrasound imaging can be further improved by applying ultrasounds in the DHR, by increasing the ultrasound frequency, or by using harmonic, sub-harmonic, or super-resolution imaging. Local imaging can be achieved with other non-gaseous NMs of metallic composition (i.e., essentially made of Au) by using photoacoustic imaging, thus widening the range of NMs usable for cardiac applications. These contrast agents may also have a therapeutic efficacy by carrying/activating/releasing a heart disease drug, by triggering ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction or enhanced cavitation in the DHR, for example, resulting in thrombolysis or helping to prevent heart transplant rejection

Ultrasound and nanomaterial: an efficient pair to fight cancer

Ultrasounds are often used in cancer treatment protocols, e.g. to collect tumor tissues in the right location using ultrasound-guided biopsy, to image the region of the tumor using more affordable and easier to use apparatus than MRI and CT, or to ablate tumor tissues using HIFU. The efficacy of these methods can be further improved by combining them with various nano-systems, thus enabling: (i) a better resolution of ultrasound imaging, allowing for example the visualization of angiogenic blood vessels, (ii) the specific tumor targeting of anti-tumor chemotherapeutic drugs or gases attached to or encapsulated in nano-systems and released in a controlled manner in the tumor under ultrasound application, (iii) tumor treatment at tumor site using more moderate heating temperatures than with HIFU. Furthermore, some nano-systems display adjustable sizes, i.e. nanobubbles can grow into micro-bubbles. Such dual size is advantageous since it enables gathering within the same unit the targeting properties of nano bubbles via EPR effect and the enhanced ultrasound contrasting properties of micro bubbles. Interestingly, the way in which nano-systems act against a tumor could in principle also be adjusted by accurately selecting the nano-system among a large choice and by tuning the values of the ultrasound parameters, which can lead, due to their mechanical nature, to specific effects such as cavitation that are usually not observed with purely electromagnetic waves and can potentially help destroying the tumor. This review highlights the clinical potential of these combined treatments that can improve the benefit/risk ratio of current cancer treatments

Glioblastoma Treatments: An Account of Recent Industrial Developments

The different drugs and medical devices, which are commercialized or under industrial development for glioblastoma treatment, are reviewed. Their different modes of action are analyzed with a distinction being made between the effects of radiation, the targeting of specific parts of glioma cells, and immunotherapy. Most of them are still at a too early stage of development to firmly conclude about their efficacy. Optune, which triggers antitumor activity by blocking the mitosis of glioma cells under the application of an alternating electric field, seems to be the only recently developed therapy with some efficacy reported on a large number of GBM patients. The need for early GBM diagnosis is emphasized since it could enable the treatment of GBM tumors of small sizes, possibly easier to eradicate than larger tumors. Ways to improve clinical protocols by strengthening preclinical studies using of a broader range of different animal and tumor models are also underlined. Issues related with efficient drug delivery and crossing of blood brain barrier are discussed. Finally societal and economic aspects are described with a presentation of the orphan drug status that can accelerate the development of GBM therapies, patents protecting various GBM treatments, the different actors tackling GBM disease, the cost of GBM treatments, GBM market figures, and a financial analysis of the different companies involved in the development of GBM therapies

Elaborer des normes au nom de la conservation de la biodiversité : la mise en oeuvre de la directive Habitats en France

Conserver la diversité biologique à l’échelle du continent, tel est le défi qu’entend relever l’Union européenne en adoptant en 1992 la directive Habitats. A travers cette initiative, les décideurs européens souhaitent apporter leur contribution à ce qui constitue aujourd’hui l’un des nouveaux enjeux planétaires. Les résultats des recherches présentés ici rendent compte de la mise en oeuvre de cette politique à l’échelle de la France. Ils sont centrés sur la phase d’élaboration (1999-2005) de «documents d’objectifs», au cours de laquelle il s’est agi de produire, sur chaque site désigné au titre le la directive, un document de gestion visant à accomplir les objectifs de conservation de la biodiversité. L’analyse s’attache à examiner le processus concerté d’élaboration de ces actions de gestion à l’échelle des sites, en questionnant plus particulièrement la dynamique d’interaction entre les acteurs mobilisés.

Les "scènes locales" de la biodiversité : la construction du réseau Natura 2000, en France

Conserver la diversité biologique à l'échelle du continent, tel est le défi qu'entend relever l'Union européenne en adoptant en 1992 la directive Habitats. A travers cette initiative, les décideurs européens souhaitent apporter leur contribution à ce qui constitue aujourd'hui l'un des nouveaux enjeux planétaires. Les résultats des recherches présentés ici rendent compte de la mise en oeuvre de cette politique à l'échelle de la France. Ils sont centrés sur la phase d'élaboration (1999-2005) de "documents d'objectifs", au cours de laquelle il s'est agi de produire, sur chaque site désigné au titre le la directive, un document de gestion visant à accomplir les objectifs de conservation de la biodiversité. L'analyse s'attache à examiner le processus concerté d'élaboration de ces actions de gestion à l'échelle des sites, en questionnant plus particulièrement la dynamique d'interaction entre les acteurs mobilisés.

Les données naturalistes à l'épreuve de la transparence

La conservation de la biodiversité relève d'un savoir globalisé élaboré à partir de la mise en connexion de connaissances dispersées dans des banques de données. Prenant appui sur la mise en œuvre, en France, du Système d'information sur la nature et les paysages (SINP) créé à l'initiative du ministère de l'Écologie, les auteurs mobilisent la notion de transparence pour analyser le passage d'une production artisanale et localisée de données au monde globalisé des big data. Après avoir montré que les données naturalistes, essentiellement produites au sein d'associations privées reconnues d'utilité publique, sont « encastrées » dans un territoire et des rapports sociaux, ils voient dans la dynamique du SINP un processus de normalisation et de délocalisation qui vise à « désencastrer » les données de leur contexte. Craignant d'être dépossédées de leurs données, les associations naturalistes développent diverses stratégies de contrôle d'accès aux données, revendiquant par là même leur aptitude particulière à exercer une vigilance durable sur leur territoire.The preservation of biodiversity necessitates global knowledge attained by connecting pieces of information that have been dispersed in the multiple data banks around the world. Starting with the implementation of the Système d'information sur la nature et les paysages (Information System about Nature and Landscapes, the SINP) created at the initiative of the Ministry of Ecology, the authors have put the notion of transparency into action in order to analyze the passage from the artisanal and specifically local production of naturalist data to the globalized world of big data. They point out firstly that naturalists' data – collected from associations whose public interest has been recognized – are “embedded” in the territory along with its social bonds. They go on to speak about how, in the dynamic of the SINP, there is a process of standardizing and uprooting the data as it is removed from its context. Thus the local associations, in fear of being dispossessed of their data, have developed diverse strategies to control access to them, likewise insisting on their particular skill at maintaining a sustainable vigilance on their own territory

Análisis de la evolución hidrogeoquímica y diagnóstico de procesos de biomineralización controlada en agua subterránea : caso Pozo UPTC, Sogamoso

1 recurso en línea (103 páginas) : ilustraciones color, figuras, tablas.Geomicrobiology has special interest in the role played by microorganisms in chemical cycles of chemical elements, including iron. Therefore, the incidence of bacteria in the absorption and reduction of elements of interest has been studied; Experimental studies have also been carried out on the use of catabolic processes of different bacteria as a bioremediation technique during the treatment of groundwater. However, the design of a formulation for the purification of this type of water, it is advisable to know the dynamics of the flow and the great part of the rock-water interaction processes that have influenced the chemical tool of the underground resource. In accordance with the above, it was pointed out the hydrogeochemical processes that have intervened in the evolution of the groundwater captured in the UPTC well, Sogamoso, and the iron and manganese removal capacity in the well water samples was evaluated from the exploitation of bacterial biomineralization processes. To do this, the sampling of eleven (11) samples of groundwater was carried out for the analysis of physicochemical parameters and the determination of the concentrations of the ionic content of interest. The processing of the information was done through hydrogeochemical diagrams (Piper, Stiff and Schoeller-Berkaloff) and some binary graphs that provide information on local conditions; and in a complementary manner, two (2) multivariate statistical methods were applied to quantitatively verify the results obtained through the hydrogeochemical analysis. In a complementary manner, the isotopic content of four (4) of the samples was analyzed to identify the possible recharge zones and, in this way, the preliminary hydrogeological model was constructed for the study area. The integration of this information allowed to define part of the natural and exogenous constituents to the dynamics of the underground flow. Additionally, an experimental method of bioremediation based on the biomineralization mechanisms, typical of the Magnetotactic Bacteria (MTB's) was tested, from which it was possible to eliminate part of the high content of Fe and Mn in the well waters. For this, it was required of the prospection of MTB at regional level, the isolation, the characterization and the verification of the magnetic response of the microorganisms, to finally, perform a process of inoculation of samples enriched with MTB in well water samples. This research for the opening to the future development of methodologies that include the use of microorganisms with magnetic properties and the use of bacterial biomineralization processes for the removal of medical crystals during the treatment of groundwater.La geomicrobiología tiene especial interés en el papel que desempeñan los microorganismos en los ciclos biológicos de los elementos químicos, entre ellos el hierro. Por ello, se ha estudiado la incidencia de bacterias en la absorción y reducción de elementos de interés; asimismo se han realizado estudios experimentales acerca de la utilización de los procesos catabólicos de diferentes bacterias como técnica de biorremediación durante el tratamiento de aguas subterráneas. No obstante, previo a cualquier formulación para la depuración de este tipo de aguas, es recomendable conocer la dinámica del flujo y gran parte de los procesos de interacción roca-agua que han incidido en la composición química del recurso subterráneo. Conforme a lo anterior, se analizaron los procesos hidrogeoquímicos que han intervenido en la evolución del agua subterránea captada en el pozo UPTC, Sogamoso, y se evaluó la capacidad de remoción de hierro y manganeso en muestras de agua del pozo a partir del aprovechamiento de los procesos de biomineralización bacteriana. Para ello, se realizó la toma de once (11) muestras de agua subterránea para el análisis de parámetros fisicoquímicos y la determinación de las concentraciones del contenido iónico de interés. El procesamiento de la información se realizó a través de diagramas hidrogeoquímicos (Piper, Stiff y Schoeller-Berkaloff) y algunos gráficos binarios que aportaran información de las condiciones locales; y de manera complementaria, se aplicaron dos (2) métodos estadísticos multivariantes para comprobar cuantitativamente los resultados obtenidos a través del análisis hidrogeoquímico. De manera complementaria, se analizó el contenido isotópico de cuatro (4) de las muestras, para identificar las posibles zonas de recarga y de esta manera construir el modelo hidrogeológico preliminar para el área de estudio. La integración de esta información permitió definir parte de los constituyentes naturales y exógenos a la dinámica del flujo subterráneo. Adicionalmente, se ensayó un método experimental de biorremediación basado en los mecanismos de biomineralización, propios de las bacterias Magnetotácticas (MTB’s), a partir del cual se logró remover parte del alto contenido de Fe y Mn en las aguas del pozo. Para ello, se requirió de la prospección de MTB’s a nivel regional, el aislamiento, la caracterización y la comprobación de la respuesta magnética de los microorganismos, para finalmente, realizar un proceso de inoculación de muestras enriquecidas con MTB´s en muestras de agua del pozo. Esta investigación da apertura al futuro desarrollo de metodologías que incluyan la utilización de microorganismos con propiedades magnéticas y el uso de procesos de biomineralización bacteriana para la remoción de elementos metálicos durante el tratamiento de aguas subterráneas.Bibliografía y webgrafía: páginas 94-103.PregradoIngeniero Geólog

L’autonomie entre marché, rapport à la nature et production de soi. Approche sociologique des pratiques apicoles

Depuis les années 1990, l’apiculture traverse une crise importante caractérisée par la mortalité accrue des colonies d’abeilles. Le maintien et le renouvellement du cheptel sont, dès lors, une préoccupation centrale pour les apiculteurs, quel que soit leur statut (amateur, double actif, professionnel). On s’emploiera à montrer que les techniques de renouvellement des colonies sont indissociables des objectifs poursuivis, des conceptions de l’apiculture, mais également d’un ensemble de contraintes (environnement, maladies, aléas climatiques, maîtrise technique, etc.) et témoignent de la recherche d’autonomie. Cette dernière étant envisagée comme moyen de réduire sa dépendance vis-à-vis de l’extérieur, mais aussi dans la perspective de Gorz, à savoir la liberté créatrice du sujet.Since the 1990s, beekeeping has been going through a major crisis characterized by increased mortality of bee colonies. The maintenance and renewal of livestock is therefore a central concern for beekeepers, whatever their status (enthousiast, multi-active, professional). We will try to show that colony renewal techniques are inseparable from the objectives pursued, from the conceptions of beekeeping, but also from a set of constraints (environment, diseases, climat change, technical control, etc.) and testify to the search for autonomy. The latter is envisaged as a means of reducing its dependence on the outside world but also from Gorz’s perspective, namely the creative freedom of the subject

Les données entre normalisation et territoire : la construction de la trame verte et bleue

Le processus d’identification des continuités écologiques de la TVB donne une place importante à la mobilisation des connaissances. Il s’agit, en effet, d’articuler les dimensions écologiques et territoriales mais aussi différents types de savoirs (scientifiques, gestionnaires, locaux). Partant de l’exemple d’un travail de modélisation commandé par un Parc Naturel Régional à un bureau d’études, nous avons analysé comment les options retenues aboutissaient à se priver de nombreuses sources d’information locales. Réfléchissant plus globalement sur la place accordée aux données quantitatives dans un monde hanté par la performance et la transparence, cet article esquisse des pistes pour favoriser le débat et la prise en compte d’une pluralité de formes de connaissances.The greenways identification process leaves an important place to the use of knowledge. Ecological but also territorial dimensions should be linked up along with different types of knowledge – scientific, managerial or local. Through the case study of a modeling work ordered by a Parc Naturel Regional to a research consultancy we analyzed how the chosen methods keep local sources of information away. Overall we consider the place given to the quantitative data in a world obsessed by performance and transparency. This paper outlines ways to favor discussions and to take into consideration knowledge diversity