Feed-back on the development of a small scale Contact Erosion Test in the laboratory (characteristic size ~ 30 cm)

To determine the hydraulic load requested to initiate contact erosion process, tests are performed with an apparatus called the “Contact Erosion Test”. This device originally results from research carried out by Grenoble University, Électricité de France and Compagnie Nationale du Rhône, at the scale of ~60 cm. It has been adapted to a smaller scale in geophyConsult laboratory to conduct tests on samples extracted from core drilling. The instrumentation was improved to enable a better control of the hydraulic loading and avoid biases. The test protocol was modified, especially to better constrain the soil density at the interface. From the first series of test, we drew conclusions on the test repeatability and on the influence of parameters of the soil state. Discrepancies with previous results obtained at the scale of ~60 cm were identified. Therefore, a new erosion test campaign was planned to confirm and determine the reasons for these differences

Cytotoxic polyfunctionality maturation of cytomegalovirus-pp65-specific CD4 + and CD8 + T-cell responses in older adults positively correlates with response size

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is one of the most common persistent viral infections in humans worldwide and is epidemiologically associated with many adverse health consequences during aging. Previous studies yielded conflicting results regarding whether large, CMV-specific T-cell expansions maintain their function during human aging. In the current study, we examined the in vitro CMV-pp65-reactive T-cell response by comprehensively studying five effector functions (i.e., interleukin-2, tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, perforin, and CD107a expression) in 76 seropositive individuals aged 70 years or older. Two data-driven, polyfunctionality panels (IL-2-associated and cytotoxicity-associated) derived from effector function co-expression patterns were used to analyze the results. We found that, CMV-pp65-reactive CD8 + and CD4 + T cells contained similar polyfunctional subsets, and the level of polyfunctionality was related to the size of antigen-specific response. In both CD8 + and CD4 + cells, polyfunctional cells with high cytotoxic potential accounted for a larger proportion of the total response as the total response size increased. Notably, a higher serum CMV-IgG level was positively associated with a larger T-cell response size and a higher level of cytotoxic polyfunctionality. These findings indicate that CMV-pp65-specific CD4 + and CD8 + T cell undergo simultaneous cytotoxic polyfunctionality maturation during aging

The Functional −765G→C Polymorphism of the COX-2 Gene May Reduce the Risk of Developing Crohn's Disease

Contains fulltext : 87827.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)BACKGROUND: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a key enzyme involved in the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins. COX-2 is mainly induced at sites of inflammation in response to proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1alpha/beta, interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha produced by inflammatory cells. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible modulating effect of the functional COX-2 polymorphisms -1195 A-->G and -765G-->C on the risk for development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in a Dutch population. METHODS: Genomic DNA of 525 patients with Crohn's disease (CD), 211 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 973 healthy controls was genotyped for the -1195 A-->G (rs689466) and -765G-->C (rs20417) polymorphisms. Distribution of genotypes in patients and controls were compared and genotype-phenotype interactions were investigated. RESULTS: The genotype distribution of the -1195A-->G polymorphism was not different between the patients with CD or UC and the control group. The -765GG genotype was more prevalent in CD patients compared to controls with an OR of 1.33 (95%CI 1.04-1.69, pC polymorphism was associated with a reduced risk for developing Crohn's disease in a Dutch population

Industry research into dam and levee breach erosion through coarser grained materials

Predicting breach erosion processes is essential for the effective risk management of both dams and levees. In recent years, a variety of research efforts have improved our knowledge of erosion processes, and in particular validation of the work on headcut erosion through cohesive soils performed at USDA-HERU. A similar level of analysis and validation is required for coarser grained and mixed materials to provide a clearer overview of when breach erosion processes change from headcut through surface erosion to slumping of rockfill. Since the release of flood water through a breached dam or levee depends both upon the rate of soil particle erosion and the macro erosion process (i.e. whether headcut or surface erosion or some other process occurs) it is important to ensure that conditions for these macro and micro erosion processes are understood in relation to different soil types and conditions, and that any breach prediction models correctly reflect these processes. This paper presents an update on progress with a programme of research being implemented by EDF which investigates (i) how macro erosion processes change in relation to soil type and state, (ii) the validity of soil erosion relationships used for coarser and mixed grained erosion and (iii) the performance of breach models in predicting the breaching processes. This research combines laboratory testing at UPM (~1m scale tests), and potentially also at CNR (~2m scale tests), with large scale field tests (2-4m high) to be undertaken at a new test facility being constructed in the River Ebro catchment in Spain near Zaragoza. The work also combines breach model performance validation through a programme of international collaboration and aligns with research into soil erosion currently underway in the USA by the Army Corps of Engineers (ERDC, Vicksburg) and the Bureau of Reclamation (Denver)

Le marché des plantes aromatiques et médicinales : analyse des tendances du marché mondial et des stratégies économiques en Albanie et en Algérie

International audienceCIHEAM-IAMM and FranceAgriMer have joined their efforts to edit this study in order to improve the level of information and cooperation for the food, medicinal and aromatic plants sector. Firstly, a global market analysis focusing on raw plants exchange only, shows that this specific market represents over 3 billion euros in 2014 with a 9% annual growth. China is the major exporter with over 30% of the world market share (2004-2014). The USA is the major importer (10%). Egypt and Morocco emerge at international level and these two Mediterranean countries have a fast annual growth rate. Secondly, Albania and Algeria, an exporting and an importing country, have been analyzed at the national level. Albania has been an exporting country for a long time and has established commercial relationships with many importing companies. It exports mainly to the USA and to Europe and the major plant being exported is the clary sage. In the national income, plants represent over 50% of agricultural exports (excluding livestock) in 2013 and over 100,000 persons work in plants. The sector is organized around exporters and collectors. Collectors and exporters control the value chain and develop strategies to be competitive. The choice to export through Greece or the Balkan countries as well as the decision to invest in stock and transformation processes are part of a new traceability and quality strategy. Algeria imports most of the plants from Pakistan, China and India, mos ly spices. The external market is ruled by non-specialized importers. The internal market is informal and not organized. There is no inter-professional organization. Herborists (2,700) are important stakeholders for collecting and distributing plants, but constraints are numerous (no status, no formal network, etc.). New quality and origin policies tend toward niche products like prickly pear or carob tree. Co-regulation mechanisms should be implemented in order to share observations and analysis. Accountability, traceability and quality are major stakes which need to be addressed at the local, national, regional and global level.Le CIHEAM-IAMM et FranceAgrimer ont choisi de coéditer cette étude réalisée afin de mieux appréhender les tendances du marché des plantes aromatiques et médicinales. L’analyse du marché mondial a porté sur les plantes en vrac de la base de données Comtrade. Ce marché de 3 milliards de dollars en 2014 connait un taux de croissance annuel élevé (9%). La Chine domine le marché des exportations avec près de 33% du marché mondial que ce soit en volume ou en valeur (période 2004-2014) et les Etats-Unis sont les premiers importateurs (10%). Deux pays méditerranéens émergent sur le marché mondial, l’Egypte et le Maroc. L’Albanie et l’Algérie ont fait l’objet d’enquêtes spécifiques, l’un exportateur et l’autre importateur. L’Albanie est un exportateur de longue date et exporte principalement de la sauge vers les Etats-Unis et l’Union Européenne. Les plantes sont une composante de la richesse nationale puisqu’elles représentent plus de 50% des exportations agricoles (hors élevage) en 2013 et emploient plus de 100 000 personnes. Entreprises exportatrices et collecteurs pilotent la chaîne de valeur et les producteurs-cueilleurs constituent une main d’œuvre vulnérable. Les stratégies des entreprises sont liées aux évolutions du marché extérieur. Les choix de commercialisation via les pays voisins ou les choix d’investissement dans les infrastructures de stockage et de transformation signalent des orientations stratégiques tournées vers l’efficacité, la traçabilité et la qualité. L’Algérie, pays importateur, s’approvisionne auprès du Pakistan, de l’Inde et de la Chine notamment en épices. Les circuits d’importations sont organisés et gérés par les transitaires non spécialisés en plantes. Le marché intérieur est informel et la filière est désorganisée sans organisation inter-professionnelle. Les herboristeries (estimées à 2 700) constituent un maillage d’approvisionnement et de distribution de plantes, mais les contraintes sont multiples (absence de statuts, de réseau formel, d’appui institutionnel, etc.). Si ce secteur a été marginalisé, l’exemple des politiques de signe de qualité et d’origine signale de nouvelles orientations possibles vers des marchés de niche (figues de Barbarie, caroubier etc.). La mise en place de mécanismes de co-régulation permettrait de mutualiser observations et analyses. Les questions de responsabilité de mise en marché, de traçabilité et de qualité sont des questions posées aux échelles locales, nationales, régionales et internationales

Le marché des plantes aromatiques et médicinales : analyse des tendances du marché mondial et des stratégies économiques en Albanie et en Algérie

International audienceCIHEAM-IAMM and FranceAgriMer have joined their efforts to edit this study in order to improve the level of information and cooperation for the food, medicinal and aromatic plants sector. Firstly, a global market analysis focusing on raw plants exchange only, shows that this specific market represents over 3 billion euros in 2014 with a 9% annual growth. China is the major exporter with over 30% of the world market share (2004-2014). The USA is the major importer (10%). Egypt and Morocco emerge at international level and these two Mediterranean countries have a fast annual growth rate. Secondly, Albania and Algeria, an exporting and an importing country, have been analyzed at the national level. Albania has been an exporting country for a long time and has established commercial relationships with many importing companies. It exports mainly to the USA and to Europe and the major plant being exported is the clary sage. In the national income, plants represent over 50% of agricultural exports (excluding livestock) in 2013 and over 100,000 persons work in plants. The sector is organized around exporters and collectors. Collectors and exporters control the value chain and develop strategies to be competitive. The choice to export through Greece or the Balkan countries as well as the decision to invest in stock and transformation processes are part of a new traceability and quality strategy. Algeria imports most of the plants from Pakistan, China and India, mos ly spices. The external market is ruled by non-specialized importers. The internal market is informal and not organized. There is no inter-professional organization. Herborists (2,700) are important stakeholders for collecting and distributing plants, but constraints are numerous (no status, no formal network, etc.). New quality and origin policies tend toward niche products like prickly pear or carob tree. Co-regulation mechanisms should be implemented in order to share observations and analysis. Accountability, traceability and quality are major stakes which need to be addressed at the local, national, regional and global level.Le CIHEAM-IAMM et FranceAgrimer ont choisi de coéditer cette étude réalisée afin de mieux appréhender les tendances du marché des plantes aromatiques et médicinales. L’analyse du marché mondial a porté sur les plantes en vrac de la base de données Comtrade. Ce marché de 3 milliards de dollars en 2014 connait un taux de croissance annuel élevé (9%). La Chine domine le marché des exportations avec près de 33% du marché mondial que ce soit en volume ou en valeur (période 2004-2014) et les Etats-Unis sont les premiers importateurs (10%). Deux pays méditerranéens émergent sur le marché mondial, l’Egypte et le Maroc. L’Albanie et l’Algérie ont fait l’objet d’enquêtes spécifiques, l’un exportateur et l’autre importateur. L’Albanie est un exportateur de longue date et exporte principalement de la sauge vers les Etats-Unis et l’Union Européenne. Les plantes sont une composante de la richesse nationale puisqu’elles représentent plus de 50% des exportations agricoles (hors élevage) en 2013 et emploient plus de 100 000 personnes. Entreprises exportatrices et collecteurs pilotent la chaîne de valeur et les producteurs-cueilleurs constituent une main d’œuvre vulnérable. Les stratégies des entreprises sont liées aux évolutions du marché extérieur. Les choix de commercialisation via les pays voisins ou les choix d’investissement dans les infrastructures de stockage et de transformation signalent des orientations stratégiques tournées vers l’efficacité, la traçabilité et la qualité. L’Algérie, pays importateur, s’approvisionne auprès du Pakistan, de l’Inde et de la Chine notamment en épices. Les circuits d’importations sont organisés et gérés par les transitaires non spécialisés en plantes. Le marché intérieur est informel et la filière est désorganisée sans organisation inter-professionnelle. Les herboristeries (estimées à 2 700) constituent un maillage d’approvisionnement et de distribution de plantes, mais les contraintes sont multiples (absence de statuts, de réseau formel, d’appui institutionnel, etc.). Si ce secteur a été marginalisé, l’exemple des politiques de signe de qualité et d’origine signale de nouvelles orientations possibles vers des marchés de niche (figues de Barbarie, caroubier etc.). La mise en place de mécanismes de co-régulation permettrait de mutualiser observations et analyses. Les questions de responsabilité de mise en marché, de traçabilité et de qualité sont des questions posées aux échelles locales, nationales, régionales et internationales

Syndrome de Parkes-Weber familial

[A familial case of Parkes-Weber syndrome]. Introduction. Parkes-Weber syndrome is usually described as a sporadic form of osteohypertrophic angiodysplasia. However, family forms of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome have been described. We report the first familial case of Parkes-Weber syndrome. Observation. A boy born at 27 weeks and 6 days of amenorrhea with extensive plane angioma of the right lower limb, right lower part of the back and abdomen. We also noted hypertrophy of this member with venous dilatations. Arterial Doppler ultrasound of the right lower limb showed an aneurysmal varix between the vein and the common femoral artery, confirming a diagnosis of Parkes-Weber syndrome. His maternal first cousin, to years his senior, also presented Parkes-Weber syndrome of the right upper limb. Discussion. This is the first observation of a familial case of Parkes-Weber syndrome in first cousins. Vascular malformations are transmitted in autosomal dominant fashion in the majority of infected families but with incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity. Symptoms appeared to worsen from generation to generation. In each generation of this family, we noted the presence of hemangiomas or capillary malformations with aggravation in the third generation and onset of Parkes-Weber syndrome. Genetic investigation with linkage analysis for the various members in order to identify a predisposing locus yielded little of interest.Introduction: Parmi les angiodysplasies ostéohypertrophiques, le syndrome de Parkes-Weber est habituellement décrit comme sporadique. En revanche, des formes familiales du syndrome de Klippel-Trénaunay ont déjà été rapportées. Nous rapportons la première observation familiale d’un syndrome de Parkes-Weber. Observation : Un garçon, né à 27 semaines et 6 jours d’aménorrhée, était atteint d’un angiome plan étendu du membre inférieur droit, de la partie inférieure droite du dos et de l’abdomen. On notait également une hypertrophie de ce membre et des dilatations veineuses. L’échodoppler artériel du membre inférieur droit mettait en évidence une fistule artérioveineuse entre la veine et l’artère fémorale commune, permettant de poser le diagnostic de syndrome de Parkes-Weber. Sa cousine germaine du côté maternel, son aînée de 10 ans, avait également un syndrome de Parkes-Weber du membre supérieur droit. Discussion : Il s’agit de la première observation d’un cas familial, chez des cousins germains, de syndrome de Parkes-Weber. Les malformations vasculaires se transmettent sur un mode autosomique dominant dans la majorité des familles atteintes avec cependant une pénétrance incomplète et une expressivité variable. Il y aurait une aggravation des symptômes de génération en génération. Chez les membres de cette famille, nous avons constaté dans chaque génération la présence d’hémangiomes ou de malformations capillaires avec une aggravation à la troisième génération devant l’apparition du syndrome de Parkes-Weber. Une enquête génétique avec une analyse de liaison génétique pour les différents membres, à la recherche d’un locus prédisposant a été peu contributive