How I explore ... eyebrow alopecia

peer reviewedThe rarefaction or loss of eyebrow hair may represent an esthetic complaint or a peculiar finding associated with a given disease. The causal disorders correspond to a few dermatitides and several endocrine, auto-immune, infectious, neoplastic, traumatic, iatrogenic and genetic disorders

Identification of Plastoglobules as a Site of Carotenoid Cleavage

Carotenoids play an essential role in light harvesting and protection from excess light. During chloroplast senescence carotenoids are released from their binding proteins and are eventually metabolized. Carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 4 (CCD4) is involved in carotenoid breakdown in senescing leaf and desiccating seed, and is part of the proteome of plastoglobules (PG), which are thylakoid-associated lipid droplets. Here, we demonstrate that CCD4 is functionally active in PG. Leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana ccd4 mutants constitutively expressing CCD4 fused to yellow fluorescent protein showed strong fluorescence in PG and reduced carotenoid levels upon dark- induced senescence. Lipidome-wide analysis indicated that ß-carotene, lutein, and violaxanthin were the principle substrates of CCD4 in vivo and were cleaved in senescing chloroplasts. Moreover, carotenoids were shown to accumulate in PG of ccd4 mutant plants during senescence, indicating translocation of carotenoids to PG prior to degradation

La relation des porcs aux humains en élevage : bases biologiques et impact des pratiques

Synthèse.The relationship between pigs and humans is at the heart of animal husbandry and is one of the pillars of the animal welfare issue. Indeed, humans, through their behaviour and their choices of practices, housing conditions and herd management, influence the mental state of their animals. This article aims to review the work in the field of pig farming. We first describe the impact of farming practices and management systems on the relationship between pigs and humans. Experiments have shown that many practices cause pain, anxiety and subsequent reactions of fear in piglets towards humans, even unknown ones. Other practices can be stressful (sorting) or positive (feeding) for animals. “Relational” practices, in the sense of practices aimed at developing a close relationship, reduce fear. We then describe impacts of categories of human interactions (auditory, visual, tactile) on pig behaviour. Human presence, at a rate of a few minutes per day, is sufficient to get a piglet used to humans. Talking to animals is essential, and has an impact even in utero. Piglets appreciate soft tactile contacts, caresses and scratches. Human presence, combined with positive interactions, thus gains a positive value, which creates a climate of trust and stimulates positive emotions that will improve animal welfare. Finally, we discuss the importance of considering pig behaviour to create a good relationship in pig farming and to train and give advice to farmers. Stimulating a good relationship (fearless and confident) will not only promote the welfare of pigs but also secure the work of farmers and improve their job satisfaction.La relation entre les porcs et les humains est au centre de l’élevage et est aujourd’hui un des piliers de la question du bien-être animal. En effet, l’humain, par son comportement et par ses choix de pratiques, de conditions de logement et de gestion du troupeau va influencer l’état mental de ses animaux. Cette synthèse se propose de faire le bilan des travaux sur la relation humain-animal dans le domaine de l’élevage porcin. Nous décrivons tout d’abord l’impact des pratiques et des modes d’élevage sur la relation à l’humain. Des expérimentations ont montré que certaines pratiques sont source de douleur et d’angoisse pour les porcelets, et provoquent des réactions ultérieures de peur vis-à-vis des humains, même inconnus. D’autres pratiques peuvent être stressantes (tri) ou positives (alimentation) pour les animaux. Des pratiques dites relationnelles, au sens de pratiques ayant pour but de développer une relation de proximité, vont diminuer la peur des humains et favoriser une relation de confiance. Nous décrivons ensuite l’impact des différentes catégories d’interactions humaines (auditives, visuelles, tactiles) sur le comportement des porcs. La présence humaine suffit à habituer un porcelet aux humains, à raison de quelques minutes par jour. Parler aux animaux est primordial, et a un impact même in utero. Les porcelets apprécient les contacts tactiles doux, caresses ou grattages. L’humain, associé à des interactions positives, va ainsi prendre une valeur positive, ce qui permettra d’instaurer un climat de confiance et pourra susciter des émotions positives favorables au bien-être animal. Finalement, nous discutons de l’importance de prendre en compte le comportement des porcs pour créer une bonne relation en élevage, et de la prise en compte de l’impact de la relation dans la formation et le conseil aux éleveurs. Favoriser une bonne relation (sans peur et en confiance) sera bénéfique non seulement pour le bien-être des porcs, mais aussi pour la sécurité et la satisfaction au travail des éleveurs

Androgen receptor signaling regulates follicular growth and steroidogenesis in interaction with gonadotropins in the ovary during mini-puberty in mice

In females, androgens contribute to ovarian diseases such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), but their action is also crucial for ovarian physiology, i.e., follicular growth and estradiol (E2) synthesis during reproductive life, in interaction with the gonadotropins LH and FSH. However, it is unclear whether androgens already play a role in the ovary at mini-puberty, a phase of postnatal development with active follicular growth and high E2 levels. Therefore, we analyzed the potential actions of androgens on the ovary and their possible interaction with gonadotropins during this period in mice. We used molecular-based studies and pharmacological approaches in vivo and on cultured ovaries. We found that mini-pubertal ovaries produce significant amounts of testosterone and display androgen receptor (AR) expression in growing follicles, both under the control of LH. By blocking AR signaling either in vivo or in ovarian cultures, we found that this pathway may participate in the regulation of prepubertal E2 synthesis and follicular growth, possibly by regulating the expression of a number of key intra-ovarian regulators, including FSH receptor (Fshr), the aromatase enzyme converting androgens into estrogens (Cyp19a1) and the cell cycle inhibitor p27KIP1 (Cdkn1b). We further showed that AR may stimulate FSH-mediated regulation of Cyp19a1 through its action on Fshr mRNA abundance. Overall, this work supports the idea that AR signaling is already activated in mini-pubertal ovaries to regulate E2 synthesis and follicular growth, at the interplay with LH and FSH signaling. Its early action may, thus, contribute to the implementation of early ovarian function with possible impacts on reproductive function

Merkel cell carcinoma: from diagnosis to therapeutic management

peer reviewedMerkel cell carcinoma is a skin malignancy showing an increasing trend of incidence in the white population. Its viral origin due to the MC polyomavirus is likely. The diagnosis relies on the histological and targeted immunopathological examinations. Histoprognostic criteria remain to be defined. An assessment using medical imaging is important to establish. Treatments rely on surgery and radiotherapy. Chemotherapy is mandatory at the metastatic stage. Some biotherapies are potentially active

How I treat … hidradenitis suppurativa

peer reviewedHidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic and debilitating inflammatory disease. It presents as recurrent abcesses, sinus tracts and scarring. The condition usually develops in the axillae and groins, and more rarely involves the breasts, perineum and buttocks. There are many myths around hidradenitis suppurativa including its origin and pathomechanisms. Some antibiotics as well as corticosteroids and other immune downregulators are porly effective in this stubborn condition. By contrast, TNF-α antagonists appear promising. Radical surgery is another effective option

Recherche archéologique sur le bâtiment sis rue du Marché-aux-Fromages 11 à 1000 Bruxelles [BR300-01]

2012-05760info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublishe

Les nécropoles au temps des pharaons

Catalogue de l'expositioninfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

How I explore....a pressure ulcer

peer reviewedPressure ulcers represent a major health problem causing both considerable morbidity and a high financial burden for the healthcare system. The geriatric segment of the population at risk of pressure ulcer is progressively increasing. This condition occurs at home, in old people's homes and in hospitals as well. The severity, duration and orientation of forces applied to the skin represent the most important factors responsible for pressure ulcers. Prevention measures are essential to reduce the prevalence of the disease

Recherche archéologique sur la place Saint-Job à Uccle [UC001-02]

2011-05639info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublishe