WNT signalling in prostate cancer

Genome sequencing and gene expression analyses of prostate tumours have highlighted the potential importance of genetic and epigenetic changes observed in WNT signalling pathway components in prostate tumours-particularly in the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer. WNT signalling is also important in the prostate tumour microenvironment, in which WNT proteins secreted by the tumour stroma promote resistance to therapy, and in prostate cancer stem or progenitor cells, in which WNT-β-catenin signals promote self-renewal or expansion. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the potential of inhibitors that target WNT receptor complexes at the cell membrane or that block the interaction of β-catenin with lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 and the androgen receptor, in preventing prostate cancer progression. Some WNT signalling inhibitors are in phase I trials, but they have yet to be tested in patients with prostate cancer

Étude de la biodisponibilité des métaux lourds dans des sols agricoles irrigués par des eaux polluées

The sequential extraction procedure proposed by the Standard, Measurements and Testing program “SM&T” of the European Union has been applied to evaluate the amounts of Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn, extracted at each stage of the procedure and indirectly their mobility and bioavailability in agricultural soils irrigated by a polluted water.Analysis of the extracts was carried out by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). No significant matrix interferences were found except for Cr in the acetic acid and hydroxylammonium chloride extracts, which required determination by the standard additions method.The results obtained by sequential extraction showed that all the studied elements present a great affinity towards the organic fraction whereas the acido-soluble fraction was dominated by nickel and lead. The extractability with the EDTA showed that lead, copper and zinc are potentially bioavailable (≅ 30 %). Chromium seems to require more aggressive conditions to presents a risk of contamination. The results of the analysis of some crop plants on this soil confirm partly the results obtained. Indeed, Cu and Zn are mobilised by the plants whereas Pb, Cr and Ni do not exceed 3 % of their total content in the soil.La teneur en métaux lourds dans les sols pollués est une donnée relativement accessoire si ce n’est pour déterminer le danger global (concentration maximale mobilisable). L’important est de déterminer la fraction biodisponible, c’est-à-dire la partie accessible au végétal. La biodisponibilité du cuivre, zinc, plomb, nickel et chrome dans des sols agricoles irrigués par des eaux polluées, rejets urbains et industriels de la ville de Fès (Maroc), a été évaluée au travers de deux approches : (i) en mesurant l’extractibilité des éléments métalliques étudiés par des extractions chimiques simples (EDTA) et séquentielles (protocole BCR) et (ii) en analysant les teneurs en ces éléments et/ou quantités de ces éléments bio-accumulées dans quelques plantes.La subdivision définissant les éléments dans les différentes fractions du sol a montré que tous les éléments étudiés présentent une grande affinité envers la fraction organique. La fraction acido-soluble est dominée par le nickel et le plomb. L’extractibilité à l’EDTA nous a permis de mettre en évidence la fraction potentiellement biodisponible. En effet, le plomb, le cuivre et le zinc sont extraits à ~ 30 % ce qui représente des teneurs importantes. Le chrome semble nécessiter des conditions plus agressives pour qu’il présente un risque de contamination. L’analyse de quelques plantes cultivées sur ce sol nous a permis de confirmer en partie les résultats obtenus. En effet, le Cu et le Zn sont les plus mobilisés par les plantes alors que le Pb, Cr et Ni ne dépassent pas les 3 % de leur teneur totale dans le sol. Ces mobilisations restent d’une manière générales faibles mais une certaine vigilance sanitaire vis à vis de la présence de ces éléments dans les sols, notamment pour la prise en considération des risques en développement est nécessaire

Study of an eco-efficient method for wastewater treatment and safe agricultural reuse: Effect of influent splitting rates on effluent quality parameters

In this study, an eco-efficient scheme (EES) that is both selective and environmentally viable is proposed and compared to a conventional activated sludge scheme (CAS). The results showed an optimal process operation and a significant difference (p < 0.001) in organic load and nutrient removal efficiencies between CAS and EES. Moreover, statistical analysis based on variance and principal component analysis highlighted a significant positive correlation between influent/effluent wastewater parameters, performance indicators and adopted process configuration. Thus, the average concentrations of activated sludge biomass were 3.11 ± 0.48 gTSS.L−1 and 2.51 ± 0.37 gVSS.L−1, and the volatile suspended solids (VSS) to average total suspended solids (TSS) ratio, which indicates the rate of active fraction of activated sludge biomass and the degree of mineralization, was approximately 81%± 2%, suggesting the optimal development of activated sludge biomass in the bioreactor. Furthermore, chemical oxygen demand and 5-day biological oxygen demand removal efficiencies in CAS were 94% and 97% versus 55% and 66% in EES, respectively. Nitrogen abatement in terms of total Kjeldahl nitrogen and (Formula presented.) performed by CAS was approximately 85% and 86%, respectively, and by EES 41% and 40%, respectively. Phosphorus abatements were comparable in both CAS and EES. The effluent hygienic quality parameters after disinfection conformed to applied standards for safe reuse. For agricultural purposes and environmental and socio-economic considerations, we must consider further ecological methods. Selecting organic matter and nutrients can also provide hygienic effluent; therefore, the eco-efficient process constitutes a promising eco-friendly technology