63 research outputs found

    Quasi-elastic and inelastic inclusive electron scattering from an oxygen jet target

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    The results of an experiment on inclusive electron scattering from an oxygen jet target, performed in a wide range of energy and momentum transfer covering both quasi-elastic and Δ\Delta(1232) resonance regions, are reported. In the former region the theoretical predictions, obtained including effects of nucleon-nucleon correlations in both initial and final states, give a good description of the experimental data. In the inelastic region a broadening as well as a damping of the resonant part of the cross section with respect to the free nucleon case is observed. The need of more detailed calculations including nuclear structure effects on the electroproduction cross section of nucleon resonances is highlighted.Comment: to appear in Nucl. Phys.

    Behavior and Impact of Zirconium in the Soil–Plant System: Plant Uptake and Phytotoxicity

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    Because of the large number of sites they pollute, toxic metals that contaminate terrestrial ecosystems are increasingly of environmental and sanitary concern (Uzu et al. 2010, 2011; Shahid et al. 2011a, b, 2012a). Among such metals is zirconium (Zr), which has the atomic number 40 and is a transition metal that resembles titanium in physical and chemical properties (Zaccone et al. 2008). Zr is widely used in many chemical industry processes and in nuclear reactors (Sandoval et al. 2011; Kamal et al. 2011), owing to its useful properties like hardness, corrosion-resistance and permeable to neutrons (Mushtaq 2012). Hence, the recent increased use of Zr by industry, and the occurrence of the Chernobyl and Fukashima catastrophe have enhanced environmental levels in soil and waters (Yirchenko and Agapkina 1993; Mosulishvili et al. 1994 ; Kruglov et al. 1996)

    Pandemic A/H1N1v influenza 2009 in hospitalized children: a multicenter Belgian survey

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    <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>During the 2009 influenza A/H1N1v pandemic, children were identified as a specific "at risk" group. We conducted a multicentric study to describe pattern of influenza A/H1N1v infection among hospitalized children in Brussels, Belgium.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>From July 1, 2009, to January 31, 2010, we collected epidemiological and clinical data of all proven (positive H1N1v PCR) and probable (positive influenza A antigen or culture) pediatric cases of influenza A/H1N1v infections, hospitalized in four tertiary centers.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>During the epidemic period, an excess of 18% of pediatric outpatients and emergency department visits was registered. 215 children were hospitalized with proven/probable influenza A/H1N1v infection. Median age was 31 months. 47% had ≄ 1 comorbid conditions. Febrile respiratory illness was the most common presentation. 36% presented with initial gastrointestinal symptoms and 10% with neurological manifestations. 34% had pneumonia. Only 24% of the patients received oseltamivir but 57% received antibiotics. 10% of children were admitted to PICU, seven of whom with ARDS. Case fatality-rate was 5/215 (2%), concerning only children suffering from chronic neurological disorders. Children over 2 years of age showed a higher propensity to be admitted to PICU (16% vs 1%, p = 0.002) and a higher mortality rate (4% vs 0%, p = 0.06). Infants less than 3 months old showed a milder course of infection, with few respiratory and neurological complications.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Although influenza A/H1N1v infections were generally self-limited, pediatric burden of disease was significant. Compared to other countries experiencing different health care systems, our Belgian cohort was younger and received less frequently antiviral therapy; disease course and mortality were however similar.</p

    Estimation of the burden of varicella in Europe before the introduction of universal childhood immunization

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    Inbreeding Properties of Geometric Crossover and Non-geometric Recombinations

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    Accumulation of malignant renal stem cells is associated with epigenetic changes in normal renal progenitor genes

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    Recent studies indicate a dual epigenetic role of the Polycomb group (PcG) proteins in self-renewal of stem cells and oncogenesis. Their elevation in our previous human kidney microarray screen led us examine whether they participate in processes involving normal and malignant renal progenitors. We therefore analyzed the expression of the PcG genes (EZH2, BMI-1, EED, SUZ12) in relation with that of the nephric-progenitor genes (WT1, PAX2, SALL1, SIX2, CITED1) using real-time PCR and methylation assays during renal development, regeneration and tumorigenesis. While all of the nephric-progenitor genes were shown to be developmentally regulated, analysis of polycomb gene expression during murine nephrogenesis and in an in vitro induction model of the nephrogenic mesenchyme, indicated dynamic regulation only for EZH2 in the normal renal progenitor population. In contrast, induction of adult kidney regeneration by ischemia/reperfusion injury resulted primarily in rapid elevation of BMI-1 whereas EZH2 was silenced. Analysis of renal tumorigenesis in stem-cell like tumor xenografts established by serial passage of Wilms' tumor (WT) in immunodeficient mice, showed cooperative upregulation of all PcG genes. This was accompanied by up-regulation of WT1, PAX2, SALL1 but downregulation of SIX2. Accordingly, methylation-specific qPCR demonstrated promoter hypomethylation of WT1, PAX2 and SIX2 in primary WT and fetal kidneys, while progressive WT xenografts showed hypermethylation of SIX2, possibly leading to loss of renal differentiation. PcG genes vary in expression during renal development, regeneration and tumorigenesis. We suggest a link between polycomb activation and epigenetic alterations of the renal progenitor population in initiation and progression of renal cancer
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