In vitro polarization of bovine macrophages

Macrophages are major cells of the innate immunity. Macrophages derived from monocyte precursors undergo specific differentiation depending on the local tissue environment. Similar to the T helper type 1 and T helper type 2 polarization, two distinct states of polarized activation for macrophages have been defined in mouse and humans: the classically activated (M1) macrophage and the alternatively activated (M2) macrophage phenotypes. On the other hand, these different patterns of macrophage differentiation drive adaptive responses during the stages of infection, hence restraining inflammation and favoring tissue repair. In vitro generation and characterization of these subpopulations are essential to perform relevant studies understanding the host-pathogen interactions. Currently, several in vitro differentiation and polarization protocols are used to induce M1 or M2 mouse and human macrophages but none have been developed for the bovine species. We developed a method for in vitro differentiation and polarization of bovine macrophages using GM-CSF and IFNg to induce M1, and IL-4 to induce M2 phenotype. We characterized M1/M2 macrophages by specific morphology, production of cytokines (IL-10, IL-12, TNF-a), NO production, and phenotypic markers such as CD206 and TLR2. (Résumé d'auteur

Environmental Impacts of Large-Scale Grid-Connected Ground-Mounted PV Installations

Available on: http://www.ep.liu.se/ecp/057/vol11/007/ecp57vol11_007.pdfInternational audienceThis study characterizes the environmental performances of large-scale ground-mounted PV installations by considering a life-cycle approach. The methodology is based on the application of the existing international standards of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Four scenarios are compared, considering fixedmounting structures with (1) primary aluminum supports or (2) wood supports, and mobile structures with (3) single-axis trackers or (4) dual-axis trackers. Life cycle inventories are based on manufacturers' data combined with additional calculations and assumptions. Fixed-mounting installations with primary aluminum supports show the largest environmental impact potential with respect to human health, climate change and energy consumption. The climate change impact potential ranges between 37.5 and 53.5 gCO2eq/kWh depending on the scenario, assuming 1700 kWh/m².yr of irradiation on an inclined plane (30°), and multi-crystalline silicon modules with 14% of energy production performance. Mobile PV installations with dual-axis trackers show the largest impact potential on ecosystem quality, with more than a factor 2 of difference with other considered installations. Supports mass and composition, power density (in MWp/acre of land) and energy production performances appear as key design parameters with respect to large-scale ground mounted PV installations environmental performances, in addition to modules manufacturing process energy inputs

Environmental Impacts of Solar Thermal Systems with Life Cycle Assessment

Available on: http://www.ep.liu.se/ecp/057/vol14/002/ecp57vol14_002.pdfInternational audienceSolar thermal systems are an ecological way of providing domestic hot water. They are experiencing a rapid growth since the beginning of the last decade. This study characterizes the environmental performances of such installations with a life-cycle approach. The methodology is based on the application of the international standards of Life Cycle Assessment. Two types of systems are presented. Firstly a temperate-climate system, with solar thermal collectors and a backup energy as heat sources. Secondly, a tropical system, with thermosiphonic solar thermal system and no backup energy. For temperate-climate systems, two alternatives are presented: the first one with gas backup energy, and the second one with electric backup energy. These two scenarios are compared to two conventional scenarios providing the same service, but without solar thermal systems. Life cycle inventories are based on manufacturer data combined with additional calculations and assumptions. The fabrication of the components for temperate-climate systems has a minor influence on overall impacts. The environmental impacts are mostly explained by the additional energy consumed and therefore depend on the type of energy backup that is used. The study shows that the energy pay-back time of solar systems is lower than 2 years considering gas or electric energy when compared to 100% gas or electric systems

Environmental impacts of large-scale grid-connected ground-mounted PV installations

World Renewable Energy Congress - Sweden, 8-13 May, 2011, Linköping, SwedenInternational audienceThis study characterizes the environmental performances of large-scale ground-mounted PV installations by considering a life cycle approach. The methodology is based on the application of the existing international standards of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Four scenarios are compared, considering fixed-mounting structures with (1) primary aluminum supports or (2) wood supports, and mobile structures with (3) single-axis trackers or (4) dual-axis trackers. Life cycle inventories are based on manufacturers' data combined with additional calculations and assumptions. Fixed-mounting installations with primary aluminum supports show the largest environmental impact potential with respect to human health, climate change and energy consumption. The climate change impact potential ranges between 37.5 and 53.5 g CO2 eq/kWh depending on the scenario, assuming 1700 kWh/m2 yr of irradiation on an inclined plane (30°), and multi-crystalline silicon modules with 14% of energy production performance. Mobile PV installations with dual-axis trackers show the largest impact potential on ecosystem quality, with more than a factor 2 of difference with other considered installations. Supports mass and composition, power density (in MWp/acre of land) and energy production performances appear as key design parameters with respect to large-scale ground-mounted PV installations environmental performances, in addition to modules manufacturing process energy inputs

Francesca Petrella (dir.), Aide à domicile et services à la personne : les associations dans la tourmente

Le monopole historique des associations dans la branche de l’aide à domicile n’est plus. La mise en concurrence des modes de prestation de service (prestataires, mandataires, emplois directs) et des opérateurs (associatifs, publics, privés) amène les associations, dans un contexte de rationalisation budgétaire, à s’adapter, se repositionner, se professionnaliser, seuls moyens de ne pas mettre la clé sous la porte… pour certaines d’entre elles du moins. Et pour un temps, puisqu’il est trop tôt..

Francesca Petrella (dir.), Aide à domicile et services à la personne : les associations dans la tourmente

Le monopole historique des associations dans la branche de l’aide à domicile n’est plus. La mise en concurrence des modes de prestation de service (prestataires, mandataires, emplois directs) et des opérateurs (associatifs, publics, privés) amène les associations, dans un contexte de rationalisation budgétaire, à s’adapter, se repositionner, se professionnaliser, seuls moyens de ne pas mettre la clé sous la porte… pour certaines d’entre elles du moins. Et pour un temps, puisqu’il est trop tôt..

High prevalence of PRPH2 in autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa in France and characterization of biochemical and clinical features.

International audiencePURPOSE:To assess the prevalence of PRPH2 in autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP), to report six novel mutations, to characterize the biochemical features of a recurrent novel mutation and to study the clinical features of adRP patients.DESIGN:Retrospective clinical and molecular genetic study.METHODS:Clinical investigations included visual field testing, fundus examination, high-resolution spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus autofluorescence imaging and electroretinogram (ERG) recording. PRPH2 was screened by Sanger sequencing in a cohort of 310 French families with adRP. Peripherin-2 protein was produced in yeast and analyzed by Western blot.RESULTS:We identified 15 mutations, including 6 novel and 9 previously reported changes in 32 families, accounting for a prevalence of 10.3% in this adRP population. We showed that a new recurrent p.Leu254Gln mutation leads to protein aggregation, suggesting abnormal folding. The clinical severity of the disease in examined patients was moderate with 78% of the eyes having 1 to 0.5 of visual acuity and 52% of the eyes retaining more than 50% of the visual field. Some patients characteristically showed vitelliform deposits or macular involvement. In some families, pericentral RP or macular dystrophy were found in family members while widespread RP was present in other members of the same families.CONCLUSIONS:The mutations in PRPH2 account for 10.3% of adRP in the French population, which is higher than previously reported (0-8%) This makes PRPH2 the second most frequent adRP gene after RHO in our series. PRPH2 mutations cause highly variable phenotypes and moderate forms of adRP, including mild cases which could be underdiagnosed

The AVuPUR project (Assessing the Vulnerabiliy of Peri-Urbans Rivers): experimental set up, modelling strategy and first results

International audienceLe projet AVuPUR a pour objectif de progresser sur la compréhension et la modélisation des flux d'eau dans les bassins versants péri-urbains. Il s'agit plus particulièrement de fournir des outils permettant de quantifier l'impact d'objets anthropiques tels que zones urbaines, routes, fossés sur les régimes hydrologiques des cours d'eau dans ces bassins. Cet article présente la stratégie expérimentale et de collecte de données mise en ½uvre dans le projet et les pistes proposées pour l'amélioration des outils de modélisation existants et le développement d'outils novateurs. Enfin, nous présentons comment ces outils seront utilisés pour simuler et quantifier l'impact des modifications d'occupation des sols et/ou du climat sur les régimes hydrologiques des bassins étudiés. / The aim of the AVuPUR project is to enhance our understanding and modelling capacity of water fluxes within suburban watersheds. In particular, the objective is to deliver tools allowing to quantify the impact of anthropogenic elements such as urban areas, roads, ditches on the hydrological regime of suburban rivers. This paper presents the observation and data collection strategy set up by the project, and the directions for improving existing modelling tools or proposing innovative ones. Finally, we present how these tools will be used to simulate and quantify the impact of land use and climate changes on the hydrological regimes of the studied catchments