Bound and Resonating Multiquark Configurations

We review the predictions of quark models for multiquark configurations that are bound or resonant states,and compare different methods for estimating the properties of resonances.

Physico-Chemical Characterization of Nine Agricultural Biomasses of the Togolese Flora

Green coal or bio-coal is coal produced with rich biodegradable materials, elaborated from agricultural and household residues with a high percentage of carbon. This green charcoal (fuel briquettes) is an alternative to charcoal. Well known for its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, charcoal is one of the causes of tree felling. The valorization of waste by the manufacture of biofuels could be an alternative to the use of charcoal. The general objective of the present study is the valorization of nine biomasses from Togo as raw materials. Specifically, physico-chemical characteristics such as dehydration, acidity, and conductivity were determined. Information on the structure and composition of the biomass was found. These data on the nature of the biomass were found through the use of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Thermogravimetry (TGA). The promising results inform on the nature of the analyzed samples and allow the selection of the best biomass which would give an important thermal conductivity for the manufacture of the briquettes, but also of the binders to be used according to the physico-chemical characteristics like the pH.

Immune therapies in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Where are we now?

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)is one of the deadliest cancers,mostly due to its resistance to treatment.Of these,checkpoint inhibitors(CPI)are inefficient when used as monotherapy,except in the case of a rare subset of tumors harboring microsatellite instability(<2%).This inefficacy mainly resides in the low immunogenicity and non-inflamed phenotype of PDAC.The abundant stroma generates a hypoxic microenvironment and drives the recruitment of immunosuppressive cells through cancerassociated-fibroblast activation and transforming growth factorβsecretion.Several strategies have recently been developed to overcome this immunosuppressive microenvironment.Combination therapies involving CPI aim at increasing tumor immunogenicity and promoting the recruitment and activation of effector T cells.Ongoing studies are therefore exploring the association of CPI with vaccines,oncolytic viruses,MEK inhibitors,cytokine inhibitors,and hypoxia-and stroma-targeting agents.Adoptive T-cell transfer is also under investigation.Moreover,translational studies on tumor tissue and blood,prior to and during treatment may lead to the identification of biomarkers with predictive value for both clinical outcome and response to immunotherapy.

Femtosecond Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy for Detection of Trace Elements in Sophora Leaves

Sophora leaves from several areas in Beijing are analysed by femtosecond laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy （femto-LIBS）. Although the used spectral detection system is not time-resolved, the spectral lines of trace mineral elements are detected and analysed. It is proven that the femto-LIBS can be an efficient method to detect mineral trace elements contained in tree leaves which is a biomonitor for atmospheric pollution assessment or botanic studies. An interesting case of correlation between trace elements detected in tree leaves and the pollution of the concerned area is presented, for the first time to our knowledge.

Lorentz force electrical impedance tomography using pulse compression technique

Lorentz force electrical impedance tomography （LFEIT） combines ultrasound stimulation and electromagnetic field detection with the goal of creating a high contrast and high resolution hybrid imaging modality. In this study, pulse compression working together with a linearly frequency modulated ultrasound pulse was investigated in LFEIT. Experiments were done on agar phantoms having the same level of electrical conductivity as soft biological tissues. The results showed that：（i） LFEIT using pulse compression could detect the location of the electrical conductivity variations precisely; （ii） LFEIT using pulse compression could get the same performance of detecting electrical conductivity variations as the traditional LFEIT using high voltage narrow pulse but reduce the peak stimulating power to the transducer by 25.5 dB; （iii） axial resolution of 1 mm could be obtained using modulation frequency bandwidth 2 MHz.

Evaluation of in vitro antioxidant and apoptotic activities of Cyperus rotundus

Objective:To evaluate in vitro antioxidant and apoptotic activities of Crperus rotundas(C.rotundus).Methods:The phytochemical study and the antioxidant activities of both methanol and aqueous extracts from C.rotundus aerial part were determined.In addition,these extracts were also investigated for their cytotoxic and apoptotic activities.The major compound of the methanol extract was isolated.Both metlianol and aqueous extracts(300,150,and 50μg/mL)were evaluated for their antioxidant activity by the xanthine/xanthine oxidase assay system.However,16,8,and 4 mg/mL of each extract were tested to investigate their OH.formation scavenging potential.Aqueous extract(800,400.and 200μg/mL)and melhunol extract(350,175,and 88μg/mL)were tested against lipid peroxidation,induced by 75μM H_2O_2,The cytotoxicity(by MTT assay)and cell DNA fragmentation of both extracts were evaluated Inwards K562 and L1210 cell lines.The major compound was obtained from the butanol fraction of methanol extract and its structure was determined by KMN spectroscopic analysis.Results:The methanol and aqueous extracts showed respectively,88%and 19%inhibition of xanthine oxidase activity.Vet.the same extracts inhibited lipid peroxidation by 61.5%and 42.0%.respectively.Roth extracts inhibited OH.formation by 27.1%and 25.3%,respectively.Only methanol cxtract induced DNA degradation.Orientin was determined as the major compound isolated from the butanol fraction of metlianol extract.Conclusions:It appears that C.rotundus extracts exhibit a potential use as a natural antioxidant and an apoptosis inducer.

Long-term stability of gentamicin sulfate-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (EDTA-Na_2) solution for catheter locks

A lock solution composed of gentamicin sulfate(5 mg/mL) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt(EDTA-Na2, 30 mg/mL) could fully eradicate in vivo bacterial biofilms in totally implantable venous access ports(TIVAP). In this study, fabrication, conditioning and sterilization processes of antimicrobial lock solution(ALS) were detailed and completed by a stability study. Stability of ALS was conducted for12 months in vial(25 °C 7 2 °C, 60% 7 5% relative humidity(RH), and at 40 °C 7 2 °C, RH 75% 7 5%)and for 24 h and 72 h in TIVAP(40 °C 7 2 °C, RH 75% 7 5%). A stability indicating HPLC assay with UV detection for simultaneous quantification of gentamicin sulfate and EDTA-Na2 was developed. ALS was assayed by ion-pairing high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) needing gentamicin derivatization, EDTA-Na2 metallocomplexation of samples and gradient mobile phase. HPLC methods to separate four gentamicin components and EDTA-Na2 were validated. Efficiency of sterility procedure and conditioning of ALS was confirmed by bacterial endotoxins and sterility tests. Physicochemical stability of ALS was determined by visual inspection, osmolality, pH, and sub-visible particle counting. Results confirmed that the stability of ALS in vials was maintained for 12 months and 24 h and 72 h in TIVAP.

Natural history, treatment and prevention of hepatitis C recurrence after liver transplantation: Past, present and future

Hepatitis C virus(HCV)-related liver disease, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma is the main indication for liver transplantation(LT) worldwide. Posttransplant HCV re-infection is almost universal and results in accelerated progression from acute hepatitis to chronic hepatitis, and liver cirrhosis. Comprehension and treatment of recurrent HCV infection after LT have been major issues for all transplant hepatologists and transplant surgeons for the last decades. The aim of this paper is to review the evolution of our knowledge on the natural history of HCV recurrence after LT, including risk factors for disease progression, and antiviral therapy. We will focus our attention on possible ways(present and future) to improve the final longterm results of LT for HCV-related liver disease.

T-lymphoblastic lymphoma with cutaneous involvement

To study dermatological manifestation of T-lymphoblastic lymphoma and to help clinicians in the diagnosis, we report here the case of a 75-year-old patient who presented with violaceous nodules acquired during the last 4 wk and affecting the scalp and right arm. The diagnosis of systemic lymphoma was suggested upon the appearance of cutaneous tumors, palpable lymph nodes and general symptoms including asthenia and weight-loss. The pathology features: positive immunostaining for CD3 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase(Td T) and staging, led us to the final diagnosis of T-lymphoblastic lymphoma(T-LBL) with cutaneous involvement. He received a CHOP regimen as first-line treatment. Unfortunately, the patient relapsed and died 8 mo after the treatment initiation. T-LBL may be diagnosed by skin lesions. Additional immunostaining including Td T and experienced histopathologists are needed to correctly classify this aggressive disease and discuss the correct management including bone-marrow transplantation where appropriate.

Parameter Identification of JONSWAP Spectrum Acquired by Airborne LIDAR

In this study, we developed the first linear Joint North Sea Wave Project(JONSWAP) spectrum(JS), which involves a transformation from the JS solution to the natural logarithmic scale. This transformation is convenient for defining the least squares function in terms of the scale and shape parameters. We identified these two wind-dependent parameters to better understand the wind effect on surface waves. Due to its efficiency and high-resolution, we employed the airborne Light Detection and Ranging(LIDAR) system for our measurements. Due to the lack of actual data, we simulated ocean waves in the MATLAB environment, which can be easily translated into industrial programming language. We utilized the Longuet-Higgin(LH) random-phase method to generate the time series of wave records and used the fast Fourier transform(FFT) technique to compute the power spectra density. After validating these procedures, we identified the JS parameters by minimizing the mean-square error of the target spectrum to that of the estimated spectrum obtained by FFT. We determined that the estimation error is relative to the amount of available wave record data. Finally, we found the inverse computation of wind factors(wind speed and wind fetch length) to be robust and sufficiently precise for wave forecasting.

Formulation, stability testing, and analytical characterization of melatonin-based preparation for clinical trial

A new institutional clinical trial assessed the improvement of sleep disorders in 40 children with autism treated by immediate-release melatonin formulation in different regimens(0.5 mg, 2 mg, and 6 mg daily) for one month. The objectives of present study were to(i) prepare low-dose melatonin hard capsules for pediatric use controlled by two complementary methods and(ii) carry out a stability study in order to determine a use-bydate. Validation of preparation process was claimed as ascertained by mass uniformity of hard capsules.Multicomponent analysis by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transformed infrared(ATR-FTIR) of melatonin/microcrystalline cellulose mixture allowed to identify and quantify relative content of active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients. Absolute melatonin content analysis by high performance liquid chromatography in 0.5 mg and 6 mg melatonin capsules was 93.6% ± 4.1% and 98.7% ± 6.9% of theoretical value, respectively. Forced degradation study showed a good separation of melatonin and its degradation products. The capability of the method was 15, confirming a risk of false negative < 0.01%. Stability test and dissolution test were compliant over 18 months of storage with European Pharmacopoeia. Preparation of melatonin hard capsules was completed manually and melatonin in hard capsules was stable for 18 months, in spite of low doses of active ingredient. ATR-FTIR offers a real alternative to HPLC for quality control of highdose melatonin hard capsules before the release of clinical batches.

Effect of Farm Product Intrinsic Properties on Convective Drying: Case of Okra

In this study, the material is okra, a cucurbitaceous largely consumed in West Africa and South Asia. The influence of the external air parameters on food drying with different size, maturity, shape of the material is considered by convective drying. So, the okra was cut in several parts according to its three characteristic zones, the basis, the middle of the okra and the extremity because the three parts of the vegetable have not the same resistances in transfers by convective drying. The maturity of the okra also has an influence. The okra dries faster in its younger or older age. Okra dries slowly when its maturity is convenient to be consumed. The drying duration of okra with the age of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 days is respectively 580, 780, 990, 1200 and 850 min. When we consider the three (matters) constituent of the okra: the skin, the seeds and the central material, the central matter dries faster. The diffusion coefficient was identified in all cases in order to compare the influence of those intrinsic properties of that food.

Laparoscopic total colectomy: Does the indication influence the outcome?

AIM: To assess and compare outcomes of laparoscopic total colectomy performed for a variety of indications. METHODS: Sixty six patients underwent laparoscopic total colectomy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (13) and other diseases (53). Data on demographics, pre and post-operative outcomes were collected prospectively.RESULTS: Mean operative time was 4.5 h. Conversion rate was 13.6%. Total colectomy performed for IBD was associated with a signifi cantly higher anastomotic leak rate (23.1% vs 1.9%, P < 0.05). On univariate analysis, hand sewn anastomosis and treatment with more than 20 mg of prednisolone for at least 3 mo was associated with a higher anastomotic leak rate (P < 0.05). No signifi cant difference was found in return of gut function and overall morbidity between disease groups. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic total colectomy is feasible and outcomes are equivalent whatever the indica- tion, except for anastomotic leak rate which is higher for patients with IBD.

Neuronal networks in mental diseases and neuropathic pain:Beyond brain derived neurotrophic factor and collapsin response mediator proteins

The brain is a complex network system that has the capacity to support emotion, thought, action, learning and memory, and is characterized by constant activity, constant structural remodeling, and constant attempt to compensate for this remodeling. The basic insight that emerges from complex network organization is that substantively different networks can share common key organizational principles. Moreover, the interdependence of network organization and behavior has been successfully demonstrated for several specific tasks. From this viewpoint, increasing experimental/clinical observations suggest that mental disorders are neural network disorders. On one hand, single psychiatric disorders arise from multiple, multifactorial molecular and cellular structural/functional alterations spreading throughout local/global circuits leading to multifaceted and heterogeneous clinical symptoms. On the other hand, various mental diseases may share functional deficits across the same neural circuit as reflected in the overlap of symptoms throughout clinical diagnoses. An integrated framework including experimental measures and clinical observations will be necessary to formulate a coherent and comprehensive understanding of how neural connectivity mediates and constraints the phenotypic expression of psychiatric disorders.

An interactive 3D viewer of molecules compatible with the suite of ANTHEPROT programs

In this paper, I will describe a completely new 3D module which can be called from within the well known ANTHEPROT program devoted to protein sequences analysis. This module allows fully interactive handling of high-quality 3D structures with various modes of representation (CA sticks, wireframe, ball and sticks, spacefill mod-els as well as surface, ribbons, Ramachandran plots). Alternatively, ANTHEPROT 3D can be used as an external program fully independant from the global package. It is available from the download page of the web site (http://antheprot-pbil.ibcp.fr/). More than 2800 downloads last year were recorded since the program was delivered.

Bioremediation in Water Environment: Controlled Electro-Stimulation of Organic Matter Self-Purification in Aquatic Environments

This review describes a new means of control and stimulation of microorganisms involved in the bioremediation of sediments and waterlogged soils. This emerging technology is derived from sedimentary microbial fuel cells, and consists in ensuring aerobic respiration of aerobic microbial populations in anaerobic conditions by means of a fixed potential anode in order to evacuate the electrons coming from the microbial respiratory chains. This review describes the conceptual basis of the electro-bioremediation, the material devices used (electrode set-ups and spacing), and finally studies the various devices published since the bench tests until the scarce in-field implementations.

What Process Optimizes Convective Drying of Farm Products with Complex Constitution:Case of Okra(Abelmoschus esculentus)

In this paper, we propose an optimized process for farm product convective drying. Above and beyond the influence of the air parameters on foodstuff convective drying, this work shows that product internal parameters and drying proceedings must be taken into account during the evaluation of their convective drying. Results indicate that okra maturity influences its convective drying. It dries faster when it is too young or when it is advanced age. Drying time of okra of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 days old is respectively 580 min, 780 min, 990 min, 1200 min and 850 min. Also, one observes that considering okra on its three zones according it length, i.e. its base, middle and extremity parts have not the same resistance to transfers during convective drying. These three zones have respectively 400 min, 520 min and 600 min of drying time. Okra cut reveals a major importance on its convective drying evaluation. The longitudinal cut di-viding okra on four parts, sliced with 5 mm and 10 mm of thickness and the whole okra put respectively 150 min, 200 min, 280 min and 400 min for their drying. At last, three (03) different constituents of okra, namely, the skin, the seeds and central material behave differently during convective drying. The drying time of the central material, the seeds and the skin is about 70 min, 150 min and 190 min respectively, against 400 min for the whole okra.

Physico-Chemical and Mineralogical Characterizations of Two Togolese Clays for Geopolymer Synthesis

Geopolymers are an alternative to Portland cement, well known for their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Finding materials that can validly replace Portland cement is a challenge. It is in this logic that this work was undertaken with the objective of characterizing two local clay resources of Togo as raw materials for geopolymers. The physico-chemical properties of these clays were determined by characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric (TGA) and elemental analysis (ICP-OES). The results show that these clays contain kaolinite and therefore can be used in the formulation of geopolymers. The characterized clays underwent heat treatments transforming the crystalline phases into more reactive amorphous phases and then were activated by an alkaline solution in order to formulate the geopolymer materials. These elaborated materials were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared to identify the types of bonds formed. The results of these analyses show that these two local clays are well suited to be used in synthesizing geopolymers. Our future work will focus on the constraints of consolidation as well as the mechanical properties of these geopolymer materials.

Transcranial direct current stimulation in psychiatric disorders

The interest in non-invasive brain stimulation techniques is increasing in recent years. Among these techniques, transcranial direct current stimulation(t DCS) has been the subject of great interest among researchers because of its easiness to use, low cost, benign profile of side effects and encouraging results of research in the field. This interest has generated several studies and randomized clinical trials, particularly in psychiatry. In this review, we provide a summary of the development of the technique and its mechanism of action as well as a review of the methodological aspects of randomized clinical trials in psychiatry, including studies in affective disorders, schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, child psychiatry and substance use disorder. Finally,we provide an overview of t DCS use in cognitive enhancement as well as a discussion regarding its clinical use and regulatory and ethical issues. Although many promising results regarding t DCS efficacy were described, the total number of studies is still low, highlighting the need of further studies aiming to replicate these findings in larger samples as to provide a definite picture regarding t DCS efficacy in psychiatry.

A Convective Thin Layer Drying Model with Shrinkage for Kent Mango Slices

In this work, a model of convective drying of mango slices was developed and validated by experiments. This model was established by considering slices shrinkage in the energy and the mass balances during the thin layer drying. The drying kinetics and the temperature curves of the product were simulated using the model at various drying temperatures. The simulated curves were then compared to the experimental curves obtained using a convective dryer controlled in temperature and moisture. The results showed that the drying curves were suitably fitted by the thin layer drying model with a correlation coefficient r2 = 0.997. Thus, taking shrinkage into account, it is possible to predict more effectively the thin layer drying kinetics of mango slices. This study therefore contributed to the mango drying modelling and to the mango dryer setting.