This paper investigates the application of Direct Current Atmospheric Plasma Spraying(DC-APS)as a versatile thermal spray technique for the application of coatings with tailored properties to various substrates.The pr...This paper investigates the application of Direct Current Atmospheric Plasma Spraying(DC-APS)as a versatile thermal spray technique for the application of coatings with tailored properties to various substrates.The process uses a high-speed,high-temperature plasma jet to melt and propel the feedstock powder particles,making it particularly useful for improving the performance and durability of components in renewable energy systems such as solar cells,wind turbines,and fuel cells.The integration of nanostructured alumina(Al_(2)O_(3))thin films into multilayer coatings is considered a promising advancement that improves mechanical strength,thermal stability,and environmental resistance.The study highlights the importance of understanding injection parameters and their impact on coating properties and uses simulation tools such as the Jets&Poudres(JP)code for in-depth analysis.Furthermore,the paper discusses the implementation of Artificial Neural Networks(ANN)to optimize the coating process by predicting flight characteristics and improving operating conditions.The results show that ANN models are effective in achieving highly accurate prediction values,highlighting the potential of AI in improving thermal spray technology.展开更多
The movement of the Iron&Steelmaking(I&S)industry towards Net-Zero emissions and digitalized processes through disruptive,breakthrough technologies will be achieved through the use of Hydrogen.The biggest chal...The movement of the Iron&Steelmaking(I&S)industry towards Net-Zero emissions and digitalized processes through disruptive,breakthrough technologies will be achieved through the use of Hydrogen.The biggest challenge for the refractory industry is to continue to meet the performance expectations while,at the same time,moving to a more sustainable production direction.The complexity and urgency of these technological changes,highlighted by the European Green Deal,requires ambitious,international,interdisciplinary and intersectoral projects,bringing together institutes from across the global value chain,to carry out cutting edge research.The European Union,through its flagship doctoral training program,MSCA,has,and continues to support research and development as well as the promotion of the refractory industry in Europe.An introduction to two MSCA projects and some of the results achieved are highlighted within this article.展开更多
Chromia-forming alloys have good resistance to oxidizing agents such as O2, CO2, … It is accepted that the protection of these alloys is always due to the chromia layer formed at the surface of the alloys, which acts...Chromia-forming alloys have good resistance to oxidizing agents such as O2, CO2, … It is accepted that the protection of these alloys is always due to the chromia layer formed at the surface of the alloys, which acts as a barrier between the oxidizing gases and the alloy substrates, forming a diffusion zone that limits the overall reaction rate and leads to parabolic kinetics. But this was not verified in the study devoted to Inconel®625 the oxidation in CO2 that was followed by TGA, with characterizations by XRD, EDS and FIB microscopy. Contrary to what was expected and accepted in similar studies on other chromia-forming alloys, it was shown that the diffusion step that governs the overall reaction rate is not located inside the chromia layer but inside the alloy, precisely inside a zone just beneath the interface alloy/chromia, this zone being depleted in chromium. The chromia layer, therefore, plays no kinetic role and does not directly protect the underlying alloy. This result was demonstrated using a simple test that consisted in removing the chromia layer from the surface of samples partially oxidized and then to continue the thermal treatment: insofar as the kinetics continued without any change in rate, this proved that this surface layer of oxide did not protect the substrate. Based on previous work on many chromia-forming alloys, the possibility of a similar reaction mechanism is discussed. If the chromia layer is not the source of protection for a number of chromia-forming alloys, as is suspected, this might have major consequences in terms of industrial applications.展开更多
Background: Pacemaker implantation is a very old activity which has revolutionized the cardiology practice throughout the world. This activity is effective at the Haute Correze Hospital Center since more than 20 years...Background: Pacemaker implantation is a very old activity which has revolutionized the cardiology practice throughout the world. This activity is effective at the Haute Correze Hospital Center since more than 20 years. Due to progress in this area, and the increasing request within this center located at the outskirts of town, we set out to evaluate our pacemaker activity in general and more specifically to assess the post-procedural complications in our series patients. Methodology: This was a retrospective longitudinal study. Data were recorded for period of 90 months from 27/05/2016 to 19/11/2023. This data collection was possible via a specific register completed by computerized patient data from the SillageTM software. All files of patients implanted with single or dual chamber pacemakers were included, generator replacements, upgrading procedures and addition of leads were excluded. The sampling was non-probabilistic, consecutive and non-exhaustive. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Excel 2019 spreadsheet and SPSS version 23 software. The quantitative variables were presented as mean ± standard deviation, the qualitative data as proportions. Results: A total of 303 first-time pacemaker’s implantations were carried out during the study period (rate of 40 per year). The average age in the population was 79.7 ± 9.4 years (44 - 99 years) with a male predominance of 63.7% (n = 193). Atrioventricular block (2nd and 3rd degree) was the main indication for pacemaker implantation in 42.9% of cases (n = 130). Patients were most often implanted with a dual-chamber pacemaker (57.7%, n = 175). The approach was most often cephalic in 72.6% of cases (n = 220), followed by the subclavian access in 27.4% of cases (n = 84). The average fluoroscopy time was 7.9 min ± 2.4 (1 - 43). The average irradiation dose in gray/cm2 was 12.4 ± 9.3 (0.22 - 117.5). The average length of hospitalization was 7 ± 4 (2 - 26) days. The overall complication rate at one year was 12.9% (n = 39). These complications are distributed as follows: Leads dislodgement in 8.2% (n = 25), hematoma 3.6% (n = 11) all without clinical consequences, pneumothorax 0.7% (n = 2), both cases of pneumothorax did not require specific care, infection (superficial) in 0.3% (n = 1). Leads dislodgement occurred after a median time of 18 days (IQR: 3 - 36). The earliest dislodgement was observed on D0 and the latest on D207. No serious complications were recorded. The average atrial threshold at implantation/first control/last follow-up was 0.7/1.3/0.8 V, respectively. The average ventricular threshold at implantation/first control/last follow-up was 0.5/1.08/0.87 V, respectively. The average atrial detection at implantation/first control/last follow-up was 3.2/2.3/ 2.05 mv, respectively. The average ventricular detection at implantation/first control/last follow-up was 10.3/11.03/10.8 mv. The average atrial impedance at implantation/first control/last follow-up was 610/457/457 ohms. The average ventricular impedance at implantation/first control/last follow-up was 754/547/563 ohms. Conclusion: Pacemaker implantation is safe at the Haute Correze Hospital Center with a relatively low rate of complications, in this case an almost zero major infection and no serious hematoma. The peripheral hospital should remain a focal point of this activity in order to respond more quickly to the needs of the populations.展开更多
Nano alumina was synthesised using precursors from pre-heated kaolinitic clay at 600˚C, 700˚C, and 800˚C following by a bottom-up sol gel method that led to Al(OH)3. The latter was subsequently calcinated at 900˚C to ...Nano alumina was synthesised using precursors from pre-heated kaolinitic clay at 600˚C, 700˚C, and 800˚C following by a bottom-up sol gel method that led to Al(OH)3. The latter was subsequently calcinated at 900˚C to form γ-nano alumina (γ-Al2O3). The final products were characterised using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) as well as Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) for specific surface area measurement. The γ-nano alumina confirmed by X-ray patterns and infrared spectroscopy was found to be in a poorly crystalized form with 6.8 nm as crystallite size. The specific surface area and the synthesis yield varied with the temperature of pre-heating kaolinitic clay. The best process yield, 17.88%, and specific surface area of 146.78 m2/g, was obtained with 700˚C as the best pre-heating temperature of the precursor. Due to the characteristics of the product obtained, they could be very interesting in many applications such as adsorption given their high specific area and nanoscale structure.展开更多
Based on recent progress in quantum gravity and quantum cosmology, we are also presenting a way to estimate the temperature in the cosmos, the Hubble sphere, from a relation between the Planck temperature and the Hubb...Based on recent progress in quantum gravity and quantum cosmology, we are also presenting a way to estimate the temperature in the cosmos, the Hubble sphere, from a relation between the Planck temperature and the Hubble scale. Our analysis predicts the Hubble sphere temperature of 2.72 K with the one standard deviation confidence interval between 2.65 K and 2.80 K, which corresponds well with the measured temperature observed from the cosmic microwave background (CMB) of about 2.72 K. This adds evidence that there is a close connection between the Planck scale, gravity, and the cosmological scales as anticipated by Eddington already in 1918.1.展开更多
Based on considerable progress made in understanding the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) temperature from a deep theoretical perspective, this paper demonstrates a useful and simple relationship between the CMB temp...Based on considerable progress made in understanding the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) temperature from a deep theoretical perspective, this paper demonstrates a useful and simple relationship between the CMB temperature and the Hubble constant. This allows us to predict the Hubble constant with much higher precision than before by using the CMB temperature. This is of great importance, since it will lead to much higher precision in various global parameters of the cosmos, such as the Hubble radius and the age of the universe. We have improved uncertainty in the Hubble constant all the way down to 66.8712 ± 0.0019 km/s/Mpc based on data from one of the most recent CMB studies. Previous studies based on other methods have rarely reported an uncertainty much less than approximately ±1 km/s/Mpc for the Hubble constant. Our deeper understanding of the CMB and its relation to H0seems to be opening a new era of high-precision cosmology, which may well be the key to solving the Hubble tension, as alluded to herein. Naturally, our results should also be scrutinized by other researchers over time, but we believe that, even at this stage, this deeper understanding of the CMB deserves attention from the research community.展开更多
Introduction: Multiple sclerosis is a multifactorial disease, with many factors still unknown to this day. Studies on migrants play a significant role in the epidemiological and etiological research of this condition....Introduction: Multiple sclerosis is a multifactorial disease, with many factors still unknown to this day. Studies on migrants play a significant role in the epidemiological and etiological research of this condition. Objective: This paper aims to study the impact of migration on the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. Methodology: A narrative review of the literature based on 80 articles retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases, using the following keywords: “multiple sclerosis”, “migration”, “migrants,” and “immigrants”, published from 1962 to 2022. Results: This review suggests that migration is a risk factor for multiple sclerosis. It supports the existence of an “age at migration” effect and highlights the particular role of environmental factors. The trend also points to an increased risk for second-generation immigrants compared to initial studies. Conclusion: Concepts regarding migrants and the risk of developing multiple sclerosis have evolved significantly over the past three decades. The older theory that those migrating after age 15 retain the risk of their country of birth is now less widely accepted, especially in cases of migration to high-prevalence regions, as they may influence future disease risk even into adulthood.展开更多
In Burkina Faso, one of the three largest gold producers in West Africa, foundry activity is often paralyzed when basic equipment such as crucibles and cups are not available or should be imported. However, previous s...In Burkina Faso, one of the three largest gold producers in West Africa, foundry activity is often paralyzed when basic equipment such as crucibles and cups are not available or should be imported. However, previous studies have shown the availability of kaolinite-rich clay resources that could be used for the local manufacture of silico-aluminous ceramic crucibles. This work allowed to manufacture industrial ceramic crucibles with local clays and then they were tested in foundry industry. The materials were manufactured from three (03) raw materials including two clays (SAB and ROU) and sand. The chemical and mineral analysis has shown that the raw materials are suitable for the formulation of refractory materials. The results of characterization of the materials formulated showed that the properties of use are appreciable. The porosity of the materials is relatively low (23 - 28 vol%) with a diametral compressive strength between 0.61 and 1.34 MPa. Crucibles sintered at 1250˚C with a stay of 2 hours have a mechanical strength capable of supporting the weight of the ores contained. These crucibles have a refractoriness under load (T0.5) above 1141˚C and resist chemical attacks. Tests were carried out in the industry at 1100˚C, and the results were satisfactory.展开更多
Previously, we demonstrated that a plant steroid, diosgenin, altered cell cycle distribution and induced apoptosis in the human osteosarcoma 1547 cell line. The objective of this study was to investigate if the antipr...Previously, we demonstrated that a plant steroid, diosgenin, altered cell cycle distribution and induced apoptosis in the human osteosarcoma 1547 cell line. The objective of this study was to investigate if the antiproliferative effect of diosgenin was similar for different human cancer cell lines such as laryngocarcinoma HEp-2 and melanoma M4Beu cells. Moreover, this work essentially focused on the mitochondrial pathway. We found that diosgenin had an important and similar antiproliferative effect on different types of cancer cells. In addition, our new results show that diosgenininduced apoptosis is caspase-3 dependent with a fall of mitochondrial membrane potential, nuclear localization of AIF and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. Diosgenin treatment also induces p53 activation and cell cycle arrest in the different cell lines studied.展开更多
Peripheral nerves are particularly vulnerable to injuries and are involved in numerous pathologies for which specific treatments are lacking. This review summarizes the pathophysiological features of the most common t...Peripheral nerves are particularly vulnerable to injuries and are involved in numerous pathologies for which specific treatments are lacking. This review summarizes the pathophysiological features of the most common traumatic nerve injury in humans and the different animal models used in nerve regeneration studies. ~Ihe current knowledge concerning Wallerian degeneration and nerve regrowth is then described. Finally, the involvement of intraneural vascularization in these processes is addressed. As intraneural vascularization has been poorly studied, histological experiments were carried out from rat sciatic nerves damaged by a glycerol injection. The results, taken together with the data from literature, suggest that revascularization plays an important role in peripheral nerve regeneration and must therefore be studied more carefully.展开更多
Angiogenesis consists of the sprouting of capillaries from pre-existing vessels. It is well-known that tumor growth is angiogenesis-dependent. Vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） and basic fibroblast growth fa...Angiogenesis consists of the sprouting of capillaries from pre-existing vessels. It is well-known that tumor growth is angiogenesis-dependent. Vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） and basic fibroblast growth factor （bFGF） stimulated vascular endothelial cell proliferation and are involved in the neoplastic angiogenesis of several types of tumors including those of the intestinal tract. Authors usually investigated VEGF and using immunohistochemistry bFGF protein expressions or Western blotting and VEGF and bFGF transcripts using reverse transcriptase Dolymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）.展开更多
Rectal cancer constitutes a major public health issue.Total mesorectal excision has remained the gold standard treatment for mid and low rectal tumors since its introduction in the late 1980s.Removal of all lymph node...Rectal cancer constitutes a major public health issue.Total mesorectal excision has remained the gold standard treatment for mid and low rectal tumors since its introduction in the late 1980s.Removal of all lymph nodes located in the mesorectum has indeed improved pathological and oncological outcomes.However,when cancer spreads to the lateral lymph nodes(located along the iliac and obturator arteries)Western and Japanese practices differ.Where the Western guidelines consider this condition as an advanced form of the disease and use neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy liberally,the Japanese guidelines define it as a local disease and proceed to lateral lymph node dissection with or without neoadjuvant treatment.Herein,we review the current literature regarding both therapeutic strategies,with the aim of contributing to potential improvements in treatment and outcome for patients with low and mid rectal cancer.展开更多
This work aims at characterizing organic matter produced by an alga Euglena gracil~ and a cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa and assessing the evolution of its characteristics during growth. A culture medium was opt...This work aims at characterizing organic matter produced by an alga Euglena gracil~ and a cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa and assessing the evolution of its characteristics during growth. A culture medium was optimized. The species growth phases were monitored using both visible spectrophotometry and flow cytometry cell counting. Organic matter fractionation according to hydrophobicity and specific UV absorbance （SUVA） index were used to specifically characterize the produced algal organic matter （AOM）. The AOM characteristics were both growth phase and species dependent. However, a similar evolution was observed. The hydrophilic fraction （HPI） was the major fraction whatever the growth phases and was almost the only one produced during lag and exponential phases. It represented around 75% of AOM during exponential phase and then decreased when the stationary phase appeared. It represented 46% and 60% of the AOM during late decline phase for the cyanobacteria and the alga respectively. The hydrophobic （HPO） and transphilic （TPH） fractions started to appear from the beginning of the stationary phase with more hydrophobic compounds coming from intracellular organic material of dying cells. HPO and TPH percentages still increased during the decline phase probably because of two additional processes： photo-dissolution and leaching of particulate organic matter from cells fragments. A comparison of AOM during late decline phase and natural organic matter （NOM） from Glane River （France） underlined that AOM was more fiydrophilic and presented a lower SUVA for each fractions than NOM. However, the difference between NOM and AOM hydrophobicity narrowed during decline phase.展开更多
The global population is aging,and so the number of older cirrhotic patients is increasing.Older patients are characterised by a risk of frailty and comorbidities,and age is a risk factor for mortality in cirrhotic pa...The global population is aging,and so the number of older cirrhotic patients is increasing.Older patients are characterised by a risk of frailty and comorbidities,and age is a risk factor for mortality in cirrhotic patients.The incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease as an aetiology of cirrhosis is increasing,while that of chronic viral hepatitis is decreasing.Also,cirrhosis is frequently idiopathic.The management of portal hypertension in older cirrhotic patients is similar to that in younger patients,despite the greater risk of treatment-related adverse events of the former.The prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma increases with age,but its treatment is unaffected.Liver transplantation is generally recommended for patients<70 years of age.Despite the increasing prevalence of cirrhosis in older people,little data are available and few recommendations have been proposed.This review suggests that comorbidities have a considerable impact on older cirrhotic patients.展开更多
Colorectal cancer(CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related death in western countries. Approximately one-quarter of newly diagnosed patients for CRC have metastases, and a further 40%-50% experience dise...Colorectal cancer(CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related death in western countries. Approximately one-quarter of newly diagnosed patients for CRC have metastases, and a further 40%-50% experience disease recurrence or develop metastases after all standard therapies. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the progression of CRC and subsequently developing novel therapeutic targets is crucial to improve management of CRC and patients' long-term survival. Several tyrosine kinase receptors have been implicated in CRC development, progression and metastasis, including epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) and vascular EGFR. Recently, tropomyosin-related kinase B(Trk B), a tyrosine kinase receptor, has been reported in CRC and found to clearly exert several biological and clinical features, such as tumor cell growth and survival in vitro and in vivo, metastasis formation and poor prognosis. Here we review the significance of Trk B and its ligand brain derived-neurotrophic factor in CRC. We focus on their expression in CRC tumor samples, and their functional roles in CRC cell lines and in in vivo models. Finally we discuss therapeutic approaches that can lead to the development of novel therapeutic agents for treating Trk B-expressing CRC tumors.展开更多
Carcinogenesis is a multistep process that requires the accumulation of various genetic and epigenetic aberrations to drive the progressive malignant transformation of normal human cells.Two major hallmarks of carcino...Carcinogenesis is a multistep process that requires the accumulation of various genetic and epigenetic aberrations to drive the progressive malignant transformation of normal human cells.Two major hallmarks of carcinogenesis that have been described are angiogenesis and the stem cell characteristic of limitless replicative potential.These properties have been targeted over the past decade in the development of therapeutic treatments for colorectal cancer(CRC),one of the most commonly diagnosed and lethal cancers worldwide.The treatment of solid tumor cancers such as CRC has been challenging due to the heterogeneity of the tumor itself and the chemoresistance of the malignant cells.Furthermore,the same microenvironment that maintains the pool of intestinal stem cells that contribute to the continuous renewal of the intestinal epithelia also provides the necessary conditions for proliferative growth of cancer stem-like cells.These cancer stem-like cells are responsible for the resistance to therapy and cancer recurrence,though they represent less than 2.5%of the tumor mass.The stromal environment surrounding the tumor cells,referred to as the tumor niche,also supports angiogenesis,which supplies the oxygen and nutrients needed for tumor development.Anti-angiogenic therapy,such as with bevacizumab,a monoclonal antibody against vascular-endothelial growth factor,significantly prolongs the survival of metastatic CRC patients.However,such treatments are not completely curative,and a large proportion of patient tumors retain chemoresistance or show recurrence.This article reviews the current knowledge regarding the molecular phenotype of CRC cancer cells,as well as discusses the mechanisms contributing to their maintenance.Future personalized therapeutic approaches that are based on the interaction of the carcinogenic hallmarks,namely angiogenic and proliferative attributes,could improve survival and decrease adverse effects induced by unnecessary chemotherapy.展开更多
AIM： Platelet-activating factor （PAF） is a pro-inflammatory and angiogenic lipid mediator. Here we aimed to investigate levels of PAF, lyso-PAF （the PAF precursor）, phospholipase A2 （PLA2, the enzymatic activity...AIM： Platelet-activating factor （PAF） is a pro-inflammatory and angiogenic lipid mediator. Here we aimed to investigate levels of PAF, lyso-PAF （the PAF precursor）, phospholipase A2 （PLA2, the enzymatic activity generating lyso-PAF）, acetylhydrolase activity （AHA, the PAF degrading enzyme） and PAF receptor （PAF-R） transcripts in cirrhotic liver and hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. METHODS： Twenty-nine patients with HCC were enrolled in this study. Cirrhosis was present in fourteen patients and seven had no liver disease. Tissue PAF levels were investigated by a platelet-aggregation assay. Lyso- PAF was assessed after its chemical acetylation into PAR AHA was determined by degradation of [^3H]-PAE PLA2 levels were assessed by EIA. PAF-R transcripts were investigated using RT-PCR. RESULTS： Elevated amounts of PAF and PAF-R transcripts 1 （leukocyte-type） were found in cirrhotic tissues as compared with non-cirrhotic ones. Higher amounts of PAF and PAF-R transcripts 1 and 2 （tissue-type） were found in HCC tissues as compared with non-tumor tissues. PLA2, lyso-PAF and AHA levels were not changed in cirrhotic tissues and HCC. CONCLUSION： While the role of PAF is currently unknown in liver physiology, this study suggests its potential involvement in the inflammatory network found in the cirrhotic liver and in the angiogenic response during HCC.展开更多
Before the advent of direct acting antiviral agents(DAAs) ribavirin, associated to pegylated-interferon played a crucial role in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, preventing relapses and breakthroughs. In the pres...Before the advent of direct acting antiviral agents(DAAs) ribavirin, associated to pegylated-interferon played a crucial role in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, preventing relapses and breakthroughs. In the present era of new potent DAAs, a place is still devoted to the drug. Ribavirin associated with sofosbuvir alone is efficient in the treatment of most cases of G2 infected patients. All options currently available for the last difficult-to-treat cirrhotic G3 patients contain ribavirin. Reducing treatment duration to 12 wk in G1 or G4 cirrhotic compensated patients is feasible thanks to ribavirin. Retreating patients with acquired anti NS5 A resistance-associated variants using ribavirin-based strategies could be useful. The addition of ribavirin with DAAs combinations however, leads to more frequent but mild adverse events especially in cirrhotic patients. Preliminary data with interferon-free second generation DAAs combinations without ribavirin suggest that future of the drug is jeopardized even in difficult-totreat patients: The optimization of ribavirin dosage according to an early monitoring of blood levels has been suggested to be relevant in double therapy with peginterferon or sofosbuvir but not with very potent combinations of more than two DAAs.展开更多
The internal sedimentary phosphorus(P) load of aquatic systems is able to support eutrophication, especially in dam–reservoir systems where sedimentary P stock is high and where temporary anaerobic conditions occur. ...The internal sedimentary phosphorus(P) load of aquatic systems is able to support eutrophication, especially in dam–reservoir systems where sedimentary P stock is high and where temporary anaerobic conditions occur. The aim of this study therefore is to examine the response of sedimentary P exposed to redox oscillations. Surface sediments collected in the Champsanglard dam–reservoir(on the Creuse River, France) were subjected to two aerobic phases(10 and 12 days) alternated with two anaerobic periods(21 and 27 days)through batch incubations. The studied sediment contained 77 ± 3 μmol/g DW of P, mainly associated with the ascorbate fraction(amorphous Fe/Mn oxyhydroxides). The used sediment was rich in organic matter(OM)(21% ± 1%) with primarily allochthone signature.Our results showed that redox oscillations enhance dissolved inorganic phosphorus release at sediment/water interface. During the first anaerobic stage, the P release was mainly controlled by the dissolution/precipitation of iron minerals. The more pronounced increase of P release during the second anaerobic stage(44%) was due to various mechanisms related to the change in quality of dissolved organic matter(DOM), namely a higher SUVA254 and humification indices. The release of more refractory DOM(rDOM) served to lower the microbial metabolism activity, possibly favored iron oxyhydroxide aggregation and thus limiting iron reduction. In addition, rDOM is able to compete for mineral P sorption sites,leading to a greater P release. In reservoir with predominant allochthone OM input, the release of more aromatic DOM therefore plays an important role in P mobility.展开更多
文摘This paper investigates the application of Direct Current Atmospheric Plasma Spraying(DC-APS)as a versatile thermal spray technique for the application of coatings with tailored properties to various substrates.The process uses a high-speed,high-temperature plasma jet to melt and propel the feedstock powder particles,making it particularly useful for improving the performance and durability of components in renewable energy systems such as solar cells,wind turbines,and fuel cells.The integration of nanostructured alumina(Al_(2)O_(3))thin films into multilayer coatings is considered a promising advancement that improves mechanical strength,thermal stability,and environmental resistance.The study highlights the importance of understanding injection parameters and their impact on coating properties and uses simulation tools such as the Jets&Poudres(JP)code for in-depth analysis.Furthermore,the paper discusses the implementation of Artificial Neural Networks(ANN)to optimize the coating process by predicting flight characteristics and improving operating conditions.The results show that ANN models are effective in achieving highly accurate prediction values,highlighting the potential of AI in improving thermal spray technology.
基金the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No.764987.The CESAREF project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programunder grant agreement No.101072625.
文摘The movement of the Iron&Steelmaking(I&S)industry towards Net-Zero emissions and digitalized processes through disruptive,breakthrough technologies will be achieved through the use of Hydrogen.The biggest challenge for the refractory industry is to continue to meet the performance expectations while,at the same time,moving to a more sustainable production direction.The complexity and urgency of these technological changes,highlighted by the European Green Deal,requires ambitious,international,interdisciplinary and intersectoral projects,bringing together institutes from across the global value chain,to carry out cutting edge research.The European Union,through its flagship doctoral training program,MSCA,has,and continues to support research and development as well as the promotion of the refractory industry in Europe.An introduction to two MSCA projects and some of the results achieved are highlighted within this article.
文摘Chromia-forming alloys have good resistance to oxidizing agents such as O2, CO2, … It is accepted that the protection of these alloys is always due to the chromia layer formed at the surface of the alloys, which acts as a barrier between the oxidizing gases and the alloy substrates, forming a diffusion zone that limits the overall reaction rate and leads to parabolic kinetics. But this was not verified in the study devoted to Inconel®625 the oxidation in CO2 that was followed by TGA, with characterizations by XRD, EDS and FIB microscopy. Contrary to what was expected and accepted in similar studies on other chromia-forming alloys, it was shown that the diffusion step that governs the overall reaction rate is not located inside the chromia layer but inside the alloy, precisely inside a zone just beneath the interface alloy/chromia, this zone being depleted in chromium. The chromia layer, therefore, plays no kinetic role and does not directly protect the underlying alloy. This result was demonstrated using a simple test that consisted in removing the chromia layer from the surface of samples partially oxidized and then to continue the thermal treatment: insofar as the kinetics continued without any change in rate, this proved that this surface layer of oxide did not protect the substrate. Based on previous work on many chromia-forming alloys, the possibility of a similar reaction mechanism is discussed. If the chromia layer is not the source of protection for a number of chromia-forming alloys, as is suspected, this might have major consequences in terms of industrial applications.
文摘Background: Pacemaker implantation is a very old activity which has revolutionized the cardiology practice throughout the world. This activity is effective at the Haute Correze Hospital Center since more than 20 years. Due to progress in this area, and the increasing request within this center located at the outskirts of town, we set out to evaluate our pacemaker activity in general and more specifically to assess the post-procedural complications in our series patients. Methodology: This was a retrospective longitudinal study. Data were recorded for period of 90 months from 27/05/2016 to 19/11/2023. This data collection was possible via a specific register completed by computerized patient data from the SillageTM software. All files of patients implanted with single or dual chamber pacemakers were included, generator replacements, upgrading procedures and addition of leads were excluded. The sampling was non-probabilistic, consecutive and non-exhaustive. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Excel 2019 spreadsheet and SPSS version 23 software. The quantitative variables were presented as mean ± standard deviation, the qualitative data as proportions. Results: A total of 303 first-time pacemaker’s implantations were carried out during the study period (rate of 40 per year). The average age in the population was 79.7 ± 9.4 years (44 - 99 years) with a male predominance of 63.7% (n = 193). Atrioventricular block (2nd and 3rd degree) was the main indication for pacemaker implantation in 42.9% of cases (n = 130). Patients were most often implanted with a dual-chamber pacemaker (57.7%, n = 175). The approach was most often cephalic in 72.6% of cases (n = 220), followed by the subclavian access in 27.4% of cases (n = 84). The average fluoroscopy time was 7.9 min ± 2.4 (1 - 43). The average irradiation dose in gray/cm2 was 12.4 ± 9.3 (0.22 - 117.5). The average length of hospitalization was 7 ± 4 (2 - 26) days. The overall complication rate at one year was 12.9% (n = 39). These complications are distributed as follows: Leads dislodgement in 8.2% (n = 25), hematoma 3.6% (n = 11) all without clinical consequences, pneumothorax 0.7% (n = 2), both cases of pneumothorax did not require specific care, infection (superficial) in 0.3% (n = 1). Leads dislodgement occurred after a median time of 18 days (IQR: 3 - 36). The earliest dislodgement was observed on D0 and the latest on D207. No serious complications were recorded. The average atrial threshold at implantation/first control/last follow-up was 0.7/1.3/0.8 V, respectively. The average ventricular threshold at implantation/first control/last follow-up was 0.5/1.08/0.87 V, respectively. The average atrial detection at implantation/first control/last follow-up was 3.2/2.3/ 2.05 mv, respectively. The average ventricular detection at implantation/first control/last follow-up was 10.3/11.03/10.8 mv. The average atrial impedance at implantation/first control/last follow-up was 610/457/457 ohms. The average ventricular impedance at implantation/first control/last follow-up was 754/547/563 ohms. Conclusion: Pacemaker implantation is safe at the Haute Correze Hospital Center with a relatively low rate of complications, in this case an almost zero major infection and no serious hematoma. The peripheral hospital should remain a focal point of this activity in order to respond more quickly to the needs of the populations.
文摘Nano alumina was synthesised using precursors from pre-heated kaolinitic clay at 600˚C, 700˚C, and 800˚C following by a bottom-up sol gel method that led to Al(OH)3. The latter was subsequently calcinated at 900˚C to form γ-nano alumina (γ-Al2O3). The final products were characterised using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) as well as Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) for specific surface area measurement. The γ-nano alumina confirmed by X-ray patterns and infrared spectroscopy was found to be in a poorly crystalized form with 6.8 nm as crystallite size. The specific surface area and the synthesis yield varied with the temperature of pre-heating kaolinitic clay. The best process yield, 17.88%, and specific surface area of 146.78 m2/g, was obtained with 700˚C as the best pre-heating temperature of the precursor. Due to the characteristics of the product obtained, they could be very interesting in many applications such as adsorption given their high specific area and nanoscale structure.
文摘Based on recent progress in quantum gravity and quantum cosmology, we are also presenting a way to estimate the temperature in the cosmos, the Hubble sphere, from a relation between the Planck temperature and the Hubble scale. Our analysis predicts the Hubble sphere temperature of 2.72 K with the one standard deviation confidence interval between 2.65 K and 2.80 K, which corresponds well with the measured temperature observed from the cosmic microwave background (CMB) of about 2.72 K. This adds evidence that there is a close connection between the Planck scale, gravity, and the cosmological scales as anticipated by Eddington already in 1918.1.
文摘Based on considerable progress made in understanding the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) temperature from a deep theoretical perspective, this paper demonstrates a useful and simple relationship between the CMB temperature and the Hubble constant. This allows us to predict the Hubble constant with much higher precision than before by using the CMB temperature. This is of great importance, since it will lead to much higher precision in various global parameters of the cosmos, such as the Hubble radius and the age of the universe. We have improved uncertainty in the Hubble constant all the way down to 66.8712 ± 0.0019 km/s/Mpc based on data from one of the most recent CMB studies. Previous studies based on other methods have rarely reported an uncertainty much less than approximately ±1 km/s/Mpc for the Hubble constant. Our deeper understanding of the CMB and its relation to H0seems to be opening a new era of high-precision cosmology, which may well be the key to solving the Hubble tension, as alluded to herein. Naturally, our results should also be scrutinized by other researchers over time, but we believe that, even at this stage, this deeper understanding of the CMB deserves attention from the research community.
文摘Introduction: Multiple sclerosis is a multifactorial disease, with many factors still unknown to this day. Studies on migrants play a significant role in the epidemiological and etiological research of this condition. Objective: This paper aims to study the impact of migration on the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. Methodology: A narrative review of the literature based on 80 articles retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases, using the following keywords: “multiple sclerosis”, “migration”, “migrants,” and “immigrants”, published from 1962 to 2022. Results: This review suggests that migration is a risk factor for multiple sclerosis. It supports the existence of an “age at migration” effect and highlights the particular role of environmental factors. The trend also points to an increased risk for second-generation immigrants compared to initial studies. Conclusion: Concepts regarding migrants and the risk of developing multiple sclerosis have evolved significantly over the past three decades. The older theory that those migrating after age 15 retain the risk of their country of birth is now less widely accepted, especially in cases of migration to high-prevalence regions, as they may influence future disease risk even into adulthood.
文摘In Burkina Faso, one of the three largest gold producers in West Africa, foundry activity is often paralyzed when basic equipment such as crucibles and cups are not available or should be imported. However, previous studies have shown the availability of kaolinite-rich clay resources that could be used for the local manufacture of silico-aluminous ceramic crucibles. This work allowed to manufacture industrial ceramic crucibles with local clays and then they were tested in foundry industry. The materials were manufactured from three (03) raw materials including two clays (SAB and ROU) and sand. The chemical and mineral analysis has shown that the raw materials are suitable for the formulation of refractory materials. The results of characterization of the materials formulated showed that the properties of use are appreciable. The porosity of the materials is relatively low (23 - 28 vol%) with a diametral compressive strength between 0.61 and 1.34 MPa. Crucibles sintered at 1250˚C with a stay of 2 hours have a mechanical strength capable of supporting the weight of the ores contained. These crucibles have a refractoriness under load (T0.5) above 1141˚C and resist chemical attacks. Tests were carried out in the industry at 1100˚C, and the results were satisfactory.
文摘Previously, we demonstrated that a plant steroid, diosgenin, altered cell cycle distribution and induced apoptosis in the human osteosarcoma 1547 cell line. The objective of this study was to investigate if the antiproliferative effect of diosgenin was similar for different human cancer cell lines such as laryngocarcinoma HEp-2 and melanoma M4Beu cells. Moreover, this work essentially focused on the mitochondrial pathway. We found that diosgenin had an important and similar antiproliferative effect on different types of cancer cells. In addition, our new results show that diosgenininduced apoptosis is caspase-3 dependent with a fall of mitochondrial membrane potential, nuclear localization of AIF and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. Diosgenin treatment also induces p53 activation and cell cycle arrest in the different cell lines studied.
基金supported by a doctoral fellowship from the ‘Conseil Régional du Limousin’ to MC
文摘Peripheral nerves are particularly vulnerable to injuries and are involved in numerous pathologies for which specific treatments are lacking. This review summarizes the pathophysiological features of the most common traumatic nerve injury in humans and the different animal models used in nerve regeneration studies. ~Ihe current knowledge concerning Wallerian degeneration and nerve regrowth is then described. Finally, the involvement of intraneural vascularization in these processes is addressed. As intraneural vascularization has been poorly studied, histological experiments were carried out from rat sciatic nerves damaged by a glycerol injection. The results, taken together with the data from literature, suggest that revascularization plays an important role in peripheral nerve regeneration and must therefore be studied more carefully.
基金Supported by La Ligue Nationale Francaise Contre le Cancer (Comitéde la Corrèze et de la Haute Vienne)
文摘Angiogenesis consists of the sprouting of capillaries from pre-existing vessels. It is well-known that tumor growth is angiogenesis-dependent. Vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） and basic fibroblast growth factor （bFGF） stimulated vascular endothelial cell proliferation and are involved in the neoplastic angiogenesis of several types of tumors including those of the intestinal tract. Authors usually investigated VEGF and using immunohistochemistry bFGF protein expressions or Western blotting and VEGF and bFGF transcripts using reverse transcriptase Dolymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）.
文摘Rectal cancer constitutes a major public health issue.Total mesorectal excision has remained the gold standard treatment for mid and low rectal tumors since its introduction in the late 1980s.Removal of all lymph nodes located in the mesorectum has indeed improved pathological and oncological outcomes.However,when cancer spreads to the lateral lymph nodes(located along the iliac and obturator arteries)Western and Japanese practices differ.Where the Western guidelines consider this condition as an advanced form of the disease and use neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy liberally,the Japanese guidelines define it as a local disease and proceed to lateral lymph node dissection with or without neoadjuvant treatment.Herein,we review the current literature regarding both therapeutic strategies,with the aim of contributing to potential improvements in treatment and outcome for patients with low and mid rectal cancer.
基金the FEDER (European Found forRegional Development)the Regional Council of Limousin for their financial supportnt
文摘This work aims at characterizing organic matter produced by an alga Euglena gracil~ and a cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa and assessing the evolution of its characteristics during growth. A culture medium was optimized. The species growth phases were monitored using both visible spectrophotometry and flow cytometry cell counting. Organic matter fractionation according to hydrophobicity and specific UV absorbance （SUVA） index were used to specifically characterize the produced algal organic matter （AOM）. The AOM characteristics were both growth phase and species dependent. However, a similar evolution was observed. The hydrophilic fraction （HPI） was the major fraction whatever the growth phases and was almost the only one produced during lag and exponential phases. It represented around 75% of AOM during exponential phase and then decreased when the stationary phase appeared. It represented 46% and 60% of the AOM during late decline phase for the cyanobacteria and the alga respectively. The hydrophobic （HPO） and transphilic （TPH） fractions started to appear from the beginning of the stationary phase with more hydrophobic compounds coming from intracellular organic material of dying cells. HPO and TPH percentages still increased during the decline phase probably because of two additional processes： photo-dissolution and leaching of particulate organic matter from cells fragments. A comparison of AOM during late decline phase and natural organic matter （NOM） from Glane River （France） underlined that AOM was more fiydrophilic and presented a lower SUVA for each fractions than NOM. However, the difference between NOM and AOM hydrophobicity narrowed during decline phase.
文摘The global population is aging,and so the number of older cirrhotic patients is increasing.Older patients are characterised by a risk of frailty and comorbidities,and age is a risk factor for mortality in cirrhotic patients.The incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease as an aetiology of cirrhosis is increasing,while that of chronic viral hepatitis is decreasing.Also,cirrhosis is frequently idiopathic.The management of portal hypertension in older cirrhotic patients is similar to that in younger patients,despite the greater risk of treatment-related adverse events of the former.The prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma increases with age,but its treatment is unaffected.Liver transplantation is generally recommended for patients<70 years of age.Despite the increasing prevalence of cirrhosis in older people,little data are available and few recommendations have been proposed.This review suggests that comorbidities have a considerable impact on older cirrhotic patients.
基金Supported by Conseil Régional du Limousin and the CORC ComitéOrientation Recherche Cancer
文摘Colorectal cancer(CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related death in western countries. Approximately one-quarter of newly diagnosed patients for CRC have metastases, and a further 40%-50% experience disease recurrence or develop metastases after all standard therapies. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the progression of CRC and subsequently developing novel therapeutic targets is crucial to improve management of CRC and patients' long-term survival. Several tyrosine kinase receptors have been implicated in CRC development, progression and metastasis, including epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) and vascular EGFR. Recently, tropomyosin-related kinase B(Trk B), a tyrosine kinase receptor, has been reported in CRC and found to clearly exert several biological and clinical features, such as tumor cell growth and survival in vitro and in vivo, metastasis formation and poor prognosis. Here we review the significance of Trk B and its ligand brain derived-neurotrophic factor in CRC. We focus on their expression in CRC tumor samples, and their functional roles in CRC cell lines and in in vivo models. Finally we discuss therapeutic approaches that can lead to the development of novel therapeutic agents for treating Trk B-expressing CRC tumors.
基金Supported by Grants from the University of Limoges,Limoges University Hospital,La Ligue Contre le Cancer and the Région Limousin,which was given financial by the ComitéOrientation Recherche Cancer(to Perraud A,Christou N and Akil H)
文摘Carcinogenesis is a multistep process that requires the accumulation of various genetic and epigenetic aberrations to drive the progressive malignant transformation of normal human cells.Two major hallmarks of carcinogenesis that have been described are angiogenesis and the stem cell characteristic of limitless replicative potential.These properties have been targeted over the past decade in the development of therapeutic treatments for colorectal cancer(CRC),one of the most commonly diagnosed and lethal cancers worldwide.The treatment of solid tumor cancers such as CRC has been challenging due to the heterogeneity of the tumor itself and the chemoresistance of the malignant cells.Furthermore,the same microenvironment that maintains the pool of intestinal stem cells that contribute to the continuous renewal of the intestinal epithelia also provides the necessary conditions for proliferative growth of cancer stem-like cells.These cancer stem-like cells are responsible for the resistance to therapy and cancer recurrence,though they represent less than 2.5%of the tumor mass.The stromal environment surrounding the tumor cells,referred to as the tumor niche,also supports angiogenesis,which supplies the oxygen and nutrients needed for tumor development.Anti-angiogenic therapy,such as with bevacizumab,a monoclonal antibody against vascular-endothelial growth factor,significantly prolongs the survival of metastatic CRC patients.However,such treatments are not completely curative,and a large proportion of patient tumors retain chemoresistance or show recurrence.This article reviews the current knowledge regarding the molecular phenotype of CRC cancer cells,as well as discusses the mechanisms contributing to their maintenance.Future personalized therapeutic approaches that are based on the interaction of the carcinogenic hallmarks,namely angiogenic and proliferative attributes,could improve survival and decrease adverse effects induced by unnecessary chemotherapy.
文摘AIM： Platelet-activating factor （PAF） is a pro-inflammatory and angiogenic lipid mediator. Here we aimed to investigate levels of PAF, lyso-PAF （the PAF precursor）, phospholipase A2 （PLA2, the enzymatic activity generating lyso-PAF）, acetylhydrolase activity （AHA, the PAF degrading enzyme） and PAF receptor （PAF-R） transcripts in cirrhotic liver and hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. METHODS： Twenty-nine patients with HCC were enrolled in this study. Cirrhosis was present in fourteen patients and seven had no liver disease. Tissue PAF levels were investigated by a platelet-aggregation assay. Lyso- PAF was assessed after its chemical acetylation into PAR AHA was determined by degradation of [^3H]-PAE PLA2 levels were assessed by EIA. PAF-R transcripts were investigated using RT-PCR. RESULTS： Elevated amounts of PAF and PAF-R transcripts 1 （leukocyte-type） were found in cirrhotic tissues as compared with non-cirrhotic ones. Higher amounts of PAF and PAF-R transcripts 1 and 2 （tissue-type） were found in HCC tissues as compared with non-tumor tissues. PLA2, lyso-PAF and AHA levels were not changed in cirrhotic tissues and HCC. CONCLUSION： While the role of PAF is currently unknown in liver physiology, this study suggests its potential involvement in the inflammatory network found in the cirrhotic liver and in the angiogenic response during HCC.
文摘Before the advent of direct acting antiviral agents(DAAs) ribavirin, associated to pegylated-interferon played a crucial role in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, preventing relapses and breakthroughs. In the present era of new potent DAAs, a place is still devoted to the drug. Ribavirin associated with sofosbuvir alone is efficient in the treatment of most cases of G2 infected patients. All options currently available for the last difficult-to-treat cirrhotic G3 patients contain ribavirin. Reducing treatment duration to 12 wk in G1 or G4 cirrhotic compensated patients is feasible thanks to ribavirin. Retreating patients with acquired anti NS5 A resistance-associated variants using ribavirin-based strategies could be useful. The addition of ribavirin with DAAs combinations however, leads to more frequent but mild adverse events especially in cirrhotic patients. Preliminary data with interferon-free second generation DAAs combinations without ribavirin suggest that future of the drug is jeopardized even in difficult-totreat patients: The optimization of ribavirin dosage according to an early monitoring of blood levels has been suggested to be relevant in double therapy with peginterferon or sofosbuvir but not with very potent combinations of more than two DAAs.
基金supported by a grant from the Research Chair "Large Dam Reservoirs and Water Quality"(http://fondation.unilim.fr/chaire-grqe)funded by EDF and the Partnership Foundation of the University of Limoges
文摘The internal sedimentary phosphorus(P) load of aquatic systems is able to support eutrophication, especially in dam–reservoir systems where sedimentary P stock is high and where temporary anaerobic conditions occur. The aim of this study therefore is to examine the response of sedimentary P exposed to redox oscillations. Surface sediments collected in the Champsanglard dam–reservoir(on the Creuse River, France) were subjected to two aerobic phases(10 and 12 days) alternated with two anaerobic periods(21 and 27 days)through batch incubations. The studied sediment contained 77 ± 3 μmol/g DW of P, mainly associated with the ascorbate fraction(amorphous Fe/Mn oxyhydroxides). The used sediment was rich in organic matter(OM)(21% ± 1%) with primarily allochthone signature.Our results showed that redox oscillations enhance dissolved inorganic phosphorus release at sediment/water interface. During the first anaerobic stage, the P release was mainly controlled by the dissolution/precipitation of iron minerals. The more pronounced increase of P release during the second anaerobic stage(44%) was due to various mechanisms related to the change in quality of dissolved organic matter(DOM), namely a higher SUVA254 and humification indices. The release of more refractory DOM(rDOM) served to lower the microbial metabolism activity, possibly favored iron oxyhydroxide aggregation and thus limiting iron reduction. In addition, rDOM is able to compete for mineral P sorption sites,leading to a greater P release. In reservoir with predominant allochthone OM input, the release of more aromatic DOM therefore plays an important role in P mobility.
