L’homme-lion d’Hohlenstein – Stadel

The fragments of the figurine called “lion-man” were found in 1939 in the cave of Hohlenstein-Stadel, in southwestern Germany. Joachim Hahn was the first to assemble the figure in 1969; the statuette was then restored between 1987 and 1988 in the workshops of the regional museum of Württemberg in Stuttgart. New excavations, conducted by the State Office for Cultural Heritage of Baden-Württemberg (Esslingen, Germany), were held in the same cave between 2009 and 2013. Then, hundreds of small fragments were found; some of them clearly belonged to the lion-man. Following these excavations, a second restoration was undertaken in the workshops of the State office of Cultural Heritage in 2012 and 2013. The Lion-Man, the tallest of the figures from the last Ice Age, got a new appearance. After the refitting of the fragments, a large part of the figurine has been completed.     

Le « créationnisme » d’Alcide d’Orbigny et les fondements de la théorie biostratigraphique

D’Orbigny was more interested in the discontinuities of life history than in the origin of species. He looked for reference points to correlate geological strata and to reconstruct their history. This allowed him to formalise the concept of stratigraphic stage and to propose the first geological time scale. Therefore, one of the results was that he was unjustly considered as one of the leaders of the creationism school, because he used the ambiguous term ‘creation’ to designate the renewal of fauna after catastrophic events, but without providing a definition and with a meaning that was probably different from those of his successors.     

Scintigraphie osseuse et déficit en IGF1 : présentation d’un cas clinique

Growth delay in adults with GH (growth hormone) or insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) deficiency is often associated to low bone mineral density (BMD), osteoporosis and a higher risk of fractures (Tritos et al., 2011 [1]; Wüster et al., 2001 [2]; Bex et Bouillon, 2003 [3]). However to date, the risk of fractures in children with GH or IGF1 deficiency is not clearly evaluated (Högler and Shaw, 2010 [4]). This is the case of a young woman aged 21, with a syndrome including a severe mental, growth and weight retardation (–4 SD), facial dysmorphism and partial epilepsy, who recently presented walking and muscle strength loss, without history of trauma. Bone scan revealed several hot spots related to cortical bone fractures and biological data showed an IGF1 deficiency. Through this case, we discuss the role played by GH and IGF1 in bone growth, and the basic procedures to follow in children when measuring BMD with dual absorptiometry X ray technique (DXA).     

Genotype × region and genotype × production level interactions in Holstein cows

The identification of the presence of genotype by environment interaction effects on important traits in Holstein cattle allows for the use of international genetic evaluations and a more efficient design of regional genetic evaluation programmes. The aim of this study was to determine the genotype × environment interaction effects in Chilean Holstein dairy cattle through the analysis of records corresponding to calvings between 1998 and 2015. Herds were classified in the central and southern regions of Chile based on herd location as well as by high and low levels of production environments based on the fat plus protein yield averages per herd within each region. The central region has a Mediterranean climate and a confined production system while the southern region has a humid temperate climate and a production system based on grazing with supplementation. Traits studied were milk yield (MY), fat yield (FY), protein yield (PY), fat content (FC) and protein content (PC) by lactation, age at first calving (AFC) and calving interval (CI). Several four-trait mixed animal models were applied to environmental category data as different traits, which included herd-year-calving season (herd-year-birth season for AFC) and lactation number as fixed effects, and animal additive genetic, sire-herd, permanent environment and residual effects as random effects. Genetic correlations (r_g) for MY, FY, FC, PC and CI were found to decrease as differences between environmental categories increased. The r_g between the most extreme environmental categories considered in this study for AFC (0.26) was the only one found statistically lower than 0.60. Genetic correlation values statistically lower than 0.80 (P < 0.05) were observed for AFC, CI, MY, FY and PY between some environmental categories. If separate genetic evaluations are adopted as practical criteria when the value of r_g is lower than 0.60, the consequence of improving a multi-trait economic breeding objective in this population is likely to be small unless extreme environmental categories are considered. However, a moderate decrease in selection response and re-ranking of selection candidates is expected for AFC, CI and yield traits when selection is performed in different environmental conditions. Genotype × environment interaction effects involving production systems in a Mediterranean climate and confinement vs. Temperate Oceanic climate and grazing with supplementation, and between two fat plus protein yield level categories within each environment, were at most moderate for the studied traits.     

Novel screening methods — biosensors

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In-vivo dosimetry for field sizes down to 6 × 6 mm2 in shaped beam radiosurgery with microMOSFET

The aim of this study is to evaluate microMOSFET as in-vivo dosimeter in 6 MV shaped-beam radiosurgery for field sizes down to 6 × 6 mm². A homemade build-up cap was developed and its use with microMOSFET was evaluated down to 6 × 6 mm². The study with the homemade build-up cap was performed considering its influence on field size over-cover occurring at surface, achievement of the overall process of electronic equilibrium, dose deposition along beam axis and dose attenuation. An optimized calibration method has been validated using MOSFET in shaped-beam radiosurgery for field sizes from 98 × 98 down to 18 × 18 mm². The method was detailed in a previous study and validated in irregular field shapes series measurements performed on a head phantom. The optimized calibration method was applied to microMOSFET equipped with homemade build-up cap down to 6 × 6 mm². Using the same irregular field shapes, dose measurements were performed on head phantom. MicroMOSFET results were compared to previous MOSFET ones. Additional irregular field shapes down to 8.8 × 8.8 mm² were studied with microMOSFET. Isocenter dose attenuation due to the homemade build-up cap over the microMOSFET was near 2% irrespective of field size. Our results suggested that microMOSFET equipped with homemade build-up cap is suitable for in-vivo dosimetry in shaped-beam radiosurgery for field sizes down to 6 × 6 mm² and therefore that the required build-up cap dimensions to perform entrance in-vivo dosimetry in small-fields have to ensure only partial charge particle equilibrium.     

Translational biomaterials — the journey from the bench to the market — think ‘product’

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Molecular pharming — VLPs made in plants

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sHER-2 : un nouveau marqueur ?

The extracellular domain of the HER-2 (ERBB2) oncoprotein (p105^HER-2, ECD HER-2) is shed in the serum and can be detected by immunoassay. The currently approved cutoff for an elevated HER-2 ECD is greater than 15 ng/mL. HER-2 ECD is attractive as a potentially useful serum biomarker. In metastatic breast cancer, serum assay of HER-2 ECD is recommended to assess HER-2 status when unknown in primary tumor or metastatic biopsy is not feasible. In that case, it has been recommended to consider a 50 ng/mL serum HER-2 ECD cutoff as criteria to select patients for HER-2 targeted therapy. It might offer additional prognostic or predictive value compared with HER-2 tumor tissue testing. In addition, it can be measured serially and might be able to monitor treatment response, predict relapse or provide a real-time assessment of HER-2 status at metastatic disease.     

Alcide d’Orbigny (1802–1857) : sa vie et son œuvre

Numerous fields of Life and Earth Sciences as well as Human Sciences are indebted to Alcide d’Orbigny for his huge and innovating work. From his long journey in South America, he brought back a rich wealth of scientific collections and information related to Botany, Zoology, physical and human Geography, Geology, and Ethnography. Founder of Micropalaeontology, by his foraminiferal studies, and of Biostratigraphy, he is still present in Sciences today thanks to the numerous implications of his works in numerous domains of both academic research and economic sector.     

Drinking water microbiology — from measurement to management

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La vitamine D : effets « classiques », « non classiques » et évaluation du statut du patient

Knowledge about vitamin D has greatly improved during the last few years. Vitamin D cannot any more be considered as exclusively necessary to prevent ricket/osteomalacia. Its role in the prevention of some osteoporotic fractures in the elderly (in association with calcium nutrition) is now well-demonstrated and many epidemiologic and laboratory data argue for a role in the prevention of several diseases or anomalies (cancer, auto-immune diseases, cardiovascular events, sarcopenia…). A few intervention studies confirming some of these effects also exist. Vitamin D status can easily be assessed by measuring serum 25-OH vitamin D level. However, many experts have claimed that the population-based reference values for 25OHD are too low and that the cut-off value below which vitamin D insufficiency can be present is somewhere between 20 and 40 ng/mL with a clear tendency to target values above 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L). The main consequences are that vitamin D insufficiency is highly frequent whereas the currently recommended supplementation doses are not sufficient.     

SYNE1-QK1 SNPs,G × G and G × E interactions on the risk of hyperlipidaemia

This study aimed to assess the relationship of 3 spectrin repeat containing nuclear envelope protein 1 (SYNE1) and 4 KH domain containing RNA binding (QK1) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), their haplotypes, gene-gene (G × G), gene-environment (G × E) interactions and hypercholesterolaemia (HCH) and hypertriglyceridaemia (HTG) in the Chinese Maonan minority. The genetic make-up of the SYNE1-QK1 SNPs in 1932 unrelated subjects (normal, 641; HCH, 649; and HTG, 642) was obtained by next-generation sequencing technologies. The genotypic frequencies of following SNPs were suggestively distinctive between the control and HCH groups (rs2623963, rs7745725, rs9459317, rs16897566), or between the control and HTG groups (rs2623963, rs1358317, rs7745725, rs1923608, rs16897566 SNPs; P < .05, respectively). Multiple-locus linkage disequilibrium analysis indicated that the identified SNPs were not inherited independently. Several haplotypes and gene-gene interaction haplotypes among the detected SNPs may be related with an increased morbidity of HCH (C-G-A, C-G-G and C-G-G-T-C-A-T) and HTG (C-G-G, G-T-G-C, C-G-G-G-T-G-C and C-G-G-T-C-A-T), whereas others may be related with an decreased risk of HCH (G-A-A, G-C-A-T, C-A-A-T-C-A-T and G-A-A-G-C-A-T) and HTG (G-A-A, G-C-A-T, C-A-A-T-C-A-T and G-A-A-G-C-A-T). The association evaluation based on haplotypes and gene-gene interactions could improve the power of detecting the risk of dyslipidaemia than anyone of SNP alone. There was significant three-locus model involving SNP-SNP, haplotype-haplotype/environment and G × G interactions (P < .05-0.001) that were detected by GMDR in HCH and HTG groups. Different interactions between genetic and environmental factors would produce different redundancy or synergy effects on the morbidity of HCH and/or HTG.     

Évaluation de la fonction ventriculaire gauche par l’utilisation d’une caméra à semi-conducteur Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) : impact de l’échantillonnage temporel (8 vs 16 intervalles)

BackgroundNew CZT cameras provide an increased spatial resolution and sensitivity. The tomographic acquisition “in list mode” allows the evaluation of the left ventricular function using 8–16 intervals per cycle with an increased spatial resolution. However, the impact of temporal sampling on evaluation of the contractile function remains uncertain.Method^99mTc-sestamibi SPECT studies were acquired in 99 consecutive patients (70 men, 29 women) using an ultrafast CZT Camera (D-Spectrum, Spectrum Dynamics) and processed using both 8- and 16-interval (int). All patients underwent a stress (2 MBq/kg)-rest (6 MBq/kg) single day (stop condition: 700 KCTS within a myocardial VOI). Left ventricular function was assessed using QGS^®. Perfusion was analyzed using QPS^® and quantified using Summed Stress Score (SSS), Summed Rest Score (SRS) and Summed Difference Score (SDS) (17 segments model) and the extent of perfusion defects (% of LV).ResultsEight intervals gating overestimated the end-systolic volumes (ESV) and underestimated the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) compared to 16 intervals (respectively for eight and 16 intervals: at rest [VTS: 45 ± 25 mL vs 41 ± 24 mL, P < 0.0001, LVEF: 53 ± 10% vs 59 ± 10%, P < 0.0001], and post-stress [VTS: 43 ± 24. mL vs 39 ± 24 mL, P < 0.0001; LVEF: 58 ± 10% vs 61 ± 11%, P < 0.0001]). However, it was not found significant differences between end diastolic volumes (EDV) (at rest: EDV: 98 ± 33 mL vs 97 ± 33 mL, P = NS; and post-stress: EDV: 98 ± 33 ml vs 99 ± 34 mL, P = NS). Parameters of left ventricular function were consistent between eight and 16 intervals (EDV: CCC = 0.99, ESV: CCC = 0.98, LVEF: CCC = 0.92, P < 0.0001). Correlation could not be evidenced between the extent of perfusion defect and the difference between eight and 16 intervals for the different parameters of left ventricular function both at rest and post-stress.ConclusionIn our study, comparison between eight and 16 intervals showed an overestimation of the ESV and an underestimation of LVEF, without correlation with perfusion abnormalities. The estimation of LVEF on CZT camera should take into account the chosen temporal sampling.     

When did Cuon reach Java? – Reinvestigation of canid fossils from Homo erectus faunas

The presence of the genus Cuon during the Pleistocene of Java is attested by the endemic species C. sangiranensis and C. crassidens, sometimes classified as C. alpinus, a species that is also part of the Holocene fauna and has persisted until today. The current study revises the fossil canid material from the Sangiran Dome, previously assigned variously to C. sangiranensis, C. crassidens, C. alpinus, C. javanicus, and C. trinilensis. It aims to reinvestigate the arrival of Cuon in Java, in particular in relation to the late early Pleistocene endemic canid of Java: the Cuon-sized Xenocyon trinilensis, which had evolved in situ on Java from the large X. merriami, and which could be a potential competitor to early Cuon in case of contemporaneity. We found that a mandible fragment from Pandejan (holotype of C. crassidens) shows a morphology typical for C. alpinus. However, a maxilla and a mandible from the Bapang Formation at Sangiran, including the holotype of C. sangiranensis, is here assigned to the early dhole species C. priscus. Our results indicate that Cuon was already present in Java during the early middle Pleistocene and probably arrived as part of the immigration events during the Kedung Brubus faunal stage. Since X. trinilensis and Cuon are both hypercarnivorous medium-sized dogs, similar ecological niches are expected for both species. Thus, X. trinilensis probably was outcompeted and replaced by C. priscus. In turn, the latter species was replaced by the extant species, C. alpinus, during the Nangdong faunal stage, likely as part of the next immigration phase, which then disappeared during the tropical rainforest fauna of the Punung faunal stage and re-entered at the onset of the Holocene.     

Valeur de la TEP-FDG dans la détection précoce des métastases osseuses : étude d’une série de 20 cas

FDG-PET is useful for metabolic analysis of metastatic cells. Based on a retrospective study relating to 20 cases of osseous metastases (MO), and a literature review, we will try to specify the main characteristics of bone metastases detected with FDG-PET. In our study, the primary malignant findings included lymphoma (n = 7), lung cancer (n = 5), breast cancer (n = 4), colon cancer (n = 2), melanoma (n = 1), and nasopharyngeal cancer (n = 1). On FDG-PET, 4 patients had a solitary metastatic focus (20%), 1 patient had two metastatic focuses (5%) and 15 patients had multiple lesions (75%). Most of the lesions showed intense abnormal uptake with SUVmax > 4.0 (14 patients, 70%); 6 patients had both intense and moderate FDG uptake with SUVmax > 2.1. Only 6 patients had MO diagnosed with standard diagnostic procedures (SDP) before FDG-PET. However, FDG-PET consistently revealed more metastatic foci missed by SDP. We conclude that FDG-PET is better than SDP in detecting all bone metastases at all sites of the skeleton according to the data of the literature.     

RNA epigenetics — chemical messages for posttranscriptional gene regulation

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Ipso-substitution — the hidden gate to xenobiotic degradation pathways

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Making connections — strategies for single molecule fluorescence biophysics

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