Search

The seasonal variability in the extraction yield, physicochemical characteristics, and rheological properties of ulvan from two Ulva species contributing to Brittany "green tides" has been studied. These seaweeds were collected in the water column for Ulva armoricana Dion, de Reviers et Coat and on hard substrata for Ulva rotundata Bliding. The maximum ulvan extraction efficiency was not related to the maximum ulvan content in the seaweeds, but with the active growth period of the seaweeds. Ulvan chemical structure, macromolecular characteristics, and rheological properties were affected by both species and seasons. The proportion of high-molecular-weight ulvan was the major factor positively correlated with the gelling properties. Characteristics of ulvan from U. rotundata subjected to tides were more affected by seasons than ulvan from U. armoricana living in a more constant environment. These results point to several useful recommendations concerning Ulva sp. biomass collected with regard to ulvan characteristics and uses.

The seasonal variability in the extraction yield, physicochemical characteristics, and rheological properties of ulvan from two Ulva species contributing to Brittany "green tides" has been studied. These seaweeds were collected in the water column for Ulva armoricana Dion, de Reviers et Coat and on hard substrata for Ulva rotundata Bliding. The maximum ulvan extraction efficiency was not related to the maximum ulvan content in the seaweeds, but with the active growth period of the seaweeds. Ulvan chemical structure, macromolecular characteristics, and rheological properties were affected by both species and seasons. The proportion of high-molecular-weight ulvan was the major factor positively correlated with the gelling properties. Characteristics of ulvan from U. rotundata subjected to tides were more affected by seasons than ulvan from U. armoricana living in a more constant environment. These results point to several useful recommendations concerning Ulva sp. biomass collected with regard to ulvan characteristics and uses.

In vitro cultures of Laminaria digitata (Hudson) Lamouroux stipe medullary explants (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae) gave rise to friable morula-like masses of pigmented cells. Upon subculture under continuous white light, they grew out as filaments, which tended to dissociate into spherical isolated cells, leading to the establishment of a suspended cell-filament culture. Depending on culture conditions, this cell-filament suspension underwent various forms of growth, including regeneration of morphologically normal sporophytes, and this developmental pathway was stimulated by blue light. Genotyping with nine polymorphic microsatellite markers indicated that the regenerated sporophytes and the cell-filament suspension shared the same genotype. As assessed by flow cytometric analysis of isolated nuclei, the cell-filament suspension exhibited a 2C nuclear DNA content, whereas the regenerated sporophytes displayed a 4C level. Chromosome counting, however, showed that both the mother suspension and the regenerated sporophytes were diploid, suggesting the involvement of polyteny in the regeneration process.

Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) are characterized by progressive lower limb spasticity and weakness. Mutations in the SPG3A gene, which encodes the large guanosine triphosphatase atlastin, are the second most common cause of autosomal dominant hereditary spastic paraplegia. In a large SPG3A screen of 70 hereditary spastic paraplegia subjects, a novel in-frame deletion, p.del436N, was identified. Characterization of this deletion showed that it affects neither the guanosine triphosphatase activity of atlastin nor interactions between atlastin and spastin. Interestingly, immunoblot analysis of lymphoblasts from affected patients demonstrated a significant reduction in atlastin protein levels, supporting a loss-of-function disease mechanism.

Introduction: One quarter of patients with cancer are 75 years old and above. Previous studies have suggested that taking into account selected geriatric parameters extracted from the comprehensive geriatric assessment may improve both prognosis and chemotherapy tolerance. However they were heterogeneous consisting of patients with different tumour types and treatment regimens. A simplified scale would be a helpful tool for oncologist to predict chemotherapy feasibility.

9511 Background: One quarter of patients with cancer are 75 year old and over. Previous studies suggested that geriatric parameters improved survival in elderly patients with solid advanced cancer and chemotherapy severe toxicity. A simplified scale would be helpful for oncologist to predict chemotherapy feasibility. The aim was to identify geriatric predictors of chemotherapy feasibility in chemo-naïve elderly patients. Methods: We conducted a prospective multicenter cohort study (NCT00664911). Inclusion criteria were: ≥ 75 years, solid tumor, able to receive at least 2/3 of the standard dose at the first course of treatment. Ten geriatric parameters were recorded at baseline by the oncologist: 1-three words test, 2-date and address for cognitive function, 3-Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), 4- monopodal stand-up test, 5-hospitalization during the previous year, 6-number of medicines taken for comorbidities, 7-creatinine clearance, 8-albumin serum level, 9-self-rated depressive mood question and 10-presence of a caregiver. The main outcome was chemotherapy feasibility defined by the ability to receive at least 3 months of the planned therapy. Multivariate logistic regression was used. Results: 576 patients were included in 49 centers from 2008 to 2012, 516 (89.6%) were eligible for analysis. Mean age was 81 years, 50.6% had colorectal cancer, 69.5% advanced stage and 83.6% had performance status 0-1. Chemotherapy feasibility was observed in 298 (57.8%) patients. Grade 3-4 toxicity was observed in 26.2% of patients. In multivariate analysis albuminemia < 30g/l (adjusted OR =2.34 CI95% [1.43-3.83]) and depressive mood (adjusted OR=1.55 CI95% [1.02-2.35]) were significantly associated with chemotherapy unfeasibility whereas others geriatrics parameters were not. Conclusions: Albuminemia and self rated depressive mood status were independently predictive for chemotherapy feasibility in elderly patients with solid tumor. Unexpectedly others geriatrics parameters were not independent predictors. Clinical trial information: NCT00664911.