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Biomedical subjects

P Moulin

Publications and source records attributed to P Moulin.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Fluorescent pseudomonads occurring in Macrotermes subhyalinus mound structures decrease Cd toxicity and improve its accumulation in sorghum plants.

Cd-tolerant bacterial strains of fluorescent pseudomonads, mostly belonging to Pseudomonas monteillii, were isolated from termite mound soil (Macrotermes subhyalinus, a litter-forager and fungus-growing termite), in a Sudanese shrubby savanna, Burkina Faso. Such large mounds appeared as sites of great bacterial diversity and could be considered as hot spots of metal-tolerant fluorescent pseudomonads. Microbial isolates were inoculated to Sorghum plants (S. bicolor) in glasshouse experiments with soil amended with CdCl(2) (560 mg Cd kg(-1) soil). Microbial functional diversity was assessed at the end of the experiment by measurement of in situ patterns of catabolic potentials. All the bacteria isolates significantly improved the shoot and total biomass of sorghum plants compared to the control. Results concerning root biomass were not significant with some strains. Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) was greatly reduced by CdCl(2) amendment, and fluorescent pseudomonad inoculation significantly increased AM colonisation in the contaminated soil. The bacterial inoculation significantly improved Cd uptake by sorghum plants. Measurement of catabolic potentials on 16 substrates showed that the microbial communities were different according to the soil amendment. Soils samples inoculated with pseudomonad strains presented a higher use of ketoglutaric and hydroxybutiric acids, as opposed to fumaric acid in soil samples not inoculated. It is suggested that fluorescent pseudomonads could act indirectly in such metabolic processes by involving a lower rate of degradation of citric acid, in line with the effect of small organic acid on phytoextraction of heavy metals from soil. This is a first contribution to bioremediation of metal-contaminated sites with soil-to-plant transfer, using termite built structures. Further data are required on the efficiency of the bacterial strains isolated and on the processes involved.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Guidelines and legislation for dye house effluents.

Increasing attention has been paid over the years to the environmental problems related to industrial activities. Environmental standards have been established and control organisms have been created with a view to applying restrictive legislation. In the dyeing industry, ennoblers discharge in the environment large volumes of strongly coloured effluents that are heavily loaded with pollutants and highly concentrated in salts. This chemical load is generated during the different steps of textile preparation. After reviewing the characteristics of these effluents, this paper gives a comparative review of the current legislations on the dyeing industry emissions. It examines more closely the discharge legislation, first in France and then in other countries around the world. A comparison of the six most representative parameters shows how different the applied constraints are in different countries.

Coloring Agents↗
PubMed2006

Aquaporin-1 plays an essential role in water permeability and ultrafiltration during peritoneal dialysis.

The water channel aquaporin-1 (AQP1) is considered as the molecular counterpart of the ultrasmall pore predicted by the three-pore model of fluid transport across the peritoneal membrane. However, the definitive proof of the implication of AQP1 in solute-free water transport, sodium sieving, and ultrafiltration (UF) during peritoneal dialysis (PD) is lacking, and the effects of its deletion on the structure of the membrane are unknown. Using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunogold electron microscopy, we showed that AQP1 is the most abundant member of the AQP gene family expressed in the mouse peritoneum, and the only one located in the capillary endothelium. Transport studies during a 2-h dwell demonstrated that, in comparison with Aqp1(+/+) littermates, Aqp1(-/-) mice had no sodium sieving; an approximately 70% decrease in the initial, solute-free UF; and an approximately 50% decrease in cumulative UF. These modifications occurred despite unchanged osmotic gradient and transport of small solutes in the Aqp1(-/-) mice. Heterozygous Aqp1(+/-) mice showed intermediate values in sodium sieving and initial UF, whereas cumulative UF was similar to Aqp1(+/+) mice. The deletion of AQP1 had no effect on the expression of other AQPs and on the density, structure, or diameter of peritoneal capillaries. These data provide direct evidence for the role of AQP1 during PD. They validate essential predictions of the three-pore model: (i) the ultrasmall pores account for the sodium sieving, and (ii) they mediate 50% of UF during a hypertonic dwell.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Long-term achievement of the therapeutic objectives of lipid-lowering agents in primary prevention patients and cardiovascular outcomes: an observational study.

AIMS: Lowering elevated cholesterol levels reduces cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. Nonetheless, most patients treated with lipid-lowering agents (LLA) do not reach recommended therapeutic objectives. In a setting of primary care in France, we investigated the association between LDL-cholesterol goal attainment and the occurrence of CV events in primary prevention patients with multiple CV risk factors (> or = 3). According to national guidelines, the therapeutic objective (TO) for such patients is an LDL-cholesterol value below 130 mg/dL. METHODS: 579 patients treated with LLA and with LDL-cholesterol values documented at least once a year over a period of at least 3 years (2000-2002) were allocated to three groups based on the number of years the TO was attained during the follow-up period: in all 3 years (TO+++: n=145), only part of the time (TO intermediate: n=256), and never (TO---: n=178). CV events (angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, peripheral artery disease) occurring during the last year of observation (2002) were retrospectively collected. The occurrence risk (OR) of CV events was assessed based on TO status, with a logistic regression model to adjust for baseline differences in CV risk factors. RESULTS: Only a quarter of patients attained TO during all 3 study years. CV events during the third year of observation occurred in 5.5%, 10.5% and 12.9% of patients in the TO+++, TO intermediate and TO--- groups, respectively. Compared with TO+++ patients, the risk of CV events increased significantly in TO intermediate (OR=2.34, 95% CI=[1.01-5.39]) and TO--- patients (OR=2.99, 95% CI=[1.26-7.08]). CONCLUSION: In real practice, a prolonged attainment of TO is rarely observed in high CV risk patients treated with LLA as primary prevention. Therapeutic failure is related to an increased incidence of cardiovascular morbidity. Our data strongly support the need to improve adherence to treatment guidelines to achieve effective cardiovascular prevention.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Ineffectiveness of lipid-lowering therapy in primary care.

BACKGROUND: Evidence confirms the positive effects of lipid-lowering agents on the risk of cardiovascular disease. Local guidelines in France (AFSSAPS) have defined therapeutic objectives for LDL-cholesterol. These objectives vary with the number of cardiovascular risk factors in addition to dyslipidaemia. We determined the proportions of patients at therapeutic objective in different classes of cardiovascular risk to test the hypothesis that compliance with guidelines varies across the levels of risk. Comparison with international guidelines (ANDEM) was also performed. METHODS: A group of 3173 dyslipidaemic patients treated with lipid-lowering agents and managed by general practitioners was randomly selected from BKL-Thales panel, a French computerized database. For each patient, history of coronary heart disease and the number of cardiovascular risk factors were documented. Compliance with guidelines was assessed from achievement of therapeutic objective. RESULTS: The study population included 79% primary prevention patients (1.6, 25.5, 31.7 and 20.1%, with 1, 2, 3, and >3 risk factors, respectively) and 21.0% secondary prevention patients. Applying AFSSAPS guidelines, the proportions of primary prevention patients not at LDL-cholesterol objectives varied across risk categories (P < 0.0001), from 3.9% for patients with one risk factor to 46.5% for patients with >3 risk factors, and therapeutic failure reached 39.9% in secondary prevention. Only 26% of patients who were at high cardiovascular risk (>3 risk factors or prior coronary heart disease) and not at therapeutic objective received high doses (>standard recommended doses) of lipid-lowering agents in monotherapy. Applying ANDEM guidelines, 74% of secondary prevention patients were not at treatment goal. CONCLUSION: Compliance with guidelines varied inversely with the level of cardiovascular risk. Besides, most patients not at therapeutic objective were not up-titrated. The use of lipid-lowering agents is inadequate, depriving many patients of an effective protection against cardiovascular diseases.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Coagulation-flocculation-decantation of dye house effluents: concentrated effluents.

The treatment and valorization (recycling of water and mineral salts) of dyeing effluents constitutes a major economic and environmental issue. Cotton dyeing using reactive dyes is actually the most polluting in terms of discharge. In order to treat and valorize the effluent from a dyeing process using reactive dyes, the firm Clariant and the LPPE have developed and patented a process allowing the recovery of most of the water and salts present in the effluent and also of a concentrate containing the hydrolyzed reactive dyes and the highly concentrated auxiliaries. This paper describes the coagulation-flocculation-decantation process used to optimize water recovery from the concentrate. Coagulants and flocculants are used in the industry for the treatment of effluents produced by the synthesis of dyes in general (acid, disperse, reactive). Although the settling velocity is relatively low, the results show that it is possible to recycle a great volume of water using a small decanter area, since the concentrate flow rate is low. These effluents are substantially discolored, it possible to envisage recycling them.

Coloring Agents↗
PubMed2004

Treatment of silica effluents: ultrafiltration or coagulation-decantation.

In the electronics industry, the preparation of silicon plates generates effluents that contain a great amount of colloidal silica. Two processes--decantation and ultrafiltration--are studied with in view the treatment of the effluents released by the firm Rockwood Electronic Materials. The feasibility of each of the two processes is studied separately and their operating parameters optimized. Both processes allow the recovery of a great proportion of the initial effluent (over 89%) as transparent and colorless water that can be reused at the start of a line. In view of the results and of the compared advantages and disadvantages of the two processes, ultrafiltration will be selected for the industrial unit.

Colloids↗
PubMed2004

[Bone mineral metabolism: recent data and perspectives related to osteogenesis].

Important data have recently been added to our knowledge of bone mineral metabolism in children. Molecular pathophysiology of several pediatric syndromes has been clarified. Specially, the components of endocrine and metabolic regulations are tightly related with regard to the trophicity of bone. On another hand, the impact of several therapeutics of bone diseases like biphosphonates, parathormone (PTH) or growth hormone on bone anabolism is now strongly emphasized. All these points are important for the becoming of bone pediatric diseases in the adult life. Here we analyze the essential components of mineral metabolism and of its regulation in view of the recent biological data, like PTH/PTHrP (PTH-related peptide)-evoked cell signaling, the role of FGF 23 (Fibroblast growth factor 23) in hypophosphatemia and the regulation of vitamin D metabolism by 1alpha-hydroxylase. Inter-relation of these regulating elements is present in several genetic diseases and in the Mc Cune Albright syndrome. Relationships between metabolic and endocrine factors are analyzed considering their impact on PTH secretion and osteogenesis.

Bone Diseases↗
PubMed2004

Severe hypoplasia of the abdominal aorta and its branches in a patient and his daughter.

We report the history of a patient and his daughter, both affected with hypoplasia of the abdominal aorta and its branches, leading to early and dramatic complications. In the index patient, renal ischaemia as a result of severe hypoplasia of the abdominal aorta and the origin of renal arteries led to progressive renal failure and end-stage renal disease at the age of 32 years. Other vascular abnormalities included hypoplasia of the celiac trunk (CT) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA). After a successful kidney transplantation at the age of 40 years, he eventually deceased following an episode of possibly ischaemic acute pancreatitis at 47 years. The patient's daughter suffered from an haemorrhagic stroke at the age of 7 years, which led to the discovery of severe hypertension caused by bilateral narrowing of renal arteries, as well as hypoplasia of CT, SMA, subclavian and pulmonary arteries. Biopsy of the narrowed renal artery of the daughter showed a particular form of fibrodysplasia characterized by an unusual fibrosis of the inner part of the media, just beneath the internal elastic lamina. To our knowledge, this is the first report of familial hypoplasia of the abdominal aorta. It might be the cardinal manifestation of a familial form of fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD). Interestingly, the histological lesions described in the daughter's renal artery differ from the classical form of medial FMD.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed2003

Effect of glycated LDL on microvascular tone in mice: a comparative study with LDL modified in vitro or isolated from diabetic patients.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: In vitro studies have suggested that glycation of LDL might be implicated in diabetic microangiopathy. We therefore investigated the in vivo effects of LDL glycated in vitro on the mouse skeletal muscle arteriolar tone. Since glycation naturally occurs during diabetes, we also tested the effects of LDL isolated from diabetic patients. METHODS: In anaesthetized mice, the spinotrapezius muscle microcirculation was observed, in situ, using the orthogonal polarization spectral imaging technology. The diameter of terminal (<20 microm) and small arterioles (20-40 microm) was measured before and after a bolus intravenous injection of glycated LDL followed by a continuous perfusion (115 micro g/kg/min). RESULTS: A slight decrease of terminal and small arterioles diameter (<10%) was observed with native LDL and LDL isolated from healthy subjects. In contrast, mildly glycated LDL induced a clear vasoconstriction of arterioles (>15%), which was further increased when highly glycated LDL was perfused (>22%). LDL isolated from diabetic patients mimicked the vasoconstriction obtained with in vitro mildly glycated LDL, which underwent similar glycation as those isolated from diabetic patients. CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION: Our results show in vivo that acute perfusion of both types of glycated LDL (artificially or naturally modified), cause major microvascular modification by enhancing arteriolar tone in skeletal muscle. These findings highlight a new role of glycated LDL at the level of microvessels. We suggest that glycation of LDL could contribute to the impaired vascular reactivity observed in diabetes.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Zeta potential measurement of calcium carbonate.

The problem of scaling, which one finds in industrial heat exchangers, particularly in atmospheric coolers in nuclear power stations, depends on calcium carbonate deposits from fresh water. To better understand this phenomenon, we have examined the eventual implication of superficial electric charge of precipitated crystal nuclei. After a bibliographical review showing a fundamental divergence from already published results, this paper describes an experimental plant to measure the zeta potential in controlled conditions of thermodynamic equilibrium, oversaturation, or undersaturation of a CaCO(3)-H(2)O-CO(2) system taking into account simultaneously the three phases: gas, liquid, and solid. The zeta potential is measured by a crystalline-plug method with calcite or aragonite crystals. The potential cancels at thermodynamic equilibrium and is always negative for other conditions, in particular for oversaturation where the possibility of scaling exists. The analysis of these results suggests that the potential determining ions of the system are Ca(2+) and HCO(-)(3).

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

Transitional cell carcinoma involving the prostate: a clinicopathological retrospective study of 76 cases.

PURPOSE: We reviewed the degree to which extension from transitional cell carcinoma into the prostate affects survival. We also compared whether prostatic stromal invasion occurring via direct extension through the bladder wall differs from stromal invasion arising intraurethrally. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 76 men who underwent radical cystectomy for transitional cell carcinoma also had prostate involvement. Patients were separated into group 1-18 with primary bladder tumor extending transmurally through the bladder wall to invade the prostate and group 2-58 with prostate involvement arising from within the prostatic urethra. In the latter group the degree of prostate invasion was classified as urethral mucosal involvement, ductal/acinar involvement and stromal invasion. RESULTS: The 5-year overall survival and recurrence-free rate were 22% and 28% in group 1 versus 43% and 45% in group 2, respectively. In group 2 survival rates were similar in those with prostatic urethral and ductal tumors (without stromal invasion). Five-year overall survival rates without and with stromal invasion were 49% and 25%, respectively (p = 0.024). Prostate involvement decreased survival, which varied according to primary bladder stages (Pis, P1, P2a/b and P3a/b, p = 0.004) or superficial (Pis, Pa and P1) and muscle invasive (P2a/b and P3/b, p = 0.045), disease in 2 groups. Those with positive lymph nodes experienced poorer outcomes in each group. The 5-year overall survival rate in the 19 men with positive lymph nodes was 13% and it was 44% with negative lymph nodes (p = 0.034). The major prognostic factors were age, degree of prostate invasion and lymph node involvement. CONCLUSIONS: The invasion pathways of prostate invasion in patients with transitional cell bladder carcinoma have a statistically significant prognostic role in survival. Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder extending into the prostate through the bladder wall and bladder carcinoma that did not directly infiltrate the prostate through the bladder wall are 2 distinct clinicopathological entities that should not be included in the same staging grade.

Adult↗