Peculiar Magnetoelectric Coupling in BaTiO3:Fe113 ppm Nanoscopic Segregations.

We report polycrystalline BaTiO3 with cooperative magnetization behavior associated with the scarce presence of about 113 atomic ppm of Fe ions, clearly displaying magnetoelectric coupling with significant changes in magnetization (up to ΔM/M ≈ 32%) at the ferroelectric transitions. We find that Fe ions are segregated mostly at the interfaces between grain boundaries and an Fe-rich phase, forming a self-composite with high magnetoelectric coupling above room temperature. We compare our results with ab initio calculations and other experimental results found in the literature, proposing mechanisms that could be behind the magnetoelectric coupling within the ferroelectric matrix. These findings open the way for further strategies to optimize interfacial magnetoelectric couplings.

Fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis in HIV/HCV co-infected transplant patients-usefulness of early markers after liver transplantation.

We characterized fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis (FCH) in a large cohort of HIV/HCV co-infected patients. Between 1999 and 2008, 59 HIV infected patients were transplanted for end-stage liver disease due to HCV. Eleven patients (19%) developed FCH within a mean period of 7 months [2-27] after liver transplantation (LT). At Week 1 post-LT, the mean HCV viral load was higher in the FCH group: 6.13 log(10) IU/mL ± 1.30 versus 4.9 log(10) IU/mL ± 1.78 in the non-FCH group, p = 0.05. At the onset of acute hepatitis after LT, activity was moderate to severe in 8/11 HIV+/HCV+ patients with FCH (73%) versus 13/28 (46%) HIV+/HCV+ non-FCH (p = 0.007) patients. A complete virological response to anti-HCV therapy was observed in 2/11 (18%) patients. Survival differed significantly between the two groups (at 3 years, 67% in non-FCH patients versus 15% in FCH patients, p = 0.004). An early diagnosis of FCH may be suggested by the presence of marked disease activity when acute hepatitis is diagnosed and when a high viral load is present. The initiation of anti-HCV therapy should be considered at this point.

[Hepatitis C virus genotyping: comparison of the Abbott RealTime HCV Genotype II assay and NS5B sequencing]. / Génotypage du virus de l'hépatite C : comparaison du test Abbott RealTime HCV Genotype II au séquençage de la région NS5B.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Hepatitis C virus genotyping is needed for treatment decision and monitoring. The results of a genotyping assay based on real-time PCR and TaqMan chemistry were compared with the results of NS5B region sequencing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and two sera (genotypes 1-6) were tested. Amplification and detection of viral RNA were performed with the Abbott RealTime HCV Genotype II assay targeting 5'non-coded region (5'NC) for the identification of genotypes 1 to 6 and NS5B, for 1a and 1b subtypes detection. Sequencing of 5'NC fragment was used to resolve discrepant results. RESULTS: No indeterminate results were obtained. Concordance with NS5B sequencing was 93% (95 on 102), 96% at the genotype level (98 on 102) and 93% for genotype 1 subtyping (40 on 43). Discordant genotyping results were a 2f subtype identified as 5, a 6a typed as 1, a 3a identified as a 1-3 co-infection and a 4r identified as a 1-4 co-infection. Discordant subtyping results were 2 1b subtypes only typed as 1 and a 1e identified as 1a. CONCLUSION: Abbott RealTime HCV Genotype II assay is a rapid, automated and simple to interpret method for HCV genotyping. It allows the detection of possible mixed infections which might have a negative impact on therapeutic response. However, the discrepant results found in this small series underline the need for assay optimization.

[Rapid seroreversion following spontaneous recovery of acute hepatitis C in an HIV infected patient]. / Séroréversion rapide après résolution spontanée de l'hépatite C aiguë chez un patient VIH positif.

We present a case of acute hepatitis C in an HIV infected patient. According to the findings of third-generation serological assays, 18 months after spontaneous recovery, anti-HCV specific antibodies were completely disappeared, leaving no trace of HCV infection.