Large granulation cells on the surface of the giant star π1 Gruis.

Convection plays a major part in many astrophysical processes, including energy transport, pulsation, dynamos and winds on evolved stars, in dust clouds and on brown dwarfs. Most of our knowledge about stellar convection has come from studying the Sun: about two million convective cells with typical sizes of around 2,000 kilometres across are present on the surface of the Sun-a phenomenon known as granulation. But on the surfaces of giant and supergiant stars there should be only a few large (several tens of thousands of times larger than those on the Sun) convective cells, owing to low surface gravity. Deriving the characteristic properties of convection (such as granule size and contrast) for the most evolved giant and supergiant stars is challenging because their photospheres are obscured by dust, which partially masks the convective patterns. These properties can be inferred from geometric model fitting, but this indirect method does not provide information about the physical origin of the convective cells. Here we report interferometric images of the surface of the evolved giant star π1 Gruis, of spectral type S5,7. Our images show a nearly circular, dust-free atmosphere, which is very compact and only weakly affected by molecular opacity. We find that the stellar surface has a complex convective pattern with an average intensity contrast of 12 per cent, which increases towards shorter wavelengths. We derive a characteristic horizontal granule size of about 1.2 × 1011 metres, which corresponds to 27 per cent of the diameter of the star. Our measurements fall along the scaling relations between granule size, effective temperature and surface gravity that are predicted by simulations of stellar surface convection.

No Sun-like dynamo on the active star ζ Andromedae from starspot asymmetry.

Sunspots are cool areas caused by strong surface magnetic fields that inhibit convection. Moreover, strong magnetic fields can alter the average atmospheric structure, degrading our ability to measure stellar masses and ages. Stars that are more active than the Sun have more and stronger dark spots than does the Sun, including on the rotational pole. Doppler imaging, which has so far produced the most detailed images of surface structures on other stars, cannot always distinguish the hemisphere in which the starspots are located, especially in the equatorial region and if the data quality is not optimal. This leads to problems in investigating the north-south distribution of starspot active latitudes (those latitudes with more starspot activity); this distribution is a crucial constraint of dynamo theory. Polar spots, whose existence is inferred from Doppler tomography, could plausibly be observational artefacts. Here we report imaging of the old, magnetically active star ζ Andromedae using long-baseline infrared interferometry. In our data, a dark polar spot is seen in each of two observation epochs, whereas lower-latitude spot structures in both hemispheres do not persist between observations, revealing global starspot asymmetries. The north-south symmetry of active latitudes observed on the Sun is absent on ζ And, which hosts global spot patterns that cannot be produced by solar-type dynamos.

[Acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]. / Maladie du greffon contre l'hôte aiguë et chronique après allogreffe de cellules souches hématopoïétiques.

Acute and/or chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a serious complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT). It is a multisystemic inflammatory and/or fibrotic disease that occurs when the immune cells derived from the graft (and therefore originating from the donor) recognize recipient's healthy tissues as foreign and react against them. Acute GVHD is one of the main causes of non-relapse mortality after alloHSCT. Chronic GVHD can be very disabling in its severe form and can also be responsible for late mortality, mainly due to long-term immune deficiency and opportunistic infections. In contrast, GVHD can be associated with certain beneficial effects in patients transplanted for hematological malignancies, through simultaneous «graft versus tumour¼ positive effects. Therefore, one of the challenges of alloHSCT is the prevention and treatment of severe forms of GVHD without losing the beneficial anti-tumour effects of the graft.

: La maladie du greffon contre l'hôte («greffe-versus-hôte¼, GVH) aiguë et/ou chronique est une complication sérieuse de l'allogreffe de cellules souches hématopoïétiques (CSH). Elle correspond à des manifestations inflammatoires et/ou fibrotiques multisystémiques qui se produisent lorsque les cellules immunitaires dérivées de la greffe (et donc originaires du donneur) reconnaissent les tissus sains du receveur comme étrangers et réagissent contre eux. La GVH aiguë est l'une des principales causes de mortalité hors rechute post-greffe. La GVH chronique peut être très invalidante dans sa forme sévère et peut également être responsable d'une mortalité tardive, principalement due à un déficit immunitaire à long terme et à des infections opportunistes. À l'opposé, la GVH est associée à certains effets bénéfiques chez les patients transplantés pour des hémopathies malignes, par les effets simultanés favorables du «greffon contre la tumeur¼. Par conséquent, l'un des défis de l'allogreffe de CSH est la prévention et le traitement des formes sévères de GVH, sans perdre les effets bénéfiques anti-tumoraux du greffon.

[Cellular immunotherapy at the University Hospital of Liege : advances, challenges and prospects]. / Immunothérapie cellulaire au CHU de Liège : avancées, défis et perspectives.

Cellular immunotherapy consists in using the cells of the immune system as a therapeutic weapon. In this constantly evolving field, the therapeutic strategies developed at the University Hospital of Liege are hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, mesenchymal stromal cells and targeted therapy with CAR-T cells (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells). The first two modalities represent a form of non-targeted cell therapy that has been developed over the past decades. While hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is established as the reference treatment for many hematological diseases, mesenchymal stromal cells are still under investigation in various pathologies (notably Crohn's disease, organ transplantation, COVID-19 and pulmonary fibrosis). By contrast, CAR-T cells represent a recently developed and extremely promising targeted immunotherapy. This therapeutic approach has already revolutionized the treatment of B-cell lymphopathies, and has the potential to do the same for many other diseases in the near future.

L'immunothérapie cellulaire consiste en l'utilisation de cellules du système immunitaire comme arme thérapeutique. Dans ce domaine en évolution constante, les stratégies thérapeutiques développées au CHU de Liège sont la greffe de cellules souches hématopoïétiques, les cellules stromales mésenchymateuses et la thérapie ciblée par cellules CAR-T («Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells¼). Les deux premières approches représentent une forme de thérapie cellulaire non ciblée, développées depuis de nombreuses années. Si la greffe de cellules souches hématopoïétiques est établie comme le traitement de référence de nombreuses hémopathies, les cellules stromales mésenchymateuses sont, quant à elles, toujours à l'étude dans diverses pathologies (notamment maladie de Crohn, transplantation d'organes, COVID-19 et fibrose pulmonaire). À l'opposé, les cellules CAR-T représentent une immunothérapie ciblée, développée récemment et extrêmement prometteuse. Cette modalité thérapeutique a déjà révolutionné le traitement des lymphopathies B, et elle possède le potentiel d'en faire de même pour de nombreuses autres pathologies dans un avenir proche.

[Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation : general principles and recent progress]. / Allogreffes de cellules souches hématopoïétiques Principes généraux et progrès récents.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a potentially curative therapeutic option for many oncologic and non-oncologic hematological diseases. There is a constant evolution regarding donor choice, conditioning regimen intensity and immunosuppressive treatments, which leads to a reduction in morbidity and mortality during and after transplantation. In this article, we describe the general principles of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and discuss the progress of global patient management after transplantation.

L'allogreffe de cellules souches hématopoïétiques constitue un traitement potentiellement curatif pour de nombreuses pathologies hématologiques cancéreuses ou non cancéreuses. Une évolution constante dans le choix du donneur, de l'intensité du conditionnement et des stratégies de traitements immunosuppresseurs, permet une réduction de la morbidité et de la mortalité durant et après la greffe. Cet article a pour but de réexpliquer les principes généraux d'une allogreffe et de discuter des nouvelles avancées et adaptations dans la prise en charge globale des patients greffés.

[Overview of the general management of acute leukemia for adults]. / Principes généraux de la prise en charge des leucémies aiguës de l'adulte.

Acute leukemias are a heterogeneous group of malignant hemopathies which are subdivided according to the cytological orientation of the pathological blast cell into lymphoblastic (ALL) and myeloblastic (AML) acute leukemias. Recent advances in the biological and genetic understanding of these diseases have led to improved treatments. Specific chemotherapy treatment or so-called «targeted¼ treatments, advances in bone marrow transplantation and better supportive care have gradually improved the prognosis. This review, focused on the adult patient, aims to describe recent progress in terms of diagnosis, prognostic markers and therapy.

Les leucémies aiguës sont un ensemble hétérogène d'hémopathies malignes qui se subdivisent, en fonction de l'orientation cytologique de la cellule blastique pathologique, en formes lymphoblastique (LLA) et myéloblastique (LMA). Les récents progrès dans la compréhension biologique et génétique de ces maladies ont permis d'améliorer les traitements. Le traitement spécifique de chimiothérapie ou traitements dits «ciblés¼, les progrès de la greffe de moelle et de meilleurs soins de support ont permis d'améliorer graduellement le pronostic. Cette revue, centrée sur le patient adulte, a pour objectif de décrire les progrès récents en termes de diagnostic, de marqueurs pronostiques ainsi que thérapeutiques.

The expanding fireball of Nova Delphini 2013.

A classical nova occurs when material accreting onto the surface of a white dwarf in a close binary system ignites in a thermonuclear runaway. Complex structures observed in the ejecta at late stages could result from interactions with the companion during the common-envelope phase. Alternatively, the explosion could be intrinsically bipolar, resulting from a localized ignition on the surface of the white dwarf or as a consequence of rotational distortion. Studying the structure of novae during the earliest phases is challenging because of the high spatial resolution needed to measure their small sizes. Here we report near-infrared interferometric measurements of the angular size of Nova Delphini 2013, starting one day after the explosion and continuing with extensive time coverage during the first 43 days. Changes in the apparent expansion rate can be explained by an explosion model consisting of an optically thick core surrounded by a diffuse envelope. The optical depth of the ejected material changes as it expands. We detect an ellipticity in the light distribution, suggesting a prolate or bipolar structure that develops as early as the second day. Combining the angular expansion rate with radial velocity measurements, we derive a geometric distance to the nova of 4.54 ± 0.59 kiloparsecs from the Sun.

Cord blood transplantation is associated with good outcomes in secondary Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in first remission.

BACKGROUND: We conducted a retrospective survey within the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) registry to assess the outcomes of cord blood transplantation (CBT) in secondary acute myeloid leukaemia (sAML). METHODS: Inclusion criteria consisted of ≥18 years of age, sAML, first CBT between 2002 and 2016, and either first complete remission (CR) or active disease at CBT. RESULTS: One hundred forty-six patients met the study inclusion criteria. Status at transplantation was first CR (n = 97), primary refractory sAML (n = 30) or relapsed (n = 19) sAML. Neutrophil engraftment was achieved in 118 patients while the remaining 25 patients (17%) failed to engraft. This includes 13% of patients transplanted in first CR versus 30% of those transplanted with active disease (P = 0.008). Two-year incidences of relapse were 25% in first CR patients versus 36% in those with advanced disease (P = 0.06) while 2-year incidences of nonrelapse mortality were 35% and 49% (P = 0.03), respectively. At 2-year overall survival, leukaemia-free survival and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)-free relapse-free survival were 42% vs. 19% (P < 0.001), 40% vs. 16% (P < 0.001), and 26% vs. 12% (P = 0.002) in first CR patients versus those with advanced disease, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We report here the first study of CBT in a large cohort of sAML patients. Main observation was that CBT rescued approximately 40% of patients with sAML in first CR.

Bacterial diversity on stainless steel surfaces of egg processing companies and potential of selected isolates to spoil liquid whole egg products.

AIMS: To assess the bacterial diversity in the French egg processing industry and to explore the adhesion and spoilage potential of selected bacteria. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sterile stainless steel chips were suspended for 2 months inside the pipelines of seven egg processing companies, before and after the pasteurizer, at warm and cold seasons. After exposure, the bacterial diversity was assessed by 16S rDNA sequencing. The 231 collected isolates were mainly facultative anaerobic Gram positive bacteria, such as Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Bacillus and Kocuria. Sixty-five representative isolates were further characterized in vitro regarding the potential for adhesion and egg product spoilage. A high diversity was observed from one genus to another. Kocuria and Rothia isolates showed significantly higher adhesion than the isolates of the other genera. Only the isolates belonging to the genera Bacillus and Lysinibacillus, associated with high enzymatic activities on a solid egg-based medium, were able to induce spoilage of liquid whole egg. CONCLUSIONS: Bacteria collected on stainless steel surfaces placed in egg processing industries could be associated to liquid egg product spoilage. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study provides new insights on the bacterial contamination in egg processing companies and represents a first step for the effective control of undesirable bacteria in liquid egg products.

Occurrence of graft-versus-host disease increases mortality after umbilical cord blood transplantation for acute myeloid leukaemia: a report from Eurocord and the ALWP of the EBMT.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) as treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) relies on immune-mediated graft-versus-leukaemia effects. Previous studies have suggested a strong association between graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) occurrence and graft-versus-leukaemia effects after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. METHODS: Here, we evaluated the kinetics of relapse rate in correlation with GVHD occurrence after UCBT. The kinetics of relapse rate over time in correlation to GVHD occurrence were assessed by calculating the relapse rate per patient-year within sequential 90-day intervals. The impact of GVHD on relapse and mortality was further studied in multivariate Cox models handling GVHD as a time-dependent covariate. RESULTS: The study included data from 1068 patients given single (n = 567) or double (n = 501) UCBT. The proportion of patients with grade II, III and IV acute GVHD was 20%, 7% and 4%, respectively. At 2 years, the cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD was 42%, the cumulative incidence of relapse was 32%, and overall survival was 32% as well. Relapse rates declined gradually over time during the first 30 months after transplantation. There was a possible suggestion that grade II-IV acute (HR = 0.8, P = 0.1) and chronic (HR = 0.65, P = 0.1) GVHD decreased relapse risk. However, grade II-IV acute GVHD significantly increased early (the first 18 months after UCBT) mortality (HR = 1.3, P = 0.02), whilst chronic GVHD increased each early (HR = 2.7, P < 0.001) and late (HR = 4.9, P < 0.001) mortality after UCBT. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of grade II-IV acute or chronic GVHD each increases overall mortality after UCBT for AML mitigating the possible graft-versus-leukemia effect of GVHD.

Cellular immunotherapy in multiple myeloma: lessons from preclinical models.

The majority of multiple myeloma patients relapse with the current treatment strategies, raising the need for alternative therapeutic approaches. Cellular immunotherapy is a rapidly evolving field and currently being translated into clinical trials with encouraging results in several cancer types, including multiple myeloma. Murine multiple myeloma models are of critical importance for the development and refinement of cellular immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize the immune cell changes that occur in multiple myeloma patients and we discuss the cell-based immunotherapies that have been tested in multiple myeloma, with a focus on murine models.

Global overview of the risk linked to the Bacillus cereus group in the egg product industry: identification of food safety and food spoilage markers.

AIMS: To evaluate the food safety and spoilage risks associated with psychrotrophic Bacillus cereus group bacteria for the egg product industry and to search for relevant risk markers. METHODS AND RESULTS: A collection of 68 psychrotrophic B. cereus group isolates, coming from pasteurized liquid whole egg products, was analysed through a principal component analysis (PCA) regarding their spoilage and food safety risk potentials. The principal component analysis showed a clear differentiation between two groups within the collection, one half of the isolates representing a safety risk and the other half a spoilage risk. CONCLUSIONS: Relevant risk markers were highlighted by PCA, that is (i) for the food safety risk, the presence of the specific 16S rDNA-1m genetic signature and the ability to grow at 43°C on solid medium and (ii) for the spoilage risk, the presence of the cspA genetic signature. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This work represents a first step in the development of new diagnostic technologies for the assessment of the microbiological quality of foods likely to be contaminated with psychrotrophic B. cereus group bacteria.

Identifying risk factors for eggshell contamination by Bacillus cereus group bacteria in French laying farms.

1. The growth of Bacillus cereus group bacteria often limits the shelf-life of pasteurised liquid egg products and is also a putative toxin producer. This study was performed to better understand the route of contamination by B. cereus in egg products by studying the factors affecting eggshell contamination on-farm. 2. Eggs were collected in warm and cold seasons in 50 conventional laying farms in Western France. Egg surfaces were analysed for the presence of B. cereus group bacteria, environmental measurements were recorded and production practices were identified through a questionnaire filled out by the farmers. 3. A total of 44% of the farms were contaminated by mesophilic and 10% by psychrotrophic B. cereus group bacteria. No significant effect of the season was observed, whatever the thermal type. Several procedures were associated with reduced eggshell contamination by mesophilic bacteria, including the limitation of dust formation from manure and feeding and efficient disinfection of the silo, houses and the sanitary wall between houses. 4. The research highlights the need to promote prevention strategies, from farm to fork, for the control of eggshell and putative subsequent egg product contamination by B. cereus group bacteria.

[Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: what is the upper age limit?]. / Allogreffe de cellules souches hématopoïétiques chez le patient agé: jusqu' a quel age?

In the last decades, the upper age limit for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation has increased from 50-60 years to 70-75 years of age, in part due to the development of allogeneic transplantation following reduced-intensity or truly nonmyeloablative conditioning. This review describes challenges and opportunities of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in the elderly.

Biodiversity of psychrotrophic bacteria of the Bacillus cereus group collected on farm and in egg product industry.

The aim of the present study was (i) to type, by genotypic and phenotypic methods, a collection of psychrotrophic bacteria belonging to the Bacillus cereus group collected in a farm and in 6 egg breaking industries during a period covering a warm and a cold season, and (ii) to characterize the egg product spoilage (growth in liquid whole egg) and the sanitary risk potential (cytotoxic activity on Caco-2 cells and adhesion on stainless steel) of each isolate of the collection. The investigation of specific psychrotrophic and mesophilic signatures together with the study of ability to grow at 6 °C and/or at 43 °C on optimal agar medium allowed highlighting twelve profiles, the major one corresponding to the species Bacillus weihenstephanensis (46.2% of the collection). The diversity of the profiles depended on the season and on the origin of the isolates. In terms of food spoilage, all the isolates were able to grow at the same level in liquid whole egg and in optimal medium, even at low temperature. Under the same conditions, the cytotoxic activity depended on the isolate, the medium and the temperature. At 10 °C, no isolate was cytotoxic at 10 °C in liquid whole egg and only one, belonging to the Bacillus weihenstephansensis species, in the optimal medium. All the isolates were able to adhere on stainless steel at various levels, from 2.6±0.2 log cfu/cm(2) to 4.9±0.1 log cfu/cm(2). A large majority (80.8%) was strongly adhering and could lead to the formation of biofilms in industrial equipments.

[Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell treatment after non-myeloablation (minigraft)]. / Allogreffe de cellules souches hématopoïétiques après un traitement non-myéloablateur (minigreffe).

Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the best treatment option for many patients suffering from severe haematologic diseases. Allogeneic transplantation is generally preceded, by a myeloablative conditioning regimen consisting of high doses of chemo/radiotherapy. The use of those high dose conditionings is restricted to young patients (< 55 years of age) without significant comorbidities. Unfortunately, median patient age at diagnosis of most haematological malignancies ranges from 60 to 70 years. It has been accepted since the late 1970s that the occurrence of acute and/or chronic graft-versus-host disease (a life-threatening complication of allogeneic transplantation consisting of host organ destruction by donor T cells present in the graft) leads to a dramatic decreased risk of relapse thanks to the destruction of host tumour cells by donor T cells (graft-versus-tumour effects). These observations led several groups of investigators to develop non-myeloablative conditionings for allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (also termed mini-transplant) based nearly exclusively on graft-versus-tumour effects for tumour eradication. After a brief introduction, this article reviews preliminary results of nonmyeloablative transplantation and then present some perspectives aimed at increasing the efficacy while decreasing the toxicity of this approach.

An interdisciplinary approach to teachers' voice disorders and psychosocial working conditions.

OBJECTIVES: The goals of this epidemiological paper are focused on studying teachers' vocal complaints, their voice pattern, and the impact of voice disorders on psychosocial working conditions. PATIENTS: A representative stratified random sample of 282 teachers from kindergartens and elementary schools was studied. Two types of self-report questionnaires were applied: an inquiry about teachers' occupational voice profile, and the adapted Spanish version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (ISTAS-21). Pearson's chi(2) test was performed to search for statistical associations. RESULTS: 62.7% of subjects were experiencing occupational voice disorders; these teachers showed significantly worse psychosocial conditions than their healthy voice colleagues. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational voice disorders affect more than 60% of teachers and have an impact on their psychosocial working conditions. Interdisciplinary work is essential to shed light on these multifactor mechanisms and effects.

[Chronic graft-versus-host disease: a multidisciplinary approach]. / Maladie du greffon contre l'hôt chronique: une prise en charge multidisciplinaire.

Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD) is a frequent complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. This review article describes recent advances in the classification and treatment of chronic GVHD.

[Mantle cell lymphoma]. / Le lymphome du manteau.

Mantle cell lymphoma comprises 3 to 10% of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Cyclin D1 expression due to t(11 ;14) (q13 ;32) is considered as a hallmark of this lymphoma and plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of lymphoma transformation. Median age at diagnosis ranges from 60 to 70 years, and diagnosis is often made at an advanced stage with widespread lymphadenopathy and extranodular (particularly bone marrow and gastrointestinal) infiltration. First line treatment consists of combination chemotherapy followed with autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in younger patients, while allogeneic HCT following non-myeloablative conditioning might have a role in patients relapsing after autologous HCT.

Morphometry of porcine spermatozoa and its functional significance in relation with the motility parameters in fresh semen.

Both the study and the relationship between sperm design and sperm function have been a target of several researchers. In our study we have evaluated the relationship between the morphometry of sperm head and midpiece as well as the relationship between morphometry of these two spermatic components and sperm motion characteristics in the boar. Analysis of regression (lineal and multiple) and principal components analysis were used for the study of these relationships. Semen samples from five Iberian boars were taken for analysis. Analysis of morphometry was assessed by CASMA system and motility by CASA system. Sperm midpiece showed a significant relationship (positive or negative, depending on the morphometric parameter evaluated) with sperm head. VSL, LIN, STR, BCF and VAP showed a significant relationship with several head and midpiece morphometric parameters. Finally, through the analysis of multiple lineal regression we obtained several statistical models that predict STR, LIN, VCL, ALH, BCF, PC1 and PC2 (the last two variables have been obtained from a principal components analysis) as a function of one, two or three morphometric parameters. Our results suggest a co-evolution of sperm head and midpiece and in addition that sperm motion characteristics of porcine spermatozoa are influenced by morphometry of head and midpiece.