A new device for measurement of fibrin clot lysis: application to the Euglobulin Clot Lysis Time

BACKGROUND: Determination of clot lysis times on whole blood, diluted whole blood, plasma or plasma fraction has been used for many years to assess the overall activity of the fibrinolytic system. We designed a completely computerised semi-automatic 8-channel device for measurement and determination of fibrin clot lysis. The lysis time is evaluated by a mathematical analysis of the lysis curve and the results are expressed in minute (range: 5 to 9999). We have used this new device for Euglobulin Clot Lysis Time (ECLT) determination, which is the most common test used in laboratories to estimate plasma fibrinolytic capacity. RESULTS: The correlation between ECLT and manual method is very tight : R = 0,99; p < 10(-6). The efficiency scores of the method are <4% in intra-assay and <7% in inter-assay. It allows to achieve the tests on hyperlipaemic samples. This new device has been easily integrated in laboratory routine and allows to achieve several ECLT every day without disturbance of laboratory workflow. CONCLUSIONS: The routine use of this new device could be useful in various situations such as assessment in atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis associated diseases, coagulation survey of liver transplantations, cardiovascular surgery or pharmacological research. It has already provided highly promising results in preliminary studies on the relation between fibrinolysis and cardiovascular risk factors

The dynamic interrelationship between interest rate and macroeconomic policy objectives: case of the United Kingdom

The objective of this study is to provide empirical evidence on the short-and long-run relationships between the short-term interest rate, London interbank offered rate (LIBOR) and macroeconomic policy objectives, such as price stability, economic growth,and stability of the exchange rate market. For this purpose, we deploy quarterly frequency data from the United Kingdom between 2000 and 2015 and adopt a multiple regression model. Furthermore, this study uses the Johansen, Stock-Watson cointegration testand the Granger Causality test in order to examine the dynamic short-and long-run relationships among LIBOR, the consumer price index as a proxy of price stability, the real gross domestic product as a proxy of economic growth, and the exchange rate as aproxy of exchange rate market stability.The results showed that all variables have the same order of integration and long-run equilibrium relationships exist between them. The results show evidence of long-run equilibrium relationship between the variables with strong evidence of unidirectional granger causality flow from GDP, CPI and exchange rates to LIBOR. The recommendations proposed in this study have important policy implications for the U.K. government. It is therefore recommended that policy makers and government authorities together withthe Bank of England develop and pursue sensible fiscal and monetary policies that would aim at stabilizing both the micro-and macroeconomic indicators such as the inflation rate, interest rate, exchange rate, and money supply, to enhance the growth of the economy, especially for the period after the BREXIT decision

Lichenological exploration of Algeria: historical overview and annotated bibliography, 1799-2013

yesDespite more than two centuries of almost uninterrupted surveys and studies of Algerian lichenology, the history and lichen diversity of Algeria are still poorly understood. During the preparation of a forthcoming checklist of Algerian lichens it was considered necessary to provide the present historical overview of lichenological exploration of the country from 1799 to 2013, supported by a reasonably comprehensive annotated bibliography of 171 titles

Location Optimization of a Hydraulic Turbine for Koudiet Acerdoune Water Treatment Plants

This study aims to recover the residual energy of the water in the water treatment plant using turbines instead of wasting energy in the dissipator as it is currently done by means of load- breaker valves. Analysis of the technical efficiency of the project and an assessment of the hydroelectric potential available were carried out and different options for the installation of turbines were proposed. The estimated maximum amount of energy that can be recovered is around 7.44 GWh, and the maximum amount of carbon emissions saved are 446.210 tons. The evaluation of the profitability of our project integrating an energy recovery device is fair

Étude de préfaisabilité du turbinage des eaux de la station de traitement de Koudiet Acerdoune/Algérie

This study aims to recover the residual energy of the water in the water treatment plant using turbines instead of wasting energy in the dissipator as it is currently done by means of load- breaker valves. Analysis of the technical efficiency of the project and an assessment of the hydroelectric potential available were carried out and different options for the installation of turbines were proposed. The estimated maximum amount of energy that can be recovered is around 7.44 GWh, and the maximum amount of carbon emissions saved are 446.210 tons. The evaluation of the profitability of our project integrating an energy recovery device is fair.Cette étude vise à récupérer l'énergie résiduelle de l’eau à son arrivée dans la station de traitement d'eau par turbinage, au lieu de continuer à la dissiper comme on le fait actuellement au moyen de robinets brises-charge. Une analyse de la faisabilité technique du projet et une évaluation du potentiel hydroélectrique disponible ont été accomplies, avant de proposer différentes options pour l’installation des équipements de turbinage. En utilisant cette méthode, le maximum de quantité d'énergie qui peut être récupérée a été estimée à 7,44 GWh, celui de la quantité de carbone économisée a été estimé à 446,210 tonnes CO2. Nous concluons notre projet par une évaluation de la rentabilité des aménagements hydroélectriques

Temporal Dissociation between Myeloperoxidase (MPO)-Modified LDL and MPO Elevations during Chronic Sleep Restriction and Recovery in Healthy Young Men

OBJECTIVES: Many studies have evaluated the ways in which sleep disturbances may influence inflammation and the possible links of this effect to cardiovascular risk. Our objective was to investigate the effects of chronic sleep restriction and recovery on several blood cardiovascular biomarkers. METHODS AND RESULTS: Nine healthy male non-smokers, aged 22-29 years, were admitted to the Sleep Laboratory for 11 days and nights under continuous electroencephalogram polysomnography. The study consisted of three baseline nights of 8 hours sleep (from 11 pm to 7 am), five sleep-restricted nights, during which sleep was allowed only between 1 am and 6 am, and three recovery nights of 8 hours sleep (11 pm to 7 am). Myeloperoxidase-modified low-density lipoprotein levels increased during the sleep-restricted period indicating an oxidative stress. A significant increase in the quantity of slow-wave sleep was measured during the first recovery night. After this first recovery night, insulin-like growth factor-1 levels increased and myeloperoxidase concentration peaked. CONCLUSIONS: We observed for the first time that sleep restriction and the recovery process are associated with differential changes in blood biomarkers of cardiovascular disease

Phenotypic characterization and 16S rDNA identification of culturable non-obligate halophilic bacterial communities from a hypersaline lake, La Sal del Rey, in extreme South Texas (USA)

Background: La Sal del Rey ( the King’s Salt”) is one of several naturally-occurring salt lakes in Hidalgo County, Texas and is part of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The research objective was to isolate and characterize halophilic microorganisms from La Sal del Rey. Water samples were collected from the lake and a small creek that feeds into the lake. Soil samples were collected from land adjacent to the water sample locations. Sample salinity was determined using a refractometer. Samples were diluted and cultured on a synthetic saline medium to grow halophilic bacteria. The density of halophiles was estimated by viable plate counts. A collection of isolates was selected, gram-stained, tested for catalase, and characterized using API 20E® test strips. Isolates were putatively identified by sequencing the 16S rDNA. Carbon source utilization by the microbial community from each sample site was examined using EcoPlate™ assays and the carbon utilization total activity of the community was determined. Results: Results showed that salinity ranged from 4 parts per thousand (ppt) at the lake water source to 420 ppt in water samples taken just along the lake shore. The density of halophilic bacteria in water samples ranged from 1.2 × 102 - 5.2 × 103 colony forming units per ml (cfu ml-1) whereas the density in soil samples ranged from 4.0 × 105 - 2.5 × 106 colony forming units per gram (cfu g-1). In general, as salinity increased the density of the bacterial community decreased. Microbial communities from water and soil samples were able to utilize 12 - 31 carbon substrates. The greatest number of substrates utilized was by water-borne communities compared to soil-based communities, especially at lower salinities. The majority of bacteria isolated were gram-negative, catalase-positive, rods. Biochemical profiles constructed from API 20E® test strips showed that bacterial isolates from low-salinity water samples (4 ppt) showed the greatest phenotypic diversity with regards to the types and number of positive tests from the strip. Isolates taken from water samples at the highest salinity (420 ppt) tended to be less diverse and have only a limited number of positive tests. Sequencing of 16S DNA displayed the presence of members of bacterial genera Bacillus, Halomonas, Pseudomonas, Exiguobacterium and others. The genus Bacillus was most commonly identified. None of the isolates were members of the Archaea probably due to dilution of salts in the samples. Conclusions: The La Sal del Rey ecosystem supports a robust and diverse bacterial community despite the high salinity of the lake and soil. However, salinity does appear to a limiting factor with

Multislice CT angiography in the selection of patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms suitable for clipping or coiling

Introduction We sought to establish whether CT angiography (CTA) can be applied to the planning and performance of clipping or coiling in ruptured intracranial aneurysms without recourse to intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (IA-DSA). Methods Over the period April 2003 to January 2006 in all patients presenting with a subarachnoid haemorrhage CTA was performed primarily. If CTA demonstrated an aneurysm, coiling or clipping was undertaken. IA-DSA was limited to patients with negative or inconclusive CTA findings. We compared CTA images with findings at surgery or coiling in patients with positive CTA findings and in patients with negative and inconclusive findings in whom IA-DSA had been performed. Results In this study, 224 consecutive patients (mean age 52.7 years, 135 women) were included. In 133 patients (59%) CTA demonstrated an aneurysm, and CTA was followed directly by neurosurgical (n=55) or endovascular treatment (n=78). In 31 patients (14%) CTA findings were categorized as inconclusive, and in 60 (27%) CTA findings were negative. One patient received surgical treatment on the basis of false-positive CTA findings. In 17 patients in whom CTA findings were inconclusive, IA-DSA provided further diagnostic information required for correct patient selection for any therapy. Five ruptured aneurysms in patients with a nonperimesencephalic SAH were negative on CTA, and four of these were also false-negative on IA-DSA. On a patient basis the positive predictive value, negative predictive value, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of CTA for symptomatic aneurysms were 99%, 90%, 96%, 98% and 96%, respectively. Conclusion CTA should be used as the first diagnostic modality in the selection of patients for surgical or endovascular treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms. If CTA renders inconclusive results, IA-DSA should be performed. With negative CTA results the complementary value of IA-DSA is marginal. IA-DSA is not needed in patients with negative CTA and classic perimesencephalic SAH. Repeat IA-DSA or CTA should still be performed in patients with a nonperimesencephalic SAH