Advanced digital image analysis method dedicated to the characterization of the morphology of filamentous fungus.

Filamentous fungi have a complex morphology that induces fermentation process development issues, as a consequence of viscosity increase and diffusion limitations. In order to better understand the relationship between viscosity changes and fungus morphology during fermentations of Trichoderma reesei, an accurate image analysis method has been developed to provide quantitative and representative data for morphological analysis. This method consisted of a new algorithm called FACE that allowed sharp images to be created at all positions, segmentation of fungus, and morphological analysis using skeleton and topological approaches. It was applied and validated by characterizing samples of an industrial strain of Trichoderma reesei that had or had not been exposed to an extreme shear stress. This method allowed many morphological characteristics to be identified, among which nine relevant criteria were extracted, regarding the impact of shear stress on the fungus and on the viscosity of the fermentation medium.

Falls prevention for older people with dementia.

This article discusses the issues that can lead to older people with dementia sustaining falls in mental health services. Strategies to reduce the likelihood of such events occurring are discussed.

[Canavan disease or N-acetyl aspartic aciduria: a case report]. / La maladie de Canavan ou acidurie N-acétyl aspartique: à propos de 1 cas.

Canavan disease or N-acetyl aspartic aciduria, is an autosomal recessive leukodystrophy characterized by spongy degeneration of brain. The disease is an inborn error of metabolism caused by aspartoacylase deficiency resulting from accumulation of N-acetyl aspartic acid in the brain. The authors report a case in a 10-month-old boy who presented with developmental delay and megalencephaly noticeable after 4 months of age. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed diffuse white matter degeneration. The diagnosis of Canavan disease was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Very high ethanol productivity in an innovative continuous two-stage bioreactor with cell recycle.

The performance of an innovative two-stage continuous bioreactor with cell recycle-potentially capable of giving very high ethanol productivity-was investigated. The first stage was dedicated to cell growth, whereas the second stage was dedicated to ethanol production. A high cell density was obtained by an ultrafiltration module coupled to the outlet of the second reactor. A recycle loop from the second stage to the first one was tested to improve cell viability and activity. Cultivations of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in mineral medium on glucose were performed at 30 degrees Celsius and pH 4. At steady state, total biomass concentrations of 59 and 157 gDCW l(-1) and ethanol concentrations of 31 and 65 g l(-1) were obtained in the first and second stage, respectively. The residual glucose concentration was 73 g l(-1) in the first stage and close to zero in the second stage. The present study shows that a very high ethanol productivity (up to 41 g l(-1) h(-1)) can indeed be obtained with complete conversion of the glucose and with a high ethanol titre (8.3 degrees GL) in the two-stage system.