This study demonstrated that MPA is a multisystemic disease in which renal symptoms are frequent, but the disease is also associated with general symptoms, arthritis, mononeuritis multiplex, and other manifestations that are also seen in various vasculitides. The rarity of abnormal angiogram findings and the high frequency of pANCA are characteristic of MPA. In most cases, the outcome is comparable with those of other systemic vasculitides, but relapses are frequent.

A laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy technique for analyzing biological matter for the detection of biological hazards is investigated. Eight species were considered in our experiment: six bacteria and two pollens in pellet form. The experimental setup is described, then a cumulative intensity ratio is proposed as a quantitative criterion because of its linearity and reproducibility. Time-resolved laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (TRELIBS) exhibits a good ability to differentiate among all these species, whatever the culture medium, the species or the strain. Thus we expect that TRELIBS will be a good candidate for a sensor of hazards either on surfaces or in ambient air.

Detection limits for the main heteroatoms in pollutants and chemical agents have been determined in atmospheric conditions with the use of the time-resolved laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (TRELIBS) method. This method presents many advantages for detection in hazardous or corrosive gas mixtures where sampling systems are not usable. Moreover, low concentrations of fluorine, chlorine, sulfur, and carbon can be measured with short analysis times. Currently, concentration limits are close to 10–50 ppm (w/w) for F, Cl, and C atoms, while presently only 1500 ppm (w/w) limits are reached for S. These measurements are obtained with an analysis time of under 20 s.

Abstract

No abstract