
Natural Killer Cells and Polycythemia Vera (Vaquez's Disease)
Polycythemia VeraNatural Killer cells (NK) are pivotal cells of innate immunity, that sense defective expression of HLA class I molecules and are complementary to specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. A defect in NK cell cytotoxicity has been described in some hematopoietic malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndroms. This defect is at least partially linked to a decreased or absent expression of some activating NK cell molecules, more particularly the so-called Natural Cytotoxicity Receptors (NCRs) NKp30, NKp44 and NKp46. Some old publications have demonstrated defective NK cytotoxicity in myeloproliferative syndroms (chronic myeloid leukemia, primary thrombocytosis, polycythemia vera). The investigators more particularly focused their attention on polycythemia vera (Vaquez's disease), a myeloproliferative disease characterized by the recently describet mutation V617F of the JAK2 tyrosine kinase. The investigators will precise the mechanisms leading to this cytotoxicity defect, the investigators also will evaluate the implication of V617F mutation on NK physiology, and will study the interactions between NK cells and hematopoietic progenitors.

Tracheostomized COPD Patients and Non Invasive Mechanical Ventilation
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)The purpose of this study was to determine occurrence of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) in tracheostomized patients with COPD discharged in invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) compared to patients with CPOPD discharged with tracheostomy but in non invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV).

Study on Mechanical and Electrical Alternans
Heart FailureIschemia1 moreThe main objective is to investigate mechanical alternans and MTWA in patients with heart failure caused by coronary artery disease to demonstrate a possible correlation between these two phenomena.

Assessment of Normal Value of Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) Elastography in HIV Patients...
HIV InfectionThis is a prospective cohort single center study for assessment of normal value of acoustic radiation force impulse elastography and fibroscan in HIV patients without abnormal liver function and chronic liver disease.

Potential Benefits of Radiotherapy in Prone Position for Breast Cancer Patients: a Planning Study...
Breast NeoplasmsRadiationThis study has the purpose to investigate the benefit of treating breast cancer patients in prone position. This treatment is compared to the standard technique in our center (supine position with or without respiratory gating). The investigators want to compare the doses on the organs at risk (heart and lungs) in the different techniques.

Methylphenidate and the Relations Between Emotional Processing and Social Functioning Among Children...
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderChildren with ADHD are in high risk to develope social difficulties. The present study will examine the emotional processing in those children. The main purpose is to investigate the connection between memory and recognition of facial expressions, how those abilities influence social functioning and if Methylphenidate influence the emotional processing. The study will include 80 children in ages 9-12 years, devided in 2 groups; children with ADHD treated with Methylphenidate, and healthy children without ADHD. The children will do computerized tasks that examine recognition and memory of facial expressions. Social function will be examined by questionnaires filled by parents and teachers.

Internal and Familial Resources and Motherhood. Follow Up of Mothers With Twins and Preterm Infants...
TwinsPreterm InfantsTo evaluate the contribution of internal and familial resources on the development of motherhood in a population of mothers having preterm twin infants and comparing this population to a population of mothers giving birth to single (or twins) full term infants.

Plasma Circulating Deoxyribonucelic Acid (DNA) as a Response Marker
Head and Neck CancerEsophageal CancerThis study investigates whether the amount of circulating plasma DNA can be used as a response marker for anti-cancer treatment in treating gross tumors.

Microbiological Examination of Children Operated for Congenital Lacrimal Stenosis
Congenital Lacrimal StenosisChildren with congenital lacrimal stenosis are treated by probing and intubation of the lacrimal drainage system. Hypothesis: Microbiological findings at the time of insertion and removal of the silicon intubation have an influence on the clinical outcome and success rate of the surgical treatment. Microbiological specimens are taken from conjunctiva and nasal mucosa during the two procedures under general anaesthesia and from the silicon tube after removal and examined for bacterial contamination.

Cooperative Huntington's Observational Research Trial
Huntington DiseaseThe purpose of this study is to collect prospective data from individuals who are part of a Huntington Disease (HD) family, in order to relate phenotypes between individuals and families with each other and genetic factors in order to learn more about HD, develop potential treatments for HD, and to plan for future research studies of experimental drugs aimed at slowing or postponing the onset and progression of HD.