[Theory of mind and schizotypy: A review]. / Théorie de l'esprit et schizotypie : une revue de la littérature.

OBJECTIVES: Schizophrenia spectrum disorders are associated with incapacitating social impairments, mostly due to Theory of Mind (ToM) deficits. Theory of mind difficulties often precede the beginning of schizophrenia spectrum disorders and contribute highly to the social withdrawal of patients. They also predict bad outcome for individuals suffering from this condition. The use of samples of individuals presenting subclinical forms of schizophrenia spectrum disorders constitute an opportunity to study theory of mind capacities. Notably, the study of theory of mind deficits in schizotypy allows a better understanding of predictive markers of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. They also contribute to the identification of primary processes involved in social difficulties associated with these disorders. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar databases for peer-reviewed articles studying the association between theory of mind performance and schizotypal traits up to the 1 April 2020. The following syntax was used: schizotypy AND ("theory of mind" OR "social cognition" OR "irony" OR "false belief" OR "social inference" OR "hinting task"). We also checked the references from these articles for additional papers. Only English and French written articles were considered. RESULTS: Twenty-three articles were included in the review. The majority of these studies (n=20) used behavioral measures of theory of mind (i.e. percentages of correct responses on a theory of mind task). Only a few (n=3) recent studies used brain imaging to study theory of mind in psychometric schizotypy. In those 23 studies, 18 report theory of mind difficulties in individuals with high schizotypal traits. Ten out of these 19 studies report an association between positive schizotypy and theory of mind deficits/hypomentalizing. The positive dimension was the most associated with theory of mind difficulties. The negative dimension was associated with theory of mind deficits in six studies out of 19 (33 %). The association between disorganization and theory of mind deficits was weak, mostly because of a lack of studies measuring this dimension (only one study out of 13 measured this particular trait). The association between hypermentalizing and schizotypy was poorly characterized, due to high heterogeneity in how this feature was conceptualized and measured. In summary, some authors consider good performance on a theory of mind task as a sign of hypermentalizing, while other authors consider that this feature relates to the production of erroneous interpretations of mental states. We advocate in favor of the second definition, and more studies using this framework should be conducted. Interestingly, the three studies using fMRI showed no significant behavioral differences between high and low schizotypal groups on theory of mind performance, while the patterns of brain activation differed. This shows that in individuals with schizotypy, theory of mind anomalies are not always captured just by behavioral performance. Brain imagery should be included in more studies to better understand theory of mind in schizotypy. In general, high heterogeneity in ways of assessing schizotypy, and in the tasks used to evaluate theory of mind, were found. Notably, some tasks require shallower theory of mind processing than others. It is a priority to design theory of mind tasks that allow for manipulating the difficulty of the items within one task, as well as the level of help that can be given, in order to allow for a better assessment of the impact of theory of mind difficulties and the ways to compensate for them. CONCLUSIONS: The studies included in this review confirm the association between psychometric schizotypy and theory of mind. But the high heterogeneity in methods used in these studies, and notably the diversity in ways of assessing schizotypal traits and theory of mind, hinder a precise description of such an association. Additional studies are required. In particular, fMRI studies using tasks allowing for a precise description of altered and preserved theory of mind processes could be of great use in characterizing theory of mind difficulties associated with schizotypy.

Prenatal description of retinal coloboma.

Retinal coloboma is a rare condition which is difficult to diagnose in foetuses. It can cause blindness. It can be isolated or associated with other malformations in various syndromes. Our objective is to describe the different prenatal ultrasound findings and management of coloboma. We describe a case of prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of retinal coloboma at 27.5 weeks of gestation. Our case adds to the 8 previously reported in the prenatal ultrasound literature, which together illustrate that microphthalmia is the main associated sign, present in 66.6% (6/9) of cases followed by retro-orbital cysts (44.4%) (4/9). These two ultrasound findings should alert us to a close examination of the eye to look for a posterior retinal cleft, the main direct sign of a chorioretinal coloboma.

Spatiotemporal expression of molecules associated with junctional complexes during the in vivo maturation of renal podocytes.

Epithelial glomerular cells differentiate from mesenchymal cells of the metanephrogenic blastema. During the first stages of glomerulogenesis, the cells acquire the morphological features of epithelial cells. Then, podocytes lose these characteristics at the maturing glomerular stage. We have studied the molecules associated with junctional complexes during glomerular differentiation in human and pig fetal kidneys. We show for the first time the expression of P-cadherin in renal cells. Epithelial cells of ureteral buds and ampullae display all the molecules associated with junctional complexes and coexpress E- and P-cadherin. However, P-cadherin, plakoglobin and vinculin are the only markers detected in future glomerular cells. We have established a spatiotemporal correlation between the time of appearance and disappearance of junctional complexes as previously described (Saxén and Wartiovaara, Int. J. Cancer 1:271-290, 1966; Saxén et al., Adv. Morphog. 7:251-293, 1968; Reeves et al., Lab. Invest. 39:90-100, 1978), and the expression of their associated molecules. Epithelial cells with stable, typical junctional complexes strongly express the molecules associated with junctions, whereas cells endowed with transient, atypical junctional complexes express low amounts of components associated with junctions. These observations suggest a correlation between the level of expression of these components and an authentic, stable epithelial phenotype.

Modified lysosomal compartment as carrier of slowly and non-degradable tracers in macrophages.

A previous immunocytochemical study of macrophages infected with Bacillus subtilis showed that a cell wall antigen could be detected for several days in a population of small vesicles randomly distributed within the cells and apparently distinct from perinuclear lysosomes. These observations suggested the possibility that these vesicles might constitute a "storage" compartment for non-degradable compounds. In the present report we compared in pulse-chase experiments the location and fate of a series of degradable and non-degradable pinocytic tracers within the macrophages. The tracers, detected by fluorescent microscopy, were bovine serum albumin (BSA), hen egg ovalbumin (OVA), horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Lucifer Yellow, fluorescent dextran, and levan. BSA and OVA remained located in perinuclear lysosomes during the chase period until their disappearance occurring within 3 h. In contrast, the other tracers, although initially located in perinuclear lysosomes, were found after a 3 to 5-h chase in small vesicles homogeneously distributed in the macrophage cytoplasm where they remained visible for 2 to 3 days. The use of markers for different cell organelles indicated that these dispersed vesicles exhibited several of the lysosomal features. They were acidic, they contained the 100 kDa and the 120 kDa lysosomal proteins as well as some acid proteases albeit these markers were in lesser concentrations than in the perinuclear lysosomal compartment. The addition of bacteria to the macrophages previously loaded with fluorescent dextran showed that all dispersed vesicles have the same fusion property as lysosomes and that slowly degraded or non-degradable tracers turn over through the perinuclear lysosomal compartment by using the endocytic pathway. Measurement of the release of some of the tracers into the culture medium suggested that the "dispersed vesicles" were probably not implicated in exocytosis of the tracers.

[Uterine necrosis after arterial embolization for postpartum hemorrhage]. / Nécrose utérine après embolisation hémostatique des artères utérines.

Radiologic embolization of the uterine arteries is increasingly used to treat severe postpartum hemorrhage, as an alternative to surgical procedures. Guidelines have been published in order to standardize the indications as well as the technique. An important objective was to limit severe complications such as uterine necrosis. We report a case of a uterine necrosis after arterial embolization for severe postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony on a uterus with fibroids. This complication occurred despite the use of the recommended technique.

A case of congenital Echovirus 11 infection acquired early in pregnancy.

Enterovirus (EV) maternal infection during pregnancy and its relation to fetal developmental pathology are seldomly described. When reported, the main manifestations of EV congenital infections are myocarditis or intra-uterine fetal demise (IUFD). No information on intrauterine Echovirus 11 infection or the effect of transplacental Echovirus 11 infection on development of the fetus has been described in literature up to date (excluding late-pregnancy infections). We report here a case of an extreme form of pulmonary hypoplasia in a neonate, characterized by total failure of development of terminal respiratory units. This pregnancy was marked by spontaneous demise of a co-twin at 14 weeks of gestation (WG), as well as by positive PCR for EV (Echovirus 11 serotype) in the amniotic fluid, performed for moderate pericardial effusion at 22WG. No signs of cardiac disease were further observed, but at 32WG a bilateral abnormal lung development was noticed After spontaneous delivery at 38WG, the child could not be resuscitated, and died at one hour after birth. Pulmonary hypoplasia is usually described following decrease intrapulmonary pressure due to oligohydramnios or compression due to intrathoracic mass of variable cause. However, rare cases of primary pulmonary hypoplasia are also described and usually of unknown etiology. The coexistence in our case of a congenital EV infection and a severe primary pulmonary hypoplasia with congenital acinar aplasia, challenges our understanding of the pathogenesis of this severe pulmonary growth arrest.

Using metabolomics to monitor kidney transplantation patients by means of clustering to spot anomalous patient behavior.

BACKGROUND: NMR spectroscopy-based metabolomics is a system approach used to investigate the metabolic profile of biological fluids with multivariate data analysis tools. The aim of this study was to examine the kidney graft recovery process noninvasively through the examinations of urine samples using (1)H NMR spectroscopy combined with chemometric tools. METHODS: Urine samples were treated as the source of metabolites reflecting the pathological and clinical conditions of patients with transplanted kidneys. We observed 15 subjects (9 males and 6 females) during the graft recovery process and initial days thereafter. The patients provided at least 9 samples each, applying advanced statistical methods of analysis: Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis PLS-DA). RESULTS: The PCA model (for all subjects exp. var. PC1 13.96% and PC2 9.88%) allowed us to clearly designate 3 stages of recovery: initially the kidney is not working; in the second stage, it regains functions, and the third stage includes follow-up during hospitalization. PCA analysis of a single patient follows graft recovery based on biochemical (metabolites) information, assigning the appropriate recuperation stage. CONCLUSIONS: NMR spectroscopy together with chemometric analysis allow monitoring of kidney graft recovery to identify patients who are not progressing within the normal range.

[Chorionic villus sampling training method]. / Technique d'apprentissage de la biopsie de trophoblaste.

OBJECTIVES: Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) in the first trimester of pregnancy has become a major tool in prenatal diagnosis. To increase the safety of CVS during training period, we have built a "BT-Trainer". MATERIALS AND METHODS: A medical device has been developed which simulates the in vivo procedure with the various layers to cross. The stratum of the layer and the accessibility of the placenta can modulate the level difficulty. CONCLUSION: Traditional strategies for clinical teaching are often insufficient and trainees may fail to achieve competence in even basic procedural skills. We present herein an easy and reproducible model of "BT-Trainer" which allows a safe and repeatable training. Efficacy of this model is currently under evaluation in a teaching program. This trainer could help gynaecologists in order to learn gradually and safely the technique and to enhance their skills and coordination.

[Amniocentesis trainer: development of a cheap and reproducible new training model]. / Simulateur d'amniocentèse : intérêts et développement d'un nouveau modèle reproductible et économique.

Amniocentesis is the most common invasive procedure for prenatal diagnosis. It is essential to master this sampling technique prior to performing more complex ultrasound-guided interventions (cordocentesis, drain insertion). Training is a challenge because of the risks associated with the procedure, as well as the impact on the patient's anxiety. An amniocentesis simulator allows for safe training and repeats interventions, thus accelerating the learning curve, and also allows for periodic evaluation of proficiency. We present here a new, simple, and cost-effective amniotrainer model that reproduces real life conditions, using chicken breast and condoms filled with water.

Mesenchymal fusion of the palatal processes and of heterotypic explants.

Two palatal sheleves were cultured for 3 to 6 h, and palatal shelves and half lips were associated and cultured for 24, 48 or 72 h on an agar culture medium. In all cases an epithelial wall was observed between the two mesenchymes. In homotypical palatal shelf cultures, the medial palatal wall disappears and mesenchymal fusion occurs. The epithelial barrier in palate-lip associations is constituted at first by palatal and labial cells, then purely labial, the medial palatal epithelium undergoing destruction. This labial wall pushed away by the actively growing mesenchyme finally disappears so that the palatal and labial mesenchymes are continuous. This phenomenon is completely different from the mesenchymal fusion and has not the same characteristics.

[Modification of the medial epithelium of the palatal shelves of mice at the prefusion stage. A light and scanning electron microscopy study]. / Changements de l'epithélium médian des bourgeons palatins de souris au stade de préfusion : Etude en microscopie photonique et en microscopie electronique à balayage.

The fusion surfaces of the palatal processes are modified before coming into contact. Several superficial epithelial cells become hypertrophied, undergo lysis and burst, whereas others remain flattened and densely stained. Nuclei, similar to those localized in deeper layers are found on the surface and seem to migrate towards the opposite process. Filamentous projections appear and some establish a linkage with the opposite epithelium, whereas others expand freely from the surface. Light microscope observations agree with scanning electron microscopy findings.

Scanning electron microscope study of the medio palatal epithelium: Simultaneous modifications characterizing fusion and degenerescence processes.

The surfaces of the palatine shelves undergo important modifications at the expected zones of fusion immediately preceeding contact. Epithelial degeneration occurs just before and during midline contact and adhesion. The cells retract, become less closely associated with their neighbours and finally their boundaries disapear. Their surface become wrinkled whilst at the same time, blebs and short irregular filaments are observed. These features are interpreted as being morphological characteristics of tissue degeneration. This loss of cohesion may favour the spreading and convergence of the expected zones of fusion towards the midline, and then towards the anterior and posterior extremities. On the contrary, during the process of joining certain portions of the surface swell and converge at the expected zone of fusion. In these regions, the area of contact increases firstly in a naso oral direction. Successive layers are made on which large expansions spread (making) to form bridges between the walls.

[Role of the mesenchyme in the fusion of palatine shelves (author's transl)]. / Rôle du mésenchyme dans la fusion des bourgeons palatins.

Na2 35SO4 was either injected to pregnant mice or added to a "Wolff and Haffen" culture medium. In various experiments, palatine shelves and half-lips remained one hour on this labeled culture medium. They were thereafter associated to another labeled fragment, either to their homologous shelf in a homotypical culture, or to a half-lip in heterotypical culture. In the same way, labeled half-lips were coupled to unlabeled palatine shelves. In all these cases, the mesenchyme was labeled by the tracer while the epithelial cells remained empty. In the medio-palatine epithelium, some dislocations could be noticed between the cells. These gaps were filled by the labeled mesenchyme with which they were in continuity. At this level the tracer appeared on the external surface. In the homotypical associations, it invaded, through these channels, the labeled antagonistic explant; in the heterotypical associations, lips plus palatine shelves, the labial epithelium prevented all the penetrations, except when alterations occurred, due to a long lasting culture. The role of the mesenchyme in the process of fusion and in the possible building of a surface coating is discussed.

Bacterial antigen immunolabeling in macrophages after phagocytosis and degradation of Bacillus subtilis.

After phagocytosis of Bacillus subtilis 168 by bone marrow-derived macrophages, the intracellular pathway followed by different antigens was studied by immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy. Three different rabbit antisera were used: (i) an antiserum to B. subtilis whole cells mainly recognizing the cell wall constituents, (ii) an antiserum to teichoic acid, and (iii) an antiserum to peptidoglycan recognizing the disaccharide tetrapeptide molecules resulting from peptidoglycan degradation. During the first 3 h after phagocytosis of B. subtilis, the three antisera were confined to the same vacuolar compartments, as follows. They were first found in phagosomes gathered in the perinuclear region. Upon bacterial degradation, the three antisera colocalized in an increasing number of small dense vesicles, located in the perinuclear region, that seemed to result from the fragmentation of phagolysosomes. These vesicles correspond to an acidic compartment since they also stained for 3-(2,4-dinitroanilino)-3'-amino-N-methyldipropylamine, a drug known to accumulate in the acidic compartments of cells. At later time points, the antigens recognized by the three antisera followed different pathways. After 18 h, teichoic acid and peptidoglycan were no longer detectable in macrophages whereas an antigen(s) labeled with antiserum to B. subtilis whole cells remained stocked for several days in small acidic vesicles randomly distributed throughout the macrophage. This compartment appeared to be different from the one labeled during the first 3 h after ingestion of bacteria. These results suggest that the transport rate and the compartments implicated in antigen processing differ according to the antigen.