A Multiplex PCR and DNA-Sequencing Workflow on Serum for the Diagnosis and Species Identification for Invasive Aspergillosis and Mucormycosis.

There has been significant increase in the use of molecular tools for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA) and mucormycosis. However, their range of detection may be too limited as species diversity and coinfections are increasing. Here, we aimed to evaluate a molecular workflow based on a new multiplex PCR assay detecting the whole Aspergillus genus and the Mucorales order followed by a species-specific PCR or a DNA-sequencing approach for IA and/or mucormycosis diagnosis and species identification on serum. Performances of the MycoGENIE Aspergillus spp./Mucorales spp. duplex PCR kit were analyzed on a broad range of fungal strains and on sera from high-risk patients prospectively over a 12-month period. The kit allowed the detection of nine Aspergillus species and 10 Mucorales (eight genera) strains assessed. No cross-reactions between the two targets were observed. Sera from 744 patients were prospectively analyzed, including 35 IA, 16 mucormycosis, and four coinfections. Sensitivity varies from 85.7% (18/21) in probable/proven IA to 28.6% (4/14) in COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis. PCR-positive samples corresponded to 21 A. fumigatus, one A. flavus, and one A. nidulans infections. All the disseminated mucormycosis were positive in serum (14/14), including the four Aspergillus coinfections, but sensitivity fell to 33.3% (2/6) in localized forms. DNA sequencing allowed Mucorales identification in serum in 15 patients. Remarkably, the most frequent species identified was Rhizomucor pusillus (eight cases), whereas it is barely found in fungal culture. This molecular workflow is a promising approach to improve IA and mucormycosis diagnosis and epidemiology.

Unsupervised explorative data analysis of normal human leukocytes and BCR/ABL positive leukemic cells mid-infrared spectra.

We proved the ability of Fourier Transform Infrared microspectroscopy (microFTIR) complemented by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to detect protein phosphorylation/de-phosphorylation in mammalian cells. We analyzed by microFTIR human polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMNs) leukocytes, mouse-derived parental Ba/F3 cells (Ba/F3#PAR), Ba/F3 cells transfected with p210(BCR/ABL) (Ba/F3#WT) and expressing high levels of protein tyrosine kinase (PTK), and human-derived BCR/ABL positive K562 leukemic cell sub-clones engineered to differently express receptor-type tyrosine-protein phosphatase gamma (PTPRG). Synchrotron radiation (SR) and conventional (globar) IR sources were used to perform microFTIR respectively, on single cells and over several cells within the same sample. Ex vivo time-course experiments were run, inducing maximal protein phosphorylation in PMNs by 100 nM N-formylated tripeptide fMLP. Within the specific IR fingerprint 1800-850 cm(-1) frequency domain, PCA identified two regions with maximal signal variance. These were used to model and test the robustness of PCA in representing the dynamics of protein phosphorylation/de-phosphorylation processes. An IR signal ratio marker reflecting the homeostatic control by protein kinases and phosphatases was identified in normal leukocytes. The models identified by microFTIR and PCA in normal leukocytes also distinguished BCR/ABL positive Ba/F3#WT from BCR/ABL negative Ba/F3#PAR cells as well as K562 cells exposed to functionally active protein tyrosine phosphatase recombinant protein ICD-Tat transduced in cells by HIV-1 Tat technology or cells treated with the PTK inhibitor imatinib mesylate (IMA) from cells exposed to phosphatase inactive (D1028A)ICD-Tat recombinant protein and untreated control cells, respectively. The IR signal marker correctly reflected the degrees of protein phosphorylation associated with abnormal PTK activity in BCR/ABL positive leukemic cells and in general was inversely related to the expression/activity of PTPRG in leukemic sub-clones. In conclusion, we have described a new, reliable and simple spectroscopic method to study the ex vivo protein phosphorylation/de-phosphorylation balance in cell models: it is suitable for biomedical and pharmacological research labs but it also needs further optimization and its evaluation on large cohorts of patients to be proposed in the clinical setting of leukemia.

[Face and neck lift using a superficial musculo-aponeuro­t­ic system (SMAS) plication: Radiological analysis of tissu displacement, a case report].

Objectives: Face and neck lift (FNL) using SMAS plication is a simple and well-known surgical technique. The principle of smas plication from two fixed points allows an important tissue ascension. Our purpose was to objectively evaluate the SMAS plication results, although a common critic may be due to its early deep tissular displacement. Materials and methods: We present the case of a 65 y.o. female patient who received a FNL. Miniature metal pins were placed on the external surface of the SMAS in order to ensure radiological monitoring. A cephalo­metric and photographic monitoring were performed pre­operatively and on day 1, months 2, 6 and 16 postoperatively . We performed a computed numerised analysis of the movement of the markers in an orthogonal axis. Results: All our bearings kept a constant position in the radiographic follow-up , demons­tra­ting the fixity of SMAS kinked 16 months postoperatively. Clinically the correction remained a good appearance with a very slight relaxation of the superficial tissues (skin and subcutaneous fat). Conclusion: In the case of our patient, the tensioning of the deep facial plan (the SMAS) objectively appeared to be efficient over time, with an overall delay of 16 months. Our protocole appeared to be coherent without any specific complication. It permits to objectively differentiate the relaxation of the deep or superfial tissues after a facial lift procedure.

Severe granulomatous reaction associated with hypercalcemia occurring after silicone soft tissue augmentation of the buttocks: a case report.

UNLABELLED: Liquid silicone is a permanent filler. Its use to augment soft tissues for aesthetic purposes was widespread worldwide in the 1960s. Although initially considered to be biologically inert, this substance may cause, after its injection, an inflammatory granulomatous effect of variable severity and, in very rare cases, a severe hypercalcemia, which can be life threatening. The reported case highlights the well-known physiopathology of hypercalcemia, and the various therapeutic options are discussed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Differences in the hippocampal frequency of creatine inclusions between the acute and latent phases of pilocarpine model defined using synchrotron radiation-based FTIR microspectroscopy.

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common type of epilepsy in adults. Of the animal models developed to investigate the pathogenesis of TLE, the one with pilocarpine-induced seizures is most often used. After pilocarpine administration in animals, three distinct periods--acute, latent, and chronic--can be distinguished according to their behavior. The present paper is the continuation of our previous study which has shown an increased occurrence of creatine inclusions in rat hippocampal formations from the acute phase of pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE) and positive correlation between their quantity and the total time of seizure activity within the observation period. In this paper, we tried to verify if anomalies in hippocampal creatine accumulation were the temporary or permanent effect of pilocarpine-evoked seizures. To realize this purpose, male Wistar rats in the latent phase (3 days after pilocarpine administration) were examined. The results obtained for the period when stabilization of animal behavior and EEG occurs were afterwards compared with ones obtained for the acute phase of pilocarpine-induced SE and for naive controls. To investigate the frequency of creatine inclusions within the hippocampal formation as well as in its selected areas (sectors 1-3 of Ammon's horn (CA1-CA3), dentate gyrus (DG), and hilus of DG) and cellular layers (pyramidal, molecular, multiform, and granular cell layers), synchrotron radiation-based Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy was used. The applied technique, being a combination of light microscopy and infrared spectroscopy, allowed us to localize microscopic details in the analyzed samples and provided information concerning their chemical composition. Moreover, the use of a synchrotron source of IR radiation allowed us to carry out the research at the diffraction-limited spatial resolution which, because of the typical size of creatine inclusions (from a few to dozens of micrometers), was necessary for our study. The comparison of epileptic animals in the latent phase with controls showed statistically significant increase in the number of creatine inclusions for most of the analyzed hippocampal regions, all examined cellular layers, as well as the whole hippocampal formation. Moreover, for the hilus of the DG and CA3 area, the number of creatine deposits was higher in the latent than in the acute phase after pilocarpine injection. In light of the obtained results, an anomaly in the hippocampal accumulation of creatine is the long-term effect of pilocarpine-evoked seizures, and the intensity of this phenomenon may increase with time passing from the primary injury.

Assessing noise sources at synchrotron infrared ports.

Today, the vast majority of electron storage rings delivering synchrotron radiation for general user operation offer a dedicated infrared port. There is growing interest expressed by various scientific communities to exploit the mid-IR emission in microspectroscopy, as well as the far infrared (also called THz) range for spectroscopy. Compared with a thermal (laboratory-based source), IR synchrotron radiation sources offer enhanced brilliance of about two to three orders of magnitude in the mid-IR energy range, and enhanced flux and brilliance in the far-IR energy range. Synchrotron radiation also has a unique combination of a broad wavelength band together with a well defined time structure. Thermal sources (globar, mercury filament) have excellent stability. Because the sampling rate of a typical IR Fourier-transform spectroscopy experiment is in the kHz range (depending on the bandwidth of the detector), instabilities of various origins present in synchrotron radiation sources play a crucial role. Noise recordings at two different IR ports located at the Swiss Light Source and SOLEIL (France), under conditions relevant to real experiments, are discussed. The lowest electron beam fluctuations detectable in IR spectra have been quantified and are shown to be much smaller than what is routinely recorded by beam-position monitors.

Synchrotron radiation Fourier-transform infrared and Raman microspectroscopy study showing an increased frequency of creatine inclusions in the rat hippocampal formation following pilocarpine-induced seizures.

In the present work, synchrotron radiation Fourier-transform infrared (SRFTIR) and Raman microspectroscopies were used to evaluate a possible role of creatine in the pathogenesis and progress of pilocarpine-evoked seizures and seizure-induced neurodegenerative changes in the rat hippocampal tissue. The main goal of this study was to identify creatine deposits within the examined brain area, to analyze their frequency in epileptic animals and naive controls and to examine correlations between the number of inclusions in the hippocampal formation of epileptic rats and the quantitative parameters describing animal behavior during 6-h observation period after pilocarpine injection. The presence of creatine in the brain tissue was confirmed based on the vibrational bands specific for this compound in the infrared and Raman spectra. These were the bands occurring at the wavenumbers around 2800, 1621, 1398, and 1304 cm(-1) in IR spectra and around 1056, 908 and 834 cm(-1) in the Raman spectra. Creatine was detected in eight of ten analyzed epileptic samples and in only one of six controls under the study. The number of deposits in epileptic animals varied from 1 to 100 and a relative majority of inclusions were detected in the area of the Dentate Gyrus and in the multiform hippocampal layer. Moreover, the number of creatine inclusions was positively correlated with the total time of seizure activity.

[PEEK customized implant for skull esthetic reconstruction]. / Reconstruction esthétique de la voûte crânienne par implant sur mesure en PEEK.

INTRODUCTION: Craniotomies provide unsightly sequels. Conservative methods for the removed bone, autologous graft, or use of surgical cement do not always allow restoring cranial symmetry. A customized PolyEtherEtherKetone (PEEK) implant may then be used. This implant is made from 3D CT reconstruction. The PEEK material is biocompatible, conformable, strong enough to protect the brain. TECHNICAL NOTE: The authors report a case of aesthetic reconstruction of a large cranial defect using a customized PEEK implant. Balloon scalp expansion was performed before implant placement. DISCUSSION: The aesthetic results are satisfactory, the postoperative short and simple. PEEK is a good alternative to titanium implants for customized implants; it is easier to use and lighter. This customized implant is well suited to correct unsightly sequels of craniotomy.

[Correction of the deep nasolabial fold using a temporalis superficialis fascia graft]. / Le comblement du sillon nasogénien par greffon de fascia temporalis superficialis.

SUBJECT: The deep nasolabial fold (NLF) due to age is a frequent complaint from patients in plastic surgery. Various surgical and medical management solutions have been described in literature and are often based on different concepts to justify their interest. We present a new surgical treatment of this region using a temporalis superficialis fascia graft in order to fill the NLF. We also propose a review of the literature about the anatomy and the physiology of this major fold of the face. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1990 to 2010, we practiced the replenishing of the NLF using a temporalis superficialis fascia graft on 24 female patients. They all were presenting NLF of great or mild importance due to ageing. We also performed on patients with a great importance NLF a lipofilling of the cheek and the lips in order to recover the volumes lost with ageing. The evaluation items were the quality of the filling (importance and symmetry), quality of the scars and complications occurring on the donor and receiving sites. RESULTS: Objective and subjective results were good. Projection of the NLF was in most of cases strongly and durably restored. CONCLUSION: Filling of the deep nasolabial fold using a temporalis superficialis fascia graft is a simple and reliable technique. Depending on the patients this method can be associated with a lipostructure of the cheek and the lips in order to optimize the facial rejuvenation. According to us this tissular implant allows a long lasting and important correction of the NLF.

[Interest and reliability of frozen section biopsy in the treatment of skin tumors]. / Intérêt et fiabilité de l'examen extemporané dans la prise en charge des tumeurs cutanées.

INTRODUCTION: Association of surgical treatment combined to frozen section biopsies appears to be one of the most appropriate therapeutic solution for the treatment of skin carcinomas. We report our experience on 269 tumors assessed with frozen sections. Our goal was to first study the benefit of a one-time surgical approach, then to better target the tumors eligible for this examination and finally to number the difference between frozen section and final histology studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of 269 tumors, operated on an outpatient basis with frozen section followed later by a final histology study. All being performed by the same team of surgeons and pathologist. Only previously biopsied and diagnosed basal cell or squamous cell tumors were included. The recorded data were: location of tumor; histological type; involved margins; number of cuts; differences between frozen section and final histological studies, which conduct to a two-time surgical approach; number of tumors for which frozen section was impossible during surgery and that lead to a two-time surgical approach; type of reconstruction; number of recurrence. RESULTS: The follow up was 48 months (26.6 to 78.1). Histogical analyses were carried on basal cell carcinoma (92%), squamous cell carcinoma (8%) with a topographic distribution mainly in face and neck (72%). Of the 269 tumors excised, 207 representing 77% had a sufficient safety margin, 62 representing 23% had at least one invaded bank that required further surgical resection. We found seven cases of two-time surgical approach. In three cases, it was secondary to medical decision because of a technical difficulty of histologists. In one case, histological diagnosis can't be obtained by frozen section study. In three cases, we found a difference between frozen section and final study. CONCLUSION: The benefit provided by the frozen section takes its value in the treatment of face and neck tumors, whose optimal margins are sometimes difficult to obtain and minimal scar ransom necessary. A one-time surgery was made possible to us thanks to this fast examination. The low rate of second surgery and recurrence allows us to demonstrate the reliability of this technique.

[Study of skin retraction applied to the treatment of skin tumors. Mapping of the human body]. / Étude de la rétraction cutanée appliquée à la prise en charge des tumeurs cutanées. Cartographie du corps humain.

SUBJECT: Skin, the main organ of the human body, is equipped with own biomechanical characteristics, highly variable depending on intra-individual factors (location, weight status, dermatological diseases…) and interindividual (age, sex…). Despite some recent cutometric studies, our review of the literature shows that there is no currently reliable analytical model representing the biomechanical behavior of the skin. Yet, this is a central issue in dermatology surgery, especially in the treatment of skin tumors, for the proper observance of surgical margins. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied prospectively on 75 resection specimens (about 71 patient(s)), for the treatment of skin lesions tumor suspicious or known malignant or benign. Room dimensions were measured before and 5 minutes after excision, leading us to calculate a ratio of retraction of the skin surface. This retraction was correlated with age, gender, tumor type, and anatomic location of the site of excision. RESULTS: The power of retraction of the skin varies significantly by region of the body. It is maximum in the upper limb (hand excluded) and in the cervical region. At the cephalic region, skin of the ear and periorbital skin have capacities of important early retraction. Unlike the lower limb (foot excluded), the back skin of the nose and face appear to be a minimum of shrinkage. Age also seems to change on that capacity shrinkage, sex would have no influence. CONCLUSION: Our study confirms the variations in the ability of skin retraction based on a number of factors. In dermato-oncology, that power retraction could cause significant differences between clinical surgical margins and final pathologist margins. We believe it must be taken into account by the couple surgeon-pathologist, especially in the context of invasive and/or recurrent tumors.

Change in wall composition of transfer and aleurone cells during wheat grain development.

In addition to the starchy endosperm, a specialized tissue accumulating storage material, the endosperm of wheat grain, comprises the aleurone layer and the transfer cells next to the crease. The transfer cells, located at the ventral region of the grain, are involved in nutrient transfer from the maternal tissues to the developing endosperm. Immunolabeling techniques, Raman spectroscopy, and synchrotron infrared micro-spectroscopy were used to study the chemistry of the transfer cell walls during wheat grain development. The kinetic depositions of the main cell wall polysaccharides of wheat grain endosperm, arabinoxylan, and (1-3)(1-4)-ß-glucan in transfer cell walls were different from kinetics previously observed in the aleurone cell walls. While (1-3)(1-4)-ß-glucan appeared first in the aleurone cell walls at 90°D, arabinoxylan predominated in the transfer cell walls from 90 to 445°D. Both aleurone and transfer cell walls were enriched in (1-3)(1-4)-ß-glucan at the mature stage of wheat grain development. Arabinoxylan was more substituted in the transfer cell walls than in the aleurone walls. However, arabinoxylan was more feruloylated in the aleurone than in the transfer cell walls, whatever the stage of grain development. In the transfer cells, the ferulic acid was less abundant in the outer periclinal walls while para-coumarate was absent. Possible implications of such differences are discussed.

Atom probe tomography quantification of carbon in silicon.

Atom Probe Tomography (APT) was used to quantify carbon in implanted silicon at two various electric fields (~ 15 and 20 V/nm). Using equal proportions of implanted 12C and 13C, the numerous molecular ions that were observed were identified and their contribution to the carbon content statistically derived. Much more accurate carbon quantification was obtained in the lowest electric field analysis by comparing APT with Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy profiles. This was assigned to a lower amount of molecular ion dissociations. Furthermore, the number of self-interstitials trapped per carbon atom in clusters was derived. This value of interest for the microelectronics industry regarding dopant diffusion and implantation induced defects was estimated close to one, in agreement with the expected stoichiometry of the SiC phase present in the phase diagram. However, this was obtained only when using low electric field conditions.

Synchrotron FTIR microspectroscopy of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae after exposure to plasma-deposited nanosilver-containing coating.

The present work was focused on elucidating changes in the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (cell composition, ultrastructure) after exposure to antimicrobial plasma-mediated nanocomposite films. In order to achieve this, a nanosilver-containing coating was deposited onto stainless steel using radiofrequency HMDSO plasma deposition, combined with simultaneous silver sputtering. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the presence of silver nanoparticles embedded in an organosilicon matrix. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated the nanoparticle-based morphology of the deposited layer. The antifungal properties towards S. cerevisiae were established, since a 1.4 log reduction in viable counts was observed after a 24-h adhesion compared to control conditions with the matrix alone. Differences in cell composition after exposure to the nanosilver was assessed for the protein region using, for the first time, synchrotron Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy of single S. cerevisiae cells, through in situ mapping with sub-cellular spatial resolution. IR spectrum of yeast cells recovered after a 24-h adhesion to the nanosilver-containing coating revealed a significant downshift (20 cm(-1)) of the amide I peak at 1655 cm(-1), compared to freshly harvested cells. This lower band position, corresponding to a loss in alpha-helix structures, is indicative of the disordered secondary structures of proteins, due to the transition between active and inactive conformations under nanosilver-induced stress conditions. No significant effect on the nucleic acid region was detected. The inhibitory action of silver was targeted against both cell wall and intracellular proteins such as enzymes. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations of the yeast ultrastructure confirmed serious morphological and structural damages. A homogeneous protein-binding distribution of nanosilver all over the cell was assumed, since the presence of electron-dense silver clusters was detected not only on the cell surface but also within the cell. For control experiments with the organosilicon matrix alone, no antimicrobial effect was observed, which was consistent with synchrotron FTIR results and TEM observations.

[Primary essential cutis verticis gyrata: Case report and literature review]. / Cutis verticis gyrata primitif essentiel : cas clinique et revue de la littérature.

INTRODUCTION: Cutis verticis gyrata (CVG) is a rare and slowly progressive deformity of the scalp with thick gyrated skin folds and ridges which are similar to gyri of the brain cortex. Those folds can lead to local skin infections, to a social and cosmetic complain. CVG can be classified into two forms: primary (essential and non-essential) and secondary. To date, fifteen operated cases of primary essential CVG have been reported in the medical literature. CASE REPORT: We report the case of an 18 year-old male patient with a primary essential CVG. There were several large skin folds in the sagittal axis on the vertex region, and in the coronal axis on the occipital region. He did not present any cutaneous complication. His main complains was the unaesthetic aspect of his scalp with a psychological complex. The disease had occurred during puberty. We present the excision pattern and the results with a six months follow-up. CONCLUSION: CVG can be treated surgically with resection of the thickened excess skin in coronal and sagittal axis. Scalp lift must be effective all over the different areas of the scalp. The scalp flaps must have a reliable vascularisation. Combined incisions of the galea help to treat the residual folds. The excision pattern must be reproductible, as this disease is progressive.

A genomic-systems biology map for cardiovascular function.

With the draft sequence of the human genome available, there is a need to better define gene function in the context of systems biology. We studied 239 cardiovascular and renal phenotypes in 113 male rats derived from an F2 intercross and mapped 81 of these traits onto the genome. Aggregates of traits were identified on chromosomes 1, 2, 7, and 18. Systems biology was assessed by examining patterns of correlations ("physiological profiles") that can be used for gene hunting, mechanism-based physiological studies, and, with comparative genomics, translating these data to the human genome.

[Electrophysiological exploration of tunnel syndromes]. / Explorations électrophysiologiques des syndromes canalaires.

The compressive neuropathies often lead to segmental demyelination injury. These injuries can be detected using speed motor conduction and sensitivity conduction. The corresponding abnormalities are localized conduction abnormalities, presenting as deceleration or as a conductive block. Segmentary deceleration is perfectly well observed, such as in cases of carpal tunnel syndrome. The detection examination, recording motor unit potentials, can distinguish between a peripheral injury and a central injury as well as between a neurogenic injury and a myogenous injury. The precise study of the sensitivity potentials makes it possible to distinguish between a radicular injury, in which the sensitivity potentials are normal, and a plexus injury, in which the sensitivity potentials are altered because of a postganglionic injury.

Aleurone cell walls of wheat grain: high spatial resolution investigation using synchrotron infrared microspectroscopy.

Infrared microspectroscopy and immunolabeling techniques were employed in order to obtain deeper insight into the biochemical nature of aleurone cell walls of wheat grain. The use of a synchrotron source, thanks to its intrinsic brightness, has provided unprecedented information at the level of a few micrometers and has allowed the discrimination of various polysaccharides in cell walls. The high spectral quality obtained in the small analyzed domain has been beneficial in estimating the relative proportions of beta-glucan and arabinoxylan, through the use of principal component analysis (PCA). The highest amount of beta-glucan is found in periclinal cell walls close to the starchy endosperm. The junction regions between aleurone cells are enriched in arabinoxylan. At the early stage of wheat grain development (271 degrees D), the chemical composition along the cell walls is more heterogeneous than at the mature stage. Both synchrotron infrared microspectroscopy and immunolabeling experiments made it possible to reveal the spatial heterogeneity of the various chemical compositions of aleurone cell walls.

Estimating and correcting mie scattering in synchrotron-based microscopic fourier transform infrared spectra by extended multiplicative signal correction.

We present an approach for estimating and correcting Mie scattering occurring in infrared spectra of single cells, at diffraction limited probe size, as in synchrotron based microscopy. The Mie scattering is modeled by extended multiplicative signal correction (EMSC) and subtracted from the vibrational absorption. Because the Mie scattering depends non-linearly on alpha, the product of the radius and the refractive index of the medium/sphere causing it, a new method was developed for estimating the Mie scattering by EMSC for unknown radius and refractive index of the Mie scatterer. The theoretically expected Mie contributions for a range of different alpha values were computed according to the formulae developed by Van de Hulst (1957). The many simulated spectra were then summarized by a six-dimensional subspace model by principal component analysis (PCA). This subspace model was used in EMSC to estimate and correct for Mie scattering, as well as other additive and multiplicative interference effects. The approach was applied to a set of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) absorbance spectra measured for individual lung cancer cells in order to remove unwanted interferences and to estimate ranges of important alpha values for each spectrum. The results indicate that several cell components may contribute to the Mie scattering.

[Validation of the French translation of the impulsive nonconformity scale]. / Traduction et validation de la version française de l'échelle d'impulsivité non conformité de Chapman.

INTRODUCTION: Impulsive traits are key characteristics in a lot of psychiatric disorders and are part of the "normal" behaviour spectrum. Although impulsivity is a controversial concept, some questionnaires have focused on its "dysfunctional" aspect. The Barratt Impulsive Scale (BIS-10) is the scale the most used to explore impulsiveness, but it does not explore antisocial or nonconform behaviour. The Chapman Impulsive and Nonconformity Scale (INCS) is a questionnaire of 51 items that measures the impulsivity and nonconformism. The INCS reflects "failure to internalize societal norms, lack of empathy for the pain of others, and an unrestrained yielding to impulse and self-gratification" and was originally designed to assess psychosis proneness. It has been validated in the USA, but has not yet been validated in France. Interestingly, although it was not predictive of psychosis, high scorers on INCS exceeded controls on depression, and on rates of substance abuse. Furthermore, participants scoring high on hypomanic personality scale and INCS were found to have an especially heightened risk for bipolar disorders. OBJECTIVE: To translate and determine reliability and validity of the French version of the Chapman Impulsive and Nonconformity Scale in young adults by comparison with the BIS. METHOD: Chapman Impulsive and Nonconformity Scale has been back-translated into French, and filled out by 237 students (males: 104; females: 133; mean age: 20.4 [range 19-25]). BIS-10 was used for convergent validity. Each participant completed the two scales. Reliability and validity of the French form of INCS were assessed with the internal consistency (coefficient alpha of Cronbach and the split half reliability) and the convergent validity. RESULTS: In the French version of the INCS, the 51 items have high internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha=0.81 and split half reliability=0.80). Concerning the BIS, internal reliability is good (Cronbach's alpha=0.72 and split half reliability=0.66). Moreover, Pearson's r of the INCS/BIS is statistically significant (0.65) and underlines the concomitant validity of the INCS with the BIS. CONCLUSION: The psychometric properties of the French version of the INCS are very similar to those of the English version. Hence, the INCS could provide a way to explore the two related dimensions: impulsivity and nonconformism.