Influence of Unsaturations on the Organization and Air Reactivity of Triglyceride Monolayers.

The behavior of Langmuir monolayers of saturated and unsaturated C18 triglycerides (TAGs) was studied as two-dimensional (2D) models for paint systems at the air-water interface or transferred onto solid films. The organization of saturated tristearin (C18:0) monolayer was probed thanks to grazing incidence X-ray diffraction: one observes a hexagonal packing of the chains perpendicular to the air-water interface, in contrast to what is described in the literature. Conversely, the mono- and polyunsaturated TAGs (triolein C18:1, trilinolein C18:2, and trilinolenin C18:3) monolayers do not present any organization at the air-water interface but do exhibit peculiar reactivity regarding the air atmosphere. The obtained results derived from the evolution of surface pressure-molecular area isotherms and monolayer compressibility under different atmospheres over time, combined with ultrahigh-vacuum infrared (UHV-FTIR) spectroscopy, showed the adsorption of O2 molecules in the monolayer together with chemical reactions with hydrocarbon chains. The kinetic effect of lead ions, known to be efficient siccative agents in oil paints, was also assessed: the addition of Pb2+ in the subphase induces an increase of the O2 adsorption.

Chikungunya outbreak in Montpellier, France, September to October 2014.

In October 2014, an outbreak of 12 autochthonous chikungunya cases, 11 confirmed and 1 probable, was detected in a district of Montpellier, a town in the south of France colonised by the vector Aedes albopictus since 2010. A case returning from Cameroon living in the affected district was identified as the primary case. The epidemiological investigations and the repeated vector control treatments performed in the area and around places frequented by cases helped to contain the outbreak. In 2014, the chikungunya and dengue surveillance system in mainland France was challenged by numerous imported cases due to the chikungunya epidemic ongoing in the Caribbean Islands. This first significant outbreak of chikungunya in Europe since the 2007 Italian epidemic, however, was due to an East Central South African (ECSA) strain, imported by a traveller returning from West Africa. Important lessons were learned from this episode, which reminds us that the threat of a chikungunya epidemic in southern Europe is real.

Fabrication of pH-degradable supramacromolecular microgels with tunable size and shape via droplet-based microfluidics.

This study presents a versatile method to synthesize stimuli-responsive microgels with supramolecular cross-links exhibiting tunable size and shape via droplet-based microfluidics. The natural polyphenol tannic acid (TA) is used to cross-link poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PVCL) chains in aqueous droplets by the formation of hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions between the phenolic groups of TA and the carbonyl group and the hydrophobic segments of lactam ring of PVCL chains. The obtained microgels exhibit diameters in the range of 130-150µm in swollen state in aqueous solution. Synthesized microgels exhibit pH-responsive behavior: at low pH microgels deswell and shrink due to the protonation of phenolic groups and enhanced hydrophobic interactions; at high pH microgels swell and disintegrate due to the deprotonation of phenolic groups and destruction of hydrogen bonds with PVCL chains. Additionally, we present supramacromolecular microgels in cylindrical shape with different aspect ratios using a new design of microfluidic chip by varying flow rates at high concentration of the prepolymerized precursor combined with rapid pH-triggered on-chip gelation. Furthermore, developed synthesis methodology allows on-chip encapsulation of colloidal objects into large supramacromolecular microgels during the cross-linking step. The complete and fast release of objects by pH-triggered degradation indicates that the pH-responsive supramacromolecular microgels can be used for controlled loading/release of various payloads, like probiotics. Moreover, cell studies of L929 fibroblast clearly show the biocompatibility of the microgels.

ECM-transmitted shear stress induces apoptotic cell extrusion in early breast gland development.

Epithelial cells of human breast glands are exposed to various mechanical ECM stresses that regulate tissue development and homeostasis. Mechanoadaptation of breast gland tissue to ECM-transmitted shear stress remained poorly investigated due to the lack of valid experimental approaches. Therefore, we created a magnetic shear strain device that enabled, for the first time, to analyze the instant shear strain response of human breast gland cells. MCF10A-derived breast acini with basement membranes (BM) of defined maturation state and basoapical polarization were used to resemble breast gland morphogenesis in vitro. The novel biophysical tool was used to apply cyclic shear strain with defined amplitudes (≤15%, 0.2 Hz) over 22 h on living spheroids embedded in an ultrasoft matrix (<60 Pa). We demonstrated that breast spheroids gain resistance to shear strain, which increased with BM maturation and basoapical polarization. Most intriguingly, poorly developed spheroids were prone to cyclic strain-induced extrusion of apoptotic cells from the spheroid body. In contrast, matured spheroids were insensitive to this mechanoresponse-indicating changing mechanosensing or mechanotransduction mechanisms during breast tissue morphogenesis. Together, we introduced a versatile tool to study cyclic shear stress responses of 3D cell culture models. It can be used to strain, in principle, all kinds of cell clusters, even those that grow only in ultrasoft hydrogels. We believe that this approach opens new doors to gain new insights into dynamic shear strain-induced mechanobiological regulation circuits between cells and their ECM.

A hairpin conformation for the 3' overhang of Oxytricha nova telomeric DNA.

The solution secondary structure of the Oxytricha nova telomeric 3' overhang, d(T4G4)2, has been investigated by Raman spectroscopy, hydrogen-deuterium exchange kinetics and gel electrophoresis. The electrophoretic mobility of d(T4G4)2 in non-denaturing gels indicates a highly compact conformation, consistent with a hairpin secondary structure. Raman markers show that the d(T4G4)2 hairpin contains equal numbers of C2'-endo/syn and C2'-endo/anti deoxyguanosine conformers, as well as G.G base-pairs of the Hoogsteen type. The hydrogen-deuterium exchange kinetics of d(T4G4)2, monitored by time-resolved Raman spectroscopy, reveal two kinetically distinct classes of guanine imino (N1H) protons. The more slowly exchanging fraction (kN1H(1)=4.6x10(-3) min-1), which represents 50% of N1H groups, is attributed to Hoogsteen-paired residues. The more rapidly exchanging fraction (kN1H(2)>/=0.3 min-1) is attributable to solvent-exposed residues. Raman dynamic probe of the kinetics of guanine C8H-->C8(2)H exchange in d(T4G4)2 reveals modest retardation vis-à-vis dGMP, which rules out quadruplex formation by the telomeric repeat and confirms an ordered secondary structure consistent with a Hoogsteen-paired hairpin. Similar Raman, hydrogen-isotope exchange and electrophoretic mobility experiments on the related telomeric model, dT6(T4G4)2, also reveal a hairpin stabilized by Hoogsteen G.G pairs. Presence of the 5' thymidine tail preceding the Oxytricha telomeric repeat has no apparent effect on the hairpin secondary structure. We propose a molecular model for the hairpin conformation of the Oxytricha nova telomeric repeat and consider its possible roles in mechanisms of telomeric DNA interaction in vitro and telomere function in vivo.

[Characteristics of families of women with restricting anorexia nervosa compared with families of normal probands]. / Caractéristiques des familles de femmes présentant un trouble d'anorexie mentale restrictive comparées à celles de familles témoins.

This study compares families of women with restricting anorexia nervosa with families of women without any psychiatric history on the following variables: parents' eating problems (Eating Attitudes Test: EAT-26) and psychopathology (Symptom Checklist-90-R: SCL-90-R); family members' perceptions of the parent-daughter relationship (Parental Bonding Instrument: PBI) and the family's overall functioning (Self-Report Family Inventory: SFI). Twenty-eight young women suffering from restricting anorexia nervosa, 27 non-clinical women and their respective parents, completed these questionnaires and also participated in a semi-structured individual interview. Our results demonstrated that parents in the two groups had similar eating attitudes and behaviors. However, parents of women with anorexia nervosa reported more problems with alcohol consumption than non-clinical parents. There were no differences between the two groups on the measure of family functioning (SFI), all scores in the families of anorectics being within normal limits. All the daughters, however, reported less family cohesion and more family conflict than did their parents. On the PBI, all the daughters reported receiving more care from their mothers than their fathers; the anorectic women reported experiencing more maternal control, intrusiveness and overprotection. The relationship between each family member's perception of family functioning and the parent-daughter relationship was examined. Anorectic daughters associate the emotional health of their family with the care received from both parents, whereas control women associate this variable with their father's attitudes and behaviors. However, fathers from both groups do not consider their own care or protection as having contributed to the health of the family.

[Use of barbiturates in posttraumatic comas at the mesencephalic level. Apropos of 38 cases]. / Utilisation des barbituriques dans les comas post-traumatiques de niveau mésencéphalique. A propos de 38 cas.

Thirty-eight patients with brain injury and mesencephalic coma, or a Glasgow score of less than 5, were treated routinely with Thiopental administered by electric syringe for a mean duration of 4 days. Follow up review criteria were based on clinical computed tomography and electroencephalographic data, as well as results of monitoring of intracranial pressure and assay of blood barbiturate levels. Global results indicated a mortality of 55.3% and reintegration of 34.2% of the patients. Results as a function of the different parameters of surveillance are discussed.

[Approach and management of tobacco quitting process of the smoker patient by 149 residents in a university hospital in Tours]. / Abord et prise en charge du fumeur par 149 internes au CHRU de Tours.

INTRODUCTION: How do residents, specialists or general practitioners advise patients who are smokers when they are admitted to hospital? Do they assess their smoking status? How much do they know about smoking cessation? Do they know the tests essential to allow an effective approach to smokers? METHODS: One hundred and forty-nine residents were approached over a nine-month period by three pharmacy students. The questionnaire addressed the assessment of smokers and the possible management of their quitting process: the average time devoted to tobacco cessation, knowledge of "brief smoking cessation advice", assessment of nicotine addiction and motivation to quit as well as detection of withdrawal symptoms, knowledge of the list of nicotine substitutes prescribed by the Tours CHRU, and referral of smokers to a smoking cessation specialist. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-four (90%) residents out of the 149 who were questioned reported that they tried to assess the smoking status of their patients. The average time devoted to tobacco in a consultation was 4 minutes. Seventy-seven percent of those concerned knew what constituted "brief smoking cessation" and 59% reported delivering it regularly. The Fagerström test was known by 96% of them but only 13% of residents used it. With the exception of two residents in pneumonology, the Q. MAT, an assessment test of motivation to quit smoking, was unknown to them. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms were well recognised. Sixty-nine percent of them knew about the prescription list and 75% of them prescribed nicotine substitutes. CONCLUSIONS: The approach to the smoking patient varied according to the resident's speciality. Smoking assessment was done systematically by most but did not always lead to an assessment of patients' motivation to stop smoking or to an offer of assistance with quitting. This observation led to the development of a tool to improve the approach to smokers, available within the CHRU intranet covering the principles of the management of the tobacco quitting process; informing, helping to stop feeling guilty, assessing the motivation to quit (Q.MAT), assessing the smoker's addiction (Fagerström test), offering assistance and a list of nicotine substitutes.

George Gaylord Simpson as mentor and apologist for paleoanthropology.

The influence of George Gaylord Simpson (1902-1984) on paleoanthropology provides a well-documented, historical example of how one scientific discipline can impact upon another, bringing the latter quickly "up to speed" without having to retrace ground covered by the former. Paleoanthropologists were bystanders during the formulation of the evolutionary synthesis (1936-1947). After World War II, the younger paleoanthropologists looked to George Gaylord Simpson as one of several mentors regarding the implications of the synthesis for their own discipline. But why Simpson? Having earlier defined the superfamily Hominoidea (1931) as holding the Pongidae and Hominidae and monographed lower primate fossils (e.g., "Studies on the earliest primates," 1940), Simpson's "Principles of classification and a classification of mammals" (1945) further solidified his reputation as a mammalian systematist. Simpson's Meaning of Evolution (1949) was widely read as an introduction to the synthesis, and his Tempo an Mode in Evolution (1944) made accessible the more complex aspects. Consequently, in the 1950s and 1960s paleoanthropologists invited Simpson to participate in their symposia (e.g., "Some principles of historical biology bearing on human origins," 1951; "The meaning of taxonomic statements," 1964), used his books as classroom texts, and cited his publications to support claims for their own work. Later in the 1960s, Simpson moved from mentor to apologist, as the paleoanthropologists were by then familiar with the synthesis and incorporated its theoretical concepts in their interpretations of the many newly discovered hominoid fossils. Simpson now took special care to celebrate these results in his more general, less technical writings, acting as a forceful apologist for the materialistic view of human origins (e.g., "The biological nature of man," 1966; "The evolutionary concept of man," 1972). During the 1970s, Simpson's influence waned, and he became just another practitioner at the margin of the discipline. However, anthropologists acknowledged Simpson's earlier impact, for example, when he was invited, yet again, to address them at the 50th anniversary celebration of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists in 1981.

Abusive relationships in families of women with borderline personality disorder, anorexia nervosa and a control group.

In a group of intact families, we examined the rates and parameters of verbal, physical, and sexual abuse in 35 women with borderline personality disorder (BPD), 34 women with anorexia nervosa (AN), and 33 women without a clinical history (NC); their experience of multiple abuse and its correlation with their SCL-90-R scores; and their reports of abuse of their siblings. Corroboration of abuse was obtained from some parents in each group. Women with BPD suffered more intrafamilial verbal and physical abuse. Whereas AN and NC women experienced relatively rare single events of extrafamilial sexual abuse at an older age, those with BPD suffered repeated intrafamilial sexual abuse at a younger age and also suffered more multiple abuse. All multiply abused women had more psychopathology. Siblings were reported abused in the same proportions as subjects; many parents of BPDs corroborated their daughters' reports of all three forms of abuse.

Empathy in families of women with borderline personality disorder, anorexia nervosa, and a control group.

This is a study of empathy in the families of 27 women with borderline personality disorder (BPD), 28 women with restricting anorexia nervosa (AN), and 27 women without a clinical diagnosis (NC). The daughters and both parents responded to the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), an instrument for assessing four dimensions of empathy. In addition, they were personally interviewed, with the Family Interview for Protectiveness and Empathy (FIPE), about the extent of empathy expressed by the parents to their daughter during her development. On the IRI, women with BPD scored highest on the immature and lowest on the mature aspects of empathy, whereas scores of AN and NC women were all within normal limits. Parents of BPDs had the lowest IRI scores, while parents of AN and NC groups were similar to each other and to criterion group scores. IRI scores of AN daughters were positively correlated with their parents' scores whereas BPDs' scores were negatively correlated with those of their parents. There were no correlations between the IRI scores of NC subjects and their parents. On the FIPE, borderline daughters and parents agreed about the relative absence of empathic parenting, whereas AN and NC daughters and parents agreed as to the presence of empathic parenting. The theoretical and clinical implications of these contrasting findings are discussed.

Structural basis of DNA recognition and mechanism of quadruplex formation by the beta subunit of the Oxytricha telomere binding protein.

Interactions of the beta subunit of the Oxytricha nova telomere binding protein with the telomeric DNA sequences, d(T4G4)2 and dT6(T4G4)2, have been investigated in vitro using Raman and fluorescence spectroscopies. Raman difference spectra show that the beta subunit binds to both d(T4G4)2 and dT6(T4G4)2 but promotes the formation of a parallel-stranded quadruplex only in dT6(T4G4)2, thus demonstrating the importance of the telomeric 5' tail for in vitro recognition and guanine quadruplex formation. While d(T4G4)2 is not a suitable substrate for quadruplex promotion by the beta subunit, the Raman spectra reveal other structural rearrangements of this DNA strand upon beta subunit binding, including changes in guanine glycosyl torsion angles from syn to anti and disruption of carbonyl hydrogen-bonding interactions. The conformation of d(T4G4)2 in the beta:d(T4G4)2 complex is suggested as a plausible intermediate along the pathway to formation of the parallel-stranded guanine quadruplex. Fluorescence band shifts indicate that at least one of the two tryptophans of the beta subunit is shielded from solvent as a consequence of DNA binding in both the beta:dT6(T4G4)2 and beta:d(T4G4)2 complexes. However, the Raman spectra of these complexes suggest no significant changes in the beta subunit secondary structure attendant with DNA binding. A model for beta subunit binding by Oxytricha telomeric DNA sequences and a mechanism for quadruplex formation are proposed. A key feature of this model is the use of a telomeric hairpin secondary structure as the recognition motif.

Solution conformations and interactions of alpha and beta subunits of the Oxytricha nova telomere binding protein: investigation by Raman spectroscopy.

Solution conformations of the alpha and beta subunits of the Oxytricha nova telomere binding protein have been investigated by Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectra have also been obtained for a deletion mutant of the beta subunit, betaC232, which retains the N-terminal domain that is active in ternary complex (alpha:beta:DNA) formation but lacks the C-terminal domain that is active in catalyzing guanine quadruplex formation. The Raman spectra show that alpha, beta, and betaC232 are rich in beta-strand secondary structure ( approximately 40-50%) and turns. The Raman signature of the C-terminal 153 amino acids of beta, generated by subtracting the spectrum of betaC232 (residues 1-232) from that of the full subunit, indicates that the domain active in guanine quadruplex formation contains less beta-strand secondary structure and more irregular structure than the domain active in alpha:beta:DNA formation. Raman markers also provide information about the environments and orientations of several key side chains, including tryptophan residues in N- and C-terminal domains of the beta subunit. Both alpha and beta denature between 30 and 40 degrees C, as evidenced by large changes in Raman bands diagnostic of main chain conformation and side chain environments. The Raman spectrum of an equimolar alpha/beta mixture exhibits no evidence of specific interaction between the subunits; further, the denaturation profile of this mixture is indistinguishable from the sum of denaturation profiles of the constituent subunits, consistent with the absence of appreciable interaction between alpha and beta throughout the range 0-50 degrees C. The present results provide insights into the solution conformations of the Oxytricha telomere binding protein subunits and serve as the basis for future study of subunit interactions with telomeric DNA.

Molecular mechanism of DNA recognition by the alpha subunit of the Oxytricha telomere binding protein.

Interactions between telomeric DNA and the alpha subunit of the heterodimeric telomere binding protein of Oxytricha nova have been probed by Raman spectroscopy, CD spectroscopy, and nondenaturing gel electrophoresis. Telomeric sequences investigated include the Oxytricha 3' overhang, d(T4G4)2, and the related sequence dT6(T4G4)2, which incorporates a 5'-thymidylate leader. Corresponding nontelomeric isomers, d(TG)8 and dT6(TG)8, have also been investigated. Both d(T4G4)2 and dT6(T4G4)2 form stable hairpins that contain Hoogsteen G.G base pairs [Laporte, L., and Thomas, G. J., Jr. (1998) J. Mol. Biol. 281, 261-270]. The alpha subunit binds specifically and stoichiometrically to the dT6(T4G4)2 hairpin and alters its secondary structure by inducing conformational changes in the 5'-thymidylate leader without extensive disruption of G.G base pairing. Conversely, binding of the alpha subunit to d(T4G4)2 eliminates G.G pairing and unfolds the hairpin. DNA unfolding is accompanied by conformational changes affecting both the backbone and dG residues, as evidenced by Raman and CD spectra. Interestingly, the alpha subunit also forms complexes with the nontelomeric isomers, d(TG)8 and dT6(TG)8, evidenced by altered electrophoretic mobility in nondenaturing gels; however, Raman and CD spectra of complexes of the alpha subunit with nontelomeric DNA suggest no significant changes in backbone or deoxynucleoside conformations. Similarly, the alpha subunit binds to but does not appreciably alter the secondary structure of duplex DNA. The present results show that while the alpha subunit has the capacity to bind to Watson-Crick and different non-Watson-Crick motifs, DNA refolding is specific to the Oxytricha telomeric hairpin and the retention of G.G pairing is specific to the telomeric sequence incorporating the 5' leading sequence. A model is proposed for alpha subunit binding to telomeric DNA, and the physiological role of the alpha subunit in telomere organization is discussed.

[Infanticide committed by the mother]. / Homicide d'enfant commis par la mère.

Using data gathered at the Institut Philippe Pinel in Montréal, we shall describe the sociodemographic and psychiatric profile of a sample of 17 women who have killed (n = 14) or attempted to kill (n = 3) one of their children. Our data indicate that women who have committed this type of offence generally come from a disadvantaged socioeconomic environment. Most have a psychiatric history (evaluation and/or hospitalization). Review of the offence demonstrates that most women do not use a weapon to kill their child; the preferred methods are strangulation or drowning. Most of these offences may be classified as extended suicide or altruistic acts. Several of the women present with a severe personality disorder and an additional depressive episode in the context of the offence. We hope our study will help clarify understanding of filicide and assist in the development of certain prevention axes. These results indicate that the population at large and various intervenors in our society (family physicians, psychiatrists, criminologists, social workers, pediatricians, psychologists, gynecologists) must become increasingly vigilant and avoid trivialization of signals such as verbalization of homicidal thoughts about the child or recourse to certain disorganized behaviours.

Paternal filicide: a study of 10 men.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the psychiatric and sociodemographic profiles of 10 men who killed 1 or more of their children. METHOD: Data were gathered from psychiatric, psychological, and criminological assessments found in the files of 10 filicidal men hospitalized at the Institut Philippe Pinel de Montréal between 1982 and 1994. RESULTS: Many situational factors were present during the period preceding the offence (such as the possibility of a separation or financial problems). Most of these homicides have been classified as pathological filicides. At the time of the offence, the most frequent diagnoses were mood disorders. Eight subjects had personality disorders, one-half of which were borderline personality disorders. Four men had psychotic symptoms at the time of the offence. Six of the 10 men also killed or attempted to kill their spouses. CONCLUSION: Many factors are involved in the dynamics of a filicidal situation. It is therefore difficult to identify specific warning signals for the prevention of this type of homicide. However, mental health professionals and the general population must be made aware of the importance of early assessment of possible filicidal tendencies when a man verbalizes delusional ideas about his child and/or if he manifests disorganized and bizarre behaviour.

The McGill-Costa Rica Project: Training in family and community medicine.

In 1987, health authorities in Costa Rica started a training program in family and community medicine and requested assistance from the Department of Family Medicine at McGill University. The authors outline the health care system in Costa Rica and the background of the project. The design, implementation, and progress of the project to date are discussed. The problems associated with this kind of project and its future are also discussed.