Essential omega-3 fatty acids tune microglial phagocytosis of synaptic elements in the mouse developing brain.

Omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are essential for the functional maturation of the brain. Westernization of dietary habits in both developed and developing countries is accompanied by a progressive reduction in dietary intake of n-3 PUFAs. Low maternal intake of n-3 PUFAs has been linked to neurodevelopmental diseases in Humans. However, the n-3 PUFAs deficiency-mediated mechanisms affecting the development of the central nervous system are poorly understood. Active microglial engulfment of synapses regulates brain development. Impaired synaptic pruning is associated with several neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we identify a molecular mechanism for detrimental effects of low maternal n-3 PUFA intake on hippocampal development in mice. Our results show that maternal dietary n-3 PUFA deficiency increases microglia-mediated phagocytosis of synaptic elements in the rodent developing hippocampus, partly through the activation of 12/15-lipoxygenase (LOX)/12-HETE signaling, altering neuronal morphology and affecting cognitive performance of the offspring. These findings provide a mechanistic insight into neurodevelopmental defects caused by maternal n-3 PUFAs dietary deficiency.

3D reconstruction of dynamic liquid film shape by optical grid deflection method.

In this paper, we describe the optical grid deflection method used to reconstruct the 3D profile of liquid films deposited by a receding liquid meniscus. This technique uses the refractive properties of the film surface and is suitable for liquid thickness from several microns to millimeter. This method works well for strong interface slopes and changing in time film shape; it applies when the substrate and fluid media are transparent. The refraction is assumed to be locally unidirectional. The method is particularly appropriate to follow the evolution of parameters such as dynamic contact angle, triple liquid-gas-solid contact line velocity or dewetting ridge thickness.

[Anesthesia for laparoscopic surgery]. / Anästhesie für die laparoskopische Chirurgie.

A thorough understanding of the physiological repercussions of the pneumoperitoneum is essential in order ot properly grasp the safety rules governing anesthesia for laparoscopic surgery. As a general rule systemic vascular resistance increases as the heart flow rate and venous return circulation decrease. Variations in the ventilation/perfusion ratio explain the origin of hypercapnia observed in patients. There is little reabsorption of CO2 from the peritoneal cavity. However, this increases considerably if CO2 is insufflated outside the peritoneum (for example during pelvic lymph-adenectomy). Anesthesia must therefore limit the intra-abdominal pressure by adequate curarization and adapt the ventilation according to the P and CO2 capnographic readings. When the surgical procedure is protracted, it may be of benefit ot the patient to reduce systemic vascular resistance by using halogenic anesthetics such as isoflurane.

[Ambulatory celioscopy]. / Coelioscopie ambulatoire.

Outpatient laparoscopic surgery implies a selection for surgical procedures in order to prevent the risk of postoperative bleeding and/or bowel injury. Anesthetists are concerned with the safety of the airway (tracheal intubation or laryngeal mask). Prevention of nausea and vomiting and analgesia are the more important points in the postoperative period. Due to the prolongation of these symptoms during 48 hours or more, the treatments must be adapted (oral route).