Array of Individual Circular Rydberg Atoms Trapped in Optical Tweezers.

Circular Rydberg atoms (CRAs), i.e., Rydberg atoms with maximal orbital momentum, are highly promising for quantum computation, simulation, and sensing. They combine long natural lifetimes with strong interatomic interactions and coupling to electromagnetic fields. Trapping individual CRAs is essential to harness these unique features. We report the first demonstration of CRAs laser trapping in a programmable array of optical bottle beams. We observe the decay of a trapped rubidium circular level over 5 ms using a novel optical detection method. This first optical detection of alkali CRAs is both spatially and level selective. We finally observe the mechanical oscillations of the CRAs in the traps. This work opens the route to the use of circular levels in quantum devices. It is also promising for quantum simulation and information processing using the full extent of Rydberg manifolds.

Laser Trapping of Circular Rydberg Atoms.

Rydberg atoms are remarkable tools for quantum simulation and computation. They are the focus of an intense experimental activity, mainly based on low-angular-momentum Rydberg states. Unfortunately, atomic motion and levels lifetime limit the experimental timescale to about 100 µs. Here, we demonstrate two-dimensional laser trapping of long-lived circular Rydberg states for up to 10 ms. Our method is very general and opens many opportunities for quantum technologies with Rydberg atoms. The 10 ms trapping time corresponds to thousands of interaction cycles in a circular-state-based quantum simulator. It is also promising for quantum metrology and quantum information with Rydberg atoms, by bringing atom-field interaction times into unprecedented regimes.

High-Precision Ramsey-Comb Spectroscopy Based on High-Harmonic Generation.

High-harmonic generation (HHG) is widely used for up-conversion of amplified (near) infrared ultrafast laser pulses to short wavelengths. We demonstrate that Ramsey-comb spectroscopy, based on two such pulses derived from a frequency-comb laser, enables us to observe phase effects in this process with a few mrad precision. As a result, we could perform the most accurate spectroscopic measurement based on light from HHG, illustrated with a determination of the 5p^{6}→5p^{5}8s^{2}[3/2]_{1} transition at 110 nm in ^{132}Xe. We improve its relative accuracy 10^{4} times to a value of 2.3×10^{-10}. This is 3.6 times better than shown before involving HHG, and promising to enable 1S-2S spectroscopy of He^{+} for fundamental tests.

Loss of dopaminergic nigrostriatal neurons accounts for the motivational and affective deficits in Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) involves the degeneration of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) that is thought to cause the classical motor symptoms of this disease. However, motivational and affective impairments are also often observed in PD patients. These are usually attributed to a psychological reaction to the general motor impairment and to a loss of some of the neurons within the ventral tegmental area (VTA). We induced selective lesions of the VTA and SNc DA neurons that did not provoke motor deficits, and showed that bilateral dopamine loss within the SNc, but not within the VTA, induces motivational deficits and affective impairments that mimicked the symptoms of PD patients. Thus, motivational and affective deficits are a core impairment of PD, as they stem from the loss of the major group of neurons that degenerates in this disease (DA SNc neurons) and are independent of motor deficits.

From the original SARS-CoV-2 strain to the Omicron variant: Predictors of COVID-19 in ambulatory symptomatic children.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the predictors of a positive SARS-CoV-2 test in a pediatric ambulatory setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional prospective study (November 2020-February 2022) of 93 ambulatory settings in France. We included symptomatic children < 15 years old tested for SARS-CoV-2. For each period corresponding to the spread of the original strain and its variants (period 1: original strain; period 2: Alpha, period 3: Delta; period 4: Omicron), we used a multivariate analysis to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) associated with COVID-19 among age, signs, symptoms or contact, and 95 % confidence intervals (95CIs). RESULTS: Of 5,336 children, 13.9 % (95CI 13.0-14.8) had a positive test. During the first three periods, the positivity rate ranged from 5.6 % (95CI 4.6-6.7) to 12.6 % (95CI 10.8-14.6). The main factors associated with a positive test were contact with an infected adult at home or outside the home (aOR 11.5 [95CI 4.9-26.9] to 38.9 [95CI 19.3-78.7]) or an infected household child (aOR 15.0 [95CI 4.8-47.1] to 28.4 [95CI 8.7-92.6]). By contrast, during period 4, aORs for these predictors were substantially lower (2.3 [95CI 1.1-4.5] to 5.5 [95CI 3.2-7.7]), but the positivity rate was 45.7 % (95CI 42.3-49.2). CONCLUSIONS: In pediatric ambulatory settings, before the Omicron period, the main predictor of a positive test was contact with an infected person. During the Omicron period, the odds of these predictors were substantially lower while the positivity rate was higher. An accurate diagnostic strategy should only rely on testing and not on age, signs, symptoms or contact.

Factors associated with hospital admission and adverse outcome for COVID-19: Role of social factors and medical care.

BACKGROUND: Beyond sex, age, and various comorbidities, geographical origin and socioeconomic deprivation are associated with Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) morbidity and mortality in the general population. We aimed to assess factors associated with severe forms of COVID-19 after a hospital emergency department visit, focusing on socioeconomic factors. METHODS: Patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 attending the emergency department of Béclère Hospital (France) in March-April 2020 were included. Postal addresses were used to obtain two geographical deprivation indices at the neighborhood level. Factors associated with hospitalization and factors associated with adverse outcomes, i.e. mechanical ventilation or death, were studied using logistic and Cox analyses, respectively. RESULTS: Among 399 included patients, 321 were hospitalized. Neither geographical origin nor socioeconomic deprivation was associated with any of the outcomes. Being male, older, overweight or obese, diabetic, or having a neuropsychiatric disorder were independent risk factors for hospitalization. Among 296 patients hospitalized at Béclère Hospital, 91 experienced an adverse outcome. Older age, being overweight or obese, desaturation and extent of chest CT scan lesions>25% at admission (aHR: 2.2 [95% CI: 1.3-3.5]) and higher peak CRP levels and acute kidney failure (aHR: 2.0 [1.2-3.3]) during follow-up were independently associated with adverse outcomes, whereas treatment with hydrocortisone reduced the risk of mechanical ventilation or death by half (aHR: 0.5 [0.3-0.8]). CONCLUSION: No association between geographical origin or socioeconomic deprivation and the occurrence of a severe form of COVID-19 was observed in our population after arrival to the emergency department. Empirical corticosteroid use with hydrocortisone had a strong protective impact.

Accurate laser frequency locking to optical frequency combs under low-signal-to-noise-ratio conditions.

We demonstrate a method for accurately locking the frequency of a continuous-wave laser to an optical frequency comb under conditions where the signal-to-noise ratio is low, too low to accommodate other methods. Our method is typically orders of magnitude more accurate than conventional wavemeters and can considerably extend the usable wavelength range of a given optical frequency comb. We illustrate our method by applying it to the frequency control of a dipole lattice trap for an optical lattice clock, a representative case where our method provides significantly better accuracy than other methods.

Fermentable carbohydrates exert a more potent cholesterol-lowering effect than cholestyramine.

The purpose of this work was to assess the respective role of bile acid excretion and of the end-products of cecal fermentations in the cholesterol-lowering effect of complex carbohydrates. The effects of two different fermentable carbohydrates (guar gum, beta-cyclodextrin), and sequestrant resin (cholestyramine) have been investigated in male Wistar rats. Guar gum and beta-cyclodextrin are broken down in the large bowel, with fermentation rich in propionic acid (37% against 26% for control), whereas cholestyramine did not enhance cecal fermentation. beta-Cyclodextrin and guar gum were less potent than cholestyramine to enhance bile acids and sterol excretion. Nevertheless, fermentable carbohydrates exerted a more potent cholesterol-lowering effect than cholestyramine. beta-Cyclodextrin also depressed triacylglycerol-rich lipoprotein (TGRLP). Fermentable carbohydrates lowered cholesterol of LDL and HDL1 fractions. The induction of hepatic HMG-CoA reductase was practically proportional to rate of fecal steroid excretion. Moreover, with beta-cyclodextrin, hepatic HMG-CoA reductase induction was concomitant to a decrease in fatty acid synthase (FAS) activity. Thus, the cholesterol-lowering effect of fermentable carbohydrates could be related to a depressed lipogenesis, as well as to an accelerated removal of HDL1, in relation to an elevated hepatic demand of cholesterol. In conclusion, fermentable carbohydrates could favour cholesterol elimination and have a general lipid-lowering effect by exerting more complex physiological effects than cholestyramine.

[Zinc and pregnancy]. / Zinc et grossesse.

Zinc, an essential trace element, plays a critical role in normal growth and development, cellular integrity and many biological functions, including protein synthesis and nucleic acid metabolism. Since all these are involved in cell division and growth, zinc is believed to be important for foetal growth and development. Zinc requirement is increased during pregnancy but the lack of a valid indicator precludes a true estimate of zinc deficiency in pregnancy even in developed countries. This review examines the possibility that a gestational deficiency of zinc can adversely affect the pregnancy outcome. Preliminary human data suggest a beneficial effect of prenatal zinc supplementation trials in particular on infant's neurobehavioral development. In the light of the currently available information, zinc supplementation at therapeutic load (30 mg/day) as it is proposed for the treatment of hormonal skin disorders to adolescents, cannot be toxic.

[Gradenigo syndrome and petrositis in a child]. / Syndrome de Gradenigo au cours d'une apicite chez un enfant.

Gradenigo syndrome is caused by petrous inflammation, also called petrositis. It includes acute otitis media, diplopia, and homolateral retroorbital pain due to trigeminal and abducens nerve injury. We describe a child with petrositis secondary to acute otitis media. The lack of otoscopic abnormality and the presence of bilateral headache made the diagnostic difficult. After complementary investigations searching for an intracranial process, the diagnosis was made based on brain and skull base dimensional computed tomography.

Effect of cyclodextrin on plasma lipids and cholesterol metabolism in the rat.

beta-Cyclodextrin (beta-CD) is a bile acid and sterol sequestrant produced by enzymatic modification of starch; this product has the potential to decrease plasma cholesterol. In contrast to the sequestrants having resin- or saponin-like properties, beta-CD is rapidly broken down by the large intestine microflora. beta-CD effects on cecal fermentations and lipid metabolism were thus investigated in rats adapted to semipurified diets containing 0%, 2.5%, or 5% beta-CD. In rats fed beta-CD diets, there was an enlargement of the cecum together with a dramatic increase in the cecal concentration of propionic acid (even with the 2.5% level, in moderately acidic pH conditions). Propionic acid produced in the cecum was readily absorbed and entirely taken up by the liver, whereas there was no significant acetic acid uptake. Dietary beta-CD was highly effective in enhancing bile acid entry into to the cecum: the cecal bile acids pool was 2.2 and 3.6-fold enlarged in rats fed the 2.5% and 5% beta-CD diets, respectively. The solubility percentage of bile acids decreased to approximately 25% in rats fed the beta-CD diets (v 51% in controls); the cecal concentration of soluble bile acids was thus relatively low in these animals. The fecal excretion of steroids was strongly enhanced by beta-CD, and bile acids excretion was practically proportional to the dietary beta-CD level. There was a net lipid-lowering effect of beta-CD, even at the 2.5% level. The effect was more pronounced on triglycerides than on cholesterol.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of a combined micronutrient supplementation on maternal biological status and newborn anthropometrics measurements: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in apparently healthy pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible beneficial effects of a micronutrient supplementation to apparently healthy pregnant women on maternal biological status and new born anthropometric characteristics. SETTING: Departments of Obstetric of the University Hospital of Grenoble (France) and Lyon (France), Laboratoire of Biology of Oxidative Stress, UFR de Pharmacie. Grenoble (France). STUDY DESIGN: Double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled intervention trial. SUBJECTS: A total of 100 apparently healthy pregnant women were recruited at 14+/-2 weeks of gestation to delivery. At the end, they were 65 women to follow out the study. INTERVENTIONS: Daily consumption over gestation of a micronutrients supplement or placebo. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Plasma micronutrient levels and oxidative stress parameters were measured in mothers at 14 and 38 weeks of gestation. New born's anthropometric characteristics were measured at delivery. RESULTS: In the supplemented group, folic acid, vitamin C, E, B2, B6 and beta-carotene levels were higher than in the placebo group. Oxidative stress parameters were not different between the groups. Birth weights were increased by 10% and the number of low newborn weights (<2700 g) decreased significantly when the mother received the supplementation. Maternal plasma Zn levels were positively correlated to the newborn heights. CONCLUSION: A regular intake of a micronutrient supplement at nutritional dose may be sufficient to improve micronutrient status of apparently healthy pregnant women and could prevent low birth weight of newborn.

The cholesterol-lowering effect of guar gum in rats is not accompanied by an interruption of bile acid cycling.

A viscous hydrocolloid (guar gum, GG; 2.5% of the diet) or a steroid sequestrant (cholestyramine; 0.5% of the diet) was included in semipurified diets containing 0.2% cholesterol to compare the cholesterol-lowering effects of each agent in rats. In the present model, GG significantly lowered plasma cholesterol (-25%), especially in the density < 1.040 kg/L fraction, whereas cholestyramine was less potent. Bile acid fecal excretion significantly increased only in rats fed cholestyramine, similar to the cecal bile acid pool; the biliary bile acid secretion was accelerated by GG, but not their fecal excretion, whereas GG effectively enhanced neutral sterol excretion. As a result, the total steroid balance (+13 micromol/d in the control) was shifted toward negative values in rats fed the GG or cholestyramine diets (-27 or -50 micromol/d, respectively). Both agents induced liver 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase, but cholestyramine was more potent than GG in this respect. The present data suggest that, at a relative low dose in the diet, GG may be more effective than cholestyramine in lowering plasma cholesterol by impairing cholesterol absorption and by accelerating the small intestine/liver cycling of bile acids, which is interestingly, accompanied by reduction of bile acid concentration in the large intestine.

The cholesterol-lowering effect of guar gum is not the result of a simple diversion of bile acids toward fecal excretion.

The effects of partially hydrolyzed, nonviscous, guar gum (PHGG) on cholesterol metabolism and digestive balance have been compared with those of native guar gum (GUAR) in rats adapted to 0.4% cholesterol diets. Both types of guar gum elicited acidic fermentations in the large intestine, but only GUAR effectively lowered plasma cholesterol (P < 0.001), chiefly in the triglyceride-rich lipoprotein fraction. The biliary bile acid excretion was significantly enhanced in rats fed GUAR (P < 0.05), as well as the intestinal and cecal bile acid pool (P < 0.001). In rats fed GUAR and to a lesser extent in those fed PHGG, the fecal excretion of bile acids and neutral sterol was higher than in controls (P < 0.01). The digestive balance (cholesterol intake-steroid excretion) was positive in control rats (+47 mumol/d), whereas it was negative in rats fed GUAR (-20 mumol/d), which could involve a higher rate of endogenous cholesterol synthesis. In rats fed PHGG, the steroid balance remained slightly positive. Liver 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase activity was very low (22 pmol/min/mg protein), owing to cholesterol supplementation, in control rats or in rats fed PHGG, whereas it was markedly higher (+463%) in rats fed GUAR. In conclusion, even if PHGG does alter some parameters of the enterohepatic cycle of cholesterol and bile acids, its effects are not sufficient to elicit a significant cholesterol-lowering effect. The intestinal (ileal or cecal) reabsorption of bile acids was not reduced, but rather increased, by GUAR; nevertheless the intestinal capacities of reabsorption were overwhelmed by the enlargement of the digestive pool of bile acids. In the present model, induction of HMG-CoA reductase probably takes place in the presence of elevated portal bile acid concentrations.

Vaginal delivery in a woman with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. A case report.

BACKGROUND: Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy is a muscular disease determined genetically. Few papers have been published on this disorder in pregnancy. Several authors reported on delivery by cesarean section because of the risk of dystocia. CASE: A woman with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy had two pregnancies with normal vaginal delivery and follow-up. No obstetric complications related to the disease occurred. CONCLUSION: A trial of labor is possible in patients with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy if no obstetric contraindications exist.

Effects of a multivitamin mineral supplement on zinc and copper status during pregnancy.

The effect of a multivitamin-mineral supplement was investigated during pregnancy according to a double-blind protocol by determining zinc and copper in maternal plasma, mononuclear and polynuclear zinc and copper at the third, sixth, eighth, and ninth months of gestation. The subjects were supplemented from the first trimester until delivery. A significant decrease was observed in plasma zinc that varied from 11.5 mumol/L to 10.8 mumol/L in the supplemented group (n = 29) and from 11 mumol/L to 10 mumol/L in the placebo group (n = 33) at 3 and 9 mo of gestation, respectively. In contrast, plasma copper levels increased in a way depending upon the stage of gestation in both groups: from 24.7 to 28.2 mumol/L in the treated group and from 24.9 to 30.9 mumol/L in the placebo group at 3 and 9 mo of gestation, respectively, but the difference was only significant in the placebo group. No difference between groups was observed in mononuclear and polynuclear zinc or copper levels. These trace elements were also determined in cord blood at delivery. There were no statistically significant differences in zinc and copper concentration found in placebo group and supplemented group. Finally, the beneficial effect of supplementation on muscular cramps and appearance of vergetures was noted.

[Is systematic iron supplementation justified during pregnancy?]. / Faut-il supplémenter en fer les femmes enceintes?

Considering that young women have a high risk of iron store deficiency, the iron supplementation is largely proposed during pregnancy. However, a selective supplementation reserved to anaemia women, must be preferred to a systematic supplementation which improves biological parameters of mothers but have no effect on newborns. Iron is a potentially toxic element and a not justified, supplementation could expose to high iron level and to an oxidative stress which is also observed in pregnancy pathologies (preeclamptia, gestational diabetes). Furthermore a non controlled increase of erythrocyte mass by iron supplementation could also alter the placenta exchange. As a precaution, iron supplementation may be reserved to anaemia women or with high anaemia risk. For others, nutritional advises must permit to reach iron recommendation.

[Effects of a sequential combination of estradiol valerate and cyproterone acetate on the functional properties of the arterial wall in menopausal women]. / Effets d'une association séquentielle de valérate d'estradiol et d'acétate de cyprotérone sur les propriétés fonctionnelles de la paroi artérielle des femmes ménopausées. Groupe d'étude clinique Climène paroi artérielle.

Several studies have shown that estrogen replacement therapy protects postmenopausal women against coronary artery disease. This protective effect has been ascribed to the hormone's effect on serum lipids, as well as a direct action on the vascular wall. Concurrent administration of a progestin to protect women from the risk of endometrial hyperplasia may alter the protective effects of estrogen. The aim of this study was to assess the evolution of the endothelial function in postmenopausal women given a sequential combination of oral 2 mg estradiol valerate for 11 days, followed by 2 mg estradiol valerate associated with 1 mg cyproterone acetate for ten days (Climène). Each 21-day sequence was followed by a seven-day treatment-free interval. The women received a three-month treatment course. Thirty-one healthy postmenopausal women participated in the study (median age: 51 years; range: 45-59 years). Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), a reflection of endothelium-dependent vasomotor function, increased from 8.47% at baseline (range: 4.57-11.02%) to 9.64% (range: 7.07-13.12%) at the end of the first treatment cycle; i.e., a 15% increase over baseline (P < 0.0001). FMD further increased after three treatment cycles to 10.59% (range: 8.09-15.22%); i.e., a 28.6% increase over baseline (P < 0.0001). FMD at the end of the first combined sequence or after the 11 days of estradiol only were similar (delta = 0.25%; range: -2.31-5.81%; not significant). In conclusion, in postmenopausal women, a three-month sequential treatment combining estradiol valerate and estradiol valerate plus cyproterone acetate (Climène) has beneficial effects on endothelial function as demonstrated by the evolution of the FMD. There was no decrease in the effect of estradiol on FMD when cyproterone acetate was added to estradiol.

[An attempt at classification of the vaginal arteries. Functional and surgical implications]. / Essai de systématisation des artères vaginales. Implications fonctionnelles et chirurgicales

It has been possible to attempt to classify the vaginal arteries after studying 10 specimens of total contents of the pelvis removed at autopsy. The classical descriptions are confirmed except for these features: The longitudinal vaginal artery supplies the anterior and inferior part of the vagina and probably also the bladder. The middle haemorrhoidal artery supplies, as far as we can see, mainaly the posterior portion of the vagina. Finally, in a last section, we discuss some surgical and functional implications arising from these deductions.