Manganese-rhodium nanoparticles: Adsorption on titanium oxide surfaces and catalyst for syngas reactions.

Manganese-rhodium (Mn-Rh) nanoparticles have emerged as a promising candidate for catalytic applications in the production of syngas, a critical precursor for a wide range of industrial processes. This study employs a comprehensive, theoretical, and computational approach to investigate the structural and electronic properties of Mn-Rh nanoparticles, with a specific focus on their interaction with titanium oxide (TiO2) surfaces and their potential as catalysts for syngas reactions. The density functional theory calculations are employed to explore the adsorption behavior of Mn-Rh nanoparticles on TiO2 surfaces. By analyzing the adsorption energies, geometries, and electronic structure at the nanoscale interface, we provide valuable insights into the stability and reactivity of Mn-Rh nanoparticles when immobilized on TiO2 supports. Furthermore, the catalytic performance of Mn-Rh nanoparticles in syngas production is thoroughly examined. Through detailed reaction mechanism studies and kinetic analysis, we elucidate the role of Mn and Rh in promoting syngas generation via carbon dioxide reforming and partial oxidation reactions. The findings demonstrate the potential of Mn-Rh nanoparticles as efficient catalysts for these crucial syngas reactions. This research work not only enhances our understanding of the fundamental properties of Mn-Rh nanoparticles but also highlights their application as catalysts for sustainable and industrially significant syngas production.

The fecal microbiota of Holstein cows is heritable and genetically correlated to dairy performances.

The fecal microbiota of ruminants constitutes a diversified community that has been phenotypically associated with a variety of host phenotypes, such as production and health. To gain a better understanding of the complex and interconnected factors that drive the fecal bacterial community, we have aimed to estimate the genetic parameters of the diversity and composition of the fecal microbiota, including heritabilities, genetic correlations among taxa, and genetic correlations between fecal microbiota features and host phenotypes. To achieve this, we analyzed a large population of 1,875 Holstein cows originating from 144 French commercial herds and routinely recorded for production, somatic cell score, and fertility traits. Fecal samples were collected from the animals and subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing, with reads classified into Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs). The estimated α- and ß-diversity indices (i.e., Observed Richness, Shannon index, Bray-Curtis and Jaccard dissimilarity matrices) and the abundances of ASVs, genera, families and phyla, normalized by centered-log ratio (CLR), were considered as phenotypes. Genetic parameters were calculated using either univariate or bivariate animal models. Heritabilities estimates, ranging from 0.08 to 0.31 for taxa abundances and ß-diversity indices, highlight the influence of the host genetics on the composition of the fecal microbiota. Furthermore, genetic correlations estimated within the microbial community and between microbiota features and host traits reveal the complex networks linking all components of the fecal microbiota together and to their host, thus strengthening the holobiont concept. By estimating the heritabilities of microbiota-associated phenotypes, our study quantifies the impact of the host genetics on the fecal microbiota composition. In addition, genetic correlations between taxonomic groups and between taxa abundances and host performance suggest potential applications for selective breeding to improve host traits or promote a healthier microbiota.

Short communication: Bifidobacterium abundance in the faecal microbiota is strongly associated with milk traits in dairy cattle.

The performance of dairy cows is influenced by the microbial communities hosted within their digestive tract. While the rumen microbiota has long been associated with host phenotypes, the impact of the faecal microbiota remains elusive. In this study, we collected 697 faecal samples from commercial Holstein cows and analysed them with 16S rRNA gene analyses. For each animal, routinely recorded data, i.e., milk yield, fat yield, protein yield, fat content, protein content, and an aggregate production trait (pINEL) based on the French economic dairy index, were available to assess the links between the faecal microbiota and host production. Our findings revealed a strong and significant association between the structure of the bacterial and prokaryote community (ß-diversity) and dairy production. In addition, differential abundance analyses identified 48 genera whose abundances were significantly associated with pINEL, milk, fat and protein yield. Among these genera, the increased abundance of Bifidobacterium, and particularly an amplicon sequence variant with a 16S rRNA V3-V4 gene region identical to B. globosum and B. pseudolongum, was found to be the most important for high-yielding animals. Bifidobacterium seemed to be a potential key member of the bovine faecal microbiota that should be further investigated. Conversely, the p-1088-a5 gut group genus was found more abundant in low-productive cows. In conclusion, this study demonstrates significant associations between the faecal microbiota and the performance of dairy cows at the whole lactation scale. A better understanding of the physiology of the gut microbiota could help to improve dairy cow production.

Characterization of bovine vaginal microbiota using 16S rRNA sequencing: associations with host fertility, longevity, health, and production.

Due to their potential impact on the host's phenotype, organ-specific microbiotas are receiving increasing attention in several animal species, including cattle. Specifically, the vaginal microbiota of ruminants is attracting growing interest, due to its predicted critical role on cows' reproductive functions in livestock contexts. Notably, fertility disorders represent a leading cause for culling, and additional research would help to fill relevant knowledge gaps. In the present study, we aimed to characterize the vaginal microbiota of a large cohort of 1171 female dairy cattle from 19 commercial herds in Northern France. Vaginal samples were collected using a swab and the composition of the microbiota was determined through 16S rRNA sequencing targeting the V3-V4 hypervariable regions. Initial analyses allowed us to define the core bacterial vaginal microbiota, comprising all the taxa observed in more than 90% of the animals. Consequently, four phyla, 16 families, 14 genera and a single amplicon sequence variant (ASV) met the criteria, suggesting a high diversity of bacterial vaginal microbiota within the studied population. This variability was partially attributed to various environmental factors such as the herd, sampling season, parity, and lactation stage. Next, we identified numerous significant associations between the diversity and composition of the vaginal microbiota and several traits related to host's production and reproduction performance, as well as reproductive tract health. Specifically, 169 genera were associated with at least one trait, with 69% of them significantly associated with multiple traits. Among these, the abundances of Negativibacillus and Ruminobacter were positively correlated with the cows' performances (i.e., longevity, production performances). Other genera showed mixed relationships with the phenotypes, such as Leptotrichia being overabundant in cows with improved fertility records and reproductive tract health, but also in cows with lower production levels. Overall, the numerous associations underscored the complex interactions between the vaginal microbiota and its host. Given the large number of samples collected from commercial farms and the diversity of the phenotypes considered, this study marks an initial step towards a better understanding of the intimate relationship between the vaginal microbiota and the dairy cow's phenotypes.

Towards recycling of waste carbon fiber: Strength, morphology and structural features of recovered carbon fibers.

Carbon fiber is one of the most widely used materials in high demand applications due to its high specific properties, however, its post-recycling properties limit its use to low performance applications. In this research, the carbon fiber recovering is examined using two methods: two-step pyrolysis and microwave-assisted thermolysis. The results indicate that the fibers recovered by pyrolysis show reduced surface and structural damage, maintaining the original mechanical properties of the fiber with losses below 5%. The fibers recovered by microwaves undergo significant surface changes that reduce their tensile strength by up to 60% and changes in their graphitic structure, increasing their degree of crystallinity by Raman index ID/IG from 1.98 to 2.86 and their amorphous degree by ID"/IG ratio from 0.411 to 1.599. Recovering fibers from microwave technique is 70% faster compared to two step pyrolysis, and provides recycled fibers with superior surface activation with the presence of polar functional groups -OH, -CO, and -CH that react with the epoxy matrix. The thermal, morphological, structural and mechanical characterizations of the recovered fibers detailed in this work provide valuable findings to evaluate their direct reuse in new composite materials.

Consensus statement: summary of the Quebec Lung Cancer Network recommendations for prioritizing patients with thoracic cancers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: The emergence of covid-19 has the potential to change the way in which the health care system can accommodate various patient populations and might affect patients with non-covid-19 problems. The Quebec Lung Cancer Network, which oversees thoracic oncology services in the province of Quebec under the direction of the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux, convened to develop recommendations to deal with the potential disruption of services in thoracic oncology in the province of Quebec. The summary provided here has been adapted from the original document posted on the Programme québécois du cancer Web site at: https://www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/professionnels/documents/coronavirus-2019-ncov/PJ1_Recommandations_oncologie-thoracique-200415.pdf. Methods: Plans to optimize the health care system and potentially to prioritize services were discussed with respect to various levels of activity. For each level-of-activity scenario, suggestions were made for the services and treatments to prioritize and for those that might have to be postponed, as well as for potential alternatives to care. Results: The principal recommendation is that the cancer centre executive committee and the multidisciplinary tumour board always try to find a solution to maintain standard-of-care therapy for all patients with thoracic tumours, using novel approaches to treatment and the adoption of a network approach to care, as needed. Conclusions: The effect of the covid-19 pandemic on the health care system remains unpredictable and requires that cancer teams unite and offer the most efficient and innovative therapies to all patients under the various conditions that might be forced upon them.

In situ evidence of thermally induced rock breakdown widespread on Bennu's surface.

Rock breakdown due to diurnal thermal cycling has been hypothesized to drive boulder degradation and regolith production on airless bodies. Numerous studies have invoked its importance in driving landscape evolution, yet morphological features produced by thermal fracture processes have never been definitively observed on an airless body, or any surface where other weathering mechanisms may be ruled out. The Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission provides an opportunity to search for evidence of thermal breakdown and assess its significance on asteroid surfaces. Here we show boulder morphologies observed on Bennu that are consistent with terrestrial observations and models of fatigue-driven exfoliation and demonstrate how crack propagation via thermal stress can lead to their development. The rate and expression of this process will vary with asteroid composition and location, influencing how different bodies evolve and their apparent relative surface ages from space weathering and cratering records.

Surgical Treatment of a Medial Clavicle Fracture Nonunion with Medial Clavicle Resection and Stabilization to the Sternum with Palmaris Longus Graft.

Medial end clavicular fractures are a rare occurrence. While most of these fractures can be appropriately managed with a nonoperative treatment, some cases of symptomatic nonunion might be surgically addressed to preserve sternoclavicular joint stability and ensure favorable outcomes. The open reduction and osteosynthesis procedure is a commonly performed procedure to treat clavicular fracture nonunion. However, few revision procedures have been described to address the occasional cases of hardware failure or recurrent nonunion of the medial end. In this report, the authors present a case of symptomatic nonunion of the medial clavicle initially treated with osteosynthesis. Implant failure with hardware migration was then treated by medial clavicle resection and stabilization to the sternum using a palmaris longus autograft and the figure-of-eight lacing technique. Excellent functional outcomes at three years of follow-up were obtained. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case reporting on a sternoclavicular stabilization with a tendon autograft for such an important bone deficit.

In vivo MR-tracking based on magnetic signature selective excitation.

A novel magnetic resonance (MR)-tracking method specifically developed to locate the ferromagnetic core of an untethered microdevice, microrobot, or nanorobot for navigation or closed-loop control purpose is described. The tracking method relies on the application of radio-frequency (RF) excitation signals tuned to the equipotential magnetic curves generated by the magnetic signature of the object being tracked. Positive contrast projections are obtained with reference to the position of the magnetic source. A correlation function performed on only one k-space line for each of the three axes and corresponding to three projections, is necessary to obtain a 3-D location of the device. In this study, the effects of the sphere size and the RF frequency offset were investigated in order to find the best contrast noise ratio (CNR) for tracking. Resolution and precision were also investigated by proper measurement of the position of a ferromagnetic sphere by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquisition and by comparing them with the real position. This method is also tested for a moving marker where the positions found by MRI projections were compared with the ones taken with a camera. In vitro and in vivo experiments show the operation of the technique in tortuous phantom and in animal models. Although the method was developed in the prospect of new interventional MR-guided endovascular operations based on miniature untethered devices, it could also be used as a passive tracking method using tools such as catheters or guide wires.

Adherence to guidelines in requesting Oncotype DX in a publicly funded health care system.

Background: Oncotype dx [odx (Genomic Health, Redwood City, CA, U.S.A.)] is an approved prognostic tool for women with node-negative, hormone receptor-positive, her2-negative breast cancer. Because of cost, optimal use of this test is crucial, especially in a publicly funded health care system. We evaluated adherence with our provincial guidelines for odx requests, the management of patients with an intermediate recurrence score (rs), and the cost impact of odx. Methods: This retrospective study included 201 consecutive patients with an odx request from two university institutions in Quebec between May 2012 and December 2014. Concordance with provincial guidelines was estimated, with its 95% confidence interval (ci). For patients with an intermediate rs, factors influencing the final treatment decision were assessed. The cost impact of odx was derived from the proportion of patients for whom chemotherapy was not recommended. Results: In 93.0% of patients (95% ci: 89.5% to 96.6%), odx was ordered according to guidelines. The concordance was similar in both institutions (92.7%; 95% ci: 88.1% to 97.3%; and 93.6%; 95% ci: 88.2% to 99.0%). In 112 (55.7%), 78 (38.8%), and 9 (4.5%) patients, the rs suggested low, intermediate, and high risk respectively. In the intermediate-risk group, most patients (n = 58, 74.4%) did not receive chemotherapy, mainly because of patient preference and the absence of a clear proven benefit. Savings of CA$100,000 for the study period (2.5 years) were estimated to be associated with odx use. Conclusions: In our experience, the use of odx was concordant with published recommendations and had a positive cost impact.

FLRG (follistatin-related gene), a new target of chromosomal rearrangement in malignant blood disorders.

We report here the molecular study of a t(11;19)(q13;p13) translocation observed in a case of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. This translocation leads to the juxtaposition of the CCND1 gene on chromosome 11 to a new transcriptional unit on chromosome 19. The cDNA of this new evolutionarily conserved gene (named FLRG for Follistatin-Related Gene) codes for a secreted glycoprotein of the follistatin-module-protein family. FLRG is expressed in a wide range of human and murine adult tissues and its expression seems to be tightly regulated during murine embryogenesis. Its transcripts could not be detected in hematopoietic cells from all lineages and in particular in cells from lymphoid B and T lineage except in the t(11;19)-carrying leukemia described here. A great variability of expression is observed among the other tumoral cell lines analysed. Besides the t(11;19)-carrying leukemia described in this work, structural rearrangements of the FLRG locus have been found in a non-Hodgkin lymphoma, suggesting that it may play a role in leukemogenesis.

FLRG, an activin-binding protein, is a new target of TGFbeta transcription activation through Smad proteins.

The FLRG gene encodes a secreted glycoprotein that binds to activin and is highly homologous to follistatin, an activin ligand. We cloned the promoter region of the human FLRG gene, and defined the minimal region necessary for transcription activation in a reporter-system assay. We showed that the fragment between positions -130 and +6, which consists of multiple consensus Sp1-binding sites, is required for the constitutive expression of the FLRG gene. We demonstrate here that FLRG mRNA expression is rapidly induced by TGFbeta or by transfection with Smad protein expression vectors in human HepG2 cells. We investigated the transcription-regulation mechanism of FLRG expression in HepG2 cells following treatment with TGFbeta. By deletion and point-mutation analysis of the FLRG promoter, we identified a Smad-binding element involved in the TGFbeta-inducible expression of the FLRG gene. Moreover, transactivation of the FLRG promoter by TGFbeta was compromised by dominant-negative mutants of Smad3 and Smad4 proteins. In addition, gel electrophoresis mobility-shift assays demonstrated the specific interaction of Smad3 and Smad4 proteins with the Smad-binding element consensus motif found in the FLRG promoter. Taken together, our data imply that Smad proteins participate in the regulation of expression of FLRG, a new target of TGFbeta transcription activation.

AF15q14, a novel partner gene fused to the MLL gene in an acute myeloid leukaemia with a t(11;15)(q23;q14).

In haematopoietic malignancies the MLL gene, located on chromosome 11q23, is frequently disrupted by chromosome rearrangement, generally resulting in fusion to various partner genes. We have previously reported a t(11;15)(q23;q14) in a case of acute myeloblastic leukaemia. Here, we report the cloning of a novel MLL partner, AF15q14, at chromosome 15q14. In this translocation, the breakpoint occurred in exon 8 of MLL and exon 10 of AF15q14. The normal AF15q14 transcripts of approximately 8.5 kb in size, are expressed in different tumoral cell lines, in a variety of normal tissues, and in all the foetal tissues tested. Sequencing of AF15q14 cDNA revealed a putative open reading frame of 1833 amino acids that had no homology with any other known protein. The C-terminal end of the putative AF15q14 contained a bipartite nuclear localization site. The translocation t(11;15) preserved the open reading frame between MLL and the 3' end of AF15q14. The contribution of AF15q14 to the fusion protein was only 85 amino acids. Immunofluorescence staining experiments with expression vectors encoding these 85 amino acids confirmed the functionality of the predicted nuclear localization site.

[Diagnosis and classification of pulmonary arterial hypertension]. / Diagnostic et classification des hypertensions artérielles pulmonaires.

The clinical classification of types of pulmonary hypertension has made it possible to better standardize the approach to the diagnosis and treatment of patients, to perform clinical studies among homogeneous patients, and to discover common laboratory abnormalities that may serve as markers or help elucidate mechanisms of disease. Pulmonary arterial hypertension groups together different diseases that affect the small-caliber pulmonary arteries and lead to a progressive increase in pulmonary arterial resistance and right heart failure. A specific diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension is generally based on a detailed and methodical clinical evaluation. Pulmonary biopsy is rarely indicated. Work-up in a center specialized in the management of this disease is frequently appropriate when the cause of the hypertension is not clear or when a specific treatment is envisaged.

Expression of FLRG, a novel activin A ligand, is regulated by TGF-beta and during hematopoiesis [corrected].

OBJECTIVE: The human gene FLRG, identified from a B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia bearing a t(11;19) translocation, encodes a secreted glycoprotein highly homologous with follistatin. Activin A is a TGF-beta family member involved in the regulation of growth and differentiation of various types of cells, such as those of the hematopoietic system. Its biological activity is antagonized by binding with follistatin. We investigated the binding of FLRG to activin A and the expression pattern of FLRG, follistatin, and activin A during hematopoiesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The binding of FLRG with activin A was investigated by immunoprecipitation and Far-Western blot analysis. Gene expression was analyzed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Northern Blot in purified hematopoietic populations. RESULTS: We demonstrate that FLRG, like follistatin, is able to bind to activin A. In bone marrow stromal cells, both mRNA and protein FLRG levels were found to be dramatically increased by TGF-beta. FLRG and activin A are expressed in the same cells, with a higher level of expression in the myeloid cells compared with the erythroid and megakaryocytic cells. FLRG and follistatin expression were different in the hematopoietic subpopulations tested. Moreover, we observed that FLRG and activin A expression was up-regulated during hematopoiesis. CONCLUSION: FLRG and activin A are expressed in the same hematopoietic cells and regulated by TGF-beta. Moreover, FLRG interacts with activin A, suggesting that FLRG, like follistatin, participates in the diverse regulatory functions of activin A, such as those in hematopoiesis.

Geophysical imaging reveals topographic stress control of bedrock weathering.

Bedrock fracture systems facilitate weathering, allowing fresh mineral surfaces to interact with corrosive waters and biota from Earth's surface, while simultaneously promoting drainage of chemically equilibrated fluids. We show that topographic perturbations to regional stress fields explain bedrock fracture distributions, as revealed by seismic velocity and electrical resistivity surveys from three landscapes. The base of the fracture-rich zone mirrors surface topography where the ratio of horizontal compressive tectonic stresses to near-surface gravitational stresses is relatively large, and it parallels the surface topography where the ratio is relatively small. Three-dimensional stress calculations predict these results, suggesting that tectonic stresses interact with topography to influence bedrock disaggregation, groundwater flow, chemical weathering, and the depth of the "critical zone" in which many biogeochemical processes occur.

Metallothionein expression in human lung and its varying levels after lung transplantation. Toulouse Lung Transplantation Group.

The aim of this study was to determine the lung levels of metallothionein (MT), a free radical scavenger, because oxygen-derivated free radicals (ODFRs) have been involved both in reperfusion injury of transplanted lungs and in cardiac or renal allograft destruction. First, MT localization was evaluated in 14 normal human lung biopsy specimens. Then, in lung transplant recipients, MT content in BAL fluid (BALF) and its transcription rate in alveolar macrophages (AMs) were determined. The BALFs of 69 patients were separated into six groups: lung transplant recipients in clinically stable condition (CSR), those with acute rejection (AR), asymptomatic cytomegalovirus infection (ACMV), cytomegalovirus pneumonitis (CMVP), bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), and patients without transplants who served as control subjects (NTCs). In normal lungs, 83% of AMs were positively stained. MT staining was also observed in pleural endothelial cells and basal cells from bronchial epithelium. In lung transplant recipients, MT levels in BALF were significantly higher in patients with CSR, AR, ACMV, and CMVP compared with NTCs, while during BOS, MT had a significantly lower level compared with other lung transplant groups. However, no difference among groups was found concerning MT-II messenger RNA expression in AMs, showing that, as in normal lung, AMs are not the only cells that produce MT. These data report for the first time to our knowledge MT cell distribution in human lung with specific emphasis on its enhanced levels after lung transplantation, even in the absence of complication. Possible correlation among MT levels, ODFRs, cytokine levels, and corticosteroid treatment during complications of lung transplantation are discussed.

[Myocardial metabolism in angina with angiographically normal coronary arteries]. / Etude du métabolisme myocardique dans l'angor à coronaires angiographiquement normales.

Myocardial metabolism was studied during rapid atrial pacing in 22 patients with angina and angiographically normal coronary arteries. Pyruvate, non esterified fatty acid and lactate levels were measured in the coronary arteries and veins under basal conditions, at the peak of atrial pacing and during the recovery phase. A control group of 8 patients had neither angina, ST depression, or lactate production during atrial pacing. A correlation was observed between the coronary arterio-venous difference and arterial pyruvate and non esterified fatty acid levels in the 22 patients during the 3 periods of study. The control patients did not differ significantly from the rest of the population. There was a correlation between the coronary arterio-venous difference and arterial lactate levels under basal conditions in all of the study and control groups. This correlation remained significant during atrial pacing and the recovery period only in the control group. It was possible to distinguish a group of 14 patients (64 p. 100) (Group A) with a correlation coefficient of lactate production similar to the control group (+/- 2 standard deviations) during atrial pacing, from a second group of 8 patients (36 p. 100) (Group B) with abnormal myocardial metabolism. The arterial lactate concentrations were similar in both groups in the 3 periods of study. A coefficient of lactate extraction less than 10 p. 100 was observed in 2 patients in Group A and in 7 patients in Group B (88 p. 100, p less than 0.01). One patient in Group B had a coefficient of lactate extraction greater than 10 p. 100 (+ 13 p. 100).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cancer trends from 1972-1991 for Registered Indians living on Manitoba Reserves.

BACKGROUND: The objectives of this study were to determine if the incidence of and mortality from cancer have increased between 1972-1991, and to describe the distribution of cancer sites and survival for Registered Indians living on-reserves. METHODS: Cancer cases and deaths on-reserve were obtained from the provincial cancer registry, using a postal code match. Treaty Status was verified using a population registry kept by Health Canada. Population figures on-reserve were obtained from the federal Department of Indian Affairs. RESULTS: The average annual number of cases and deaths increased by 64% and 122%, respectively, between 1972-76 and 1987-91 (NS). The age and sex standardized incidence and mortality rates increased by 7% and 50% (NS). Males had a 1.1 times higher incidence and 1.4 times higher death rate than females. The entire excess male incidence and mortality occurs after age 50. Females have 1.1 to 6.2 times the incidence and mortality between ages 20-49. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer incidence and mortality appear to be increasing on-reserve. The distribution of leading sites and pattern of survival are similar to that of the rest of the population, with the exception of a higher proportion of cases and mortality caused by cervical and gallbladder cancer in females and kidney cancer in both sexes. The lung cancer rate is increasing in women and is the leading cause of cancer mortality for both sexes. It is likely that these trends will continue for some time unless there is reduction in the high rate of smoking, dietary change, and implementation of more widespread and effective Pap screening on-reserves.

Serious suicides. Short and long-term results. One hundred and fifty six cases with a follow-up period of 1 to 7 years.

By serious suicides we mean all suicide attempts in which the wish to die was clearly expressed by the patient. Hospitalization in intensive care is indispensable (lasting 3 days on average, 1 to 34 days in extreme cases). From January 1977 to December 1982, 156 patients, aged 10 to 55, were admitted on the basis of this criterion (i.g. 6 1/2% of all our patients), 60% of them men. The mode of suicide was often violent: voluntary fall: (44 or 28%) 15 dead; hanging: (11 or 7%) 3 dead; fire arms: (48 or 30%) 23 dead; knife wounds: (13 or 7%) 2 dead; drug and/or chemical poisoning: (33 or 23%) 6 dead; others: (7 or 5%) 4 dead. In 34% of the cases (54 cases), death was immediate. For longterm results the follow-up lasts from 6 months to 6 years. Only 12 patients (7 1/2%) had attempted to kill themselves prior to their admission in our service. Out of the 103 patients still alive, 30 (29%) were contacted on the phone, and agreed to answer the questionnaire, whatever their mode of suicide, sex or age. The survey focused on their medico-surgical problems, their socio-professional activities, both previous and subsequent to hospitalization. Whatever the diagnosis at the moment of hospitalization, no disabling after-effects were noticed among the subjects. Only 3 of our patients (2,8%) have made a second attempt, 2 of which have been fatal. The results of this survey show the beneficial action of emergency medical aid and intensive care in the treatment of suicides, which represent a unique event in the patient's life rather than a chronic psychiatric syndrome. In the long term these results preclude further attempts or advice to commit suicide.