Consumption of psychoactive substances among 535 women entering a Lyon prison (France) between June 2004 and December 2008.

BACKGROUND: In France, recent data on the consumption of psychoactive substances (PASs) among women entering prison are virtually nonexistent. The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of female entrants at Montluc prison in Lyon (France) and to estimate their PAS consumption. METHODS: Between June 1, 2004 and December 31, 2008, of 841 women entering the Lyon correctional facility, 535 had an entrance interview, conducted by a nurse, during which a questionnaire was systematically proposed; 306 detainees did not have this interview and could not be included in the study because of an immediate transfer to another prison or emergency hospitalization. Socioeconomic and incarceration characteristics, PAS consumption, as well as consumption level (occasional, regular, abusive or dependence) and psychological distress of the 535 interviewed detainees were systematically noted. This psychological distress was defined by the presence in the entrant talks or behavior suggesting clinical symptoms such as anxiety, depression, delusion, delirium, and mood or behavior disorders. Descriptive analysis was undertaken with the Chi(2) test and Fisher's exact test for differences between the proportions observed. RESULTS: The average age of the 534 responding detainees was 31.5 years; 59.2% had had no ongoing professional activity in the 12 months prior to incarceration, and 21.6% had already been imprisoned before; 37.5% of the entrants reported dependence on tobacco and 13.7% on alcohol; 6.6% reported regular, abusive use or dependence on cannabis, 20.4% on psychotropic medications, and 7.7% on other drugs (heroin, cocaine, synthetic drugs) in the 6 months preceding their incarceration; 39.2% of the consumers at risk reported using at least two substances; 7.1% of detainees were on opioid substitution treatment. A multiple correspondence factor analysis was used to note specific characteristics of three groups of PAS consumers. CONCLUSIONS: More frequent among young women detainees, overall PAS consumption was quite close to that of male entrants, was greater than in the general female population, and was very often accompanied by psychological distress. Effective screening upon entry into detention should be carried out so that female consumers can be offered psychological and/or psychiatric care adapted to a prison environment.

Guidelines for Frontline Health Care Staff Safety for COVID-19.

This document establishes safety guidelines for physicians, nurses, and allied health care and facility staff who may be exposed to patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in a health care facility. SARS-CoV-2 infection is highly contagious and places health care workers at risk for infection resulting in coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Physicians, nurses, and allied health care and facility staff in all frontline environments must be provided and utilize necessary personal protective equipment (PPE). It is important that health care staff adopt a universal set of guidelines in which to conduct themselves in order to minimize infection with the SARS-CoV-2 contagion. The establishment of these guidelines is necessary in this viral pandemic since such directives can create a standard of safety that is universally accepted. These guidelines establish a framework to provide consistency among health care facilities and staff from the time the staff member arrives at the health care facility until they return home. These guidelines provide a practical description of the minimum necessary protection for physicians, nurses, and allied health care and facility staff against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Involvement of zinc in the regulation of pHi, motility, and acrosome reactions in sea urchin sperm.

When sperm of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus or Lytechinus pictus are diluted into seawater, motility is initiated; and when exposed to egg jelly, an acrosome reaction is induced. In the presence of a variety of structurally different metal chelators (0.1-1 mM EDTA, EGTA, phenanthroline, dipyridyl, cysteine, or dithiothreitol), motility initiation is delayed and the acrosome reaction is inhibited. Of the metals detected in the sperm of these two species, very low levels of Zn+2 (0.1 microM free Zn+2) uniquely prevent this chelator inhibition. L. pictus sperm concentrate 65Zn+2 from seawater, and EDTA removes 50% of the accumulated 65Zn+2 by 5 min. Since both sperm motility and acrosome reactions are in part regulated by intracellular pH (pHi), the effect of chelators on the sperm pHi was examined by using the fluorescent pH sensitive probe, 9-aminoacridine, EDTA depresses sperm pHi in both species, and 0.1 microM free Zn+2 reverses this pHi depression. When sperm are diluted into media that contain chelators, both NH4Cl and monensin (a Na+/H+ ionophore) increase the sperm pHi and reverse the chelator inhibition of sperm motility and acrosome reactions. The results of this study are consistent with the involvement of a trace metal (probably zinc) in the pHi regulation of sea urchin sperm and indicate a likely mechanism for the previously observed effects of chelators on sperm motility and acrosome reactions.

[Characteristics of alcohol-dependent male inmates]. / Caractéristiques des personnes alcoolodépendantes incarcérées en maison d'arrêt.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare social and penal characteristics and consumption of psychoactive substances by alcohol-dependent and non-dependent inmates of the Lyon's prison in 2004. METHODS: The study was carried out among 2033 male adults incarcerated between January 1st and December 31st 2004. An administered questionnaire was proposed during the arrival visit to record social, administrative and penal data. Use of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs was quantified. RESULTS: In all, 1898 questionnaires were analysed. Comparison between alcohol-dependent (n=356) versus non alcohol-dependent inmates (n=1542), revealed that the alcohol-dependent population was older, mean age (34 years old versus 30 years, p<0.001), and had a higher unemployment rate (50% versus 39.4%, p<0.001). Alcohol addicts were more often repeated offenders (62% versus 50.7%, p=0.001), had a higher rate of Subutex mixture (11% versus 3.2%, p<0.001) and presented more psychic suffering (21% versus 6%, p<0.001). Multivariate analysis identified use of psychotop drugs, use of psychoactive substances, age and familial situation as significantly and independently associated with the abusise alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION: Because of an elevated prevalence of alcohol dependence among arriving penitentiary inmates, effective screening is needed to prevent withdrawal syndrome and propose care adapted to the specific features of this dependent population: social insecurity and polydrug abuse.

[Psychoactive substance use among newly incarcerated prison inmates]. / Consommation de substances psycho actives chez les personnes entrant en prison.

The objective of this study was to describe the population of incoming prisoners in Lyon's prisons and to estimate the proportion of those who are drug users in order to adapt the psychological care which is made available at the time of entrance. During the entrance interview briefing session, a questionnaire was given to each new adult male inmate between January 1st and December 31st 2003. The mean age of new prisoners was 31 years old: 68.5% did not have regular employment in the last 12 months prior to their incarceration, and 52.8% had already been previously imprisoned. More than 64.0% of inmates declared either a regular use, an abusive use or dependence on tobacco, 16.5% on cannabis, 16.1% on alcohol, 2.5% on psychotropic medication, and 4.1% on other drugs (heroine, cocaine, or synthetic drugs). Moreover, 42.0% of drug users declared either a regular use, abusive consumption or dependence on at least two psycho active substances. These results confirm the need for effective screening for drug use upon entry into prison as a means of ensuring that appropriate psychological and/or psychiatric care of drug users, which is suitably adapted to the prison environment, can be provided.

Biogeochemical plant-soil interaction: variable element composition in leaves of four plant species collected along a south-north transect at the southern tip of Norway.

Leaves from four different plant species (birch, willow, juniper, and heather) together with samples of the soil O and C horizons were collected at 44-46 sites along a south-to-north transect extending inland for 200 km from the southern tip of Norway. The transect covers one of the steepest vegetation gradients on Earth, crossing six vegetation zones. Juniper and heather are evergreen, and preferably exclude potentially toxic elements to avoid their accumulation in assimilating tissues, birch and willow shed their leaves in autumn together with the load of potentially toxic elements, and thus can tolerate the uptake of such elements. The plant leaves show the highest concentrations for B, Ca, K, Mg, Mn, P, Rb and S. In the soil O-horizon Ag, Au, As, Bi, Cu, Ge, Hg, In, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, Te and W are enriched with respect to the C-horizon, whilst Mn and Rb are depleted. Cadmium, Sr and Zn are enriched in willow and Cs, Na and Tl in heather. In terms of concentration gradients from the coast inland, two different patterns are detected: 1) short range with an almost exponential decrease of concentrations from the coast, which appears to be typical for seaspray-related element input, and 2) long range with an almost linear decrease of concentrations with distance from the coast. These patterns differ among the four species, even for one and the same element. Inter-element correlation is different from material to material. Along the transect each of the different plants at the same site individually adapts to the available element combination. High linear correlations in the plants occur between the lanthanides (La, Ce, Y), and interestingly, between P and Ti. The plant/soil system appears highly non-linear and self-regulated.

Presence of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone in bull seminal plasma.

Levels of FSH and LH were estimated in a crude powder of seminal plasma pooled from bulls. The FSH concentration in the seminal plasma was approximately 100 times greater than that in the circulation. The receptor-binding activity of LH in the seminal plasma was very low compared with that in blood. The FSH in bull seminal plasma was partially purified and found to be identical to ovine pituitary FSH in its ability to bind to bull testicular receptor, in its immunological reactivity and also in its chromatographic and electrophoretic properties. The partially purified LH in bull seminal plasma was more acidic than ovine pituitary LH as shown by disc electrophoresis. It showed low binding characteristics that were not parallel to pituitary LH in the specific radioreceptor assay. The significance of the inverse relationship between the levels of FSH and LH in seminal and blood plasma is unknown.

Isolation and characterization of a bovine seminal plasma protein inhibiting pituitary FSH secretion.

A basic protein with inhibin-like activity was purified from bull seminal plasma by ethanol precipitation, ion-exchange chromatography, gel filtration and preparative disc electrophoresis. The protein migrated rapidly into the acrylamide gel at pH 4.5 but failed to penetrate the gel at pH 8.9. Electrophoresis at pH 4.5 revealed heterogeneity. Its molecular weight by SDS gel electrophoresis was estimated to be approx. 18 000 daltons. It exhibited inhibin activity in both in vivo and in vitro model systems. The partially purified protein fraction was active in suppressing hCG-induced mouse uterine weight in immature mice. It specifically inhibited the castration-induced rise in serum FSH in 34-day-old male rats, blocked the action of synthetic LH-RH in vivo and in vitro in rats and mice respectively.

Determination of ammonium in a buddingtonite sample by ion-chromatography.

An ion-chromatographic method for the direct determination of ammonium, potassium, and sodium in geologic materials is described. Samples are decomposed with a mixture of hydrofluoric and hydrochloric acids in a sealed polycarbonate bottle heated in a microwave oven. The ion-chromatograph separates the cations and determines them by conductivity measurement. The ammonium concentrations thus determined have been verified by use of an ammonia-specific electrode. A total of 32 analyses of ammonium salts by both techniques showed an average error of -4%, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 6%. The ammonium concentrations found in a buddingtonite sample had an RSD of 2.2% and their mean agreed with that obtained by the Kjeldahl method. By use of the prescribed dilution of the sample, detection limits of 0.1% can be achieved for all three cations.

The effect of the new Massachusetts Bay sewage outfall on the concentrations of metals and bacterial spores in nearby bottom and suspended sediments.

Since the new outfall for Boston's treated sewage effluent began operation on September 6, 2000, no change has been observed in concentrations of silver or Clostridium perfringens spores (an ecologically benign tracer of sewage), in bottom sediments at a site 2.5 km west of the outfall. In suspended sediment samples collected with a time-series sediment trap located 1.3 km south of the outfall, silver and C. perfringens spores increased by 38% and 103%, respectively, in post-outfall samples while chromium, copper, and zinc showed no change. All metal concentrations in sediments are <50% of warning levels established by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. An 11-year data set of bottom sediment characteristics collected three times per year prior to outfall startup provides perspective for the interpretation of post-outfall data. A greater than twofold increase in concentrations of sewage tracers (silver and C. perfringens) was observed in muddy sediments following the exceptional storm of December 11-16, 1992 that presumably moved contaminated inshore sediment offshore.

Evaluation of the embryo transfer procedure proposed by the International Embryo Transfer Society as a method of controlling vertical transmission of Neospora caninum in cattle.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate efficacy of embryo transfer into seronegative recipients, using the procedure proposed by the International Embryo Transfer Society (IETS), for preventing vertical transmission of Neospora caninum in cattle. DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS: 87 recipient cows and heifers and their embryo transfer calves from 22 donors originating from 9 dairy herds. PROCEDURE: Neospora caninum serologic status of donors and recipients was determined before collection and transfer of embryos. Viable embryos were washed and treated with trypsin. Recipients in experimental groups A (n = 50) and B (29) were seronegative and received embryos from seropositive and seronegative donors, respectively. Recipients in group C (n = 8) were seropositive and received embryos from seronegative or seropositive donors. Antibody titers against N caninum were determined monthly during pregnancy in recipients and in calf blood samples collected at birth. Tissues collected from stillborn calves and aborted fetuses were analyzed histologically and by immunohistochemical (IHC) methods. RESULTS: 76 calves and 11 fetuses and stillborn calves were examined. All calves from groups A and B were seronegative (n = 70) or lacked evidence of infection by use of tissue analysis (9). In group C, 5 of 6 calves were seropositive at birth, and IHC results were positive for 1 of 2 calves. Vertical transmission rate was significantly lower in groups A and B (0%) than in group C (75%). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Embryo transfer into seronegative recipients, using the procedure proposed by IETS, is an effective way to prevent vertical transmission of N caninum. Results provide support for pretransfer testing of all embryo transfer recipients.

Metritis following parturition: serum progesterone and 17 beta-oestradiol levels. The significance of the corpus luteum and the advisability of using a luteolytic agent as a treatment.

A group of 22 postpartum Holstein Friesian cows showing abnormal uterus were divided into two groups and treated with a) PGF(2)alpha or b) diethylstilboestrol and oxytocin. Most blood P(4) values were under 0.5 ng/mL whereas E(2) blood level was higher than in normal cycling cows. The report emphasizes the need for a careful clinical examination in order to apply the proper therapy.

[Ecbolic and hormonal action of synthetic prostaglandin F2a in fetal mummification in two Holstein cows (author's transl)]. / Actions ecbolique et hormonale de la prostaglandine F2a synthétique lors de momification foetale chez deux vaches Holstein.

Ecbolic and Hormonal Action of Synthetic Prostaglandin F(2)a in Fetal Mummification in Two Holstein CowsThe effects of treatment with synthetic prostaglandin F(2)a (500mug i.m.) to correct cases of fetal mummification in two Holstein cows are described.

Influence de la tylosine soluble sur l'endomètre de la vache.

THE EFFECT OF SOLUBLE TYLOSIN ON THE ENDOMETRIUM OF THE COW: Although several antibiotics are often used for intrauterine infusions, their effect on the endometrium is still unknown. An evaluation of the consequences of a single or repeated intrauterine infusion of a 1.2% solution of tylosin is reported and it is concluded that such a concentration of the antibiotic is not an irritant.

Milk production effect of a morantel tartrate treatment at calving in dairy cows with subclinical parasitism.

A field trial involving 217 dairy cows from 13 herds located in four different areas of Quebec was conducted to determine the level of subclinical parasitism. The effect on milk production was evaluated on 116 cows following a single anthelmintic treatment with morantel tartrate administered at freshening. The results showed that this treatment increased milk production in nine herds, which was statistically significant at P 0.05).

Bioavailability of chloramphenicol in cattle: variation with the number of injection sites and the concentration of the pharmaceutical preparation.

A bioavailability study of three commercial chloramphenicol preparations was carried out in cattle in order to determine the influence of the number of muscular injection sites and the concentration of the product on the level of chloramphenicol serum concentration. Results show that chloramphenicol should be injected at the dose of 22 mg/kg at multiple injection sites to reach 5 mug/mL of serum which is considered to be the minimal inhibitory concentration.

Une néphrose toxique chez des veaux traités par un médicament contenant des produits de dégradation des tétracyclines.

A TOXIC NEPHROSIS IN CALVES TREATED WITH A DRUG CONTAINING TETRACYCLINE DEGRADATION PRODUCTS: Tetracyclines may prove to be toxic, especially when they are administered in excessive quantity. Toxicity and high mortality were experienced in calves that had been given the recommended dose of a drug which accidentally contained tetracycline degradation products, namely: 4-epianhydrotetracycline, epitetracycline and anhydrotetracycline. Lesions of acute and subacute nephrosis were observed. In calves dying rapidly, an abnormal coloration of skeletal muscles, myocardium and brain was also noted on postmortem examination, and a degeneration of the liver was evident. As the calves were already sick when they received the drug, dehydration and other pathogenic factors might have worsened their condition.

Bovine herpesvirus type 1 in the sperm of a bull from a herd with fertility problems.

A herd of 125 Holstein cows manifested fertility problems for two years. The number of services per pregnancy was 2.97, conception rate was 33% after the first service, and the average number of open days was 127. Abortions occurred in four cows over the last 12 months. The herd was not vaccinated against any disease. Natural service by a bull and artificial insemination were used for breeding the cows. Bovine herpesvirus type 1 was demonstrated in sperm heads from the bull by direct and indirect fluorescent antibody techniques, and the virus was isolated on cell cultures. The virus was also isolated from the uterine secretions of some cows and from two aborted fetuses.

[Isolation of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus from the tarsal joint of a bull (author's transl)]. / Isolement du virus de la rhino-trachéite infectieuse bovine à partir du liquide synovial du tarse d'un taureau.

Isolation of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus from the tarsal joint of a bullInfectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus was isolated from the right tarsal joint of a bull who was showing signs of a systemic viral infection. The clinical signs manifested by 16 bulls of this herd are described, the laboratory methods used are listed and the results are analysed and discussed.