What functional proteomic and biochemical analysis tell us about animal stress in beef?

Animal management practices may influence the animal's susceptibility to stress, with detrimental effects on the ultimate meat quality. In this field, proteomics is a promising tool that reveals the biological pathways underpinning the effect of animal's pre-slaughter stress (PSS) on the ultimate meat quality. The objective of this work was to study the effect of a pre-slaughter procedure that may promote stress, such as mixing unfamiliar animals during the transport and lairage period, on the post-mortem muscle proteome of young bulls reared under two different farm management systems (Intensive or Extensive). Comparative proteomics and biochemical analysis reveal the effect of PSS on biochemical pathways involved in the meat colour development, muscle redox status, energy metabolism and autophagy. This work highlights the potential of some muscle proteins such as Beclin-1 (autophagy marker), CKM (biomarker of energy transduction) and proteins of the energy metabolism (ALDOA, PYGM, PGM1, PKM, GPI) as potential biomarkers to discriminate beef samples according to the incidence of PSS. SIGNIFICANCE: Meat scientists are interested in the study of individual animal-based measurements that allow the detection of stress situations which could have negative effects on meat quality. In this context, the mechanisms underlying the adverse effects of pre-slaughter stress on the post-mortem muscle metabolism need to be elucidated in order to understand how animal stress may influence the conversion of muscle into meat. In this work, the study of proteome changes in the post-mortem muscle has allowed the identification of significant biomarkers of these processes that could be used as tools for detecting inappropriate strategies that may induce increased animal stress and, in consequence, may compromise the ultimate beef quality.

Evidence on the discrimination of quinoa grains with a combination of FT-MIR and FT-NIR spectroscopy.

Quinoa is considered as a valuable re-emergent crop due to its nutritional composition. In this study, five quinoa grains from different geographical origin (Real, CHEN 252, Regalona, BO25 and UDc9) were discriminated using a combination of FT-MIR and FT-NIR spectra as input for principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis (CA) and soft independent modelling class analogy (SIMCA). The results obtained from PCA and CA show a great power of discrimination, with an average silhouette width value of 0.96. Moreover, SIMCA showed an error rate and accuracy values of 0 and 1 respectively with only 4% misclassified samples. A relationship between each principal component and the most important variables for the discrimination were mainly due to vibrations of several oleofins groups (C-H, C-H2, C-H3), alkene group (-CH=CH-), hydroxyl group (O-H) and Amides I and II vibrational modes.

Regulación en la práctica de la neuropsicología clínica en México / Regulation in the practice of clinical neuropsychology in Mexico

En México, no existe una adecuada regulación legal de la práctica profesional de la neuropsicología, a pesar de que existen pautas a nivel internacional donde se estipula que el profesional debe tener una formación teórica-práctica sobre neurociencias, psicología clínica y psicometría, además de destreza en habilidades clínicas y formulación de programas de intervención sólidamente fundamentados en estudios empíricos. Por lo tanto, es necesario que los profesionistas estén capacitados para desarrollar su labor, pues de lo contrario estaría atentando contra derechos fundamentales del ser humano. Por lo que las autoridades en materia de salud mental, al tener facultades suficientes para actualizar y legalizar en relación con la práctica clínica, deberán implementar medidas más específicas y rígidas en cuanto a los requisitos que deben reunir los profesionales en materia de neuropsicología. Finalmente, se debe impulsar el consenso entre las asociaciones, universidades y profesionales del campo, para establecer vías de comunicación que tenga como objetivo la regulación y reconocimiento de la profesionalización en neuropsicología clínica.

In Mexico, there is a lack of legal regulation of the professional practice of neuropsychology, even though there are international guidelines on the practice of neuropsychology which stipulate to have theoretical-practical training in neuroscience, clinical psychology and psychometrics, as well as skills in clinical and formulation of intervention programs solidly based on empirical studies. Therefore, it is a necessity that the professionals are properly trained, because otherwise it would be attacking the fundamental rights of the human being. Thus, the mental health authorities should update and legalize in relation to clinical practice more specific measures on the requirements to practice clinical neuropsychology. Finally, consensus among associations, universities, and professionals in the field should be encouraged to establish a communication that aims to regulate and recognize the practice in clinical neuropsychology.

In Planta Sporulation of Frankia spp. as a Determinant of Alder-Symbiont Interactions.

The Alnus genus forms symbiosis with the actinobacteria Frankia spp. and ectomycorrhizal fungi. Two types of Frankia lineages can be distinguished based on their ability to sporulate in planta Spore-positive (Sp+) strains are predominant on Alnus incana and Alnus viridis in highlands, while spore-negative (Sp-) strains are mainly associated with Alnus glutinosa in lowlands. Here, we investigated whether the Sp+ predominance in nodules is due to host selection of certain Frankia genotypes from soil communities or the result of the ecological history of the alder stand soil, as well as the effect of the sporulation genotype on the ectomycorrhizal (ECM) communities. Trapping experiments were conducted using A. glutinosa, A. incana, and A. viridis plantlets on 6 soils, differing in the alder species and the frequency of Sp+ nodules in the field. Higher diversity of Frankia spp. and variation in Sp+ frequencies were observed in the trapping than in the fields. Both indigenous and trapping species shape Frankia community structure in trapped nodules. Nodulation impediments were observed under several trapping conditions in Sp+ soils, supporting a narrower host range of Sp+ Frankia species. A. incana and A. viridis were able to associate equally with compatible Sp+ and Sp- strains in the greenhouse. Additionally, no host shift was observed for Alnus-specific ECM, and the sporulation genotype of Frankia spp. defined the ECM communities on the host roots. The symbiotic association is likely determined by the host range, the soil history, and the type of in plantaFrankia species. These results provide an insight into the biogeographical drivers of alder symbionts in the Holarctic region.IMPORTANCE Most Frankia-actinorhiza plant symbioses are capable of high rates of nitrogen fixation comparable to those found on legumes. Yet, our understanding of the ecology and distribution of Frankia spp. is still very limited. Several studies have focused on the distribution patterns of Frankia spp., demonstrating a combination of host and pedoclimatic parameters in their biogeography. However, very few have considered the in planta sporulation form of the strain, although it is a unique feature among all symbiotic plant-associated microbes. Compared with Sp- Frankia strains, Sp+ strains would be obligate symbionts that are highly dependent on the presence of a compatible host species and with lower efficiency in nitrogen fixation. Understanding the biogeographical drivers of Sp+ Frankia strains might help elucidate the ecological role of in planta sporulation and the extent to which this trait mediates host-partner interactions in the alder-Frankia-ECM fungal symbiosis.

Osseoinductive elements around immediate implants for better osteointegration: a pilot study in foxhound dogs.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects on osseointegration of topical applications of melatonin vs. vitamin D over surfaces of immediate implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mandibular premolar distal roots (P2 , P3 , P4 ) were extracted bilaterally from six American Foxhound dogs. Three conical immediate implants were randomly placed bilaterally in each mandible. Three randomized groups were created: melatonin 5% test group (MI), vitamin D 10% test group (DI), and Control group implants (CI). Block sections were obtained after 12 weeks and processed for mineralized ground sectioning. Bone-to-implant contact (total BIC), new bone formation (NBF), inter-thread bone (ITB), and histological linear measurements (HLM) were assessed. RESULTS: At 12 weeks, all implants were clinically stable and histologically osseointegrated. Total BIC values were 49.20 ± 3.26 for the MI group, 49.86 ± 1.89 for DI group and 45.78 ± 4.21 for the CI group (P < 0.018) with statistically significant difference between the three groups. BIC percentage were 42.44 ± 2.18 for MI, 44.56 ± 1.08 for DI, and 41.95 ± 3.34 for CI groups respectively (P > 0.05). Inter-thread bone formation values were MI 17.56 ± 2.01, for DI 19.87 ± 0.92, and CI 14.56 ± 1.24 (P > 0.05). Statistically significant differences in peri-implant new bone formation were found between the three groups: MI 28.76 ± 1.98, DI 32.56 ± 1.11 and CI 25.43 ± 4.67, respectively (P < 0.045). Linear measurements showed that the MI group showed significantly less lingual crestal bone loss (CBL) (MI 0.59 ± 0.71), compared to DI (0.91 ± 1.21) and CI (0.93 ± 1.21) (P < 0.042), and less lingual peri-implant mucosa (PIM) (MI 3.11 ± 1.34),(DI 3.25 ± 0.18 compared with CI 3.54 ± 1.81 (P = 0.429). Linear measurements of buccal CBL showed significantly less buccal bone loss in test DI (0.36 ± 0.12) than CI (1.34 ± 1.23) and MI (1.11 ± 1.38) (P = 0.078). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this animal study, topical applications of 5% Melatonin or 10% vitamin D improved bone formation around implants placed immediately after extraction and helped to reduce CBL after 12 weeks osseointegration.

Green alder (Alnus viridis) encroachment shapes microbial communities in subalpine soils and impacts its bacterial or fungal symbionts differently.

Since the mid-twentieth century, subalpine grasslands undergo a progressive encroachment by Alnus viridis shrubs. Thanks to its rapid vegetative reproduction, its nitrogen fixing symbiosis with Frankia and its ectomycorrhizal cohorts, green alders are vigorous colonizers that quickly form mosaic of alder patches that evolves into a close canopy shrub community. To better understand how alder encroachment might influence microbial communities in this successional sequence, symbiont distribution, microbial richness and community structure in both soils and nodules were analyzed at three successional stages: grassland, mosaic and forest. Soil analyses were performed in association with measures of nitrification and denitrification, as well as DNA metabarcoding of three bacterial genes (16S rDNA, nifH and amoA) and one fungal gene (ITS1). Our results show that (i) A. viridis encroachment is associated with soil microbial community changes that are in turn, linked to certain soil properties (i.e., pH, C/N ratio and organic matter content), (ii) both taxonomic and N related functional gene structures of bacteria are modified by alder encroachment and (iii) the distribution in soils of its bacterial symbionts (Frankia) is apparently weakly influenced by alder establishment while Alnus-specific ectomyccorrhizae increase with the increase in alder shrub density.

Identification and characterization of contrasting sunflower genotypes to early leaf senescence process combining molecular and physiological studies (Helianthus annuus L.).

Leaf senescence is a complex mechanism ruled by multiple genetic and environmental variables that affect crop yields. It is the last stage in leaf development, is characterized by an active decline in photosynthetic rate, nutrients recycling and cell death. The aim of this work was to identify contrasting sunflower inbred lines differing in leaf senescence and to deepen the study of this process in sunflower. Ten sunflower genotypes, previously selected by physiological analysis from 150 inbred genotypes, were evaluated under field conditions through physiological, cytological and molecular analysis. The physiological measurement allowed the identification of two contrasting senescence inbred lines, R453 and B481-6, with an increase in yield in the senescence delayed genotype. These findings were confirmed by cytological and molecular analysis using TUNEL, genomic DNA gel electrophoresis, flow sorting and gene expression analysis by qPCR. These results allowed the selection of the two most promising contrasting genotypes, which enables future studies and the identification of new biomarkers associated to early senescence in sunflower. In addition, they allowed the tuning of cytological techniques for a non-model species and its integration with molecular variables.

Host-Feeding Sources and Infection With Trypanosoma cruzi of Triatoma infestans and Triatoma eratyrusiformis (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) From the Calchaqui Valleys in Northwestern Argentina.

We assessed the prevalence of infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, parasite genotypes (discrete typing units, DTUs), and the host-feeding sources of domestic and peridomestic Triatoma infestans Klug and Triatoma eratyrusiformis Del Ponte in eight rural communities of the subandean Calchaqui valleys in northwestern Argentina. We sought to analyze their epidemiological role in the context of routine vector surveillance and control actions. Infection with T. cruzi was determined by optic microscopy or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the hypervariable region of kinetoplast DNA minicircles. Parasite genotypes were identified through a multi PCR-based strategy. Bloodmeal contents were tested with a direct ELISA assay against nine antisera. Human sleeping quarters (domiciles) and peridomestic dry-shrub fences concentrated most of the T. infestans and T. eratyrusiformis infected with T. cruzi, respectively. The most frequent host-feeding sources of T. infestans were chickens (73.1%) in peridomiciles and humans (73.3%) in domiciles, whereas T. eratyrusiformis fed more often on cavid rodents (92.6%), which thrived in the dry-shrub fences. The main T. cruzi DTU identified in both vectors was T. cruzi I (TcI). Triatoma eratyrusiformis was implicated in the local circulation of TcI among cavies and perhaps mice, but infection with other typically domestic DTUs (TcVI and TcII/TcV/TcVI) indicated overlap between (peri)domestic transmission cycles in both vector species. Because dry-shrub fences were not targeted for routine insecticide spraying, they may act as sources of (peri)domestic reinfestation. Triatoma eratyrusiformis is an emergent secondary vector of T. cruzi and plays a significant role in the local transmission of T. cruzi.

Osseoinductive elements for promoting osseointegration around immediate implants: a pilot study in the foxhound dog.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of topical applications of melatonin over implant surfaces placed immediately after extraction by means of histological and histomorphometric analysis of peri-implant tissues. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six American foxhound dogs were used in the study; mandibular premolar distal roots were extracted. Thirty-six immediate conical implants were randomly assigned to the distal site on each site of the mandible in three groups: (Group CI) 12 titanium implants alone; (Group MI) 12 titanium implants supplemented with melatonin; and (Group DI) 12 titanium implants supplemented with vitamin D (DI). Prior to implanting test, implants (MI) were submerged in melatonin 5% solution, and implants from (DI) group were submerged in vitamin D 10% solution. No treatment was applied at control implants. After 12 weeks, animals were sacrificed. Block sections were obtained and processed for mineralized ground sectioning. Bone-to-implant contact (total BIC), new bone formation (NBF), inter-thread bone (ITB) and histological linear measurements (HLM) were analyzed. RESULTS: At 12 weeks, all implants were clinically stable and histologically osseointegrated. Total BIC values were 48.36 ± 7.45* for the MI group and 44.82 ± 10.98 for the CI group (P = 0.035) with statistically significant difference between groups. BIC% were 41.36 ± 3.93 for MI and 41.34 ± 9.26 for CI (P > 0.05). Inter-thread bone formation values were MI 15.99 ± 2.43* and CI 14.79 ± 3.62 (P = 0.03), MI showing significantly better results. No statistically significant differences in peri-implant new bone formation could be found between the two groups: MI 25.37 ± 2.32, CI 26.55 ± 7.75 (P > 0.05). Linear measurements showed that the MI group showed significantly less lingual crestal bone loss (CBL) (MI 0.52 ± 0.74*, CI 0.92 ± 1.98) (P = 0.045) and less lingual peri-implant mucosa (PIM) (MI 3.13 ± 1.41*, CI 3.71 ± 1.81) (P = 0.042). No significant differences were observed in the buccal aspect. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this animal study, the topical application of melatonin improved bone formation around immediate implants and reduced lingual bone and lingual peri-implant mucosa, after 12 weeks of osseointegration.

Analysis of a global random stratified sample of nurse legislation.

AIM: To identify, compare and contrast the major component parts of heterogeneous stratified sample of nursing legislation. BACKGROUND: Nursing legislation varies from one jurisdiction to another. Up until now no research exists into whether the variations of such legislation are random or if variations are related to a set of key attributes. METHODS: This mixed method study used a random stratified sample of legislation to map through documentary analysis the content of 14 nursing acts and then explored, using quantitative techniques, whether the material contained relates to a number of key attributes. These attributes include: legal tradition of the jurisdiction; model of regulation; administrative approach; area of the world; and the economic status of the jurisdiction. FINDINGS: Twelve component parts of nursing legislation were identified. These were remarkably similar irrespective of attributes of interest. However, not all component parts were specified in the same level of detail and the manner by which the elements were addressed did vary. A number of potential relationships between the structure of the legislation and the key attributes of interest were identified. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR POLICY: This study generated a comprehensive and integrated map of a global sample of nursing legislation. It provides a set of descriptors to be used to undertake further quantitative work and provides an important policy tool to facilitate dialogue between regulatory bodies. At the individual nurse level it offers insights that can help nurses pursue recognition of credentials across jurisdictions.

A systematic review of nurse-related social network analysis studies.

BACKGROUND: Nurses frequently work as part of both uni- and multidisciplinary teams. Communication between team members is critical in the delivery of quality care. Social network analysis is increasingly being used to explore such communication. AIM: To explore the use of social network analysis involving nurses either as subjects of the study or as researchers. METHODS: Standard systematic review procedures were applied to identify nurse-related studies that utilize social network analysis. A comparative thematic approach to synthesis was used. Both published and grey literature written in English, Spanish and Portuguese between January 1965 and December 2013 were identified via a structured search of CINAHL, SciELO and PubMed. In addition, Google and Yahoo search engines were used to identify additional grey literature using the same search strategy. RESULTS: Forty-three primary studies were identified with literature from North America dominating the published work. So far it would appear that no author or group of authors have developed a programme of research in the nursing field using the social network analysis approach although several authors may be in the process of doing so. LIMITATIONS: The dominance of literature from North America may be viewed as problematic as the underlying structures and themes may be an artefact of cultural communication norms from this region. CONCLUSIONS: The use of social network analysis in relation to nursing and by nurse researchers has increased rapidly over the past two decades. The lack of longitudinal studies and the absence of replication across multiple sites should be seen as an opportunity for further research. IMPLICATION FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: This analytical approach is relatively new in the field of nursing but does show considerable promise in offering insights into the way information flows between individuals, teams, institutions and other structures. An understanding of these structures provides a means of improving communication.

Ricinosomes provide an early indicator of suspensor and endosperm cells destined to die during late seed development in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In mature quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) seeds, the lasting endosperm forms a micropylar cone covering the radicle. The suspensor cells lie within the centre of the cone. During the final stage of seed development, the cells of the lasting endosperm accumulate protein and lipids while the rest are crushed and disintegrated. Both the suspensor and endosperm die progressively from the innermost layers surrounding the embryo and extending towards the nucellar tissue. Ricinosomes are endoplasmic reticulum-derived organelles that accumulate both the pro-form and the mature form of cysteine endopeptidase (Cys-EP), first identified in castor bean (Ricinus communis) endosperm during germination. This study sought to identify associations between the presence of ricinosomes and programmed cell death (PCD) hallmarks in suspensor and endosperm cells predestined to die during quinoa seed development. METHODS: A structural study using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy was performed. To detect the presence of Cys-EP, both western blot and in situ immunolocalization assays were carried out using anti-R. communis Cys-EP antibody. A TUNEL assay was used to determine DNA fragmentation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Except for the one or two cell layers that constitute the lasting endosperm in the mature seed, ricinosomes were found in suspensor and endosperm cells. These cells were also the site of morphological abnormalities, including misshapen and fragmented nuclei, vesiculation of the cytosol, vacuole collapse and cell wall disorganization. It is proposed that, in suspensor and endosperm cells, the early detection of Cys-EP in ricinosomes predicts the occurrence of PCD during late seed development.

Physical properties, mechanical behavior, and electron microscopy study of a new α-TCP block graft with silicon in an animal model.

This study reports the characterization process and in vivo application of a new block bone graft of α-TCP with silicate in three different percentages in the aim of determining the influence of the silicate. Three groups of cylindrical implants (6 ± 0.01 mm diameter, 8 ± 0.01 mm length) with varying Si composition were studied: A: 3 wt % C(2) S; B: 1.5 wt % C(2) S; C: 100 wt % TCP-0 wt % C(2) S. These were implanted randomly in critical size defects in New Zealand rabbits. X-ray diffraction analysis was performed to determine the crystalline phases of the different compositions. Histomorphometric analysis produced one measurement of bone-to-implant contact. Comparing the α-TCPss ceramics, the trial found improved mechanical properties due to the silicon content in solid solution as well as densification. Previous studies have shown that the mechanical strengths of sintered ceramics correlate to densification as well as grain size and mechanical properties. Because of its mechanical and biological behavior, the study has shown α-TCP with C(2) S to be an alternative to other bone graft substitutes for use in bone reconstructive surgery in the fields of veterinary, medicine, and oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Histomorphometric and mineral degradation study of Ossceram: a novel biphasic B-tricalcium phosphate, in critical size defects in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: To carry out a histomorphometric analysis of a new highly porous (95%) biphasic calcium phosphate (hydroxyapatite 60%/B-tricalcium phosphate 40%), used to fill critical size defects in rabbit tibiae, supplementing histomorphometric findings with radiographic thermal imaging, EDX analysis and Ca/P ratio mapping at different time stages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two critical size defects of 6 mm diameter were created in both tibiae of 21 New Zealand rabbits, test group (Ossceram) and control group. Histomorphometric, radiographic thermal imaging, EDX and element mapping analysis were performed at 15, 30 and 60 days after graft insertion. RESULTS: Histomorphometric analysis at 30 days showed more new bone formation in defects filled with Ossceram 4.41 ± 0.23 mm than the test group 1.94 ± 0. 28 mm (P<0.05). Element analysis revealed higher percentages of Ca (42.33 ± 2.8%) and P (1.3 ± 0.8%) in the test group than in the control group (P<0.05). Element mapping showed that Ca and P were concentrated in medullar and cortical zones in the test group but were concentrated only in cortical zones in the control group. Test group histomorphometry at 60 days showed complete closure of the cortical defect 5.37 ± 0.32 mm more than the control group 2.3 ± 0.54 mm. There was no cortical defect closure or medullar bone formation in the control group (P<0.05). Element analysis revealed higher percentages of Ca (32.26 ± 21.7%) and P (1.5 ± 0.3%) in the test group than in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Defects of a critical size in a rabbit tibia model can be sealed using a highly porous biphasic calcium phosphate; this supports new bone formation, creates a bridge between borders and facilitates bone ingrowth. Furthermore, this study observed partial dissolution of the mineral phase of the graft material and its incorporation into the surrounding bone. Radiographic thermal imaging may be used to supplement histological and chemical analyses.

Genomospecies identification and phylogenomic relevance of AFLP analysis of isolated and non-isolated strains of Frankia spp.

Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) was tested as an alternative to the DNA-DNA hybridization technique (DDH) to delineate genomospecies and the phylogenetic structure within the genus Frankia. Forty Frankia strains, including representatives of seven DDH genomospecies, were typed in order to infer current genome mispairing (CGM) and evolutionary genomic distance (EGD). The constructed phylogeny revealed the presence of three main clusters corresponding to the previously identified host-infecting groups. In all instances, strains previously assigned to the same genomospecies were grouped in coherent clusters. A highly significant correlation was found between DDH values and CGM computed from AFLP data. The species definition threshold was found to range from 0.071 to 0.098 mismatches per site, according to host-infecting groups, presumably as a result of large genome size differences. Genomic distances allowed new Frankia strains to be assigned to nine genomospecies previously determined by DDH. The applicability of AFLP for the characterization of uncultured endophytic strains was tested on experimentally inoculated plants and then applied to Alnus incana and A. viridis field nodules hosting culture refractory spore-positive (Sp+, that sporulate in planta) strains. Only 1.3% of all AFLP fragments were shown to be generated by the contaminant plant DNA and did not interfere with accurate genomospecies identification of strains. When applied to field nodules, the procedure revealed that Alnus Sp+ strains were bona fide members of the Alnus-Myrica host infecting group. They displayed significant genomic divergence from genomospecies G1 of Alnus infecting strains (i.e. Frankia alni) and thus may belong to another subspecies or genomospecies.

Comparison of Modern Methods for Analyzing Repeated Measures Data With Missing Values.

Missing data are a pervasive problem in many psychological applications in the real world. In this article we study the impact of dropout on the operational characteristics of several approaches that can be easily implemented with commercially available software. These approaches include the covariance pattern model based on an unstructured covariance matrix (CPM-U) and the true covariance matrix (CPM-T), multiple imputation-based generalized estimating equations (MI-GEE), and weighted generalized estimating equations (WGEE). Under the missing at random mechanism, the MI-GEE approach was always robust. The CPM-T and CPM-U methods were also able to control the error rates provided that certain minimum sample size requirements were met, whereas the WGEE was more prone to inflated error rates. In contrast, under the missing not at random mechanism, all evaluated approaches were generally invalid. Our results also indicate that the CPM methods were more powerful than the MI-GEE and WGEE methods and their superiority was often substantial. Furthermore, we note that little or no power was sacrificed by using CPM-U method in place of CPM-T, although both methods have less power in situations where some participants have incomplete data. Some aspects of the CPM-U and MI-GEE methods are illustrated using real data from 2 previously published data sets. The first data set comes from a randomized study of AIDS patients with advanced immune suppression, the second from a cohort of patients with schizotypal personality disorder enrolled in a prevention program for psychosis.

[Evolution of adherence to guidelines for prevention of group B streptococcal infections]. / Évolution de l'application d'un protocole de prévention contre les infections materno-foetales à streptocoque de groupe B.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the evolution in implementation of neonatal group B streptococcal infections prevention program in the Aurore network, between 2004 and 2009. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted during one week in the whole maternity units of the Aurore network about implementation of the neonatal streptococcal infection prevention program. Deliveries occurring after 37 weeks of gestation were included. Every stage required by the prevention program was registered for every delivery. Results obtained during this study were compared with those obtained in 2004. RESULTS: Seven hundred and forty-four patients were included in 2004 and 618 in 2009. Vaginal swab rate was 96.3% in 2009 and 91.1% in 2004 (P<0.001), with a positive rate of 10.2 and 14.2%, respectively (P=0.041). Antibiotic infusion rates during delivery did not increase significantly. Clinical and biological surveillance of exposed newborns was significantly increased (P<0.001). No neonatal infection was observed during the study among newborns included in the program. CONCLUSION: Sensitization of caregivers about neonatal streptococcal infection prevention seems to be efficient to increase the application of the prevention program written by the Aurore network.

[Placenta percreta at first trimester of pregnancy. Diagnostic and decision-making difficulties: about a case and a review of the literature]. / Placenta percreta en fin de premier trimestre de grossesse. Difficultés diagnostique et décisionnelle: à propos d'un cas et revue de la littérature.

We report the case of a 28-year-old patient, G9P4. Her last pregnancy was marked by a failure of a medical termination at 4 gestational weeks. She consulted as a matter of emergency for acute abdominal pain with moderated hemoperitoneum at 13 weeks of gestation. A laparotomy was performed and allowed to diagnose a placenta percreta (PPer). The treatment consisted in a hemostasis hysterectomy. The PPer is a rare pathology. The diagnosis is difficult to do, especially during the first and second trimester of the pregnancy. The focus of this article is to evaluate medical imaging and conservative treatments or radical treatment, according to the severity of the symptoms and her obstetrical outcome. This unusual etiology of hemoperitoneum at 13 weeks of gestation must to be known in front of the increase of the caesarians rate.

Chemical composition of essential oil and headspace-solid microextracts from fruits of Myrica gale L. and antifungal activity.

The essential oil and the volatile compounds of Myrica gale fruits were analysed by gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The volatile compounds were detected using two different fibres for headspace-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME), Carboxen/PDMS and PDMS. Sixty two compounds were identified, which represented more than 90% of the total extracts. Major components of fruit essential oil are alpha-pinene (22.6%), 1,8-cineole (18.9%) and germacrone (14.2%), whereas they are germacrone (25.1%), alpha-pinene (12.2%), limonene (8.1%) and alpha-phellandrene (8.0%) for the leaf essential oil. Major volatile fruit compounds detected in HS-SPME were alpha-pinene, 1,8-cineole, p-cymene and eth-cadinene. As M. gale fruits are traditionally used in brewery for flavouring beer or as a spice in soups or stews, the antifungal properties of these essential oils were investigated on a panel of foodborne fungi, namely Aspergillus flavus, Cladosporium cladosporioides and Penicillium expansum. A complete antifungal activity was observed at 1000 ppm against C. cladosporioides. Both essential oil and entire fruits could thus be used as an additive in food or cosmetic preparations for their flavour, odour and their conservative properties.