Polarization shaping for unidirectional rotational motion of molecules.

Control of the orientation of the angular momentum of linear molecules is demonstrated by means of laser polarization shaping. For this purpose, we combine two orthogonally polarized and partially time-overlapped femtosecond laser pulses so as to produce a spinning linear polarization which in turn induces unidirectional rotation of N2 molecules. The evolution of the rotational response is probed by a third laser beam that can be either linearly or circularly polarized. The physical observable is the frequency shift imparted to the probe beam as a manifestation of the angular Doppler effect. Our experimental results are confirmed by theoretical computations, which allow one to gain a deep physical insight into the laser-molecule interaction.

[Molecular and genetic aspects of idiopathic scoliosis. Blood test for idiopathic scoliosis]. / Molekulare und genetische Aspekte der idiopathischen Skoliose. Bluttest bei idiopathischer Skoliose.

Spinal deformities, and particularly scoliosis, are the most frequent forms of orthopedic deformities in children and adolescents. About 1-6% of the population has scoliosis. This disorder leads to severe spinal deformities and predominantly affects adolescent girls.Although the multifactorial origin of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is broadly recognized, the genetic causes of AIS are still largely unknown. Our previous studies suggested a generalized dysfunction of melatonin transduction (the hormone that is primarily produced in the brain and epiphysis). In the meantime we have demonstrated that such a defect of signal transduction is caused by chemical alterations, which inactivate the function of the inhibitory G protein-coupled melatonin receptors. This discovery has led to the development of the first blood test to detect children without symptoms who are at risk of developing scoliosis. Since a single function (cellular reaction to melatonin) is determined, the unique advantage of this test is that it can be performed without knowledge of mutations in defective genes that could provoke the onset of AIS.

[Adolescent reproductive health in Senegal: situation and care strategies]. / Sante de la reproduction des adolescents au Senegal: situation et strategies de prise en charge.

INTRODUCTION: Adolescent reproductive health is a public health concern in Senegal because of early sexuality and fecondity and its consequences. The objectives of this study is to address key issues of adolescent reproductive health and interventions in order to give recommendations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For this review article, data collection was performed from work carried out in Sénégal and related to adolescent reproductive health. Thus, aspects related to sexuality and its consequences in adolescent health have been studied. Also, interventions which address adolescent reproductive health have been highlighted. RESULTS: Adolescents represent the quater of the population in Senegal. They are faced with h ealth issues related to early pregnancies, unsafe abortion, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV infection. Despite these remarks, adolescents hardly use health services because of stigmatisation, shame, fear or because of health providers attitudes. Several interventions have been launched and implemented. They have included sensibilisation, information, education and services provision in structures specially reserved for adolescents and youth. CONCLUSION: Several research studies and interventions have been done in adolescent reproductive health. However, few of them have been published in peer review journals. During adolescence, continuous actions with an holistic approach should be taken to address adolescent health issues and development.

Diabetes Burden in Urban and Rural Senegalese Populations: A Cross-Sectional Study in 2012.

Diabetes represents a challenging global health issue in the 21st century. Data from sub-Saharan African populations are scarce and are usually restricted to urban settings. The objective of this study was to compare prevalence and risk factors of diabetes in rural and urban areas in Senegal. Methods. In a community-based survey between January and May 2012, we included 1027 adults aged ≥18 years living in northern Senegal. Sociodemographic, clinical, and biological data were collected during household visits. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with diabetes. Results. Mean age of participants was 48.0 ± 16.9 years and 65.7% were female. Participants from urban area represented 55.7%. The age-standardized prevalence of diabetes was 7.6% (6.0% in men versus 9.0% in women). Prevalence of diabetes was higher in urban areas (8.1%) compared to rural areas (4.6%). Disease awareness rate was 43%. After multivariate analysis, age (OR = 1.63, p = 0.001), familial history of diabetes (OR = 1.42, p = 0.001), and abdominal obesity (OR = 1.17, p = 0.05) were associated with diabetes. Conclusion. Diabetes is frequent in urban and rural areas in Senegal. Awareness rate is very low among populations. Age, family history of diabetes, and abdominal obesity are the main risk factors identified.

[Ovarian fibroma associated with Demons-Meigs syndrome and elevated CA 125]. / Fibrome de l'ovaire associé à un syndrome de Demons-Meigs et à une élévation du CA 125.

We report a rare case of ovarian fibroma in a young woman. When ovarian masse is associated with Meigs' syndrome and elevated CA 125 serum level a malignant process may be suspected. But a negative cytological examination of ascitic effusion and absence of peritoneal implant recommend performing limited surgical procedures.

Optimal control simulation of the Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm in a two-dimensional double well coupled to an environment.

The quantum Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm is implemented by using vibrational modes of a two-dimensional double well. The laser fields realizing the different gates (NOT, CNOT, and HADAMARD) on the two-qubit space are computed by the multitarget optimal control theory. The stability of the performance index is checked by coupling the system to an environment. Firstly, the two-dimensional subspace is coupled to a small number Nb of oscillators in order to simulate intramolecular vibrational energy redistribution. The complete (2+Nb)D problem is solved by the coupled harmonic adiabatic channel method which allows including coupled modes up to Nb=5. Secondly, the computational subspace is coupled to a continuous bath of oscillators in order to simulate a confined environment expected to be favorable to achieve molecular computing, for instance, molecules confined in matrices or in a fullerene. The spectral density of the bath is approximated by an Ohmic law with a cutoff for some hundreds of cm(-1). The time scale of the bath dynamics (of the order of 10 fs) is then smaller than the relaxation time and the controlled dynamics (2 ps) so that Markovian dissipative dynamics is used.