Female smoking does not affect live birth rate after frozen thawed blastocyst transfer cycle

PURPOSE

The development of vitrification and blastocyst culture have recently led to a rapidly growing number of single frozen thawed blastocyst transfer (FBT) cycles worldwide. Although the impact of female smoking on spontaneous fertility is well established, its effect on assisted reproductive technologies (ART) outcome is still controversial, and no study has specifically evaluated its effect on FBT cycles' outcome.

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted in all consecutive FBT cycles conducted between 2012 and 2021 in a single University-based ART centre. Endometrial preparation was standard and based on hormonal replacement therapy. One or two blastocysts were transferred according to couple's history and embryo quality. Female smoking status was recorded for each cycle, and the association between female smoking status and Live Birth Rate (LBR) after FBT cycle was evaluated with univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 1537 FBT cycles performed in non-smoking women and 397 FBT cycles performed in smoking women were included in the analysis. No independent association between female smoking status and LBR in FBT cycles was found after logistic regression (OR=1.07 [0.79-1.45], p = 0.649).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that female smoking might not impair endometrial receptiveness in non-stimulated FBT cycles. Further studies should nevertheless consider assessing more precisely the current smoking exposure.

S erratus anterior plane block alone, paravertebral block alone and their combination in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: the THORACOSOPIC double-blind, randomized trial

OBJECTIVES

Serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) and paravertebral block (PVB) are well known to reduce pain levels after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). However, the relative efficacies of each block and a combination of the 2 have not been fully characterized. The objective of the present study was to assess the efficacy of PVB alone, SAPB alone and the combination of PVB and SAPB with regard to the occurrence and intensity of pain after VATS.

METHODS

We conducted the THORACOSOPIC single-centre, double-blind, randomized trial in adult patients due to undergo elective VATS lung resection. The participants were randomized to PVB only, SAPB only and PVB + SAPB groups. The primary end-point was pain on coughing on admission to the postanaesthesia care unit. The secondary end-points were postoperative pain at rest and on coughing at other time points and the cumulative opioid consumption. Pain was scored on a visual analogue scale.

RESULTS

One-hundred and fifty-six patients (52 in each group) were included. On admission to the postanaesthesia care unit, the 3 groups did not differ significantly with regard to the pain on coughing: the visual analogue scale score was 3 (0-6), 4 (0-8) and 2 (0-6) in the PVB, SAPB and PVB + SAPB groups, respectively (P = 0.204). During postoperative care, the overall pain score was significantly lower in the SABP + PVP group at rest and on cough.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of SABP + PVB could be beneficial for pain management in VATS in comparison to SABP or PVB alone.

Prognostic value of right ventricular dilatation on computed tomography pulmonary angiogram for predicting adverse clinical events in severe COVID-19 pneumonia

Background

Right ventricle dilatation (RVD) is a common complication of non-intubated COVID-19 pneumonia caused by pro-thrombotic pneumonitis, intra-pulmonary shunting, and pulmonary vascular dysfunction. In several pulmonary diseases, RVD is routinely measured on computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) by the right ventricle-to-left ventricle (LV) diameter ratio > 1 for predicting adverse events.

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between RVD and the occurrence of adverse events in a cohort of critically ill non-intubated COVID-19 patients.

Methods

Between February 2020 and February 2022, non-intubated patients admitted to the Amiens University Hospital intensive care unit for COVID-19 pneumonia with CTPA performed within 48 h of admission were included. RVD was defined by an RV/LV diameter ratio greater than one measured on CTPA. The primary outcome was the occurrence of an adverse event (renal replacement therapy, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, 30-day mortality after ICU admission).

Results

Among 181 patients, 62% (n = 112/181) presented RVD. The RV/LV ratio was 1.10 [1.05-1.18] in the RVD group and 0.88 [0.84-0.96] in the non-RVD group (p = 0.001). Adverse clinical events were 30% and identical in the two groups (p = 0.73). In Receiving operative curves (ROC) analysis, the RV/LV ratio measurement failed to identify patients with adverse events. On multivariable Cox analysis, RVD was not associated with adverse events to the contrary to chest tomography severity score > 10 (hazards ratio = 1.70, 95% CI [1.03-2.94]; p = 0.04) and cardiovascular component (> 2) of the SOFA score (HR = 2.93, 95% CI [1.44-5.95], p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Right ventricle (RV) dilatation assessed by RV/LV ratio was a common CTPA finding in non-intubated critical patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and was not associated with the occurrence of clinical adverse events.

Serum persistent organic pollutants and diminished ovarian reserve: a single-exposure and mixture exposure approach from a French case-control study

STUDY QUESTION

Are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) associated with a diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) in women of reproductive age?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Amongst 17 POPs detected in over 20% of serum samples, only p,p'-DDE was significantly associated with an increased risk of DOR, and β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH) was significantly associated with a decreased risk of DOR whilst mixture analyses yielded non-significant associations and did not detect any interactions between POPs.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Animal studies have shown that several POPs can alter folliculogenesis and increase follicle depletion. However, only a few studies have been conducted in humans, with small sample sizes and inconsistent results.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Our study included 138 cases and 151 controls from the AROPE case-control study. Study participants were women between 18 and 40 years of age recruited amongst couples consulting for infertility in four fertility centres in western France between 2016 and 2020.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Cases of DOR were defined as women with anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels ≤1.1 ng/ml and/or antral follicle count (AFC) <7, and controls were women with AMH levels between 1.1 and 5 ng/ml and AFC ≥ 7, without genital malformations and with a menstrual cycle length between 26 and 35 days. A total of 43 POPs (including 15 organochlorine pesticides, 17 polychlorinated biphenyls, and 9 polybromodiphenylethers) were measured in the serum at inclusion into the study. We conducted logistic regression adjusted for potential confounders using a directed acyclic graph to study the effect of each POP on DOR as single exposures, and used Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to measure the mixture effect of POPs on DOR.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Of the 43 POPs, 17 were detected in over 20% of the serum samples. In the single-exposure multivariate logistic regressions, p,p'-DDE (median 165.0 IQR 161.0 ng/l in controls) as a continuous exposure was significantly associated with an increased risk of DOR (odds ratio (OR) 1.39, 95% CI 1.10-1.77) and non-significantly associated with an increased risk of DOR for the second and third terciles (OR 1.46, 95% CI 0.74-2.87, and OR 1.72, 95% CI 0.88-3.37, respectively). β-HCH (median 24.2 IQR 21.5 ng/l in controls) was significantly associated with a decreased risk of DOR when β-HCH was treated as a continuous exposure (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.44-0.89) and for the third tercile of exposure (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.21-0.84) and non-significantly associated with a decreased risk of DOR for the second tercile (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.42-1.42). All sensitivity analyses confirmed our results. BKMR showed similar associations for single exposures but found no significant associations for the total mixture effect. In addition, the BKMR results did not suggest any interactions between POPs.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Controls were recruited amongst infertile couples and thus may not be representative of all women of reproductive age. However, their POP concentrations were in the same range as in the general French population.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

This study is the first to examine the associations between serum POPs and DOR. The well-recognized anti-androgenic properties of p,p'-DDE and estrogenic properties of β-HCH could explain these associations of opposite direction. If these results are replicated elsewhere, this could have an impact on fertility prevention messages and help in understanding the impact of POPs on the female reproductive system.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This study was funded by the Fondation de France (grant numbers 2014-50537 and 00110196) and the French Biomedicine Agency (2016). None of the authors have any conflicts of interest to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Chromosome-scale assembly of the yellow mealworm genome

Background: The yellow mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor, is a promising alternative protein source for animal and human nutrition and its farming involves relatively low environmental costs. For these reasons, its industrial scale production started this century. However, to optimize and breed sustainable new T. molitor lines, the access to its genome remains essential. Methods: By combining Oxford Nanopore and Illumina Hi-C data, we constructed a high-quality chromosome-scale assembly of T. molitor. Then, we combined RNA-seq data and available coleoptera proteomes for gene prediction with GMOVE. Results: We produced a high-quality genome with a N50 = 21.9Mb with a completeness of 99.5% and predicted 21,435 genes with a median size of 1,780 bp. Gene orthology between T. molitor and Tribolium castaneum showed a highly conserved synteny between the two coleoptera and paralogs search revealed an expansion of histones in the T. molitor genome. Conclusions: The present genome will greatly help fundamental and applied research such as genetic breeding and will contribute to the sustainable production of the yellow mealworm.

Chromosome-scale assembly of the yellow mealworm genome

Background: The yellow mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor, is a promising alternative protein source for animal and human nutrition and its farming involves relatively low environmental costs. For these reasons, its industrial scale production started this century. However, to optimize and breed sustainable new T. molitor lines, the access to its genome remains essential. Methods: By combining Oxford Nanopore and Illumina Hi-C data, we constructed a high-quality chromosome-scale assembly of T. molitor. Then, we combined RNA-seq data and available coleoptera proteomes for gene prediction with GMOVE. Results: We produced a high-quality genome with a N50 = 21.9Mb with a completeness of 99.5% and predicted 21,435 genes with a median size of 1,780 bp. Gene orthology between T. molitor and Tribolium castaneum showed a highly conserved synteny between the two coleoptera and paralogs search revealed an expansion of histones in the T. molitor genome. Conclusions: The present genome will greatly help fundamental and applied research such as genetic breeding and will contribute to the sustainable production of the yellow mealworm.

P-553 Response to controlled ovarian stimulation and preimplantation genetic testing for molecular disease (PGT-M) outcomes for Myotonic dystrophy type I (DM1) : A French multicentric study

Study question

Does ovarian response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) is altered in female affected by DM1 ?

Summary answer

Ovarian response to COH is not altered in female affected by DM1 as compared to partners of affected males

What is known already

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 is the most common adult muscular dystrophy caused by a CTG trinucleotide repeat expansion which may expand across generation. As this pathology presents an autosomal dominant inheritance, PGT may be an option to achieve a pregnancy with healthy baby. There are conflicting reports about response to COH for affected female. Moreover, few data are available concerning the chance to have a healthy baby after PGT for couple with one member affected by DM1

Study design, size, duration

The present study is a retrospective observational study carried out from January 2006 through January 2020. This multicentric study was conducted in all the five centers performing PGT-M in France.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

A total of 229 couples started at least one COH cycle for the PGT procedure. The patient carrying the mutation was the female for 178 couples and the male for the 51 others. Overall, 648 COH cycles started and 560 oocytes retrieval for subsequent PGT were performed (430 for affected female and 130 for affected male). Parameters of ovarian response and PGT outcomes were compared according to the member affected by DM1.

Main results and the role of chance

Age and BMI at the first COH cycle were not significantly different between both group but female carried mutation presented lower AMH level than partner of affected male. The starting and total doses of gonadotrophin were significantly higher for mutated females. The number of retrieved and mature oocytes per cycle were not statistically different (12 [8–16] versus 11 [8–16] retrieved oocytes, p = 0.63 and 9 [6–13] versus 9 [6-13] mature oocytes, p = 0.73, respectively). In both group, more than 70% of oocyte retrieval led to embryo biopsy.

The proportion of started cycle allowing the obtention of at least one healthy embryo was significantly lower when the female was affected with DM1 (58.6% vs 70.4%, p = 0.012). In the female affected group, 49.7% of the cycles with oocytes retrieval lead to a fresh embryo transfer and a subsequent live birth rate per transfer of 21.4%. These results were not statistically different from the couple with affected male (58.5% of cycles with fresh embryo transfer (p = 0.08) and 23.6% live birth rate per transfer).

Overall, after fresh or frozen embryo transfer, 30.8% of females with DM1and 41.2% of parter of affected males had at least one live birth from PGT.

Limitations, reasons for caution

This a retrospective study included patients who were selected ovarian reserve parameters before PGT process. Moreover, the large time of inclusion may influence our conclusion.

Wider implications of the findings

Information provided herein extends knowledge about the current state of COH for DM1 affected female. Moreover, PGT results presented here allow to provide patients with proposer counseling before starting PGT process.

Trial registration number

CEROG-2020-GYN-0603

Impact and Persistence of Serratia marcescens in Tenebrio molitor Larvae and Feed under Optimal and Stressed Mass Rearing Conditions

Industrial insect mass rearing aims to produce quality insects under safe sanitary conditions which can be compromised by pathogens and abiotic stressors. Therefore, knowledge on pathogen persistence, virulence and means of detection is of importance. This study focuses on the opportunistic pathogen Serratia marcescens (Sm) as a possible candidate to reveal sanitary issues in Tenebrio molitor (Tm) breeding. A screening test was performed to assess the impact of abiotic stressors (starvation, density and sieving) in presence and absence of Sm. Two Sm detection methods were conducted, and the kinetics of Sm persistence were investigated. Our results show that (i) the presence of Sm had a low but significant effect on Tm mortality, (ii) a short temporary starvation period had a negative impact on larval growth, (iii) the detection of Sm by q-PCR was sensitive but less convenient than a specific Sm growth media, (iv) the kinetics of persistence showed that Sm declined but survived for nine days in the feed and in the feces for three weeks. Both the relatively low virulence and the persistence in the environment suggest that Sm could be used as an indicator for the sanitary status of mealworm production.

P–665 Influence of premature progesterone elevation on embryo development

Study question

Does a serum progesterone level higher than 1.3 ng/mL on the day of ovulation trigger have an impact on blastocyst development?

Summary answer

Elevated progesterone level has no significant impact on top blastocyst rate, usable blastocyst rate and on morphokinetics.

What is known already

Premature elevation of progesterone level on the day of ovulation trigger prior to IVF is common and causes a decrease in endometrial receptivity. A freeze all strategy is then recommended. However, cumulative live birth rates have also been described as lower in cases of high progesterone levels.

Study design, size, duration

This was a retrospective bicentric cohort follow-up study, including 1150 IVF/ICSI cycles performed between 2016 and 2018 with at least 1 day–5 blastocyst available for transfer or freezing. Among these cycles, 524 were performed with use of a time-lapse system (Embryoscope). Serum Progesterone level was measured on the day of ovulation trigger, and a value &gt;1.3 ng/ml was used to identify premature progesterone elevation.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

The cycles were divided into 2 groups according to serum progesterone level: 1335 cycles were allocated in the normal progesterone group (P &lt; 1,3) and 215 in the progesterone premature elevation group (P &gt; 1.3). Patient’s characteristics, ovarian stimulation characteristics, IVF cycles characteristics and embryology parameters were anonymously recorded and compared between the 2 groups.

Main results and the role of chance

Female age, smoking status, AFC and AMH levels were comparable between the 2 groups. Female BMI was significantly higher in the P &lt; 1,3 than in the P &gt; 1.3 group (26.1 versus 24.7 kg/m² respectively). Total FSH dose, estradiol level, number of follicles &gt;11mm and number of retrieved oocytes were significantly higher in the P &gt; 1.3 group than in P &lt; 1.3 group No difference was observed between the 2 groups in terms of top blastocyst rate per mature oocyte and usable blastocyst rate per mature oocyte. When morphokinetic analysis was available, time to blastulation was the only significantly different parameter between the 2 groups (110.4 hours in P &lt; 1.3 versus 107.9 hours in P &gt; 1.3, p = 0.04). Cumulative live birth rate per cycle was not statistically different between the two groups (23.1% for P &lt; 1.3 versus 28.7% for P &gt; 1.3) (p &gt; 0.05).

Limitations, reasons for caution

The retrospective design of the study should lead to careful analysis of the results. The progesterone threshold refers to a specific assay, and should not be generalized to other assays.

Wider implications of the findings: Premature elevation of serum progesterone level on the day of ovulation trigger does not seem to affect embryo developmental competence. This further supports the relevance of freeze all strategy in this situation.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

P–696 The duration of estrogen treatment prior to frozen-blastocyst transfer does not impact live birth rate

Study question

Does the prolonged duration of oestrogen treatment prior to frozen-blastocyst transfer (FET) affect live birth rate?

Summary answer

Variation in the duration of estrogen treatment prior to frozen-blastocyst transfer does not impact live birth rate.

What is known already

With improvements in cryopreservation techniques and fertility preservation, single embryo transfer policy and the increase in freeze-all cycles, frozen blastocyst transfer (FET) has strongly risen over the last years. Artificial endometrial preparation (AEP) is often used prior to FET. The endometrium is prepared by a sequentially treatment of estrogen and progesterone in order to synchronize endometrium and the embryo development. Whether the duration of progesterone administration before FET is well established, the optimal estrogen treatment duration remains controversial.

Study design, size, duration

All consecutive frozen thawed autologous blastocyst transfer cycles conducted between January 1, 2012 and July 1, 2019 in our University IVF center were included in this retrospective cohort study. We included 2235 single blastocyst FET cycles prepared with hormonal replacement therapy using oral E2 and vaginal progesterone administration in 1376 patients aged from 18 to 43 years.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Patient’s characteristics, stimulation characteristics, FET cycles characteristics and cycles outcomes were anonymously recorded and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed. At first, each FET cycle was analyzed individually and secondly taking into account that some of the patients had undergone several FET, the model considered the number of implanting attempts for each woman.

Main results and the role of chance

We found no significant difference in the mean duration of estradiol administration before frozen embryo transfer between the group live birth versus non-live birth (27.0 ± 5.4 days versus 26.6 ± 5.0 days ; p=0.11). Endometrial thickness was not significantly different between the 2 groups (8.3 ± 1.7 mm versus 8,2 ± 1,7 mm ; p = 0.21). When the duration of estradiol exposure was analyzed in weeks, we observed no difference for the £ 21 days group (OR = 0.97 ; IC 0.64–1.47 ; p = 0.88), 29–35 days group (OR = 0.89 ; IC 0.68–1.16 ; p = 0.37) and &gt; 35 days group (OR = 0.75 ; IC 0.50–1.15 ; p = 0.10) compared to the reference group (22–28 days). After multivariate analysis, the duration of estradiol treatment before frozen embryo transfer did not affect live birth.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The relatively limited numbers of cycles with more than 35 days or less than 21 days as well as the retrospective design of the study are significant limitations.

Wider implications of the findings: Variation in the duration of estradiol supplementation before progesterone initiation does not impact FET outcomes. We therefore can be reassuring with our patients when E2 treatments need to be extended, allowing flexibility in scheduling the day of transfer.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

Female obesity does not impact live birth rate after frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer

STUDY QUESTION

Does female obesity affect live birth rate after frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Live birth rate was not statistically different between obese and normal weight patients after frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer (FBT).

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Obesity is a major health problem across the world, especially in women of reproductive age. It impacts both spontaneous fertility and clinical outcomes after assisted reproductive technology. However, the respective impact of female obesity on oocyte quality and endometrial receptivity remains unclear. While several studies showed that live birth rate was decreased in obese women after fresh embryo transfer in IVF cycle, only two studies have evaluated the effects of female body mass index (BMI) on pregnancy outcomes after frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer (FBT), reporting conflicting data.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This retrospective case control study was conducted in all consecutive frozen-thawed autologous blastocyst transfer (FBT) cycles conducted between 2012 and 2017 in a single university-based centre. A total of 1415 FBT cycles performed in normal weight women (BMI = 18.5-24.9 kg/m2) and 252 FBT cycles performed in obese women (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) were included in the analysis.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Endometrial preparation was standard and based on hormonal replacement therapy. One or two blastocysts were transferred according to couple's history and embryo quality.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Female and male age, smoking status, basal AMH level and type of infertility were comparable in obese and normal weight groups. Concerning FBT cycles, the duration of hormonal treatment, the stage and number of embryos (84% single blastocyst transfer and 16% double blastocysts transfer) used for transfer were comparable between both groups. Mean endometrium thickness was significantly higher in obese than in normal weight group (8.7 ± 1.8 vs 8.1 ± 1.6 mm, P < 0.0001). Concerning FBT cycle outcomes, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate were comparable in obese and in normal weight groups. Odds ratio (OR) demonstrated no association between live birth rate after FBT and female BMI (OR = 0.92, CI 0.61-1.38, P = 0.68).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Anthropometric parameters such as hip to waist ratio were not used. Polycystic ovarian syndrome status was not included in the analysis.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Our study showed that live birth rate after frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer was not statistically different in obese and in normal-weight women. Although this needs confirmation, this suggests that the impairment of uterine receptivity observed in obese women after fresh embryo transfer might be associated with ovarian stimulation and its hormonal perturbations rather than with oocyte/embryo quality.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

No external funding was received. There are no competing interests.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Follow-up of guidelines and impact on the management of suspected deep vein thrombosis in emergency departments

AIMS

To evaluate the implementation of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines concerning the diagnostic management of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in emergency departments (ED); and to estimate the additional financial cost and the increase in the time spent in the ED if the guidelines are not followed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective, bi-centric study including all patients directly admitted or referred to the ED for a suspected isolated DVT, between April 1, 2019, and July 30, 2019. The diagnostic management was compared to the 2017 ESC's guidelines.

RESULTS

107 patients were included, 13 had DVT (12%) and three had superficial venous thrombosis (3%). A total of 26 patients (24%) had a diagnostic management according to guidelines. In 72 patients (67%), no assessment of clinical probability score was found. Among the 35 patients in whom a clinical probability score was calculated, 5 patients had an unnecessary D-dimer assay and 2 patients had unjustified imaging. The median time spent in the ED was 185minutes when the recommendations were followed, and 250minutes when they were not (P=0.317). The total estimated additional cost was €232.20.

CONCLUSION

The rate of adherence to the guidelines is low, mainly due to the absence of calculation of a clinical probability. This leads, in addition to the risk of diagnostic error, to an increase in the time spent in the EDs and inappropriate use of the technical platform, resulting in additional costs of care.

[Pre-implantation genetic testing: Comparison between cleavage stage and blastocyst biopsy]

OBJECTIVES

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) refers to the set of techniques for testing whether embryos obtained through in vitro fertilization have genetic defect. There is a lack of global standardization regarding practices between countries or even from one center to another. In ours, biopsies are preferably performed on day 3 embryos, but also at the blastocyst stage on day 5. The blastocyst biopsy often requires systematic freezing of the embryos before obtaining the genetic results, whereas day 3 biopsy allows fresh embryo transfer of the healthy or balanced embryo after getting the genetic results. We wanted to compare the chances of success for couples performing PGT in our center according to the day of the biopsy.

METHODS

For this, we carried out a retrospective monocentric study including all PGT cycles performed between 2016 and 2019 divided into two groups: day 3 or day 5 biopsy.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in terms of live birth rate (P=0.7375) after fresh embryo transfers, as well for pregnancy rates, clinical pregnancy rates, implantation rates and miscarriage rates. On the other hand, we observed higher live birth rates after frozen-thawed embryo transfer when the biopsy was performed on day 5 rather on day 3 (P=0.0001). We also wanted to assess what was the most efficient biopsy strategy in our laboratory. Our rates of useful embryos were similar regardless of the day of the biopsy (34% in D3 and 37.7% in D5, P=0.244). No statistical difference was found in the number of unnecessarily biopsied embryos in the two groups. But still, the percentage of embryos biopsied on D5 and immediately frozen was 42.8% (118 blastocysts), while no embryo biopsied on D3 led to this case.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, our results are in favor of generalization of the D5 biopsy as the international standard. However, the organizational, financial and logistical implications that this technic would impose make it unsystematic in our center.

Evolution of serum Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) level in young women treated with chemotherapy for breast cancer according to basal AMH level

OBJECTIVE

Serum AMH level has been shown to decrease in women treated for breast cancer in several studies. However, whether basal AMH status affects AMH dynamics during chemotherapy remains to be clarified. The objective of this study was to compare serum AMH dynamics in young women with either low, normal or high basal serum AMH level at diagnosis, during and after treatment with chemotherapy for breast cancer.

STUDY DESIGN

In this secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study, serum AMH was measured during and after chemotherapy in 239 women of reproductive age diagnosed with breast cancer and treated with chemotherapy. The association between AMH dynamics throughout chemotherapy and during follow-up and basal AMH status, i.e. low AMH (<1 μg/l, <7 pmol/l), normal AMH (1-4.9 μg/l, 7-36 pmol/l) and high AMH (≥5 μg/l, >36 pmol/l), was evaluated. Menses occurrence was also recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 21 women had low, 154 had normal and 64 had high basal AMH level. Serum AMH rapidly decreased during chemotherapy in all groups, and its variation during chemotherapy and follow-up was not significantly different between the 3 groups.

CONCLUSION

No association was found between AMH variation during chemotherapy and follow-up, and basal AMH level at diagnosis. However, women with high basal AMH levels have significantly higher AMH levels throughout chemotherapy and follow-up than women with normal or low basal AMH levels at diagnosis.

[Mental health care in French correctional facilities during the Covid-19 pandemic]

OBJECTIVE

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the 11 million people currently incarcerated worldwide is the subject of many concerns. Prisons and jails are filled with people suffering from many preexisting medical conditions increasing the risk of complications. Detainees' access to medical services is already limited and overcrowding poses a threat of massive contagion. Beyond the health impact of the crisis, the tightening of prison conditions worries. On March 16, 2020, in France, the lockdown measures have been accompanied by specific provisions for prisons: all facilities have suspended visitations, group activities and external interventions. Over 10,000 prisoners have been released to reduce the prison population and the risk of virus propagation. These adjustments had major consequences on the healthcare system in French prisons. The objectives of this article are to describe the reorganization of the three levels of psychiatric care for inmates in France in the context of Covid-19 pandemic and to have a look at the impact of lockdown measures and early releases on mental health of prisoners.

METHODS

This work is based on a survey conducted in April 2020 in France among psychiatric healthcare providers working in 42 ambulatory units for inmates and in the 9 full-time inpatient psychiatric wards exclusively for inmates called "UHSAs" (which stands for "unités hospitalières spécialement aménagées", and can be translated as "specially equipped hospital units"). A review of the international literature on mental healthcare system for inmates during the Covid-19 epidemic has also been performed.

RESULTS

The Covid-19 epidemic has been rather contained during the period of confinement in French prisons but the impact of confinement measures on the prison population is significant. The three levels of psychiatric care for inmates have implemented specific measures to ensure continuity of care, to support detainees during Coronavirus lockdown and to prevent an infection's spread. Among the most important are: limitation of medical consultations to serious and urgent cases, creation of "Covid units", cancellation of voluntary psychiatric hospitalizations, reinforcement of preventive hygiene measures and reshuffling of medical staff. Prolonged confinement has consequences on mental health of detainees. Currently, mental health workers are facing multiple clinical situations such as forced drug and substance withdrawal (linked to difficulties in supplying psychoactive substances), symptoms of anxiety (due to concerns for their own and their relatives' well-being) and decompensation among patients with severe psychiatric conditions. Early releases from prison may also raise some issues. People recently released from prison are identified as at high risk of death by suicide and drug overdose. The lack of time to provide the necessary link between health services within prisons and health structures outside could have serious consequences, emphasizing the well-known "revolving prison doors" effect.

DISCUSSION

The current lockdown measures applied in French jails and prisons point out the disparities between psychiatric care for inmates and psychiatric care for general population. Giving the high vulnerability of prison population, public health authorities should pay more attention to health care in prisons.

Analyse des courriers de plainte adressés au service d’urgence d’un centre hospitalier général

Objectif : L’objectif principal de notre travail était d’analyser les courriers de plainte (CP) adressés à un service d’urgence (SU). L’objectif secondaire était de déterminer s’il existait une corrélation entre CP et temporalité de passage au SU.

Matériel et méthodes : Étude rétrospective monocentrique sur six ans portant sur les CP concernant les prises en charge en SU.

Résultats : Quatre-vingt-un CP ont été analysés, la moyenne annuelle et l’incidence étaient de 13,5 CP/an et de 5,5 CP/ 10 000 passages. L’incidence était de 3,5 CP/10 000 passages pour les enfants vs 6,1 CP/10 000 passages pour les adultes (p = 0,11). Le plaignant était la famille dans 44 CP (55 %) et le patient dans 34 CP (42 %). Il n’y avait pas de différence significative entre le jour et la nuit (5,7 CP/10 000 vs 4,8 CP/ 10 000 passages ; p = 0,57) ni entre horaires de garde et horaires hors garde (5,6 CP/10 000 vs 5,2 CP/10 000 passages ; p = 0,78). Nous avons dénombré 133 doléances, avec une cause médicale dans 64 CP (48 %), une cause organisationnelle dans 44 CP (33 %), une cause relationnelle dans 25 CP (19 %). Une indemnisation financière a été demandée dans 13 CP (16 %) et a été accordée pour deux dossiers (2 %). Aucun CP n’a entraîné de poursuite en justice.

Conclusion : L’incidence des CP de notre SU reste dans la moyenne basse des données retrouvées au niveau national et sans relation avec la temporalité du passage. L’analyse des CP permet d’améliorer la qualité de la prise en charge et de proposer des mesures correctives en relation avec la commission des usagers.

Pratique de l’échographie clinique au sein d’un réseau territorial d’urgence

Objectif : L’échographie clinique en médecine d’urgence (ECMU) est un outil essentiel de notre pratique. L’objectif principal de notre étude était d’évaluer les caractéristiques des médecins pratiquant l’ECMU au sein de notre territoire. L’objectif secondaire était d’analyser les facteurs influençant une pratique régulière.

Matériel et méthodes : Étude descriptive multicentrique et déclarative, réalisée auprès de médecins urgentistes travaillant au sein d’un réseau territorial de médecine d’urgence à l’aide d’un questionnaire en ligne.

Résultats : Cent onze questionnaires sur 120 envoyés ont été renseignés (92 %). Onze services (92 %) étaient dotés en échographe dont neuf (82 %) en dotation propre. Soixantesix médecins (59 %) déclaraient pratiquer l’échographie régulièrement. La FAST (focused assessment with sonography for traumas) était la plus pratiquée (80 médecins, 72 %), suivie de l’exploration hémodynamique (50 médecins, 45 %) et pleurale (44 médecins, 40 %). Dans le groupe des médecins ne pratiquant pas l’ECMU, 17 médecins sur 22 (77 %) l’expliquaient par un manque de formation. Dans le même temps, l’intérêt porté à l’ECMU par les urgentistes était coté à 7 ± 2 sur une échelle de 0 à 9. Les facteurs associés à la fréquence de la pratique de l’ECMU étaient le sexe (p < 0,001), le type d’activité (p = 0,005), le type de formation à l’échographie (p < 0,001) et l’ancienneté d’équipement de son service en échographe (p < 0,001).

Conclusion : Cette enquête a montré que la pratique régulière était majoritaire avec un intérêt porté par les praticiens à l’ECMU élevé. Cependant, le frein principal à son développement était un niveau de formation jugé insuffisant par certains praticiens.

Adjustable-Loop Femoral Cortical Suspensory Fixation for Patellar Tendon Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Time Zero Biomechanical Comparison With Interference Screw Fixation

BACKGROUND

Adjustable-loop cortical buttons for femoral fixation of bone-tendon-bone grafts have potential advantages over interference screw fixation; however, these devices have not been benchmarked biomechanically against interference screws. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to compare the time zero biomechanical properties of commercially available, adjustable-loop cortical button and metallic interference screws for femoral fixation of bone-tendon-bone grafts. It was hypothesized that no significant differences would be found in biomechanical properties between fixation techniques.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

Adjustable-loop cortical buttons (n = 8) and metallic interference screws (n = 8) were used to fix matched pairs of human bone-tendon-bone allografts in porcine distal femurs. These constructs were preconditioned (10 N to 50 N at 1 Hz, 10 cycles), subjected to cyclic loading (50 N to 250 N at 1 Hz, 500 cycles), and then pulled to failure at 20 mm/min.

RESULTS

The loads to failure (mean ± SD, 700 ± 256 N vs 688 ± 215 N, P = .92) and linear stiffnesses (219 ± 48 N/mm vs 218 ± 49 N/mm, P = .97) for the adjustable-loop cortical button and metallic interference screws, respectively, were not significantly different. Cyclic displacement was higher in the adjustable-loop cortical button group (2.1 ± 0.6 mm vs 1.3 ± 0.4 mm, P = .01). The mechanism of failure was different between groups, with bone block slippage occurring most commonly in the interference screw group (n = 5) and fracture of the bone block through the suture hole occurring most commonly in the adjustable-loop cortical button group (n = 6).

CONCLUSION

Adjustable-loop cortical buttons and interference screws have similar time zero failure loads, although cyclic displacement was higher with the adjustable-loop cortical buttons. The mean difference in displacement was less than 1 mm compared with the interference screw.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Adjustable-loop cortical buttons may be an acceptable alternative to an interference screw for femoral fixation of bone-tendon-bone grafts in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The clinical relevance of the observed differences in cyclic displacement is unknown and should be evaluated in future studies.

Recurrent attacks of acute hepatic porphyria: major role of the chronic inflammatory response in the liver

BACKGROUND

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is an inherited disorder of haem metabolism characterized by life-threatening acute neurovisceral attacks due to the induction of hepatic δ-aminolevulinic acid synthase 1 (ALAS1) associated with hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMBS) deficiency. So far, the treatment of choice is hemin which represses ALAS1. The main issue in the medical care of AIP patients is the occurrence of debilitating recurrent attacks.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether chronic hemin administration contributes to the recurrence of acute attacks.

METHODS

A follow-up study was conducted between 1974 and 2015 and included 602 French AIP patients, of whom 46 had recurrent AIP. Moreover, we studied the hepatic transcriptome, serum proteome, liver macrophage polarization and oxidative and inflammatory profiles of Hmbs^-/- mice chronically treated by hemin and extended the investigations to five explanted livers from recurrent AIP patients.

RESULTS

The introduction of hemin into the pharmacopeia has coincided with a 4.4-fold increase in the prevalence of chronic patients. Moreover, we showed that both in animal model and in human liver, frequent hemin infusions generate a chronic inflammatory hepatic disease which induces HO1 remotely to hemin treatment and maintains a high ALAS1 level responsible for recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Altogether, this study has important impacts on AIP care underlying that hemin needs to be restricted to severe neurovisceral crisis and suggests that alternative treatment targeting the liver such as ALAS1 and HO1 inhibitors, and anti-inflammatory therapies should be considered in patients with recurrent AIP.

Subterranean termite phylogeography reveals multiple postglacial colonization events in southwestern Europe

A long‐standing goal of evolutionary biology is to understand how paleoclimatic and geological events shape the geographical distribution and genetic structure within and among species. Using a diverse set of markers (cuticular hydrocarbons, mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences, microsatellite loci), we studied Reticulitermes grassei and R. banyulensis, two closely related termite species in southwestern Europe. We sought to clarify the current genetic structure of populations that formed following postglacial dispersal from refugia in southern Spain and characterize the gene flow between the two lineages over the last several million years. Each marker type separately provided a fragmented picture of the evolutionary history at different timescales. Chemical analyses of cuticular hydrocarbons and phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear genes showed clear separation between the species, suggesting they diverged following vicariance events in the Late Miocene. However, the presence of intermediate chemical profiles and mtDNA introgression in some Spanish colonies suggests ongoing gene flow. The current genetic structure of Iberian populations is consistent with alternating isolation and dispersal events during Quaternary glacial periods. Analyses of population genetic structure revealed postglacial colonization routes from southern Spain to France, where populations underwent strong genetic bottlenecks after traversing the Pyrenees resulting in parapatric speciation.

Bayesian Hybrid Model-State Estimation Applied to Simultaneous Contact Formation Recognition and Geometrical Parameter Estimation

In this paper we describe a Bayesian approach to model selection and state estimation for sensor-based robot tasks. The approach is illustrated with a hybrid model-state estimation example from force-controlled autonomous compliant motion: simultaneous (discrete) contact formation recognition and estimation of (continuous) geometrical parameters. Previous research in this area mostly tries to solve one of the two subproblems, or treats the contact formation recognition problem separately, avoiding integration between the solutions to the contact formation recognition and the geometrical parameter estimation problems. A more powerful hybrid model, explicitly modeling contact formation transitions, is developed to deal with larger uncertainties. This paper demonstrates that Kalman filter variants have limits: iterated extended Kalman filters can only handle small uncertainties on the geometrical parameters, while the non-minimal state Kalman filter cannot deal with model selection. Particle filters can handle the increased level of model complexity. Explicit measurement equations for the particle filter are derived from the implicit kinematic and energetic constraints. The experiments prove that the particle filter approach successfully estimates the hybrid joint posterior density of the discrete contact formation variable and the 12-dimensional, continuous geometrical parameter vector during the execution of an assembly task. The problem shows similarities with the well-known problems of data association in simultaneous localization and map-building (SLAM) and model selection in global localization.

N-truncated amyloid β (Aβ) 4-42 forms stable aggregates and induces acute and long-lasting behavioral deficits

N-truncated Aβ_4-42 is highly abundant in Alzheimer disease (AD) brain and was the first Aβ peptide discovered in AD plaques. However, a possible role in AD aetiology has largely been neglected. In the present report, we demonstrate that Aβ_4-42 rapidly forms aggregates possessing a high aggregation propensity in terms of monomer consumption and oligomer formation. Short-term treatment of primary cortical neurons indicated that Aβ_4-42 is as toxic as pyroglutamate Aβ_3-42 and Aβ_1-42. In line with these findings, treatment of wildtype mice using intraventricular Aβ injection induced significant working memory deficits with Aβ_4-42, pyroglutamate Aβ_3-42 and Aβ_1-42. Transgenic mice expressing Aβ_4-42 (Tg4-42 transgenic line) developed a massive CA1 pyramidal neuron loss in the hippocampus. The hippocampus-specific expression of Aβ_4-42 correlates well with age-dependent spatial reference memory deficits assessed by the Morris water maze test. Our findings indicate that N-truncated Aβ_4-42 triggers acute and long-lasting behavioral deficits comparable to AD typical memory dysfunction.

Serum-stimulated cell cycle entry promotes ncOGT synthesis required for cyclin D expression

Nuclear and cytoplasmic O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) is a unique and universally expressed enzyme catalyzing O-GlcNAcylation of thousands of proteins. Although OGT interferes with many crucial intracellular processes, including cell cycle, only few studies have focused on elucidating the precise role of the glycosyltransferase during cell cycle entry. We first demonstrated that starved MCF7 cells reincubated with serum quickly induced a significant OGT increase concomitantly to activation of PI3K and MAPK pathways. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments performed upon serum stimulation showed a progressive interaction between OGT and β-catenin, a major factor in the regulation of cell cycle. OGT expression was also observed in starved HeLa cells reincubated with serum. In these cells, the O-GlcNAcylation status of the β-catenin-2XFLAG was increased following stimulation. Moreover, β-catenin-2XFLAG was heavily O-GlcNAcylated in exponentially proliferating HeLa cells when compared to confluent cells. Furthermore, blocking OGT activity using the potent inhibitor Ac-5SGlcNAc prevented serum-stimulated cyclin D1 synthesis and slightly delayed cell proliferation. At last, interfering with OGT expression (siOGT) blocked cyclin D1 expression and decreased PI3K and MAPK activation. Together, our data indicate that expression and catalytic activity of OGT are necessary and essential for G0/G1 transition.

Down-regulation of GABA(A) receptor via promiscuity with the vasoactive peptide urotensin II receptor. Potential involvement in astrocyte plasticity

GABA_A receptor (GABA_AR) expression level is inversely correlated with the proliferation rate of astrocytes after stroke or during malignancy of astrocytoma, leading to the hypothesis that GABA_AR expression/activation may work as a cell proliferation repressor. A number of vasoactive peptides exhibit the potential to modulate astrocyte proliferation, and the question whether these mechanisms may imply alteration in GABA_AR-mediated functions and/or plasma membrane densities is open. The peptide urotensin II (UII) activates a G protein-coupled receptor named UT, and mediates potent vasoconstriction or vasodilation in mammalian vasculature. We have previously demonstrated that UII activates a PLC/PIPs/Ca²⁺ transduction pathway, via both G_q and G_i/o proteins and stimulates astrocyte proliferation in culture. It was also shown that UT/G_q/IP₃ coupling is regulated by the GABA_AR in rat cultured astrocytes. Here we report that UT and GABA_AR are co-expressed in cerebellar glial cells from rat brain slices, in human native astrocytes and in glioma cell line, and that UII inhibited the GABAergic activity in rat cultured astrocytes. In CHO cell line co-expressing human UT and combinations of GABA_AR subunits, UII markedly depressed the GABA current (β₃γ₂>α₂β₃γ₂>α₂β₁γ₂). This effect, characterized by a fast short-term inhibition followed by drastic and irreversible run-down, is not relayed by G proteins. The run-down partially involves Ca²⁺ and phosphorylation processes, requires dynamin, and results from GABA_AR internalization. Thus, activation of the vasoactive G protein-coupled receptor UT triggers functional inhibition and endocytosis of GABA_AR in CHO and human astrocytes, via its receptor C-terminus. This UII-induced disappearance of the repressor activity of GABA_AR, may play a key role in the initiation of astrocyte proliferation.

N-glycans of Phaeodactylum tricornutum diatom and functional characterization of its N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I enzyme

N-glycosylation, a major co- and post-translational event in the synthesis of proteins in eukaryotes, is unknown in aquatic photosynthetic microalgae. In this paper, we describe the N-glycosylation pathway in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Bio-informatic analysis of its genome revealed the presence of a complete set of sequences potentially encoding for proteins involved in the synthesis of the lipid-linked Glc(3)Man(9)GlcNAc(2)-PP-dolichol N-glycan, some subunits of the oligosaccharyltransferase complex, as well as endoplasmic reticulum glucosidases and chaperones required for protein quality control and, finally, the α-mannosidase I involved in the trimming of the N-glycan precursor into Man-5 N-glycan. Moreover, one N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I, a Golgi glycosyltransferase that initiates the synthesis of complex type N-glycans, was predicted in the P. tricornutum genome. We demonstrated that this gene encodes for an active N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I, which is able to restore complex type N-glycans maturation in the Chinese hamster ovary Lec1 mutant, defective in its endogeneous N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I. Consistent with these data, the structural analyses of N-linked glycans demonstrated that P. tricornutum proteins carry mainly high mannose type N-glycans ranging from Man-5 to Man-9. Although representing a minor glycan population, paucimannose N-glycans were also detected, suggesting the occurrence of an N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I-dependent maturation of N-glycans in this diatom.

Paradoxical effect of ethanol on potassium channel currents and cell survival in cerebellar granule neurons

Transient exposure to ethanol (EtOH) results in a massive neurodegeneration in the developing brain leading to behavioral and cognitive deficits observed in fetal alcohol syndrome. There is now compelling evidence that K+ channels play an important role in the control of programmed cell death. The aim of the present work was to investigate the involvement of K+ channels in the EtOH-induced cerebellar granule cell death and/or survival. At low and high concentrations, EtOH evoked membrane depolarization and hyperpolarization, respectively. Bath perfusion of EtOH (10 mM) depressed the I(A) (transient K+ current) potassium current whereas EtOH (400 mM) provoked a marked potentiation of the specific I(K) (delayed rectifier K+ current) current. Pipette dialysis with GTPgammaS or GDPbetaS did not modify the effects of EtOH (400 mM) on both membrane potential and I(K) current. In contrast, the reversible depolarization and slowly recovering inhibition of I(A) induced by EtOH (10 mM) became irreversible in the presence of GTPgammaS. EtOH (400 mM) induced prodeath responses whereas EtOH (10 mM) and K+ channel blockers promoted cell survival. Altogether, these results indicate that in cerebellar granule cells, EtOH mediates a dual effect on K+ currents partly involved in the control of granule cell death.

Effect of GABA A receptor activation on UT-coupled signaling pathways in rat cortical astrocytes

Cultured rat cortical astrocytes express two types of urotensin II (UII) binding sites: a high affinity site corresponding to the UT (GPR14) receptor and a low affinity site that has not been fully characterized. Activation of the high affinity site in astroglial cells stimulates polyphosphoinositide (PIP) turnover and provokes an increase in intracellular calcium concentration. We have hypothesized that the existence of distinct affinity sites for UII in rat cortical astrocytes could be accounted for by a possible cross-talk between UT and the ligand-gated ion channel GABA(A) receptor (GABA A R). Exposure of cultured astrocytes to UII provoked a bell-shaped increase in cAMP production, with an EC50 stimulating value of 0.83+/-0.04 pM, that was totally blocked in the presence of the adenylyl cyclase inhibitor SQ 22,536. In contrast, UII was found to inhibit forskolin-induced cAMP formation. In the presence of the specific PKA inhibitor H89, UII provoked a sustained stimulation of cAMP formation. Inhibition of PKA by H89 strongly reduced the stimulatory effect of UII on PIP metabolism. GABA and the GABA A R agonist isoguvacine provoked a marked inhibition of UII-induced cAMP synthesis and a significant reduction of UII-evoked PIP turnover. These data suggest that functional interaction between UT and GABA(A)R negatively regulates coupling of UT to the classical PLC/IP(3) signaling cascade as well as to the adenylyl cyclase/PKA pathway.

From speciation to introgressive hybridization: the phylogeographic structure of an island subspecies of termite, Reticulitermes lucifugus corsicus

Background

Although much research has been carried out into European Reticulitermes taxonomy in recent years, there is still much discussion about phylogenetic relationships. This study investigated the evolution from intra- to interspecific phylogeny in the island subspecies Reticulitermes lucifugus corsicus and threw new light on this phenomenon. An integrative approach based on microsatellites and mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences was used to analyze samples taken from a wide area around the Tyrrhenian sea and showed how the subspecies evolved from its origins to its most recent form on continental coasts.

Results

According to mitochondrial phylogeny and molecular clock calculations, island and continental taxa diverged significantly by vicariance in the Pleistocene glacial period. However, more recently, numerous migrations, certainly human-mediated, affected the structure of the populations. This study provided evidence of direct hybridization and multiple introgressions which occurred in several hybrid areas. Analysis using STRUCTURE based on microsatellite data identified a population in Provence (France) which differed considerably (Fst = 0.477) from populations on the island of Corsica and in Tuscany in the Italian peninsula. This new population, principally distributed in urban areas, is highly heterogeneous especially within the ITS2 regions where homogenization by concerted evolution does not appear to have been completed.

Conclusion

This study provides an unusual picture of genetic interaction between termite populations in the Tyrrhenian area and suggests that more attention should be paid to the role of introgression and human impact on the recent evolution of European termites.

The Delayed Rectifier Channel Current IK Plays a Key Role in the Control of Programmed Cell Death by PACAP and Ethanol in Cerebellar Granule Neurons

Alcohol exposure during development causes severe brain malformations, and thus, identification of molecules that can counteract the neurotoxicity of ethanol deserves high priority. Since activation of potassium (K+) currents has been shown to play a critical role in the control of programmed cell death, we have investigated the effects of ethanol and PACAP on K+ currents in cultured cerebellar granule cells using the patch-clamp technique in the whole cell configuration. In the presence of the fast-inactivating IA current blocker 4-AP, a focal application of ethanol (200 mM) in the vicinity of granule cells provoked a robust hyperpolarization and a marked increase of the delayed rectifier IK current. Addition of PACAP (0.1 microM) in the bath solution prevented ethanol-induced membrane hyperpolarization and suppressed the stimulatory effect of ethanol on IK current. These data suggest that ethanol alters neuronal survival, at least in part, through activation of IK, and that PACAP abolishes ethanol-induced cerebellar granule cell death via inhibition of IK..

[Filmstrips and public health]

In this article, the author presents an abandoned audiovisual technique: the "filmstrip". He is interested in connections between this technique and the health service, and more particularly in filmstrips produced by the "Sécurité sociale" in France.

Identification of N-acetyl-d-glucosamine-specific lectins from rat liver cytosolic and nuclear compartments as heat-shock proteins

Cytosolic and nuclear O-linked N-acetylglucosaminylation has been proposed to be involved in the nuclear transport of cytosolic proteins. We have isolated nuclear and cytosolic N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (GlcNAc)-specific lectins from adult rat liver by affinity chromatography on immobilized GlcNAc and identified these lectins, by a proteomic approach, as belonging to the heat-shock protein (HSP)-70 family (one of them being heat-shock cognate 70 stress protein). Two-dimensional electrophoresis indicated that the HSP-70 fraction contained three equally abundant proteins with molecular masses of 70, 65 and 55 kDa. The p70 and p65 proteins are phosphorylated and are themselves O-linked GlcNAc (O-GlcNAc)-modified. The HSP-70 associated into high molecular mass complexes that dissociated in the presence of reductive and chaotropic agents. The lectin(s) present in this complex was (were) able to recognize cytosolic and nuclear ligands, which have been isolated using wheat germ agglutinin affinity chromatography. These ligands are O-GlcNAc glycosylated as demonstrated by [(3)H]galactose incorporation and analysis of the products released by reductive beta-elimination. The isolated lectins specifically recognized ligands present in both the cytosol and the nucleus of human resting lymphocytes. These results demonstrated the existence of endogenous GlcNAc-specific lectins, identified as HSP-70 proteins, which could act as a shuttle for the nucleo-cytoplasmic transport of O-GlcNAc glycoproteins between the cytosol and the nucleus.

[Memory of a laboratory. Promotional booklets for homeopathic drugs Abbe Chaupitre (1933-1939)]

Studying promotional booklets, the authors try to analyze the Laboratoire d'homeopathic complexe's external communication, during the 30's.

[The inventive genius of pharmacists: invention patents 1836-1852]

The author calls attention to a documentation source neglected by French historians of pharmacy: invention patents. He shows how to take advantage of these documents, provides an example of their interest and analyzes globally the corpus of legally-approved patents by pharmacists from 1836 to 1852.

[Lucien-Henri-Armand Coullon, called Pascalon, pharmacist, poet and humorist (1860-1940?)]

Under the pseudonym of Pascalon, L.-H.-A. Coullon published several compilations of poems. The authors present the most important of these anthologies, Les Refrains de l'officine, as well as the personality of their creator. By means of this example they draw up a definition of "pharmaceutical humor".

[A campaign against quackery in the 20s]

During the 20's, La Vie saine, popular journal of the Comite national de defense contre la tuberculose (France), campaigned against quackery. In this purpose, the journal tried to educate people and denounce quackers.