Influence comparée de l'(±)-acide abscissique,de la coumarine,de l'acide p-coumarique et de certains de leurs dérivés sur la croissance de la première feuille de blé

Summary The activities of (±)-abscisic acid and a number of compounds derived from p-coumaric acid and coumarin and their interaction with gibberellic acid in the control of the elongation of the first wheat leaf are examined. (±)-Abscisic acid strongly inhibits leaf growth in the presence as well as in the absence of gibberellic acid, but the inhibition is greater in the presence of gibberellic acid (3 g/l already have an observable effect). Among other compounds, only ferulic acid and coumarin significantly reduce leaf elongation, and they are effective only at high concentrations (1.44 · 10^-4 M/l).     

Conséquences de la chimiothérapie anticancéreuse sur la fertilité de la femme

Sterility is a potential toxic effect of chemotherapy. This risk is well established for alkylating agents, but is less clearly defined for anthracyclines, methotrexate and fluorouracil and poorly defined for alkaloids, platinum, etoposide and taxanes. The main predictive factors for ovarian toxicity are the additive effect of cytotoxic drugs, the cumulative dose of each drug and the patient’s age. This effect of chemotherapy is evaluated on menstrual cycles, hormonal assays and the number of pregnancies observed in patient cohorts. Chemotherapy induces destruction of oocytes and granulosa cells. In mice, it has been shown that adriamycin may induce oocyte apoptosis, which can be prevented by modulation of cycle cell signalling (dysregulation of Bax gene or, on the contrary, expression of its antagonist gene Bcl-2 or inhibition of apoptosis with sphingosine-1-phosphate or caspase inhibitors). Clinical data in the literature are usually based on retrospective studies and are somewhat confused: global fertility after MOPP chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s disease is about 20%, adjuvant chemotherapy with CMF, F(A)C or TAC for breast cancer induces amenorrhea in 50% to 70% of cases, PVB or BEP chemotherapy for ovarian germ cell tumors has little effect on fertility when the uterus and one ovary can be preserved, and the majority of women treated with methotrexate, actinomycin D or various combinations for persistent trophoblastic disease remain fertile. Preservation of fertility is a major goal for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: in vitro fertilization could preserve the couple’s fertility, but is usually not feasible as it would delay initiation of chemotherapy until after stimulation of ovulation; oocyte or ovarian tissue cryopreservation is at the stage of research; oral contraceptives have not been demonstrated to be effective to preserve ovarian function; gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists prevent cyclophosphamide toxicity in rat and monkey ovaries, and a few pilot clinical studies suggest that chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea could be prevented by administration of GnRH analogues simultaneously to chemotherapy, but randomised studies are necessary.     

Influence de la présence de la fourmi Wasmannia auropunctata (Roger 1863) (Hymenoptera : Formicidae) sur les autres espèces de fourmis dans la réserve de la Lopé (centre du Gabon)

Résumé

Wasmannia auropunctata (Roger 1863) est une fourmi originaire d’Amérique du Sud. Elle a été introduite au Gabon vers 1920 par des agronomes qui l’ont utilisée comme agent de lutte biologique contre certains insectes parasites du cacaoyer. Aujourd’hui, cette fourmi se retrouve en zone forestière même hors des anciennes plantations de cacaoyers. Depuis 1984, sa présence a été signalée dans le parc national de la Lopé qui fait partie des réserves protégées du Gabon. Des études antérieures réalisées en Nouvelle-Calédonie ont montré que la présence de W. auropunctata a d’énormes conséquences sur la biodiversité car elle a fait disparaître l’ensemble des fourmis de cette région. Quel peut donc être l’impact de sa présence au Gabon dans la zone de la Lopé? Ces études préliminaires de l’impact de W. auropunctata sur la biodiversité de la Lopé ont consisté à évaluer la dispersion de cette espèce et la densité relative des autres espèces de fourmis en présence sur le site. Les résultats montrent que W. auropunctata se répartit selon un gradient décroissant du point d’introduction vers l’intérieur de la forêt jusqu’à une distance de 120 m. Il n’y a pas de W. auropunctata au-delà de cette distance. Du point d’introduction jusqu’à 80 m de distance, la densité relative des autres espèces de fourmis varie de 0 à 10 %. Lorsqu’il y a forte densité de W. auropunctata, les autres espèces de fourmis sont absentes.     

Variations de quelques aclivités enzymatiques (peroxydase, catalase, AIA-oxydase) et de la teneur en polyphénols au cours de la germination de I'Orge. Influence de la kinétine

Peroxidase catalase, IAA-oxidase and polyphenol content of growing barley coleoptile. Effect of kinetin. - Kinetin strongly inhibits root and coleoptile growth of germinating barley in the dark. Treated coleoptiles become senescent before the untreated ones. Soluble proteins content, peroxidase, catalase and IAA-oxidase activity were greatly increased in treated coleoptiles while the level of polyphenols was reduced. These biochemical effects joined with the other property of kinetin to diminish α-amylase synthesis in the endosperm are discussed in relation to growth and in connection with the classic view of a cytokinin retarded senescence.     

Modélisation de l'impact des mollusques cultivés sur la biomasse phytoplanctonique de l'étang de Thau (France)

A model coupling a 2D transport equation and a simple model of the nitrogen cycling was developed for the Thau lagoon (France). The model took into account the wind forcing on the hydrodynamism, the effect of the temperature on the biological processes, the input of the watershed area, the light dependence of the pelagic primary production and the prédation of the phytoplankton by the cultivated filter feeders. The model ran under two steady-state situations of wind with constant temperature and light values corresponding to spring weather conditions. Simulations showed that the biological flows were very sensitive to the wind. The budget of the nitrogen flows were computed for the three areas devoted to the filter feeder cultivation and the results highlighted the impact of cultivated oysters as a source of nutrients and an important nitrogen flow through the predation of phytoplankton.     

Les Brachiopodes de la craie blanche de Meudon (Campanien supérieur) de la collection dˈOrbigny (MNHN,Paris)

Brachiopods from the White Chalk of Meudon (Upper Campanian), listed in the catalogue of dˈOrbigny collection, are presented following the revised classification. This is not without difficulty, due to the few specimens found and/or to the heterogeneity of sets listed under the same number and labelled with the same name. The Brachiopod fauna in the Belemnitella mucronata Zone is well represented, considering the Invertebrate fauna as a whole. Two representatives of Craniiformea and about ten species of Rhynchonelliformea, from several superfamilies shared by two orders, are critically described, considering the recent observations and the last works after dˈOrbigny.     

Étude de la variabilité de la clairance hépatique de la mébrofénine-99mTc en scintigraphie hépatobiliaire

AimThe purpose of this study was to investigate some of the parameters likely to influence mebrofenin-^99mTc hepatic clearance calculation and inter-and intra-observers reproducibility.Materials and methodsHepatic clearance (%/min m²) of 30 scintigraphies was calculated from the values of hepatic, cardiac, and total activities, according to the method recommended in the literature. We studied: 1) impact of injection–acquisition delay variations; 2) acquisition type: anterior face only (FA) or geometric mean (GM); 3) clearances calculated according to four different body surface area (BSA) formulas; 4) intra-and inter-observers reproducibility for three observers (two evaluations for each observer).Results1) Clearance differences between different studied intervals were statistically significant, more important if the studied interval was far from reference interval (150–350 secondes) and even more when the interval studied was too early (110–310 secondes). 2) There was a statistically significant difference between clearance calculated using either FA or GM datasets (0.85 %/min m²). 3) There were small but statistically significant differences for four of the clearance comparisons using different BSA formulas. 4) Despite differences in size of cardiac and hepatic regions of interest (ROI), intra-observer reproducibility of hepatic clearance was excellent for each observer. Inter-observers reproducibility was also excellent (r = 0.982).ConclusionHepatic clearance of mebrofenin-^99mTc appears to be a highly reproducible method provided that acquisition and clearance calculation are standardized. It provides additionnal functional information to morphological and biological data usually performed before major hepatectomy. Thereby, the definition of a standardized protocol would enable realization of multicentric studies.     

Contrôle de la détermination et de la différenciation des caractères sexuels somatiques de Néréidiens (Annélides polychètes)

Résumé Les modalités de la détermination et de la différenciation du dimorphisme sexuel de Néréidiens (Annélides Polychètes) ont été recherchées chezNereis pelagica L. etPerinereis cultrifera G. par des expériences de décérébration, de castration (par irradiation X), de greffes et d'injection de produits génitaux.Les caractères sexuels somatiques des cirres parapodiaux (renflement et crénelures) se développent toujours conformément au sexe génétique quel que soit l'état génital de laNereis et la nature de l'intervention. La détermination des caractères sexuels somatiques des cirres parapodiaux apparaît donc comme étant très précoce (3 mois au moins avant la différenciation génitale) et stable.Par contre, les papilles pygidiales, caractère sexuel mâle dans les conditions normales, peuvent se différencier chez les très jeunes femelles dont l'épitoquie est déclenchée prématurément par décérébration et chez les femelles de tout âge dont les transformations hétéronéréidiennes sont réalisées en présence d'un milieu mâle (injection de produits génitaux, greffe sur un mâle). Les papilles pygidiales semblent donc déterminées précocement chez les deux sexes; leur différenciation est cependant inhibée chez les femelles au cours de la maturation génitale.

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Control of determination and the differentiation of the sexual somatic characters of Nereids (Annelida Polychaeta)

Summary The modalities of determination and differentiation of sexual dimorphism of Nereids (Annelida Polychaeta) were investigated inNereis pelagica L. andPerinereis cultrifera G. with experiments involving decerebration, castration (by X irradiation), grafts or injection of genital products.The sexual somatic characters of the parapodial cirri (swelling and crenellations) always develop according to the genetic sex, whatever the genital state of the Nereis and the nature of the intervention. Therefore the determination of the sexual somatic characters of the parapodial cirri appear to be determined in a very precocious and stable way (at least 3 months before the genital differentiation).The pygidial papillae, a male sexual character in normal conditions, can be formed by very young females in which heteronereidation is realized prematurely by decerebration, and by females of any age in which heteronereid transformations are realized in a male environment (e.g. by injection of genital products, or grafting onto a male). Therefore the pygidial papillae may be determined precociously in either sex; however their differentiation is normally inhibited in females in the course of genital maturation.

     

A propos de l'intervention des aéroions dans les processus de régulation de la lipémie et de la cholestérolémie

Resume Les expériences ont porté sur des lapins repartis en deux groupes parallèles — un groupe étant traité avec des aéroions négatifs en concentrations moderées (n^– = 10 – 40.000; n⁺ = 1.000) et l'autre sans aéroionothérapie (témoins). Par rapport aux animaux témoins (pas exposés aux aéroions),on a enregistré,sous l'influence de l'aéroionothérapie, que: (1)il y a une tendence de normalisation de la motilité spontanée, deprimée par une alimentation contenant un excès de cholestérol(0,3 g/kg/jour); (2) la lipémie et la cholestérolémie sont restées à un niveau plus bas chez les animaux alimentés au cholestérol; (3) la lipémie et la cholestérolémie, de même que l'iode thyroïdien, sont restées aux valeurs voisines de celles normales,chez les animaux nourris avec un excès (20 mg/kg/jour), de substances antithyroïdiennes naturelles (provenant du chou).

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Groups of rabbits were exposed to negative air ions of moderate concentrations (n^– = 10 – 40,000; n⁺ = 1,000) while others served as controls. (1) When rabbits were fed a cholesterol-rich diet (0.3 g/kg/day)causing reduction of motility in the control animals, their motility was normalized under air ion treatment. (2) The blood cholesterol and lipid levels of rabbits on a cholesterol-rich diet were lower with air ion treatment than in controls.(3) When rabbits were fed a diet with thyroid blocking agents from cabbage the blood cholesterol and lipid levels and the thyroid iodine content remained unchanged with air ion treatment.

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Zusammenfassung Gruppen Kaninchen wurden mit negativen Luftionen in mässigen Konzentrationen (n^– = 100 000 – 40 000; n⁺ = 1 000) behandelt, während andere als Kontrollen dienten. (1) Die durch Fütterung von cholesterinreicher Diät (0,3 g/kg/Tag) verminderte Motilität der Tiere wurde unter der Luftionenbehandlung normalisiert. (2) Der durch Fütterung von cholesterinreicher Diät erhöhte Blutcholesterin- und-fettspiegel fiel durch Luftionenbehandlung ab. (3) Der durch Fütterung von strumipriven Substanzen aus Kohl erhöhte Cholesterin- und Fettspiegel im Blut und verminderte Jodgehalt der Schilddrüse wurde durch Luftionenbehandlung nicht beeinflusst.

     

Aristote (384–322): biologiste de la réproduction avant la lettre

Born in Chalcidice, Greece, in 384 BC and died in Chalcis in 322 BC, Aristotle, an Athenian philosopher, made considerable contributions to the fields of anatomy, zoology and biology. His research and texts on reproduction biology made a major contribution to the development of this discipline and Aristotle is rightly considered to be a pioneer in this field.     

Evolution de la musculature desNéréidiens (Annélides polychètes) au cours de l'Epitoquie

Résumé Au cours de l'épitoquie des Nereidiens, les fibres musculaires longitudinales ne sont pas forméesde novo, à partir de cellules indifferenciées ou myoblastes, mais proviennent des fibres anciennes atoques. Celles-ci subissent une véritable dédifférenciation plus ou moins synchrone d'une redifférenciation. Les deux processus ne sont pas successifs mais simultanés, et une dédifférenciation complète est absente.Les premières cellules en évolution appartiennent à la couche musculaire externe; ensuite, les fibres des assises plus profondes se transforment à leur tour.Les transformations consistent en: 1) La dédifférenciation du bord interne ou coelomique de la fibre. Les structures contractiles disparaissent dans cette zone et de nombreuses particules de glycogène se différencient sans relation avec le reticulum endoplasmique ou les ribosomes. Aucun lysosome ou signe précurseur ne peuvent être observés avant la disparition des filaments contractiles et des éléments Z. 2) Le bord coelomique s'hypertrophie. Dans la région axiale de la fibre, de nombreuses mitochondries et particules et de glycogène remplacent le matériel contractile. Corrélativement, l'épaisseur des bandes A et I diminue. 3) La fibre hétéronéreidienne ou épitoque est constituée et présente deux parties: un cortex myoplasmique et une médulla sarcoplasmique, remplie de mitochondries et de glycogène. Le noyau renfermant un nucléole volumineux est situé dans une hernie sarcoplasmique latérale.

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Evolution of muscles inNereidae (Annelida polychaeta) during Epitoky. III. Dedifferentiation of the longitudinal fibres

Summary During epitoky inNereidae, the longitudinal muscle fibres are not formedde novo from undifferentiated cells or myoblasts, but arise from the old atokous fibres. These undergo a true dedifferentiation more or less synchronously with a redifferentiation. The two processes are not successive but simultaneous and there is no complete dedifferentiation.The first cells that develop are in the outside muscle layer; then the fibres of the inside layers are transformed in their turn.The transformations consist of: 1) Dedifferentiation of the edge of the inner or coelomic fibre. The contractile structures disappear in this part and numerous glycogen particles differentiate, unrelated to endoplasmic reticulum or ribosomes. No lysosomes or precursory markings are observed before the disappearance of contractile filaments and Z rods. 2) The coelomic edge becomes enlarged. In the axial region of the fibre, numerous mitochondria and and glycogen particles take the place of the contractile material. Consequently, the thickness of A and I bands decreases. 3) The heteronereid or epitokous fibre is formed and shows two parts: a myoplasmic cortex and a sarcoplasmic medulla, filled with mitochondria and glycogen. The nucleus with a voluminous nucleolus settles inside a lateral sarcoplasmic swelling.

     

Quelques considérations sur l'enseignement de la médecine physique et de la réhabilitation

Particularly since World War II physical medicine and rehabilitation have assumed a growing importance. The efforts of the Canadian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, following a survey of Canadian universities, to increase the theoretical and practical teaching of physiatrics are emphasized. It is considered important that the teaching of physical medicine and rehabilitation should be carried out concurrently with other medical and surgical teaching programs. Paramedical and auxiliary rehabilitation personnel should participate in the teaching program. The number of hours devoted to physiatrics should be increased, and the medical student should be permitted to choose physical medicine and rehabilitation as a part of his internship program.     

Étude complémentaire de la structure de trois galactoxyloglucanes (amyloïdes) de graines

D-Galacto-D-xylo-D-glucans (amyloids) from Balsamina, Tropaeolum, and Tamarindus seeds behave in a similar manner in the presence of various glycosidase preparations: slow depolymerization by enzymes from several germinated or non-germinated seeds, and hydrolysis into monosaccharides and oligosaccharides by commercial cellulase and hemicellulase preparations from fungi. A purified cellulase from Penicillium notatum gave a dialyzable fraction almost exclusively composed of α-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→6)-D-glucose residues and a nondialyzable fraction composed of chains of β-D-(1→4)[withsome (1→3)]-glucopyranosyl residues; β-D-galacto-pyranosyl-(1→2)-α-D-xylosyl groups are linked to some of the β-D-glucosyl residues at 0-6. The presence of (1→3)-linkages in the D-glucan chain of the Balsamina was verified by methylation and sequential periodate oxidation-borohydride reduction; the distribution of the substituents on the D-glucan chain is not regular. The main D-glucan backbone, where the β-D-glucosyl residues are partly linked at 0-6 to β-D-galactosyl-(1→2)-D-xylosyl groups, is linked to D-glucan chains where almost all the D-glucose units are linked at 0-6 by one α-D-xylosyl group. The presence of 3,6-di-O-methyl-D-glucose after permethylation and hydrolysis suggests that the xyloglucan chains are linked to 0-2 of the D-glucosyl units of the galactoxyloglucan backbone.     

Principes de la lecture critique de la littérature médicale: Illustration urologique

There has been an enormous expansion in scientific literature, especially in the area of health and medicine. At the same time the complexity of the research has increased. Through the reading of medical literature of his field of interest, the physician is in search of useful information. However, reading medical papers is very time consuming and most physicians, for their usual literature review, content themselves with the titles and the abstracts. Moreover, quality and relevancy of the publications vary greatly and the reader must be able to “separate the wheat from the chaff”. Thus the reading of literature needs selection and evaluation. As a result, physicians require critical appraisal skills. The principle of appraisal of medical literature is to assess the value of publications which will influence the medical practice of the reader. The reader has a double objective: to assess the credibility of the publications, and to define the applicability of the publication information. By following eight steps the reader is able to quickly rule out from his reading what is not valid and have an objective look at the quality of the results which are proposed to him. These eight steps comprise the assessment of the study objectives, the study design, the study factor(s), the outcome factor(s), the study population and sample, the confounding factor(s) and bias, the results with their statistical and clinical significance and the power of the study, and, lastly, the synthesis of the reader's judgment. The last word belongs to the clinician facing his patient.