Distribution et activités des alcaloïdes défensifs des Coccinellidae

From a survey of 30 species and varieties of ladybugs the presence of alkaloids appears to be correlated with the existence of aposematic colour and not with being carnivorous or phytophagous. The alkaloids described until now all belong to the Coccinellini and are closely related, but other types of bases have been detected in some genera. The observed distributions are in agreement with the modern taxonomy of the family.Ladybug alkaloids constitute an effective defence against ants, Myrmica rubra, and quails, Coturnix coturnix, but all the beetles containing alkaloids do not possess the same degree of protection. Individual quail react differently towards moderately protected species.The bioassay used for the first isolation of coccinelin is described. The repulsive activities of aqueous solutions of coccinellin and convergin towards ants have been compared.     

Anticorps anti-spermatozoïdes: techniques de dépistage et interprétation des résultats

Since the first publication on the detection of sperm-agglutinating antibodies in infertile men, multiple assays have been described. The most useful tests are able to detect antibodies bound to the sperm membrane of motile spermatozoa. The immunobeads test (IBT) is considered to be the most advantageous in terms of its sensitivity, the low incidence of false-positive results, and its ability to localize antibodies of different immunoglobulin classes on the sperm surface. The IBT assay can be used in parallel with the mixed antiglobulin reaction (MAR), to detect sperm-associated antibodies in the ejaculates of infertile men, the most rational way to test for antisperm antibodies (ASA) in males. In view of the high level of agreement between the two assays, MAR, the easier of the two, may be used as a first step in the detection of these antibodies. A positive MAR must be confirmed by IBT, as this assay is more specific for the detection of IgA antibodies. The clinical significance of sperm-associated antibodies is usually established according to the proportion of motile spermatozoa coated with immunobeads, its class and its localization on the sperm surface. However, binding of immunobeads does not provide any information about the antigens against which the antibodies are directed. As the functional effects of sperm-associated antibodies may vary as a function of their antigenic specificities, other assays, using purified fertilization related antigens, are necessary to establish, for each individual, the specific impact of the antibodies on the fertilization process. The indirect IBT assay has recently become the most widely used test to detect the various classes of ASA in serum and cervical mucus of infertile women and in the serum and seminal fluid of infertile men, in combination with the direct assay described above. However, in most laboratories, it is performed with only one dilution of the biological fluid tested, usually a low dilution, so that antibody levels of no significance for fertility could be detected. This may explain a recente debate (Human Reprod, 1999) on the significance of ASA as a cause of infertility. At present, and in the absence of standardized assays able to identify the antigens involved in each individual immune reaction, antibody assays, as detected by the IBT assay, in the serum and/or genital secretions of infertile subjects might provide useful clinical guidance.     

Stratégie d’étude des anticorps anti-nucléaires

Le terme d’anticorps anti-nucléaires (ANA), consacré par l’usage, est trop restrictif puisque certains de ces anticorps reconnaissent des antigènes cytoplasmiques. Un très grand nombre d’ANA a été identifié au cours des 30 dernières années. Seul un nombre restreint de ceux-ci est spécifiquement associé à des maladies précises, connues sous le vocable de connectivites. Toutefois, des ANA peuvent assui être rencontrés dans d’autres affections, un syndrome infectieux ou inflammatoire, une néoplasie, une maladie spécifique d’organe, en particulier les maladies du foie comme l’hépatite auto-immune et certaines cholangiopathies. Enfin, il ne faut pas oublier l’apparition d’ANA survenant lors de la prise de certains médicaments. La spécificité de ces anticorps est tout à fait différente de celle que l’on observe dans les connectivites.     

Métastases gingivales d’un carcinome thyroïdien différencié

The differentiated thyroid carcinoma metastases concern habitually the lymphatic chains, the bone, the lung, and to a lesser degree the other organs. We report a rare case of gingival metastasis of differentiated thyroid carcinoma with bony invasion, in a 50 year-old patient, in whom the gingival metastasis revealed the thyroid carcinoma. Such extension follows a protracted course. Metastasis clinically appears years after the diagnostic of initial tumour. The lack of any specific sign, makes them to be mistaken for inflammatory or infectious pathologies. Their prognosis is in general good, if they are early and accurately diagnosed.     

Optimisation du protocole d’acquisition de la TEP à la fluorocholine dans la détection des lésions parathyroïdiennes

18F-Fluorocholine (FCH) PET/CT shows very promising potential for detection of hyperfunctioning parathyroid tumors. However, the optimal time to perform imaging after FCH administration has not yet been determined and protocols are highly variable. The aim of this study was to qualitatively and quantitatively compare 5, 10, 15, 20 and 60 min post-injection acquisition times in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and equivocal traditional imaging. Thirty-one patients were included. Two observers retrospectively analyzed the five protocols. Any focal increase in FCH uptake was localized and graded on a discrete gradation scale between 1 and 5 to assess the likelihood of hyperfunctioning parathyroid tumors. Gold standard was histopathological findings for the 11 operated patients. Regarding quantitative analysis, ratio of SUVmax of parathyroid foci on SUVmean of thyroid background (as signal-to-noise ratio) were compared between protocols. After injection of 2.5 MBq/kg, FCH PET performed 60 min post-injection (2 min) had the best sensitivity and specificity by lesion (92% and 100% respectively and the best signal-to-noise ratio (median of 2). We suggest performing PET scan 60 min after injection, associated with early acquisition so as not to miss a wash-out hyperfunctioning parathyroid tumors.     

Les spermatozoïdes immobiles frais ou décongelés en fécondation assistée

Contrasting with sperm count or morphology, complete lack of mobile sperm may seriously impair ICSI fertilization and pergnancy rate. In three cases with flagellar skeleton abnormalities [dynein arm absence] only immobile sperm were found in the ejaculate. Following repeated ejaculations, higher rates of viable spermatozoa and even some motile spermatozoa could be found. Some times, in nonobstructive azoospermia, extensive sperm search didn't allow us to find but immobile sperm mostly, with very few motile sperm cells, not enough for the microinjection of all oocytes. The third group of immobile sperm is iatrogenic, following freezing and thawing surgically retrieved, testicular or epididymal spermatozoa in order to avoid repeated surgical retrieval. Following thawing, one find frequently very few motile spermatozoa that may be not enough for all retrieved oocytes and it might be necessary to inject some eggs with immobile spermatozoa. The outcome of ICSI using mobile and immobile sperm was compared in the three above mentioned groups: 1-immobile ejaculated sperm with flagellar defects, 2-immobile sperm discovered in the ejaculate after extensive sperm search and 3- immobile frozen-thawed testicular or epididymal spermatozoa. The results of ICSI in these groups show that fertilizing ability of fresh or frozenthawed immobile spermatozoa is not significantly different from ICSI with mobile sperm from the same origin. More over, in the first group with flagellar abnormalities, repeated ejaculations allowed us significantly increase sperm viability and fertilization ability. Finding only immobile fresh or frozen-thawed sperm the day of egg retrieval should not lead us to ICSI cancellation. Pregnancies may occur with such immobile sperm.     

De l’origine des anthropoïdes à l’émergence de la famille humaine

The human lineage has a very ancient origin, as most of the mammals. Its oldest representatives, anthropoid primates, have been described from Asia some 45 million years ago. During this long evolutionary story, two critical stages have appeared as especially important, their beginning in Asia and the emergence of hominids in Africa, some seven million years ago. These two stages are discussed hereby with new data relative to their Asian origins and their dispersal into Africa between 45 and 40 million years ago. Following this dispersal event, these primates evolved in Africa and gave rise to the early hominids. These appeared around seven million years ago and have three distinct representatives. Among them, Toumaï appears as the oldest and the closest to our ancestry, a point that is evidenced here.     

Le Paléolithique supérieur dans l’île d’Hokkaïdo

Since the discovery of the first Paleolithic site in Hokkaido, we consider that the time in the half more than centuries already passed, and float today. However, our research is still a way. By today, we have not discovered the trace about a Pithecantropines (Homo erectus) and a Paleanthropic man (Homo sapiens neanderthalensis) at all in this region. We know that a Neanthropic man (Homo sapiens sapiens) dominated all the continents except Antarctica in the final time of the Pleistocene era. And they passed along the dried shoal which appeared to the north in the same time from the Asian Continent to the Island of Hokkaido, and reached it to this place. The first attainment time is an age which exceeds 20,000-years before a little from the present. We are not checking a fact which exceeds it you to be much. However, the habitants of these beginnings left the trace of the activity of them in large numbers, so that he was wonderful to inside of this island. The studies-of-prehistory research in Hokkaido has little proof of the natural science field concerned on age determination or chronology. This has serious restriction. However, the tephra-chronology of volcanic ashes has played the big role uniquely. The eruption of the Eniwa volcano of the Hokkaido central part is especially a very important index. This volcano blows off ash fall (En-a) in large quantities, and covered all large ranges. This deposited volcanic-ashes layer plays a big role to discernment of an old industry and a recent industry on the cultural chronology. The obsidian from this island and nearby hard shale was used for many industries of this Upper Paleolithic cultures as main materials. Although obsidians in the island where the different four outcrops are known well. This rock was mined in large quantities, and was carried in various places. As well as many examples in the world, we divided this rock, and the human beings of the prehistoric age were demanded for it, and it was often utilized. In it, especially the outcrop of Shirataki was located in the northern part of Hokkaido, and was very important. Large quantities of obsidian from Shirataki outcrop is discovered in a large number of Paleolithic sites within a segment 700 km in diameter at least. It covered the territory in Hokkaido and circulated further also except this island. This fact circulated as important trade materials on stone-tool fabrication among the human-beings groups from whom this island's every place differed. In this time, human beings’ activity in Hokkaido is a clear proof, which was not isolated at all. As for the studies of the prehistorians of Hokkaido distinguish, the exception put the technical process of eight different microblade productions. The technical process of some of them was limited only to the specific narrow area. Or it is proved that other technical processes are widely connected with the human-beings group of the Asian Continent on the contrary. At present, our research grasps the whole second-half Paleolithic culture, and has not yet established the year system edited by locally complete. The oldest industry of this area composed the typical stone tool of second-half Paleolithic culture from the beginning, and was accompanied by the manufacturing technique of a braid and microblade. The feature is the example in which the ruins of Kashiwadai-I were most excellent. These ruins correspond at time older than deposition of the Eniwa volcano tephra. It is located at the chill time in the second half of a Würm glacial period. The second continuing step is an industry of succession newer than this volcano tephra. It is raised as an example with Ôsatsu-16 typical ruins etc. The third phase is an industry of the end term of second-half Paleolithic culture. It is simultaneously located in the dawn of Jōmon culture. The feature of this cultural aspect is a transitional cultural stage which earthenware appears and is called what is called “Sub-Neolithic-Culture”. We can check having passed expansively, while the aspect of this last continues within a short period of time relatively.     

Intérêt de l’analyse de la morphologie fine et de la qualité nucléaire des spermatozoïdes dans le cadre des techniques d’AMP

Routine semen examination does not identify minor malformations of the sperm nucleus and chromatin architectural defects, which may be associated with ART outcome and cannot be detected by the embryologist even at 1000x magnification. Recent publications have demonstrated the advantages, compared to routine analysis, of a new method of real-time detailed morphological evaluation of motile spermatozoa: motile sperm organellar morphology examination (MSOME). MSOME is performed with an inverted light microscope equipped with high-power differential interference contrast optics enhanced by digital imaging to achieve a magnification of 10000x. To be considered morphologically normal, a sperm nucleus must have both a normal shape and a normal chromatin content. The aim of the present study was to combine MSOME and sperm DNA fragmentation characteristics to assess reproductive outcome. The study population consisted of the male partners of 52 couples referred for conventional IVF or split cycles (half IVF-half ICSI cycles) and exhibiting normal routine sperm parameters. Spermatozoa were analysed by examining the fine nuclear morphology and DNA integrity using the sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCD test), based on the principle that the deproteinized nuclei of spermatozoa with nonfragmented DNA show extended halos of DNA dispersion that are either absent or only minimally present in sperm nuclei with fragmented DNA. Fertilization rates were significantly lower in the group showing less than 8% of normal spermatozoa according to MSOME criteria, but early embryo development was not affected. Fine sperm morphology correlated with DNA fragmentation rate. These results demonstrate that the assessment of sperm nuclear normality by MSOME analysis and SCD test improves characterization of the semen sample and should be evaluated as a tool for allocating patients to specific assisted reproduction treatments.     

Hyperparasitisme facultatif de parasitoïdes en cours de développement par les femelles des ectoparasitoïdes Eupelmus vuilleti et Eupelmus orientalis Craw

In a community of three ectoparasitoids, Dinarmus basalis, Eupelmus vuilleti and E. orientalis, the host Callosobruchus maculatus parasitised 48 h before by D. basalis, is accepted by E. vuilleti females after they have eliminated the eggs and neonatal larvae of D. basalis. This ovicidal and larvicidal behaviour enables E. vuilleti to develop on C. maculatus instead of D. basalis. E. vuilleti females are able to parasitise the L5 larval stage and the pupa of D. basalis: their larvae therefore feed at the expense of the developing parasitoid. This trophic level is that of hyperparasitism. However, E. vuilleti females rarely practise hyperparasitism on their own L5 larvae and on those of E. orientalis. This behaviour reveals a high behavioural plasticity enabled by intra- and interspecific recognition of parasitoids used as hosts. Hyperparasitism activity in E. orientalis females is higher than that in E. vuilleti females since they hyperparasitise host parasitoids more frequently without preferential species choice. However, E. vuilleti seems to be free from competitive pressure with E. orientalis, as the former penetrates deeply into a grain store contaminated with C. maculatus in contrast to E. orientalis females, which remain on the surface from where they escaped.     

Nouvelles espèces d’Ancyrocrinus et d’Ammonicrinus,crinoïdes à pédoncule spécialisé du Dévonien armoricain (Brest,France)

New species of Ancyrocrinus and Ammonicrinus, crinoids, crinoids with specialized stem from the Armorican Devonian (Brest, France). The discovery of the oldest tetrameral grapnels of Ancyrocrinus, A. crozonensis n. sp., in the Lower Eifelian modifies considerably the previous evolutionary scheme and sets the problem of the transition from tetrameral to pentameral symmetry in the ancyrocrinid holdfasts. The presence of a new species of Ammonicrinus, A. kerdreoletensis n. sp., in the Upper Emsian suggests a North-Gondwanan origin of the genus. Its highly specialized structure of the stem, characteristic of the genus, was developed earlier than previously recognized. To cite this article: J. Le Menn, P.A. Jaouen, C. R. Palevol 2 (2003).     

Provenance d’artefacts en rhyolite corse : évaluation des méthodes d’analyse géochimique

Through the analysis of flint and obsidian artefacts, numerous studies have shown the links that existed between Corsica and Sardinia during Neolithic and Chalcolithic. However, we have almost no information about the movements and exchanges that took place in Corsica itself. Rhyolite, a siliceous volcanic rock, has been exploited in Corsica and disseminated throughout the territory from the early Neolithic. Up to now, only one major study has been conducted in the North of the island, in order to identify, by petrographic analysis, the raw material deposits of these rhyolite artefacts. Petrography is a destructive method; it is thus difficult to apply it to large series of archaeological objects. Our aim was therefore to investigate less invasive analytical methods, based on the geochemistry of rocks, in order to conduct future studies based on these rhyolite remains. We analysed 34 geological samples from four different sources, as well as 31 archaeological samples unearthed at three different archaeological areas. We show that EDXRF is an effective method to discriminate sources but also to characterise artefacts using nondestructive protocol. LA-ICP-MS encounters issues due to heterogeneity of the studied rocks. However, we show that by adjusting our testing protocol this method can complement the EDXRF analysis, which is ineffective on objects that are too thin.     

L’évolution des premiers arbres : les stratégies dévoniennes

The earliest axes exceeding 10 cm in diameter, and presumed to represent small trees, evolved in the Middle Devonian (about 395 million years). They belong to the Cladoxylopsida, a basal group of ferns s.l. lacking leaves. These trees grow mainly vertically, the trunk producing short-lived branches at the top and adventitious roots at the base. They show a dissected vascularisation, and little if any secondary tissues. The Archaeopteridales that evolved at the end of the Middle Devonian, have leaves, abundant wood, and secondary phloem. Growth in the aerial and subterranean parts is tri-dimensional and extensive. Contrary to these two strategies that evolved several times independently during the history of terrestrial plants, that exhibited by the lycophytes became extinct at the end of the Mesozoic. These trees are characterized by a symmetrical development of the aerial and underground parts that branch dichotomously. Branch production by the trunk is relatively late. These trees show a narrow vascular system and a wide cortex.     

Signification des technologies bifaciales au Paléolithique moyen des montagnes de l’Altaï

Previously the single bifacial tools found in different industrial variants of the Altai Middle Paleolithic (Sibiryachikha and Kara-bom) were not considered to be cultural markers that could be used to differentiate the technological/cultural variants, but rather a bright, but situational manifestation of the typological variability, especially in the case of the Sibiryachika assemblages. As a result of recent studies of Chagyrskaya Cave, the key-site of Sibiryachikha, it was found that all the bifaces are made using plano-convex technology. In the Chagyrskaya Cave assemblage all stages of bifacial production have been found: pre-forms, bifacial tools and tools made on the bifacial thinning flakes, accompanied by numerous bifacial thinning flakes and bifacial thinning chips. A preliminary study of the bifaces from the second Sibiryachikha site, Okladnikov Cave evidenced the use of the same plano-convex technology. On the other hand, in the Kara-bom complexes (Kara-Bom, Ust-Karakol-1, Anuy-3), all bifacial tools are made using bi-convex bifacial technology. Thus, the criteria for the technological distinction of bifacial production assume special importance as a cultural marker that allows the differentiation the Altai Middle Paleolithic technological variants. Taking into account the fact that Chagyrskaya Cave and Okladnikov Cave are associated only with Neanderthal remains, it can be assumed that bifacial plano-convexe technology in the Middle Paleolithic of Altai is linked to the appearance and existence of their population in the region.     

Intérêt potentiel des images paramétriques des temps d’éjection et de relaxation en tomoscintigraphie des cavités cardiaques dans l’évaluation des cardiopathies asynchrones

Intraleft dyssynchrony is strongly correlated to contractile dysfunction associated to severe heart failure. Dyssynchrony is also a predictive marker for cardiac resynchronization therapy response. We measured dyssynchrony values for both ventricles from gated blood pool SPECT images.Material and methodsThree groups of patients were sampled from normal patients (n = 7), mild heart failure patients (n = 24) and severe heart failure patients (n = 9). Time-derivative parametric images were obtained from 24-time bins gated blood pool SPECT data. We measured intraleft and interventricular contractile and relaxing dyssynchrony values from these images.ResultsIntraleft dispersions values linked to ventricular peak emptying rate were 107 ± 21 ms, 141 ± 58 ms and 515 ± 104 ms for each of the three groups. The values linked to left ventricular peak filling rate were 122 ± 62 ms, 219 ± 117 ms and 603 ± 164 ms respectively. Statistical significant differences (p < 0.01) were observed both for contractile and relaxing phases for severe heart failure patients. Mild heart failure patients had isolated statistical significant (p < 0.01) alterations of the ventricular relaxing phase. Correlation between isotopic dyssynchrony values and left ejection fraction led to a R square coefficient of 0.71 and 0.64 for time to peak emptying and to peak filling respectively. Correlation to QRS width values led to a R square coefficient of 0.76 and 0.62 respectively.ConclusionVentricular dyssynchrony correlated to the importance of the ventricular mechanical dysfunctions is a robust predictor of heart failure. Separate analysis of contractile and relaxing dyssynchrony may lead to a better understanding and characterization of the mechanical dysfunctions involved in heart failure.     

La collection d’Invertébrés fossiles d’Alcide d’Orbigny et la salle d’Orbigny

Fossil invertebrates collected or received by Alcide d’Orbigny, all his life long, have been brought together in a renowned collection that is very rich in terms of both species and specimens. The collection has resulted from a huge palaeontological work. Study of faunas from numerous French sites led Alcide d’Orbigny to do biostratigraphical comparisons and to erect geological stages, the definitions of which rest on their stratotypes. His wide knowledge of European fossil faunas was strengthened by a more global palaeobiogeographical view derived from his travel in South America. The d’Orbigny collection is housed in the ‘Muséum’ of Paris and is often visited by experts.     

Les génotypes responsables de mucoviscidose ou d’absence bilatérale des canaux déférents ABCD

Over the last decade, the genetic basis for CBAVD has been identified by its association with CFTR gene mutations, and CBAVD is now generally considered to be a mild or incomplete form of CF. In this review, the author summarizes the main results of compilation of CFTR gene analysis conducted in French laboratories for 3,923 patients with CF and 800 males with CABVD. The degree of clinical expression can be affected by several variables, including the molecular mechanisms by which the various CFTR mutations impair or disrupt the function of the CFTR chloride channel. Phenotypic expression of CFTR mutational genotypes varies from severe, progressive pulmonary disease with pancreatic insufficiency (CF-PI), to mild pulmonary disease with pancreatic sufficiency (PS) or singleorgan forms of “CFTR-opathies”. In CF, a total of 310 different CFTR mutations accounting for 94% of 7,846 CF alleles have generated almost 500 different genotypes, comprising 2 severe mutations in 88% of cases (CF-PI), one severe mutation in trans to a mild mutation in 11% (CF-PS), and 2 mild mutations in 1% of identified genotypes. In CBAVD, 137 mutations scattered over the whole gene were identified in 60% of 1,600 CBAVD alleles during the study. Among the 150 characterized mutational CFTR genotypes, compound heterozygosity was the rule, and the most frequent CBAVD combinations were ΔF508/5T (35%), ΔF508/other mutation (30%, including ΔF508/R117H-7T: 5,6%), and 5T/other mutation (17%). No combination of two severe mutations was found in CBAVD (0%); by contrast with the CF population, 88% of genotypes identified in CBAVD comprised a severe mutation in trans to a mild mutation, and 12% consisted of 2 mild mutations. A total of 22 genotypes were shared by both CF and CBAVD. The role of the 5T allele as a splicing variant with variable, incomplete disease penetrance in CBAVD is reviewed. Other haplotype backgrounds, such as the TG12 sequence and the M470V polymorphism, may influence CFTR splicing and/or function. This study confirms the high molecular heterogeneity of CFTR mutations in CBAVD and emphasizes the importance of extensive CFTR analysis in these patients. Longterm follow-up studies of CBAVD patients are necessary in order to predict the phenotypic consequences of numerous CFTR mutational genotypes.