Novel Smartphone Interventions Improve Cognitive Flexibility and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Symptoms in Individuals with Contamination Fears.

One type of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by contamination fears and compulsive cleansing. Few effective treatments are available for this debilitating condition. Compulsive symptoms, such as excessive washing, are believed to be mediated by cognitive inflexibility-arguably the most striking cognitive impairment in OCD. In this study, we investigated the effects of two novel smartphone interventions on cognitive flexibility and OCD symptoms in healthy individuals with OCD-like contamination fears. In the first intervention, participants watched a brief video recording of themselves engaging in handwashing on a smartphone, four times a day, for a total of one week (N = 31). The second intervention was similar except that participants watched themselves repeatedly touching a disgust-inducing object (N = 31). In a third (control) "intervention", participants watched themselves performing sequential hand movements (N = 31). As hypothesized, the two smartphone interventions, unlike the control, improved cognitive flexibility; as assessed on the Intradimensional-Extradimensional Set Shifting task (a sensitive marker of cognitive flexibility). The two interventions, unlike the control, also improved OCD symptoms (measured with the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised and Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale). Finally, we found high levels of adherence to the interventions. These findings have significant clinical implications for OCD

The 20S proteasome core, active within apoptotic exosome-like vesicles, induces autoantibody production and accelerates rejection

Autoantibodies to components of apoptotic cells, such as anti-perlecan antibodies, contribute to rejection in organ transplant recipients. However, mechanisms of immunization to apoptotic components remain largely uncharacterized. We used large-scale proteomics, with validation by electron microscopy and biochemical methods, to compare the protein profiles of apoptotic bodies and apoptotic exosome-like vesicles, smaller extracellular vesicles released by endothelial cells downstream of caspase-3 activation. We identified apoptotic exosome-like vesicles as a central trigger for production of anti-perlecan antibodies and acceleration of rejection. Unlike apoptotic bodies, apoptotic exosome-like vesicles triggered the production of anti-perlecan antibodies in naïve mice and enhanced anti-perlecan antibody production and allograft inflammation in mice transplanted with an MHC (major histocompatibility complex)–incompatible aortic graft. The 20S proteasome core was active within apoptotic exosome-like vesicles and controlled their immunogenic activity. Finally, we showed that proteasome activity in circulating exosome-like vesicles increased after vascular injury in mice. These findings open new avenues for predicting and controlling maladaptive humoral responses to apoptotic cell components that enhance the risk of rejection after transplantation

The genomes of two key bumblebee species with primitive eusocial organization

Background: The shift from solitary to social behavior is one of the major evolutionary transitions. Primitively eusocial bumblebees are uniquely placed to illuminate the evolution of highly eusocial insect societies. Bumblebees are also invaluable natural and agricultural pollinators, and there is widespread concern over recent population declines in some species. High-quality genomic data will inform key aspects of bumblebee biology, including susceptibility to implicated population viability threats. Results: We report the high quality draft genome sequences of Bombus terrestris and Bombus impatiens, two ecologically dominant bumblebees and widely utilized study species. Comparing these new genomes to those of the highly eusocial honeybee Apis mellifera and other Hymenoptera, we identify deeply conserved similarities, as well as novelties key to the biology of these organisms. Some honeybee genome features thought to underpin advanced eusociality are also present in bumblebees, indicating an earlier evolution in the bee lineage. Xenobiotic detoxification and immune genes are similarly depauperate in bumblebees and honeybees, and multiple categories of genes linked to social organization, including development and behavior, show high conservation. Key differences identified include a bias in bumblebee chemoreception towards gustation from olfaction, and striking differences in microRNAs, potentially responsible for gene regulation underlying social and other traits. Conclusions: These two bumblebee genomes provide a foundation for post-genomic research on these key pollinators and insect societies. Overall, gene repertoires suggest that the route to advanced eusociality in bees was mediated by many small changes in many genes and processes, and not by notable expansion or depauperation

Encounters in the forest: Social and ecological dimensions of lemur hunting, habitat change and biodiversity conservation in south-east Madagascar

To conserve endangered species in anthropogenic landscapes it is crucial to understand how humans and wild animals perceive each other and the nature of their interactions. In this study I use a cross-disciplinary approach to investigate human-wildlife relationships in Tsitongambarika Nouvelle Aire Protégée in south-east Madagascar, with an emphasis on lemur hunting. My fieldwork took place over 12 months during 2017-2020 (July-August, 2017, May-September, 2018, September-October, 2019, and March 2020), split across two study sites. Through my social research in two neighbouring communes I show how their differing biodiversity conservation regimes influence the ways that people living at the forest frontier use forest resources, and characterise their relationships with lemurs and other wild animals. Most wild mammals and birds are considered to be acceptable food, with certain exceptions proscribed by ancestral practices. Contrary to Euro-western narratives, lemurs are not given special importance. Red-collared brown lemurs (Eulemur collaris) are targeted for their fatty meat and southern bamboo lemurs (Hapalemur meridionalis) are treated locally as a ‘pest’ species. In my ecological research, I elucidate the impacts of habitat modifications and hunting on endemic mammals, using cathemeral lemurs and Euplerid carnivores as models. My camera trap survey confirms the presence of four endemic carnivores: broad-striped vontsira (Galidictis fasciata), fosa (Cryptoprocta ferox), ring-tailed vontsira (Galidia elegans) and spotted fanaloka (Fossa fossana), and four non-native mammals. All Euplerid species (except ring-tailed vontsira) are negatively affected by historic habitat degradation. Using distance sampling, I demonstrate lower abundance and group sizes of red-collared brown lemur and southern bamboo lemur under acute hunting conditions. Both species direct anti-predator behaviours towards humans and, in accordance with the ‘landscape of fear’ model, show spatial variations in their anti-predator responses according to the risk of human hunting. My data highlight the cascading effects of conservation measures on humans, lemurs and carnivores and the importance of understanding the capability of each party to cope with living in a shared landscape

Etude épidémiologique et statistique de la cysticercose musculaire bovine en France en 2010 (propositions de mesures de contrôle)

LYON1-BU Santé (693882101) / SudocTOULOUSE-EN Vétérinaire (315552301) / SudocSudocFranceF

War plays by women : an international anthology

xii, 223 p.: ill.; 25 c

War plays by women : an international anthology

xii, 223 p.: ill.; 25 c