'Non-Mendelian' genetics of fetal growth

International audienceMendelian genetics showed that a few mutated genes, or errors in parental imprinting, can lead to major phenotypic changes (diseases) in pre-natal growth. Mendelian genetics, however, do not explain the individual subtle variability of size at birth within the normal range. Fetal growth is a complex multifactorial, multigenic trait made of various sub-traits, such as body mass, fat and muscle, brain mass, head circumference, skeletal growth of the spine and limbs. It is likely that multiple genetic factors and genomic variants are responsible for the variations of these sub-traits. A study has been launched to investigate the genetics of the variation of human birth weight, with the ultimate aim of identifying genomic variations that are within or near certain genes and are associated with variations of human height and weight at birth

Procalcitonin levels in acute exacerbation of COPD admitted in ICU: a prospective cohort study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Antibiotics are recommended for severe acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) admitted to intensive care units (ICU). Serum procalcitonin (PCT) could be a useful tool for selecting patients with a lower probability of developing bacterial infection, but its measurement has not been investigated in this population.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We conducted a single center prospective cohort study in consecutive COPD patients admitted to the ICU for AECOPD between September 2005 and September 2006. Sputum samples or tracheal aspirates were tested for the presence of bacteria and viruses. PCT levels were measured at the time of admittance, six hours, and 24 hours using a sensitive immunoassay.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Thirty nine AECOPD patients were included, 31 of which (79%) required a ventilator support at admission. The median [25%–75% interquartile range] PCT level, assessed in 35/39 patients, was: 0.096 μg/L [IQR, 0.065 to 0.178] at the time of admission, 0.113 μg/L [IQR, 0.074 to 0.548] at six hours, and 0.137 μg/L [IQR, 0.088 to 0.252] at 24 hours. The highest PCT (PCTmax) levels were less than 0.1 μg/L in 14/35 (40%) patients and more than 0.25 μg/L in 10/35 (29%) patients, suggesting low and high probability of bacterial infection, respectively. Five species of bacteria and nine species of viruses were detected in 12/39 (31%) patients. Among the four patients positive for <it>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</it>, one had a PCTmax less than 0.25 μg/L and three had a PCTmax less than 0.1 μg/L. The one patient positive for <it>Haemophilus influenzae </it>had a PCTmax more than 0.25 μg/L. The presence or absence of viruses did not influence PCT at time of admission (0.068 vs 0.098 μg/L respectively, <it>P </it>= 0.80).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The likelihood of bacterial infection is low among COPD patients admitted to ICU for AECOPD (40% with PCT < 0.1 μg/L) suggesting a possible inappropriate use of antibiotics. Further studies are necessary to assess the impact of a procalcitonin-based therapeutic strategy in critically ill COPD patients.</p

Diagnosis and treatment of urticaria and angioedema: a worldwide perspective

Urticaria and angioedema are common clinical conditions representing a major concern for physicians and patients alike. The World Allergy Organization (WAO), recognizing the importance of these diseases, has contributed to previous guidelines for the diagnosis and management of urticaria. The Scientific and Clinical Issues Council of WAO proposed the development of this global Position Paper to further enhance the clinical management of these disorders through the participation of renowned experts from all WAO regions of the world. Sections on definition and classification, prevalence, etiology and pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis are based on the best scientific evidence presently available. Additional sections devoted to urticaria and angioedema in children and pregnant women, quality of life and patient-reported outcomes, and physical urticarias have been incorporated into this document. It is expected that this article will supplement recent international guidelines with the contribution of an expert panel designated by the WAO, increasing awareness of the importance of urticaria and angioedema in medical practice and will become a useful source of information for optimum patient management worldwide

Les apports et les impasses de la théorie marxiste du circuit.

Fradin Jacques. Les apports et les impasses de la théorie marxiste du circuit.. In: Cahiers d'économie politique, n°9, 1984. Hommage à Piero Sraffa. Etudes sraffaiennes. La notion de circuit dans la pensée classique. Etudes sur Marx. pp. 65-84

De l’évitement social aux troubles du comportement alimentaire : quelles clefs pour un meilleur suivi à long terme ?

Les troubles du comportement alimentaire seraient-ils des symptômes révélateurs des pathologies de l’évitement social ? Cet article propose un nouveau modèle physiopathologique et une stratégie pour le suivi nutritionnel à long terme de ces troubles. Si le traitement comportemental de la phobie est très efficace, celui de la phobie sociale est plus décevant et laisse présager une nature plus hétérogène de ce trouble (syndrome). Notre modèle décompose donc cette dernière en plusieurs entités, notamment : - un “comportement automatique d’évitement social” (CAES) qui génère un vécu de ridicule ou de honte (et non de peur comme pour la phobie). Il engendrerait un comportement de substitution à tendance addictive, comme certaines hyperphagies ou orthorexies. Le traitement comportemental de l’évitement social semble constituer un traitement de fond du trouble de substitution ; - un comportement de soumission qui s’intégrerait dans un référentiel social plus archaïque, fait de culpabilité et d’autodestruction, sans doute assimilable au fonctionnement de l’amygdale limbique, qui soustendrait diverses formes graves de la boulimie et de l’anorexie. Le traitement consiste en un jeu comportemental “antidote”, celui de la dominance

Affirmation de soi et Positionnement Grégaire Primitif : l'émergence d'une thérapie neurocognitive et comportementale ?

International audienc

Affirmation de soi et Positionnement Grégaire Primitif : l'émergence d'une thérapie neurocognitive et comportementale ?

International audienc

'Non-Mendelian' genetics of fetal growth

International audienceMendelian genetics showed that a few mutated genes, or errors in parental imprinting, can lead to major phenotypic changes (diseases) in pre-natal growth. Mendelian genetics, however, do not explain the individual subtle variability of size at birth within the normal range. Fetal growth is a complex multifactorial, multigenic trait made of various sub-traits, such as body mass, fat and muscle, brain mass, head circumference, skeletal growth of the spine and limbs. It is likely that multiple genetic factors and genomic variants are responsible for the variations of these sub-traits. A study has been launched to investigate the genetics of the variation of human birth weight, with the ultimate aim of identifying genomic variations that are within or near certain genes and are associated with variations of human height and weight at birth