Adaptive memory: Stereotype activation is not enough

Studies have shown that survival processing leads to superior memorability. The aim of the present study was to examine whether this survival recall advantage might result from stereotype activation. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a pilot study and two experiments in which participants were primed with stereotypes (Experiment 1, professor and elderly person; Experiment 2, survival-stereotype). In Experiment 1, 120 undergraduates were randomly assigned to a survival, professor stereotype, elderly person stereotype, or moving scenario and rated words for their relevance to the imagined scenario. In Experiment 2, 75 undergraduates were given a survival, survival-stereotype (based on our pilot study), or moving scenario. Both experiments showed that survival processing leads to a greater recall advantage over the stereotype groups and control group. These data indicate that the mere activation of stereotypes cannot explain the survival recall advantage

Rural-urban variation in incidence of psychosis in France: a prospective epidemiologic study in two contrasted catchment areas.

International audienceBACKGROUND: The aim of our study is to provide data on the incidence of psychotic disorders in France and compare the incidence rates in populations with different levels of urbanization. METHODS: We prospectively included the incident cases of psychotic disorders from two catchment areas with contrasted levels of urbanization. In the more rural area, we also calculated incidence rates in three different groups of population defined by the size of towns in which they live (small, medium and large towns). RESULTS: The annual incidence of psychosis was greater in the urban area (36.02/100000 person-year at risk) than in the rural area (17.2/100000 person-year at risk).Non-affective psychoses were the majority of cases and their incidence was greater in males and younger subjects. The affective psychoses were slightly more frequent in women and showed less variation with age. In the rural centre, greater levels of urbanicity were associated with an increase in the incidence of all psychoses (affective and non-affective). CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms previous observations of increased incidence rates for non-affective psychoses in the more urbanized areas and suggests that a similar pattern might be present for affective psychoses

Comparison of grassland plant-pollinator networks on dairy farms in three contrasting French landscapes

International audienceTemperate grasslands provide both habitats and flower resources for pollinators in agricultural landscapes. Plant-pollinator networks change according to local and landscape variables, which are important to identify to help conserve pollinators in grasslands. We analysed plant-pollinator networks in 18 grasslands on experimental dairy farms located in three French regions contrasting by their climate, altitude, landscape or management. We combined visual surveys and pollen DNA barcoding. Our objectives were to determine which environmental factors influence pollinator taxa abundance and diversity and differences among the visual plant-pollinator networks in the three farming regions. Flower-visiting insects were trapped in six grasslands per farm during three sessions from mid-April to mid-July along fixed 400 m2 transects. Insects were identified individually to the lowest taxonomic rank possible. Pollen carried by insects was identified using nuclear ribosomal ITS2 sequences belonging to the NCBI nucleotide database. The size and diversity of plant-pollinator networks were much larger and higher in permanent grasslands at the two farms located in lowlands (Mirecourt) and mountains (Marcenat) than those at the farm with temporary grasslands and a crop landscape (Lusignan), but the degree of specialisation (H2′) was relatively similar and low (mean of 0.46). Diptera, especially Empididae and Syrphidae, represented most plant-pollinator interactions in Mirecourt and Marcenat, while Hymenoptera were more abundant at Lusignan. The percentage of semi-natural habitats in 500 m buffers and vegetation height explained 23% of the variance in pollinator abundance. Ranunculus sp. Knautia arvensis, Centaurea jacea and Trifolium repens were key plant species in the networks. DNA metabarcoding of pollen loads identified 114 genera in addition to those identified by visual observations (+34–42 per site), reflecting insects’ floral pathways and differences in the immediate landscape among farms. This study highlighted the importance of Diptera in plant-pollinator networks and the need to conserve permanent grassland diversity to conserve pollinators

Flower-foraging insects and their pollen loads in french permanent grasslands

Semi natural grasslands are considered as a vital habitat for wild pollinators, which in return contribute to preserve the floristic diversity of this environment. To study the interactions between pollinators and plants, flower-foraging insects were caught from beginning of May to end of July along three contrasted dairy farming systems in France. Sampling was carried out along six walking transects for each farming system. We developed and test in parallel a method based on DNA barcoding analysis, allowing a quick identification of the insect and its pollen load at the same time. The results from more than 1000 flower visitor insects support the idea that DNA metabarcoding provides accurate information about the plants-insects networks. We showed spatial and temporal variation between the 3 systems and also between the 18 grasslands. DNA barcoding that most of the collected insect carried more than two plant genera. It also pointed out sensitive issues, especially the necessity to build reliable international barcode databases

Prognosis and response to laser treatment of early-onset hypertrophic port-wine stains (PWS).

Background There is limited information regarding early development of soft-tissue and/or bone hypertrophy with facial port-wine stains (PWS). Objective We sought to characterize patients with hypertrophic PWS presenting during childhood. Methods Patients with a facial PWS and underlying hypertrophy that developed before the age of 18 years were included in a multicenter retrospective study. Age at onset of the hypertrophy, its location, association with odontologic problems, presence of other associated complications, and response to laser treatment were recorded. Results A total of 98 patients were included. The mean age at onset of hypertrophy, retrieved for 77 of 98 patients, was 5.6 years. The hypertrophy was congenital in 26%. Odontologic problems were noted in 39.8% of cases. Other complications, including cataract, asymmetric development of the maxillary bone, and speech delay/disorders, were reported in 18.4%. In all, 67 patients received laser treatment. Only 3% achieved complete or nearly complete clearance of the PWS. Limitations As only cases of PWS with early-onset hypertrophy were included, we were unable to calculate the prevalence of this manifestation. Conclusion PWS with early-onset hypertrophy are associated with a high rate of complications and a poor response to laser treatment. Periodic monitoring is recommended for early detection and treatment of complications