Sexuality and obesity, a gender perspective: results from French national random probability survey of sexual behaviours

Objectives To analyse the association between body mass index (BMI) and sexual activity, sexual satisfaction, unintended pregnancies, and abortions in obese people and to discuss the implications for public health practices, taking into account the respondents’ and their partners’ BMI

Study Of Different Strategies For The Canonical Polyadic Decomposition Of Nonnegative Third Order Tensors With Application To The Separation Of Spectra In 3D Fluorescence Spectroscopy

International audienceIn this communication, the problem of blind source separation in chemical analysis and more precisely in the fluo-rescence spectroscopy framework is addressed. Classically multi-linear Canonical Polyadic (CP or Candecomp/Parafac) decompositions algorithms are used to perform that task. Yet, as the constituent vectors of the loading matrices should be nonnegative since they stand for nonnegative quantities (spectra and concentrations), we focus on NonNegative CP decomposition algorithms (NNCP). In the unconstrained case, two types of trilinear (or triadic) decomposition model have been studied. Here, our aim is to investigate different strategies concerning the choice of models and optimization schemes in the case of a nonnegativity constraint. Computer simulations are performed on synthetic data to illustrate the robustness of the proposed approaches versus overfactoring problems but also the critical importance of the use of regularization terms

Radiolytic alteration of biopolymers in the Mulga Rock (Australia) uranium deposit

We investigated the effect of ionizing radiation on organic matter (OM) in the carbonaceous uranium (U) mineralization at the Mulga Rock deposit, Western Australia. Samples were collected from mineralized layers between 53 and 58.5 m depths in the Ambassador prospect, containing <5300 ppm U. Uranium bears a close spatial relationship with OM, mostly finely interspersed in the attrinite matrix and via enrichments within liptinitic phytoclasts (mainly sporinite and liptodetrinite). Geochemical analyses were conducted to: (i) identify the natural sources of molecular markers, (ii) recognize relationships between molecular markers and U concentrations and (iii) detect radiolysis effects on molecular marker distributions. Carbon to nitrogen ratios between 82 and 153, and Rock–Eval pyrolysis yields of 316–577 mg hydrocarbon/g TOC (HI) and 70–102 mg CO2/g TOC (OI) indicate a predominantly lipid-rich terrigenous plant OM source deposited in a complex shallow swampy wetland or lacustrine environment. Saturated hydrocarbon and ketone fractions reveal molecular distributions co-varying with U concentration. In samples with <1700 ppm U concentrations, long-chain n-alkanes and alkanones (C27–C31) reveal an odd/even carbon preference indicative of extant lipids.Samples with ⩾1700 ppm concentrations contain intermediate-length n-alkanes and alkanones, bearing a keto-group in position 2–10, with no carbon number preference. Such changes in molecular distributions are inconsistent with diagenetic degradation of terrigenous OM in oxic depositional environments and cannot be associated with thermal breakdown due to the relatively low thermal maturity of the deposits (Rr = 0.26%). It is assumed that the intimate spatial association of high U concentrations resulted in breakdown via radiolytic cracking of recalcitrant polyaliphatic macromolecules (spores, pollen, cuticles, or algal cysts) yielding medium chain length n-alkanes (C13–C24). Reactions of n-alkenes with OH− radicals from water hydrolysis produced alcohols that dehydrogenated to alkanones or through carbonylation formed alkanones. Rapid reactions with hydroxyl radicals likely decreased the isomerization of n-alkenes and decreased alkanone diversity, such that the alkan-2-one isomer is predominant. This specific distribution of components generated by natural radiolysis enables their application as “radiolytic molecular markers”. Breaking of C–C bonds through radiolytic cracking at temperatures much lower than the oil window (<50 °C) can have profound implications on initiation of petroleum formation, paleoenvironmental reconstructions, mineral exploration and in tracking radiolysis of OM

The social context of early adolescents in the global early adolescent study

This paper used data from the Global Early Adolescent Study (GEAS) to provide a descriptive analysis of how early adolescents’ social environments vary by sex across diverse cultural settings.The analyses were based on baseline data among 10e14-year old adolescents living in disadvantaged urban areas in seven sites: Kinshasa (DRC), Shanghai (China), Cuenca (Ecuador), Lampung, Semarang and Denpasar (Indonesia), and Flanders (Belgium). Except in Kinshasa where face-to face interviews were used, data were collected using self-administered surveys on mobile tablets. Social environments were measured by examining factors within five main domains, including the household and family, school, peers, neighborhoods, and the media. Site-specific descriptive analyses were performed, using Chi square tests and Student T-tests to identify sex differences in each site

Ecologie évolutive du transfert trans-générationnel d'immunité chez un insecte

Le transfert trans-générationnel d immunité (TTGI) est défini comme étant une élévation de l immunocompétence de la descendance suite à la rencontre des femelles avec un organisme pathogène. Le TTGI est un phénomène bien connu chez les vertébrés, chez lesquels il se réalise par le transfert d anticorps de la mère au jeune. Il n a été décrit que récemment chez les invertébrés, chez lesquels le support de sa transmission est encore inconnu. Le TTGI apporte un bénéfice aux descendants lorsqu ils rencontrent l infection vécue par la mère, dans quel cas l élévation de leur immunocompétence a un effet protecteur. Cependant, au-delà de ce bénéfice, plusieurs indices suggèrent que le TTGI est un phénomène coûteux pour les organismes. L évolution du TTGI ne sera permise chez une espèce que lorsque les bénéfices qu il représente en termes de protection des descendants surpasseront les coûts qu il représente pour eux en termes de fitness. Ainsi, l étude de ses coûts et de ses bénéfices nous renseigne sur les pressions de sélection qui ont conduit à son évolution chez les invertébrés. Au cours de cette thèse, j ai associé l expression du TTGI chez un insecte avec un certain nombre de coûts, tant pour les femelles qui le réalisent que pour les descendants qui l expriment. Pour ce faire, j ai utilisé comme organisme modèle le ver de farine, Tenebrio molitor. Dans le premier chapitre, nous avons stimulé le système immunitaire des femelles adultes de T. molitor avec un immunogène non pathogène, et étudié divers aspects de la transmission d activité antibactérienne aux œufs qui en résultait. Cela nous a permis de voir que la transmission d activité antibactérienne interne aux œufs commençait deux jours après la stimulation du système immunitaire des femelles et cessait après dix jours. Enfin, nous avons pu mettre en évidence un coût pour les femelles à la protection de leurs œufs, en termes de fécondité. Dans le second chapitre, nous stimulé le système immunitaire avec trois microorganismes différents tués par la chaleur, et exposé leurs jeunes larves à des microorganismes vivants. Nous n avons pas réussi à mettre en évidence d effet protecteur du TTGI sur les jeunes larves de T. molitor. Il s avère cependant que l exposition des jeunes larves à un champignon entomopathogène réduit le délai avant leur seconde mue larvaire. Dans le troisième chapitre, nous avons stimulé soit le système immunitaire des femelles, soit celui des mâles de T. molitor avec un immunogène non pathogène, et observé différents paramètres de l immunité de leurs descendants adultes. Cela nous a permis de mettre en évidence que le TTGI d origine maternelle et paternelle n affecte pas les mêmes effecteurs immunitaires chez les descendants, et que le TTGI d origine maternelle comportait un coût pour eux en termes de temps de développement. Ces coûts au TTGI suggèrent qu il n est pas seulement une conséquence de la stimulation du système immunitaire des femelles de la génération parentale, mais qu il est bien un mécanisme qui a été sélectionné du fait des bénéfices qu il représente pour les organismes dans certaines conditions écologiquesTrans-generational immune priming (TGIP) is defined as the plastic enhancement of offspring's immunocompetence following an immune challenge of the females of the parental generation. In vertebrates, this phenomenon is well described, and is achieved by the maternal transfer of antibodies. In invertebrates however, it has only recently been described. Since invertebrates do not possess antibodies, the mechanism of this transmission remains unknown. If the offspring is exposed to the maternal infection, an elevated immunocompetence can help it cope better with it. Nonetheless, apart from this benefit, several cues indicate that the TGIP bears some fitness costs for individuals. The evolution of TGIP will be favoured when its benefits outweigh its fitness costs. Thus, studying its costs and benefits can lead us to a better understanding of the selection pressures that lead to its evolution in invertebrates. During my thesis, I associated the occurrence of TGIP in an insect, the mealworm beetle Tenebrio molitor, to several fitness costs for the females transmitting it as well as for the offspring receiving it.In the first chapter, we stimulated the adult female's immune system with a non pathogenic immunogene, and studied several aspects of the subsequent transfer of antibacterial activity to the eggs. We saw that the transmission of antibacterial activity inside the eggs started two days after the immune challenge, and stopped at ten. Then, we highlighted a cost for the females on their fecundity to this transmission.In the second chapter, we stimulated the immune system of the females with three different heat-killed microorganisms, and exposed their larval progeny to living microorganisms. We did not see any benefit of the TGIP on the young larvae of T. molitor. However, we saw that the exposure of young larvae to an entomopathogenic fungus decreased the time-lap between the two first larval moults.In the third chapter, we stimulated the immune system of either the adult females or the males of T. molitor, and we observed several immune parameters in their adult offspring. This allowed us to see that maternally and paternally-derived TGIP affected different immune effectors in the adult offspring, and that maternally-derived TGIP bear a cost on the developmental time of the offspring.These fitness costs to the TGIP suggest that it is not just a side-effect of the immune reaction of the females, but rather an investment that has been selected because of the benefits it represents for the offspring in certain ecological conditionsDIJON-BU Doc.électronique (212319901) / SudocSudocFranceF

HLA-G*0105N null allele encodes functional HLA-G isoforms.

Expression of the nonclassical HLA class I antigen, HLA-G, is associated with immune tolerance in view of its role in maintaining the fetus in utero, allowing tumor escape, and favoring graft acceptance. Expressed on invasive trophoblast cells, HLA-G molecules bind inhibitory receptors on maternal T lymphocytes and NK cells, thereby blocking their cytolytic activities and protecting the fetus from maternal immune system attack. The HLA-G gene consists of 15 alleles, including a null allele, HLA-G*0105N. HLA-G*0105N presents a single base deletion, preventing translation of both membrane-bound (HLA-G1) and full-length soluble isoforms (HLA-G5) as well as of the spliced HLA-G4 isoform. The identification of healthy subjects homozygous for this HLA-G null allele suggests that the HLA-G*0105N allele may generate other HLA-G isoforms, such as membrane-bound HLA-G2 and -G3 and the soluble HLA-G6 and -G7 proteins, which may substitute for HLA-G1 and -G5, thus assuming the immune tolerogeneic function of HLA-G. To investigate this point, we cloned genomic HLA-G*0105N DNA and transfected it into an HLA-class I-positive human cell line. The results obtained indicated that HLA-G proteins were indeed present in HLA-G*0105N-transfected cells and were able to protect against NK cell lysis. These findings emphasize the role of the other HLA-G isoforms as immune tolerogeneic molecules that may also contribute to maternal tolerance of the semiallogenic fetus as well as tumor escape and other types of allogeneic tissue acceptance

Long term expression of bicistronic vector driven by the FGF-1 IRES in mouse muscle

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Electrotransfer of plasmid DNA into skeletal muscle is a promising strategy for the delivery of therapeutic molecules targeting various muscular diseases, cancer and lower-limb ischemia. Internal Ribosome Entry Sites (IRESs) allow co-expression of proteins of interest from a single transcriptional unit. IRESs are RNA elements that have been found in viral RNAs as well as a variety of cellular mRNAs with long 5' untranslated regions. While the encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) IRES is often used in expression vectors, we have shown that the FGF-1 IRES is equally active to drive short term transgene expression in mouse muscle. To compare the ability of the FGF-1 IRES to drive long term expression against the EMCV and FGF-2 IRESs, we performed analyses of expression kinetics using bicistronic vectors that express the bioluminescent <it>renilla </it>and firefly luciferase reporter genes. Long term expression of bicistronic vectors was also compared to that of monocistronic vectors. Bioluminescence was quantified <it>ex vivo </it>using a luminometer and <it>in vivo </it>using a CCD camera that monitors luminescence within live animals.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Our data demonstrate that the efficiency of the FGF-1 IRES is comparable to that of the EMCV IRES for long term expression of bicistronic transgenes in mouse muscle, whereas the FGF-2 IRES has a very poor activity. Interestingly, we show that despite the global decrease of vector expression over time, the ratio of firefly to <it>renilla </it>luciferase remains stable with bicistronic vectors containing the FGF-1 or FGF-2 IRES and is slightly affected with the EMCV IRES, whereas it is clearly unstable for mixed monocistronic vectors. In addition, long term expression more drastically decreases with monocistronic vectors, and is different for single or mixed vector injection.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These data validate the use of bicistronic vectors rather than mixed monocistronic vectors for long term expression, and support the use of the FGF-1 IRES. The use of a cellular IRES over one of viral origin is of particular interest in the goal of eliminating viral sequences from transgenic vectors. In addition, the FGF-1 IRES, compared to the EMCV IRES, has a more stable activity, is shorter in length and more flexible in terms of downstream cloning of second cistrons. Finally, the FGF-1 IRES is very attractive to develop multicistronic expression cassettes for gene transfer in mouse muscle.</p

Separation of Hepatitis C genotype 4a into IgG-depleted and IgG-enriched fractions reveals a unique quasispecies profile

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Hepatitis C virus (HCV) circulates in an infected individual as a heterogeneous mixture of closely related viruses called quasispecies. The E1/E2 region of the HCV genome is hypervariable (HVR1) and is targeted by the humoral immune system. Hepatitis C virions are found in two forms: antibody associated or antibody free.</p> <p>The objective of this study was to investigate if separation of Hepatitis C virions into antibody enriched and antibody depleted fractions segregates quasispecies populations into distinctive swarms.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A HCV genotype 4a specimen was fractionated into IgG-depleted and IgG-enriched fractions by use of Albumin/IgG depletion spin column. Clonal analysis of these two fractions was performed and then compared to an unfractionated sample. Following sequence analysis it was evident that the antibody depleted fraction was significantly more heterogeneous than the antibody enriched fraction, revealing a unique quasispecies profile. An in-frame 3 nt insertion was observed in 26% of clones in the unfractionated population and in 64% of clones in the IgG-depleted fraction. In addition, an in-frame 3 nt indel event was observed in 10% of clones in the unfractionated population and in 9% of clones in the IgG-depleted fraction. Neither of these latter events, which are rare occurrences in genotype 4a, was identified in the IgG-enriched fraction.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In conclusion, the homogeneity of the IgG-enriched species is postulated to represent a sequence that was strongly recognised by the humoral immune system at the time the sample was obtained. The heterogeneous nature of the IgG-depleted fraction is discussed in the context of humoral escape.</p

Male experiences of unintended pregnancy: characteristics and prevalence

what is known already: Efforts to involve men in family planning have increased over the last decade; however, little is known about factors associated with men&apos;s pregnancy intentions and associated contraceptive behaviours. study design, size, duration: The data presented in this study were drawn from the nationally representative FECOND study, a population-based survey conducted in France in 2010. The sample comprised 8675 individuals (3373 men), aged 15-49 years, who responded to a telephone interview about socio-demographics and topics related to sexual and reproductive health. The total refusal rate was 20%. participants/materials, setting, methods: This study included 2997 men, of whom 664 reported 893 recent pregnancies (in the 5 years preceding the survey). Multivariate Poisson&apos;s regression with population-averaged marginal effects was applied to assess the individual and contextual factors associated with men&apos;s intentions for recent pregnancies. The contraceptive circumstances leading to the unintended pregnancies were also assessed. main results and the role of chance: Of all heterosexually active men, 5% reported they had experienced an unintended pregnancy with a partner in the last 5 years. A total of 20% of recent pregnancies reported by men were qualified to be unintended, of which 45% ended in induced abortion. Of pregnancies following a previous unintended pregnancy, 68% were themselves unintended. Among all heterosexually active men, recent experience of an unintended pregnancy was related to age, mother&apos;s education, age at first sex, parity, contraceptive method history, lifetime number of female partners and the relationship situation at the time of survey. Recent unintended pregnancies were also related to pregnancy order and to the financial and professional situation at the time of conception. The majority of unintended pregnancies occurred when men or their partners were using contraceptives; 58% of contraceptive users considered that the pregnancy was due to inconsistent use and 39% considered that it resulted from method failure. Half of the non-users who reported an unintended pregnancy thought that their partner was using a contraceptive method. The relative risk of non-use of a contraceptive method during the month of conception of a recent unintended pregnancy was higher among those without a high school degree (IRR ¼ 2.9, CI 1.6, 5.2) and higher among men for whom the pregnancy interfered with education (IRR ¼ 1.8, CI 1.0, 3.1) or work (IRR ¼ 1.9, CI 1.1, 3.6). limitations, reasons for caution: From the perspective of men, the unintended pregnancy rates may be underestimated due to a combination of underreporting of abortion and post-rationalization of birth intentions. Our use of a dichotomous measure of unintended pregnancy is unlikely to fully capture the multidimensional construct of pregnancy intentions. wider implication of the findings: These results call for gender-inclusive family planning programmes, which fully engage men as active participants in their own rights