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C Roux

Publications and source records attributed to C Roux.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2025

One mother for two species via obligate cross-species cloning in ants.

Living organisms are assumed to produce same-species offspring1,2. Here, we report a shift from this norm in Messor ibericus, an ant that lays individuals from two distinct species. In this life cycle, females must clone males of another species because they require their sperm to produce the worker caste. As a result, males from the same mother exhibit distinct genomes and morphologies, as they belong to species that diverged over 5 million years ago. The evolutionary history of this system appears as sexual parasitism3 that evolved into a natural case of cross-species cloning4,5, resulting in the maintenance of a male-only lineage cloned through distinct species' ova. We term females exhibiting this reproductive mode as xenoparous, meaning they give birth to other species as part of their life cycle.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Realization of a superconducting atom chip.

We have trapped rubidium atoms in the magnetic field produced by a superconducting atom chip operated at liquid helium temperatures. Up to 8.2x10(5) atoms are held in a Ioffe-Pritchard trap at a distance of 440 microm from the chip surface, with a temperature of 40 microK. The trap lifetime reaches 115 s at low atomic densities. These results open the way to the exploration of atom-surface interactions and coherent atomic transport in a superconducting environment, whose properties are radically different from normal metals at room temperature.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2006

[Abrupt onset of papulovesicular lesions: diagnostic features and outcome].

INTRODUCTION: Abrupt onset of papular lesions, with ulcero necrotic evolution could refers to many dermatitis. Febrile ulceronecrotic Mucha-Habermann disease is an unusual severe form of pityriasis lichenoides and varioliform acuta (PLEVA) characterized with ulceronecrotic eruption potentially associated with high fever and systemic symptoms leading to death. Lymphomatoid papulosis is a recurrent papulonodular eruption with an initial presentation close to PLEVA. While this disorder usually has a benign course, about 10% of the patients develop lymphoproliferative disorders such as CD30+ lymphoma. EXEGESIS: The authors reported an acute form of PLEVA in a young man hospitalized in internal medicine unit with fever and ulcero-necrotic papulo-vesicular lesions. Treatment with tetracycline was successful. They also report a case of lymphomatoïd pustulosis that occurred in a 34 years old woman with an extensive nodulo-pustular eruption characterized by central necrosis and ulceration. Histopathological examination revealed CD30 lymphocytic infiltration leading to diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Theses two dermatosis, uncommon and clinically similar, are both characterized with an unpredictable evolution that to be known by internist.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Meiotic segregation analysis in spermatozoa of pericentric inversion carriers using fluorescence in-situ hybridization.

BACKGROUND: Pericentric inversions are structural chromosomal abnormalities resulting from two breaks, one on either side of the centromere, within the same chromosome, followed by 180 degrees rotation and reunion of the inverted segment. They can perturb spermatogenesis and lead to the production of unbalanced gametes through the formation of an inversion loop. METHODS: We report here the analysis of the meiotic segregation in spermatozoa from six pericentric inversion carriers by multicolour fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) and review the literature. RESULTS: The frequencies of the non-recombinant products (inversion or normal chromosomes) were 80% for the inv(20), 91.41% for the inv(12), 99.43% for the inv(2), 68.12% for the inv(1), 97% for the inv(8)(p12q21) and 60.94% for the inv(8)(p12q24.1). The meiotic segregation of 20 pericentric inversions (including ours) is now available. The frequency of unbalanced spermatozoa varies from 0 to 37.85%. The probability of a crossover within the inverted segment is affected by the chromosome and region involved, the length of the inverted segment and the location of the breakpoints. CONCLUSIONS: No recombinant chromosomes were produced when the inverted segment involved <30% of the chromosome length (independent of the size of the inverted segment). Between 30 and 50%, few recombinant chromosomes were produced, inducing a slightly increased risk of aneusomy of recombination in the offspring. The risk of aneusomy became very important when the inverted segment was >50% of the chromosome length. Studies on spermatozoa from inversion carriers help in the comprehension of the mechanisms of meiotic segregation. They should be integrated in the genetic exploration of the infertile men to give them a personalized risk assessment of unbalanced spermatozoa.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Cultured early goat embryos and cells are susceptible to infection with caprine encephalitis virus.

Zona-pellucida-free embryos at 8-16 cell stage were co-cultured for 6 days in an insert over a mixed cell monolayer infected with CAEV-pBSCA. Embryos were washed and transferred to an insert on CAEV indicator goat synovial membrane cells for 6 h, then they were washed and cultivated in B2 Ménézo for 24 h, finally, embryo cells were dissociated and cultivated on a feeder monolayer for 8 days. After 5 weeks, multinucleated giant cells typical of CAEV infection were observed in indicator GSM cell monolayers. In the acellular medium, the early embryonic cells produced at least 10(3.25) TCID50/ml over 24 h. The monolayer of cultivated embryonic cells developed cytopathic lesions within 8 days, and CAEV RNA, CAEV proviral DNA and protein p28 of the capsid were detected. All of these results clearly demonstrate that caprine early embryonic cells are susceptible to infection with CAEV and that infection with this virus is productive.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

An integrated SSR map of grapevine based on five mapping populations.

A grapevine (mainly Vitis vinifera L., 2n = 38) composite genetic map was constructed with CarthaGene using segregation data from five full-sib populations of 46, 95, 114, 139 and 153 individuals, to determine the relative position of a large set of molecular markers. This consensus map comprised 515 loci (502 SSRs and 13 other type PCR-based markers), amplified using 439 primer pairs (426 SSRs and 13 others) with 50.1% common markers shared by at least two crosses. Out of all loci, 257, 85, 74, 69 and 30 were mapped in 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 individual mapping populations, respectively. Marker order was generally well conserved between maps of individual populations, with only a few significant differences in the recombination rate of marker pairs between two or more populations. The total length of the integrated map was 1,647 cM Kosambi covering 19 linkage groups, with a mean distance between neighbour loci of 3.3 cM. A framework-integrated map was also built, with marker order supported by a LOD of 2.0. It included 257 loci spanning 1,485 cM Kosambi with a mean inter-locus distance of 6.2 cM over 19 linkage groups. These integrated maps are the most comprehensive SSR-based maps available so far in grapevine and will serve either for choosing markers evenly scattered over the whole genome or for selecting markers that cover particular regions of interest. The framework map is also a useful starting point for the integration of the V. vinifera physical and genetic maps.

Chromosome Mapping↗
PubMed2006

A clinical tool to determine the necessity of spine radiography in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis presenting with back pain.

BACKGROUND: Vertebral fractures are underdiagnosed, although the resulting mortality and morbidity in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis is now recognised. In a population of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and back pain, symptoms may be related to vertebral fractures or degenerative changes of the spine. AIM: To evaluate a population of postmenopausal women presenting with back pain and factors associated with vertebral fractures which were assessable in a clinical setting in order to determine the necessity for spine radiography. METHODS: Patient questioning and physical examination were carried out and spinal radiographic data collected from 410 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, with an average age of 74 years, who consulted a rheumatologist for back pain. Of these, 215 (52.4%) patients were diagnosed with at least one vertebral fracture. Logistic regression was used to identify the most relevant clinical features associated with existing vertebral fractures, and to derive a quantitative index of risk. RESULTS: The model included six parameters: age, back pain intensity, height loss, history of low trauma non-vertebral fractures, thoracic localisation of back pain and sudden occurrence of back pain. The scoring system, or the quantitative index, had a maximal score of 16. For a score >or=7, the probability of existing vertebral fracture was >or=43%. The correlation between this quantitative index and the logistic model probability was 0.98, suggesting an excellent and highly significant approximation of the original prediction equation. CONCLUSIONS: From six clinical items, an index was built to identify women with osteoporosis and back pain who should have spine radiography. This simple tool may help clinicians to optimise vertebral fracture diagnosis and to make a proper therapeutic decision.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Relationship between risk factors and QUS in a European Population: The OPUS study.

There are many risk factors associated with low bone mineral density. Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) is a generally accepted method for measurement of bone and has been shown to be strongly associated with future fracture risk. The Osteoporosis and Ultrasound Study (OPUS) is a multi-centre European wide study examining 5 different QUS scanners (4 calcaneal, 1 finger device). The aim of this paper was to examine the relationship between risk factors (as assessed by questionnaire) and QUS measurements. 449 younger women (aged 20 to 39 years) and 2283 older women (aged 55 to 79 years) were included in this analysis. As expected, those with a self-reported previous fracture had lower QUS measurements than those without (P < 0.001). However, no significant difference was seen between those reporting a maternal hip fracture and those who did not report such an event. Differences were found for smokers vs. non-smokers for SOS but not for BUA measurements. Weight was positively correlated with all BUA variables but only with some SOS variables. We determined which risk factors were most strongly associated with QUS measurements by using step-wise multiple regression. Models for each QUS measurement were calculated, and the R2 values ranged from 0.18 to 0.28 for SOS, 0.27 to 0.32 for BUA and 0.31 to 0.42 for the finger QUS device. The most common risk factors across all models were age, use of hormone replacement therapy, self-reported previous fracture, self-reported diagnosis of osteoporosis, current weight, pulse rate and self-reported estimated height at age 20 years. We analysed relationships across the 5 centres and detected some geographical differences in the prevalence of the risk factors. In conclusion, similar relationships are seen with QUS measurements as are found for bone mineral density. However, the strength of the association is dependent on the type of QUS device and variable measured.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Detection of ovine lentivirus in the cumulus cells, but not in the oocytes or follicular fluid, of naturally infected sheep.

The aim of this study was to examine the Maedi-Visna virus (MVV) infection status of oocytes, cumulus cells, and follicular fluid taken from 140 ewes from breeding flocks. MVV proviral-DNA and MVV RNA were detected using nested-PCR and RT-PCR MVV gene amplification, respectively in the gag gene. Nested-PCR analysis for MVV proviral-DNA was positive in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in 37.1% (52/140) of ewes and in 44.6% (125/280) of ovarian cortex samples. The examination of samples taken from ovarian follicles demonstrated that 8/280 batches of cumulus cells contained MVV proviral-DNA, whereas none of the 280 batches of oocytes taken from the same ovaries and whose cumulus cells has been removed, was found to be PCR positive. This was confirmed by RT-PCR analysis showing no MVV-viral RNA detection in all batches of oocytes without cumulus cells (0/280) and follicular fluid samples taken from the last 88 ovaries (0/88). The purity of the oocyte fraction and the efficacy of cumulus cell removal from oocytes was proved by absence of granulosa cell-specific mRNA in all batches of oocytes lacking the cumulus cells, using RT-PCR. This is the first demonstration that ewe cumulus cells harbor MVV genome and despite being in contact with these infected-cumulus cells, the oocytes and follicular fluid remain free from infection. In addition, the enzymatic and mechanical procedures we used to remove infected-cumulus cells surrounding the oocytes, are effective to generate MVV free-oocytes from MVV-infected ewes.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

[Pyogenic granuloma revealing fistula and deep infection: five cases].

BACKGROUND: Pyogenic granuloma, or botryomycosis, occurring after minor injury or scratching with a septic implement, is a rapidly growing benign inflammatory vascular tumour, often involving the skin or mucous membrane. We report 5 unusual cases of pyogenic granuloma revealing fistula tracking to foreign bodies such as a pace-maker or orthopaedic material, and deep infectious sites with fistula. METHODS: This retrospective study included 5 men of average age 72.2 years over a period of 22 years (between 1981 and 2003). Clinical images were recorded and a diagnosis of botryomycosis was confirmed in all patients by histological analysis. Four patients presented suppuration. The time from initial clinical signs to diagnosis, presence of traumatic events, screening for microscopic organisms, response to systemic antibiotic therapy, recurrence and clinical features of botriomycosis were analysed. RESULTS: All patients presented botryomycosis with fistula and suppuration revealing deep bone infection and in one patient, pace maker infection. Complete resolution of the lesions occurred after excision of foreign material and prolonged systemic antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSION: We report the first series of botryomycosis revealed by fistula and showing deep infectious disease. Pyogenic granuloma is a well-known but rarely reported dermatologic condition.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

[Biochemical markers of bone remodeling].

Bone markers are aimed to assess bone cells activity. Some are specific of bone formation (osteocalcin, bone alkaline phosphatase, extension peptides of type I procollagen); others are specific of bone resorption (deoxypyridinoline and peptidebound forms.). Their main applications are: evaluation of fracture risk and follow-up of antiosteoporotic treatments. Their use in clinical practice is difficult: choice of the most appropriate bone marker, relevance of changes, and may require the specialist's opinion.

Acid Phosphatase↗
PubMed2005

The severity of vertebral fractures and health-related quality of life in osteoporotic postmenopausal women.

Vertebral fractures are the hallmark of osteoporosis, responsible for increased back pain, impairment of mobility and functional limitations. These factors have an impact on patients' health-related quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study was to assess QOL, using QUALEFFO, in osteoporotic postmenopausal women, according to the number and the severity of the vertebral fractures. A group of 629 osteoporotic postmenopausal women (60-80 years) with symptoms that, according to a rheumatologist, could be related to a vertebral fracture, had spine X-rays with standardized procedures. All the X-rays were assessed in a central facility. The number of fractures was a determinant of a low QOL, as indicated by an increased score in physical function (P=0.001), social function (P=0.002) and total score (P=0.027). Patients with higher grades of vertebral deformities, i.e., more severe fractures, had low QOL in these three domains, too (P<0.0001, P<0.0001 and P=0.005, respectively). There was no difference in QOL according to the thoracic or lumbar location of the fractures. Both anterior and middle deformities of the vertebral bodies had a negative impact on QOL. In none of the analyses were the pain and mental function domains of QUALEFFO discriminant among the patients. QOL, assessed by an osteoporosis-specific instrument, is decreased in osteoporotic women as a function of both the number and the severity of the vertebral fractures. Treating women with prevalent fractures may avoid a further decrease in their quality of life.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Raman spectroscopy and the forensic analysis of black/grey and blue cotton fibres Part 1: investigation of the effects of varying laser wavelength.

Raman spectroscopy was investigated to determine the optimal conditions, mainly laser wavelength/s, for the analysis of the commonly encountered black/grey and blue cotton fibres dyed with reactive dyes. In this first part, a single blue cotton fibre, its three dye components, and an undyed cotton fibre were analysed with five different laser wavelengths from two different Raman microprobe spectrometers. The quality of the spectra, fibre degradation and speed of acquisition were used to determine that, under the conditions used, the 785 and 830 nm lasers gave superior results. The 632.8 nm laser wavelengths provided good results with little acquisition time and no spectral degradation. Results indicate that, at least, the major dye component could be identified using Raman spectroscopy.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

Reporting of vertebral fractures on spine X-rays.

Vertebral fractures are the hallmark of osteoporosis, responsible for increased morbidity and mortality in post-menopausal women. However, two-thirds of vertebral fractures do not come to clinical attention. The aim of this study was to compare the identification of vertebral fractures on spine X-rays among rheumatologists. Study subjects were women aged 60-80 years having potential signs of vertebral fracture and visiting a rheumatologist. X-rays were performed according to standardized procedures. In 629 patients (among 824 included) at least one vertebral fracture was diagnosed, and the X-rays were then sent to a central facility where a semi-quantitative assessment of vertebral fracture was performed by a single rheumatologist trained for this evaluation. According to the vertebral level, kappa scores were between 0.20 to 0.77, i.e., below 0.6 from T4 to T7, and between 0.6 and 0.77 from T8 to L4. The false-negative fractures rate was 25.8% (and 15.7% of them were related to a numbering discrepancy). The rate of false positive fractures was 6.3%. At the patient level 6.8% had actually no fracture. This study shows that 25% of overall vertebral fractures are not diagnosed among patients considered as having at least one fracture. As a consequence, patients who require treatment to reduce fracture risk are not being properly identified.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Body weight, body composition, and bone turnover changes in patients with spondyloarthropathy receiving anti-tumour necrosis factor {alpha} treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the changes in body weight, body composition, and bone turnover in patients with spondyloarthropathy (SpA) treated with anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha). PATIENTS AND METHODS: 19 patients with SpA (2 women, 17 men), aged 21-71 years, were studied in a 1 year prospective open study. 17 patients received infliximab: 3 or 5 mg/kg/infusion at weeks 0, 2, 6 and infusions in the case of a relapse (n = 14) or systematically (n = 3); 2 patients received etanercept (25 mg twice a week). Body weight, body composition (lean mass, fat mass), and bone mineral density (BMD; using dual energy x ray absorptiometry) were measured at baseline and at months 6 and 12. Serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), bone markers (carboxy terminal telopeptide of collagen Iota (CTX) and procollagen type Iota N terminal propeptide (PINP)) were measured at baseline and months 3, 6, and 12. RESULTS: In 1 year there was a significant increase in body weight (mean (SD) 2.24 (3.1) kg, p = 0.0004), and in lean mass (1.4 (1.69) kg, p = 0.005), but no changes in fat mass. BMD increased at the spine (5.6%, p = 0.0005) and total femur (2.6%, p = 0.01). CTX decreased from the third month (-50%, p = 0.005) up to 1 year (-30%, p = 0.012), and a trend for an increase in PINP (10%, p = 0.06) and in IGF-I (15%, p = 0.04) was seen at month 3. CONCLUSION: These data confirm that treatment with anti-TNFalpha in SpA is associated with an increase of BMD, which results from a decrease of bone resorption. Increase in body weight and lean mass is observed in parallel with an increase in IGF-1.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed2005

The transfer and persistence of petrol on car carpets.

The significance of the presence of petrol in motor vehicle fires has often been challenged due to the possibility of a natural occurrence of petrol residues inside the vehicle. Transfer and persistence studies were undertaken to investigate the potential transfer and persistence of petrol onto vehicle carpets through the 'normal' usage of motor vehicles. The results of the transfer study indicate that petrol may be transferred from the external environment in sufficient quantities via the shoes of drivers or passengers to be detected after a 24 h period, but not after 1 week. Low levels of petrol were detectable after 24 h on all carpet mats where the initial volume was 500 microL or more. The level of evaporation of the petrol detected increased with corresponding increases in the time period between transfer and analysis. The results of the persistence study indicate that small volumes of petrol (less than 100 microL) are unlikely to be detected on carpet after a 24 h period, and volumes of less than 1000 microL are unlikely to be detected on acoustic padding after this time period. Larger volumes may be detected after this period, but will generally not be detectable on either carpet or acoustic padding after 4 weeks. In each case, the petrol that is detected exhibits a chromatographic profile of greater than 60% evaporated petrol. These results demonstrate the significance of finding a large volume of fresh or slightly evaporated petrol on car carpet.

Journal Article↗