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Biomedical subjects

F Vallee

Publications and source records attributed to F Vallee.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

Optical control of the coherent acoustic vibration of metal nanoparticles.

Optical control of the coherent breathing vibrations of silver nanospheres is demonstrated using a high-sensitivity femtosecond pump-probe technique in a double-pump pulse configuration. Oscillation of the fundamental mode that usually dominates the time-domain vibrational response can thus be stopped, permitting observation of the first order radial mode and determination of its properties. These are found to be in agreement with the predictions of the model of an elastic sphere embedded in an elastic matrix.

Journal Article↗

Structural basis for catalysis and inhibition of N-glycan processing class I alpha 1,2-mannosidases.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) class I alpha1,2-mannosidase (also known as ER alpha-mannosidase I) is a critical enzyme in the maturation of N-linked oligosaccharides and ER-associated degradation. Trimming of a single mannose residue acts as a signal to target misfolded glycoproteins for degradation by the proteasome. Crystal structures of the catalytic domain of human ER class I alpha1,2-mannosidase have been determined both in the presence and absence of the potent inhibitors kifunensine and 1-deoxymannojirimycin. Both inhibitors bind to the protein at the bottom of the active-site cavity, with the essential calcium ion coordinating the O-2' and O-3' hydroxyls and stabilizing the six-membered rings of both inhibitors in a (1)C(4) conformation. This is the first direct evidence of the role of the calcium ion. The lack of major conformational changes upon inhibitor binding and structural comparisons with the yeast alpha1, 2-mannosidase enzyme-product complex suggest that this class of inverting enzymes has a novel catalytic mechanism. The structures also provide insight into the specificity of this class of enzymes and provide a blueprint for the future design of novel inhibitors that prevent degradation of misfolded proteins in genetic diseases.

1-Deoxynojirimycin↗

Size-dependent electron-electron interactions in metal nanoparticles

The internal thermalization dynamics of the conduction electrons is investigated in silver nanoparticles with radius ranging from 13 to 1.6 nm using a femtosecond IR pump-UV probe absorption saturation technique. A sharp increase of the electron energy exchange rate is demonstrated for nanoparticles smaller than 5 nm. The results are consistent with electron-electron scattering acceleration due to surface induced reduction of the Coulomb interaction screening by the conduction and core electrons.

Journal Article↗

Pharmacokinetics of ticlopidine in the rabbit.

There is no information about the pharmacokinetics of ticlopidine in rabbits. Such information is valuable in designing appropriate dosing regimens for experimental studies of the drug with ultimate applications in man. The disposition kinetics of ticlopidine at three dose levels were evaluated in three groups of six rabbits which received 10, 50 or 100 mgkg(-1) drug once daily via the oral-gastric route. Blood samples were collected at predetermined times after the third dose. Plasma concentrations of the unchanged drug were determined by a validated liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method with a limit of detection of 5 microg L(-1). There was a disproportionate increase in the mean maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and the area under the plasma drug-concentration-time curve (AUC) for the 10 and 50 mgkg(-1) doses. The apparent terminal half-life (t1/2beta), apparent volume of distribution (Vdbeta/F), and total plasma clearance (CLp/F) of the drug were all dose-dependent. For example, t1/1beta for the 10, 50 and 100 mgkg(-1) doses were 1.04+/-0.10, 4+/-24+/-1.92 and 12.80+/-6.35 h, respectively, whereas the Vdbeta/F values for the corresponding doses were 214 31, 475 221 and 998+/-420 Lkg(-1), respectively. These results show that the 100-mgkg(-1) dose produces plasma ticlopidine concentrations similar to those found in man after administration of 250 mg of the drug. It is suggested that 100 mg kg(-1) might be the appropriate dose of ticlopidine for use in rabbit experimental studies with ultimate application to man.

Administration, Oral↗

Pharmacokinetics of ceftazidime in elderly volunteers.

The pharmacokinetics of ceftazidime after a 1-g bolus dose were studied in six elderly volunteers and 12 young subjects. Serum and urine samples were collected in serial order for 24 h and assayed by high-pressure liquid chromatography. The ceftazidime renal clearance was reduced in elderly subjects, a symptom related to normal aging of the kidneys. The decrease in volume of distribution in the elderly group may be explained by a reduction in total body water and an increase in fat tissue. Dosage adjustment is probably not necessary for otherwise healthy elderly patients requiring ceftazidime.

Adult↗

[Induction of post-partum ovulation in creole cows by using a Norgestomet implant and temporary removal of the calf].

Two treatments were used to attempt to induce ovulation in anoestrous post-partum creole cows. The use of a Norgestomet implant for 7 days followed by removal of the calf for 48 h induced ovulation in 91, 83 and 71% of anoestrous creole cows treated respectively at 37, 48 and 51 days post partum (implant insertion). In the same time, the cycling rates of the control groups were 30, 35 and 35%, respectively. But calf removal for 48 h at 60 and 80 days without progestagen priming failed to increase the number of cycling cows compared to the control group. Whatever the treatment and the post-partum day, calf growth was not different between the treated and the control groups at 30, 60 and 90 days post-partum, and there was no mastitis.

Animals↗