Caractéristiques environnementales favorisant la participation sociale: une enquête auprès d'aînés québécois.

We document and compare the environmental characteristics potentially associated with social participation of older Quebecers, according to the level of rurality. A survey was carried out among older Quebecers aged 65 and over recruited by different senior groups and through social media. The Questionnaire their potential for social participation, developed from a systematic literature review, was completed by respondents. According to the 515 older participants, 71.5 years old on average, environmental characteristics linked to social participation, as well as user-friendliness of the city and neighborhood, are more favorably perceived in metropolitan and urban areas than rural areas. However, access to public transportation and the welcoming and openness of local residents are more appreciated by rural respondents. These results support the presence of inequalities in social participation according to level of rurality and offer some leads for action.

Nous avons documenté et comparé les caractéristiques environnementales potentiellement associées à la participation sociale de Québécois âgés, selon le niveau de ruralité. Une enquête a été réalisée auprès de Québécois âgés de 65 ans et plus recrutés par différents regroupements d'aînés et les réseaux sociaux. Les répondants ont rempli le Questionnaire du potentiel de participation sociale, développé à partir d'une recension systématique des écrits. Selon les 515 aînés, âgés en moyenne de 71,5 ans, les caractéristiques environnementales liées à la participation sociale, ainsi que la convivialité des villes et des quartiers, sont perçues plus favorablement dans les milieux métropolitains et urbains que dans les milieux ruraux. Toutefois, l'accès à l'autobus ainsi que l'accueil et l'ouverture des gens du quartier sont davantage appréciés par les aînés ruraux. Ces résultats témoignent de la présence d'inégalités de participation sociale selon le niveau de ruralité et permettent d'envisager de nouvelles pistes d'action.

Checklist of the marine and estuarine fishes of Madang District, Papua New Guinea, western Pacific Ocean, with 820 new records.

A checklist of the marine and estuarine fishes of Madang District is presented, combining both previous and new records. After the recent PAPUA NIUGINI 2012 expedition, a total of 1337 species in 129 families have been recorded from the region. One species and one family is not native (Cichlidae: Oreochromis mossambicus), but has been introduced. The native fish fauna of Madang therefore consists of 1336 species in 128 families. The largest families are the Gobiidae, Labridae, Pomacentridae, Apogonidae, Serranidae, Blenniidae, Chaetodontidae, Syngnathidae and Muraenidae, Scorpaenidae and Lutjanidae, Myctophidae, Acanthuridae, Scaridae, Holocentridae, Carangidae, Pomacanthidae and Tetraodontidae, and Caesionidae. A total of 820 fish species (61.4 % of the total marine and estuarine fish fauna) are recorded from Madang for the first time. The fish fauna of Madang includes a total of 187 species of transitional waters and 1326 species in marine habitats. A total of 156 species of the marine or estuarine species also occurs in freshwater. Zoogeographically, 1271 species have a wide distribution range, most frequently a broad Indo-West Pacific distribution. Among the remaining species, only 8 are endemic to Madang District. Anthropogenic threats to the fish fauna and habitats of Madang District include extensive fishing in Madang Lagoon, sometimes with destructive fishing practices; the discharge of untreated sewage of human settlements, mining and industrial developments into the lagoon and nearby oceanic habitats; and destruction of mangrove habitats by extensive construction work on the shores. These anthropogenic threats may call for conservation and monitoring measures in the near future.

Tropical islands quick data gap analysis guided by coral reef geomorphological maps.

A gap analysis is the initial step towards the identification of areas where data are needed. However, often, data coverage cannot be assessed against a reference that objectively guides the identification of both gaps and priority areas for data acquisition. Here, we describe a quick, effective and reproducible spatial data gap analysis approach based on the relationship between location of available metadata and coral reef geomorphological richness. In Solomon Islands, we identified gaps defined by high richness and low biological data coverage. We collected metadata only, to avoid dealing with data ownership, availability, and formats, and to be able to identify gaps in less than two months. This fast method does not replace quantitative and comprehensive gap analysis, but provides effective identification of areas of high natural value and limited knowledge. The method is widely applicable and particularly invaluable for large and complex domains such as the Coral Triangle.

Habitats as surrogates of taxonomic and functional fish assemblages in coral reef ecosystems: a critical analysis of factors driving effectiveness.

Species check-lists are helpful to establish Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and protect local richness, endemicity, rarity, and biodiversity in general. However, such exhaustive taxonomic lists (i.e., true surrogate of biodiversity) require extensive and expensive censuses, and the use of estimator surrogates (e.g., habitats) is an appealing alternative. In truth, surrogate effectiveness appears from the literature highly variable both in marine and terrestrial ecosystems, making it difficult to provide practical recommendations for managers. Here, we evaluate how the biodiversity reference data set and its inherent bias can influence effectiveness. Specifically, we defined habitats by geomorphology, rugosity, and benthic cover and architecture criteria, and mapped them with satellite images for a New-Caledonian site. Fish taxonomic and functional lists were elaborated from Underwater Visual Censuses, stratified according to geomorphology and exposure. We then tested if MPA networks designed to maximize habitat richness, diversity and rarity could also effectively maximize fish richness, diversity, and rarity. Effectiveness appeared highly sensitive to the fish census design itself, in relation to the type of habitat map used and the scale of analysis. Spatial distribution of habitats (estimator surrogate's distribution), quantity and location of fish census stations (target surrogate's sampling), and random processes in the MPA design all affected effectiveness to the point that one small change in the data set could lead to opposite conclusions. We suggest that previous conclusions on surrogacy effectiveness, either positive or negative, marine or terrestrial, should be considered with caution, except in instances where very dense data sets were used without pseudo-replication. Although this does not rule out the validity of using surrogates of species lists for conservation planning, the critical joint examination of both target and estimator surrogates is needed for every case study.

Using very high resolution remote sensing for the management of coral reef fisheries: review and perspectives.

Coral reef fisheries are critical for food security and as a source of income in developing and developed countries, but they are collapsing in many areas. Following the emergence and routine availability of commercial very high spatial resolution (0.6-10 m) multispectral satellite images, we reviewed the use of these new high-quality remote sensing data and products for coral reef fisheries management. The availability of habitats maps improves management by guiding sampling strategies, mapping resources, involving local communities, identifying conservation areas, and facilitating Ecosystem Based Fishery Management (EBFM) approaches. However, despite their potential, very little use of products designed specifically for fishery management can be reported, likely due to high costs, inherent technology limitations and lack of awareness on the possibilities. Given the theoretical benefits brought by relevant habitat maps in EBFM frameworks, we advocate the use of adequate remote sensing products that integrate fishery technical services demands and local requirements.

Identification of follicular marker genes as pregnancy predictors for human IVF: new evidence for the involvement of luteinization process.

Multiple pregnancy represents an important health risk to both mother and child in fertility treatment. To reduce a high twin rate, restriction to one embryo transfer is needed. Morphological evaluation methods for predicting embryo viability has significant limitations. Tight communication exists between the follicular cells (FCs) and the oocyte; therefore, developmental competence may be determined by markers expressed in the surrounding FCs. In this study, cells were recovered on a per-follicle basis by individual follicle puncture. Hybridization analysis using a custom-made complementary DNA microarray containing FC transcripts was performed. Genes expressed in FCs associated with good morphological transferred embryos were identified from follicles associated with a pregnancy outcome (pregnancy group) or no pregnancy (non-pregnancy group). Ten candidates from the Pregnancy group and three from the Non-pregnancy group were validated by quantitative RT-PCR. The best predictors associated with pregnancy were UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase-2 and pleckstrin homology-like domain, family A, member 1. Genes assessment showed no significant candidate genes associated with non-pregnancy outcome, but GA-binding protein transcription factor beta1 showed a tendency to be potentially more expressed in the non-pregnancy group. These markers could be related to granulosa luteinization process and could be used to improve embryo selection for successful single embryo transfer.

Genomic assessment of follicular marker genes as pregnancy predictors for human IVF.

Embryo selection efficiency in human IVF procedure is still suboptimal as shown by low pregnancy rates with single embryo transfer (SET). Bidirectional communication between the oocyte and follicular cells (FC) is essential to achieve developmental competence of the oocyte. Differences in the gene expression profile of FCs from follicles leading to pregnancy could provide useful markers of oocyte developmental competence. FCs were recovered by individual follicle puncture. FC expression levels of potential markers were assessed by Q-PCR with an intra-patient and an inter-patient analysis approach. Using gene expression, a predictive model of ongoing pregnancy was investigated. Using intra-patient analysis, four candidate genes, phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1), regulator of G-protein signalling 2 (RGS2), regulator of G-protein signalling 3 (RGS3) and cell division cycle 42 (CDC42) showed a difference between FCs from follicles leading to a pregnancy or developmental failure. The best predictors for ongoing pregnancy were PGK1 and RGS2. Additionally, inter-patient analysis revealed differences in FC expression for PGK1 and CDC42 between follicles leading to a transferred embryo with positive pregnancy results and those with negative results. Both inter-patient and intra-patient approaches must be taken into consideration to delineate gene expression variations in the context of follicular competence. A predictor model using biomarkers could improve the efficiency of predicting developmental competence of oocytes. These new approaches provide useful tools in the context of embryo selection and in the improvement of pregnancy rates with SET.

Identification of potential markers of oocyte competence expressed in bovine cumulus cells matured with follicle-stimulating hormone and/or phorbol myristate acetate in vitro.

Oocyte competence is the ability of the oocyte to complete maturation, undergo successful fertilization, and reach the blastocyst stage. Cumulus cells are indispensable for this process. Their removal significantly affects the blastocyst rates. Moreover, the properties and functions of cumulus cells are regulated by the oocyte. They also reflect the oocyte's degree of maturation. Our study was aimed at identifying markers of oocyte competence that are expressed in bovine cumulus cells. In a previous study in our laboratory, the blastocyst yield following FSH or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) treatment was 45%%. Therefore, we tested four sets of conditions during the first 6 h of in vitro maturation (IVM): FSH (0.1 microg/ml), PMA (0.1 microM), FSH ++ PMA, and negative control. Extracts from each IVM treatment were hybridized against the same negative control on a microarray containing a partial library of differentially expressed transcripts in the cumulus of competent oocytes collected at 6 h after LH in vivo. Common positive clones between diffrentially treated cells were selected, and 15 candidates were validated by real-time PCR. Based on this, the main candidates expressed in cumulus cells and that could be valuable and indirect markers of oocyte competence are hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2), inhibin betaA (INHBA), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), gremlin 1 (GREM1), betacellulin (BTC), CD44, tumor necrosis factor-induced protein 6 (TNFAIP6), and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2). These biomarkers could be potential candidates to predict oocyte competence and to select higher-quality embryos for transfer. Additionally, these indirect predictors of oocyte competence and follicular health could improve our knowledge of gene expression patterns in the cumulus and yield insights into the molecular pathways controlling oocyte competence.

Identification of differentially expressed markers in human follicular cells associated with competent oocytes.

BACKGROUND: The development of an accurate method for selection of high-quality embryos is essential to achieve high pregnancy rates with single embryo transfer in human IVF. The developmental competence of the oocyte is acquired during follicle maturation and strong communication also exists between the follicular cells (FCs) and the oocytes; thus oocyte developmental competence may be determined by markers expressed in the surrounding FCs. METHODS: From consenting patients (n = 40), FCs were recovered on a per follicle basis by individual follicle puncture. Hybridization analyses using a custom-made complementary DNA microarray containing granulosa/cumulus expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from subtracted libraries and an Affymetrix GeneChip were performed to identify specific genes expressed in follicles leading to a pregnancy. The selected candidate genes were validated by quantitative-PCR (Q-PCR). RESULTS: Subtractive libraries prepared from pooled samples representing pregnant versus non-pregnant patients produced 1694 ESTs. Hybridization data analysis discriminated 115 genes associated with competent follicles. Selected candidates were confirmed by Q-PCR: 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (P = 0.0078), Ferredoxin 1 (P = 0.0203), Serine (or cysteine) proteinase inhibitor clade E member 2 (P = 0.0499), Cytochrome P450 aromatase (P = 0.0359) and Cell division cycle 42 (P = 0.0396). CONCLUSIONS: Microarray technologies are useful to mine the transcriptome of FCs expressed in follicles associated with competent oocytes and could be used to improve embryo selection with the objective of successful single embryo transfer.

Review article: organ perfusion/permeability-related effects of norepinephrine and vasopressin in sepsis.

PURPOSE: One invariable hallmark of severe sepsis is generalized tissue "malperfusion" and hyperpermeability secondary to microcirculatory/capillary leakage. This review focuses on direct and/or indirect influences of norepinephrine, as a standard of care, and vasopressin, as an alternative vasoactive drug, on organ and tissue perfusion/permeability in severe sepsis. SOURCE: English and French language articles and books published between 1966 and 2005 were identified through a computerized Medline search using the terms "sepsis, permeability, norepinephrine and vasopressin". Relevant publications were retrieved and scanned for additional sources. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: There are few randomized clinical trials comparing different vasopressors in sepsis; most available literature consists of clinical reports, animal experiments and occasional reviews. Based on the best current evidence from these sources, we describe the status of major organ perfusion/permeability in sepsis (i.e., the lung, the kidney, the heart, the intestine/gut) in the context of sepsis-induced organ dysfunction/failure. Potential and differential therapeutic effects of the vasopressors norepinephrine and arginine-vasopressin, in the setting of sepsis, are identified. CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of sepsis, arginine-vasopressin exhibits organ-specific heterogeneity in vascular responsiveness, compared to norepinephrine. While norepinephrine is a current standard of care in sepsis, arginine-vasopressin shows promise for the treatment of septic shock.

Androstenedione increases cytochrome P450 aromatase messenger ribonucleic acid transcripts in nonluteinizing bovine granulosa cells.

The objective of this study was to determine if androgens regulate granulosa cell steroidogenesis at physiological doses found in small bovine follicles. Bovine granulosa cells were cultured under serum-free conditions that permit the induction and maintenance of FSH-dependent estradiol secretion. Increasing androstenedione concentrations from 0.1 to 1 or 10 microM significantly increased estradiol accumulation and cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom) mRNA abundance. No increase in progesterone accumulation or abundance of mRNA for P450 side-chain cleavage or 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymes was observed. The addition of 0.1, 1, or 10 microM progestins or estrogens had no stimulatory effect on P450arom mRNA levels. An analysis of the 5'-untranslated region of P450arom mRNA transcripts indicated that the majority was derived from Cyp19 ovary-specific promoter 2, with some contribution from promoters 1.1 and 1.5. Transcripts from these three promoters were all significantly increased by androstenedione. Testosterone increased promoter 1.1 and 1.5-derived transcripts, but only promoter 2-derived transcripts at the highest dose tested (100 microM). Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) did not affect Cyp19 expression. Collectively, these data show that androgens may exert specific stimulatory effects on P450arom mRNA concentrations in granulosa cells. Interestingly, different androgens had different effects on Cyp19 promoter usage, suggesting differential regulation of aromatase gene expression in the developing follicle.