Molecular characteristics of Human Endogenous Retrovirus type-W in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Epidemiological and genome-wide association studies of severe psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BD), suggest complex interactions between multiple genetic elements and environmental factors. The involvement of genetic elements such as Human Endogenous Retroviruses type 'W' family (HERV-W) has consistently been associated with SZ. HERV-W envelope gene (env) is activated by environmental factors and encodes a protein displaying inflammation and neurotoxicity.

[Anxiety and depression in hemodialysis: validation of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)].

Anxiety and depression are considered as frequent disorders in end-stage renal disease patients. However studies on this topic are almost nonexistent in France. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS, Zigmond & Snaith, 1983) is a well-used instrument in the international literature.

Bioactive coatings based on polyelectrolyte multilayer architectures functionalized by embedded proteins, peptides or drugs.

In recent years, considerable effort has been devoted to the design and controlled fabrication of structured materials with functional properties. The layer by layer buildup of polyelectrolyte multilayer films (PEM films) from oppositely charged polyelectrolytes offers new opportunities for the preparation of functionalized biomaterial coatings. This technique allows the preparation of supramolecular nano-architectures exhibiting specific properties in terms of control of cell activation and may also play a role in the development of local drug delivery systems.