Protective and vulnerability personality traits associated with PTSD diagnosis after preterm delivery.

Giving birth prematurely is a traumatic event that has many consequences for the mother but also for her baby and their family. Studies have shown that about a quarter of these mothers will suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result. This study aims to identify internal personality factors associated with the development of PTSD in mothers who gave birth before 33 weeks.

Validation of the Basic Empathy Scale in an Arabic-speaking population: The BES-Ar.

Purpose: The aim of this work was to test the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the BES (Basic Empathy Scale) by establishing its factor structure, its internal consistency and construct validity in the general population.

Design And Methods: The BES was tested among 526 Tunisian adults.

Findings: The two-factor structure of the BES-20 was confirmed.

Determination of the isotopic composition of single sub-micrometer-sized uranium particles by laser ablation coupled with multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Rationale: A multi-collector inductively coupled plasma (MC-ICP) mass spectrometer coupled to a UV ns-laser ablation (LA) system was used to measure uranium isotopic ratios ( U/ U, U/ U and U/ U) in single uranium particles of various sizes and isotopic compositions, including home-made sub-micrometric natural uranium particles of narrow size distribution (415 ± 60 nm).

Methods: The LA-ICP mass spectrometer was operated in wet plasma conditions thanks to simultaneous injection of the laser aerosol and water vapor through a desolvating nebulizer. The isotopic ratios were corrected for mass bias and gain factors between detectors.

Toroidal diamond anvil cell for detailed measurements under extreme static pressures.

Over the past 60 years, the diamond anvil cell (DAC) has been developed into a widespread high static pressure device. The adaptation of laboratory and synchrotron analytical techniques to DAC enables a detailed exploration in the 100 GPa range. The strain of the anvils under high load explains the 400 GPa limit of the conventional DAC.

Comparing results of X-ray diffraction, µ-Raman spectroscopy and neutron diffraction when identifying chemical phases in seized nuclear material, during a comparative nuclear forensics exercise.

This work presents the results for identification of chemical phases obtained by several laboratories as a part of an international nuclear forensic round-robin exercise. In this work powder X-ray diffraction (p-XRD) is regarded as the reference technique. Neutron diffraction produced a superior high-angle diffraction pattern relative to p-XRD.

In-SEM Raman microspectroscopy coupled with EDX--a case study of uranium reference particles.

Information about the molecular composition of airborne uranium-bearing particles may be useful as an additional tool for nuclear safeguards. In order to combine the detection of micrometer-sized particles with the analysis of their molecular forms, we used a hybrid system enabling Raman microanalysis in high vacuum inside a SEM chamber (SEM-SCA system). The first step involved an automatic scan of a sample to detect and save coordinates of uranium particles, along with X-ray microanalysis.

Long-term follow-up on high-rate cut-off programming for implantable cardioverter defibrillators in primary prevention patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Aims: Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are efficient in reducing mortality in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. High-rate cut-off programming may be effective in reducing appropriate and inappropriate therapies, but as the long-term consequences on morbidity and mortality remain unclear, it is underutilized.

Methods And Results: We prospectively studied 365 consecutive patients (mean age 60 ± 10 years), with ischaemic (63%) or non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy and left ventricular dysfunction (mean ejection fraction 25 ± 7%), who were implanted with an ICD in primary prevention of sudden cardiac death (41% single chamber, 31% dual chamber, and 28% biventricular).

Production and characterization of plutonium dioxide particles as a quality control material for safeguards purposes.

Plutonium (Pu) dioxide particles were produced from certified reference material (CRM) 136 solution (CRM 136-plutonium isotopic standard, New Brunswick Laboratory, Argonne, IL, U.S.A.

Plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in kidney transplantation and early renal function prediction.

Background: This prospective observational study aimed to assess the relevance of serial postoperative plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) measurements on prediction of early renal transplant function.

Methods: Plasma NGAL (pNGAL) was measured (Triage NGAL Test; Biosite Inc., Inverness Medical) in 41 patients scheduled for kidney transplantation from deceased or living donors, immediately before and after surgery, and at 12 hr, day 1, day 3, and day 7.

Severe periodontitis and orthodontics: evaluation of long-term results.

Unlabelled: Clinical manifestations of severe periodontitis are very often associated with tooth migration. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate dental bone support before orthodontic-periodontal treatment, at immediate postoperative, and long-term postoperative and to compare these results with those obtained from periodontal treatment alone. Fifteen patients (11 women and four men), all with severe periodontitis, mean age 42.

Investigation of methanol oxidation over Au/catalysts using operando IR spectroscopy: determination of the active sites, intermediate/spectator species, and reaction mechanism.

FTIR spectroscopy coupled with mass spectrometry has been used to study the mechanism of methanol oxidation at low temperatures on nanostructured Au/CeO(2) and Au/TiO(2) catalysts. Activity and selectivity toward CO(2) have been investigated through simultaneous analysis of adsorbed surface species and gaseous species, and some key steps in the oxidation pathway, active sites, and intermediate species are proposed. Among the detected species, some kinds of methoxy species formed on the support were identified as intermediates, which further transform into formates whose oxidation was found to be the rate-determining step for the reaction.

Kidney retrieval after sudden out of hospital refractory cardiac arrest: a cohort of uncontrolled non heart beating donors.

Introduction: To counter the shortage of kidney grafts in France, a non heart beating donor (NHBD) program has recently been implemented. The aim of this study was to describe this pilot program for kidney retrieval from "uncontrolled" NHBD meaning those for whom attempts of resuscitation after a witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (CA) have failed (Maastricht 1 and 2), in a centre previously trained for retrieval from brain dead donors.

Methods: A prospective, monocentric, descriptive study concerning NHBD referred to our institution from February 2007 to June 2008.

Implantable loop recorder for recurrent syncope: influence of cardiac conduction abnormalities showing up on resting electrocardiogram and of underlying cardiac disease on follow-up developments.

Aims: The implantable loop recorder is a useful diagnostic tool in dealing with recurrent syncope in patients. We tested to determine the influence of cardiac conduction abnormalities that turn up on resting electrocardiogram (ECG) and the impact of underlying cardiac disease on developments during follow-up.

Methods And Results: Ninety-five consecutive patients received an implantable loop recorder to monitor recurrent syncope (n = 4.

Abnormal nocturnal heart rate variability and QT dynamics in patients with Brugada syndrome.

Background: In Brugada syndrome (BSY), most of the ventricular arrhythmic events are nocturnal, suggesting an influence of the autonomic nervous system.

Methods: In 46 patients (mean age = 41 +/- 14 years, 43 men) with electrocardiograms (ECG) consistent with BSY and structurally normal hearts, we measured heart rate variability (HRV) and QT dynamics (QT/RR slopes) on 24-hour ambulatory ECG. Type 1 BSY-ECG was spontaneous in 23 (50%) and induced in 23 patients.

Infrared evidence of three distinct acidic hydroxyls in defect-free HY faujasite.

Trimethylamine (TMA) and ammonia (NH(3)) were coadsorbed over a free extraframework aluminum (EFAL) HY zeolite, which allowed us to distinguish at least three different acidic hydroxyls in the faujasite structure.

Trimethylamine as a probe molecule to differentiate acid sites in Y-FAU zeolite: FTIR study.

In heterogeneous catalysis acidity has a very important influence on activity and selectivity: correct determination of acidic properties is a base to improve industrial processes. The aim of this work was to study trimethylamine (TMA) as a probe molecule able to distinguish between the different Brønsted acid sites in zeolitic frameworks. Our work mainly focused on faujasite-type zeolites because the HY zeolite is one of the most used acidic catalysts in industrial processes.

FTIR spectroscopy study of CO adsorption on Pt-Na-mordenite.

Different carbonyls are formed after CO adsorption at ambient temperature on a Pt-Na-mordenite (Pt-Na-MOR) sample. Pt(3+)(CO)(2) dicarbonyls (nu(s) at 2205 cm(-1) and nu(as) at 2167 cm(-1)) are decomposed without formation of monocarbonyls. The respective mixed-ligand species, Pt(3+)((12)CO)((13)CO), formed after (12)CO-(13)CO coadsorption, display bands at 2192 and 2131 cm(-1), in excellent agreement with the theoretically calculated values.

NO2 disproportionation for the IR characterisation of basic zeolites.

NO2 disproportionation on alkaline zeolites is used to generate nitrosonium (NO+) and nitrate ions on the surface, and the infrared vibrations observed are very sensitive to the cation chemical hardness and to the basicity of zeolitic oxygen atoms.

Dental care pathway of Quebecers after a broken filling.

Objectives: The objectives were to 1) describe the dental care pathway of adults after sustaining a broken filling, and particularly, the patient delay in seeking care as well as the continuity of care, and 2) identify factors associated with the decisions taken.

Basic Research Design: In 1998-99, 5,469 Quebec women aged 30 to 44 years completed a self-administered questionnaire in which they indicated whether they had experienced a dental problem in the previous 12 months. From then on, the questions identified the decisions they made during the process of consulting a dentist.

Segmental wall motion abnormalities in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and their effect on prognosis.

There is considerable variability in segmental wall motion abnormalities and in the prognosis of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC). Radionuclide ventriculography with Fourier analysis was performed in 107 patients with angiographically proved IDC. Amplitude analysis located the wall motion abnormalities.

[Utilization of preventive dental services by recent immigrants in Quebec].

Objectives: Studies conducted in Canada show that recent immigrants tend to under-utilize preventive services provided by the health care system. The objective of our study was to learn whether this phenomenon also applies to dental care.

Methods: Our sample was composed of 5,795 women who live in Quebec and are between 30 and 44 years old.

The dental care pathway of welfare recipients in Quebec.

IN Quebec (Canada), the utilization of dental care services varies greatly from one social class to another: whereas the well-to-do visit the dentist often for check-ups, those most in need demonstrate a "wait-and-see" attitude. The objective of our research was to describe the dental care pathway of the underprivileged when confronted with symptoms, and to understand how this pathway might be interrupted and possibly lead to tooth extractions. We arranged 16 one-on-one interviews with adult Montrealers who had experienced a dental problem during the 12 months preceding the interview.

Pharmacokinetics of long-term sufentanil infusion for sedation in ICU patients.

Objective: To determine the pharmacokinetics of long-term infusion of sufentanil in ICU patients.

Design And Setting: Open-label study in a surgical intensive care unit.

Patients: Ten consecutive patients without renal or hepatic failure requiring mechanical ventilation for at least 6 days.

Reliability of QRS duration and morphology on surface electrocardiogram to identify ventricular dyssynchrony in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Using Fourier phase analysis of equilibrium radionuclide angiography in both ventricles, inter- and intraventricular delays were correlated with QRS morphology and duration in 103 patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. We found that left bundle branch block on the left axis may reflect a high intra-left ventricular dyssynchrony. A precise evaluation of the dyssynchrony appears useful because a high proportion of patients with incomplete bundle branch block, left anterior hemiblock, or "normal" QRS exhibit a marked intra-LV dyssynchrony and may respond to cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Family participation in care to the critically ill: opinions of families and staff.

Background: Allowing family members to participate in the care of patients in intensive care units (ICUs) may improve the quality of their experience. No previous study has investigated opinions about family participation in ICUs.

Methods: Prospective multicenter survey in 78 ICUs (1,184 beds) in France involving 2,754 ICU caregivers and 544 family members of 357 consecutive patients.