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L’examen de personnes se déclarant victime d’une agression sexuelle est une situation fréquemment rencontrée dans les unités médico-judiciaires. Cette étude se basait sur 592 examens de victimes de viol acceptant un examen complet, entre 2003 et 2013 à l’unité médico-judiciaire de Marseille. Les victimes étaient examinées sur réquisition judiciaire par des médecins légistes formés à l’examen des victimes de viol. Plus de 90 % des cas concernaient des victimes féminines. L’âge moyen des victimes de viol était de 25,8ans avec une médiane à 22ans (écart-type=12,93). Concernant les 44 victimes masculines l’âge moyen était de 17,9ans avec une médiane à 14,5 (écart-type=12,35). Des antécédents d’agression sexuelle étaient retrouvés chez 2 % des victimes. La présence d’une pathologie psychiatrique (« état vulnérable ») était retrouvée chez 7,6 % des victimes. Le viol était le fait d’un seul individu dans 84 % des cas et d’un proche de la victime (famille, conjoint ou ex-conjoint) dans 28 % des cas. Dans 7 % des cas (n=43), l’agresseur était un membre de la famille. Chez les victimes féminines, le type de viol le plus fréquemment retrouvé était la pénétration pénio-vaginale avec 64,9 % des cas. La pénétration pénio-anale et la pénétration pénio-buccale étaient décrites dans respectivement 26 % et 23,9 % des cas. L’utilisation d’une arme était évoquée dans 9 % des cas. Une augmentation croissante des cas de viol après une rencontre via Internet était notable. La majorité des victimes ne présentait pas de lésion, cependant dans 1 cas sur 5, des lésions de la sphère génito-anale étaient retrouvées. Chez les femmes, pour la région génitale, ces lésions concernaient préférentiellement l’hymen suivi de la fourchette vulvaire postérieure puis les petites lèvres. L’étude des lésions extra-génitales mettait en évidence une prédominance des lésions du visage et de l’extrémité des membres supérieurs mais également des violences plus importantes au niveau de la poitrine. Le lien statistique entre les lésions gynéco-anales et les lésions sur le reste du corps n’a pas été démontré. Aucun résultat statistiquement significatif n’a été démontré entre l’absence de lésion et le nombre d’agresseur ou entre la présence de lésion et le statut de l’agresseur (proche ou inconnu). Seule la présence d’une arme lors de l’agression était statistiquement associée à la présence de lésions extra-génitale. Notre étude apporte un intérêt épidémiologique et clinique. Elle permet de confirmer certaines données statistiques et d’en inclure de nouvelles grâce à des données épidémiologiques trop peu utilisées que constituent les données recueillies lors des actes médico-légaux.

Background & Aims: Cholera toxin (CT) is the most recognizable enterotoxin causing secretory diarrhea, a major cause of infant morbidity and mortality throughout the world. In this study, we investigated the role of the endogenous cannabinoid system (i.e., the cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous ligands) in CT-induced fluid accumulation in the mouse small intestine. Methods: Fluid accumulation was evaluated by enteropooling; endocannabinoid levels were measured by isotope-dilution gas chromatography mass spectrometry; CB"1 receptors were localized by immunohistochemistry and their messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were quantified by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Oral administration of CT to mice resulted in an increase in fluid accumulation in the small intestine and in increased levels of the endogenous cannabinoid, anandamide, and increased expression of the cannabinoid CB"1 receptor mRNA. The cannabinoid receptor agonist CP55,940 and the selective cannabinoid CB"1 receptor agonist arachidonoyl-chloro-ethanolamide inhibited CT-induced fluid accumulation, and this effect was counteracted by the CB"1 receptor antagonist SR141716A, but not by the CB"2 receptor antagonist SR144528. SR141716A, per se, but not the vanilloid VR1 receptor antagonist capsazepine, enhanced fluid accumulation induced by CT, whereas the selective inhibitor of anandamide cellular uptake, VDM11, prevented CT-induced fluid accumulation. Conclusions: These results indicate that CT, along with enhanced intestinal secretion, causes overstimulation of endocannabinoid signaling with an antisecretory role in the small intestine.

Measurements of NO concentrations at sub-ppm levels in vehicle exhaust are needed for emissions certification of future ultra-low emission vehicles. We demonstrate a wavelength-modulation, laser-based, NO detection system suitable for this purpose. A quantum cascade distributed feedback laser (QC-DFB) operating continuous wave (cw) at ∼100 K is frequency modulated at f= 10 kHz and locked to the center of a transition at ∼1921 cm−1in the fundamental band of NO. The demodulated signal at 2fof the beam passing through the sample cell directly measures the NO concentration. The cell is a multipass Herriott-type with a 100-m path length. Doppler broadening, pressure broadening, and unresolved Λ doubling combine to yield a pressure for optimum sensitivity of 100 torr and a modulation amplitude of ∼600 MHz. A flowing gas system is used to avoid problems with adsorption and desorption of NO from the cell walls. The reduced pressure eliminates interference from other gas species. Detection of NO concentrations in the few parts-per-billion (ppb) range is demonstrated in diluted exhaust-gas bag samples collected in the vehicle certification process.

Abstract:: A continuous wave quantum cascade laser (QCL), operating near 8.1 μm, was used for wavelength modulation spectroscopy of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) stable isotopes. Several rotational transitions of 14N216O, 15N14N16O, 14N218O, 14N217O, 13CH4 and 12CH4 fundamental bands were detected. The noise-equivalent absorbance was measured to be less than 10-5 in a 1-Hz bandwidth. A characterization of the laser source was also performed. The use of a QCL spectrometer for high-precision isotope ratio measurements is discussed.

Abstract: We have studied the effect of SR141716A (0.1–5 mg/kg, i.p.), a cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist, and WIN (0.1–5 mg/kg, i.p.), a cannabinoid receptor agonist, on acute defaecation and gastrointestinal transit in mice and on intraluminal fluid accumulation in the rat small intestine. SR141716A increased while WIN 55,212-2 decreased defaecation, gastrointestinal transit and fluid accumulation. A per se non-effective dose of SR141716A (0.3 mg/kg) counteracted the inhibitory effect of WIN 55,212-2 (1 mg/kg) on gastrointestinal functions studied. The effect of SR141716 on both intestinal fluid accumulation in rats and gastrointestinal transit in mice was inhibited by atropine (1 mg/kg, i.p.), but not by hexamethonium (1 mg/kg, s.c.), SR140333 (20 �g/kg, i.p.) or SR48968 (20 �g/kg, i.p.), antagonists of NK1 and NK2 receptors, respectively. These results suggest that intestinal fluid accumulation and motility are inhibited by endogenous cannabinoid(s) acting at the cannabinoid CB1 receptors. This effect may be mediated by mechanisms involving muscarinic cholinoceptors.

Beating heart coronary revascularization is becoming increasingly popular world-wide. Temporary occlusion of the coronary artery is often required in order to perform the anastomosis. An alternative method to maintain perfusion is to use an intracoronary shunt. In this study, we monitored global left ventricular function and regional wall motion in the presence or absence of a shunt using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).

Eicosanoids and platelet-activating factor (PAF) production increases in experimental colitis. Both eicosanoids and PAF seem to arise from similar membrane phospholipids. To support both these suggestions we have investigated whether a fat-free diet, which should alter production of eicosanoids and PAF, affects experimental colitis. Essential fatty acid deficient (EFAD) rats were obtained by putting 4-week-old animals on a fat-free diet for 3 months. Experimental colitis was induced by a single intracolonic administration of 2 ml of 4% acetic acid. One to seven days later the animals were sacrificed and the colon removed to assess macroscopically and histologically intestinal damage. Eicosanoids and PAF levels were also measured in the mucosa scrapings by specific radioimmunoassay. The injury to the colon was more evident in control rats compared with EFAD rats. Besides colonic tissue of control rats showed a highly significant increase of PGE2, LTB4 and PAF, compared with levels in EFAD rats. Our results indicate that fat-free diet reduces tissue damage, and at the same time PGE2, LTB4 and PAF colonic content.

Aloe is one of the few medicinal plants that has maintained its popularity for a long period of time. Aloe latex is used for its laxative effect and should be distinguished from aloe gel, used both in cosmetics and ointments for skin ailments. Aloe whole leaf is another preparation used internally as a drink in a wide range of human diseases including cancer, AIDS, ulcerative colitis and other disturbances. The concomitant use of honey may make the aloe whole leaf therapy more palatable and efficient. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Carrageenin oedema is enhanced by the simultaneous injection in the rat paw of platelet activating factor (PAF). The enhancement of carrageenin oedema is observed throughout the time course of the experiments. This enhancement is also present when the oedema-producing agent is dextran, cellulose sulphate, histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, bradykinin or prostaglandin E2. Both verapamil and BN 52021 abolished the enhancement induced by PAF without modifying significantly carrageenin oedema. In essential fatty acid deficient (EFAD) rats depleted of kininogen and amines, carrageenin oedema is not modified by PAF. These findings suggest that PAF interacts with other inflammatory mediators regulating the formation of oedema induced by irritants injected locally.

Castor oil (2 ml/rat) produced copious diarrhoea in all rats 3 h after challenge, which was associated with histologic damage to the duodenal and jejunal mucosa. Pretreatment of animals with the nitric oxide (NO) synthesis inhibitor N G -nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 50 mg/kg, i.p.) reverted the diarrhoea, but, exacerbated histological damage. The NO donating compound isosorbide-5-mononitrate (IMN, 150 mg/kg p.o.) counteracted the augmentation by L-NAME of the castor oil-induced diarrhoea and histological damage. The independence of the diarrhoeal and damaging effects of castor oil suggest that NO (i) has protective effects on the rat intestinal mucosa, (ii) mediates laxation and (iii) modulates the release of local cytotoxic substances.

Anti-inflammatory activity of griseofulvin has been investigated in comparison with indomethacin and flufenamic acid. In vitro, griseofulvin has been proved the most effective of these agents in suppressing the contractions of smooth muscle preparations induced by a variety of proposed mediators of inflammation, i.e. histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, bradykinin and prostaglandin E2. In vivo, griseofulvin was unable to modify dextran oedema but suppressed carrageenin oedema, although its activity was poor when compared to that exhibited by indomethacin and flufenamic acid. When tested in rat pleurisy induced by dextran or homologous serum griseofulvin was able to prevent polymorph migration into the pleural space while mononuclears remained virtually unaffected. In contrast indomethacin and flufenamic acid mainly suppressed mononuclear migration while polymorphs resulted only slightly affected. Similar results have been exhibited by the drugs when tested on mononuclear turnover in pleural cavities from normal rats. Results are discussed in the light of the clinically established ability of griseofulvin to prevent cutaneous inflammatory reactions as well as of its effectiveness in the treatment of several polyarthritic syndromes.

Intrapleural exudates have been produced in rats and guinea-pigs using calcium pyrophosphate, cell mediated immunity, reversed passive Arthus reaction and carrageenan. The intracellular concentration of various pharmacological mediators has been measured at different times during the evolution of these inflammatory responses. These have been correlated with volume of exudate and cellular migration.

A model of reverse passive Arthus (RPA) reaction in the pleural cavity of rats is described. The time course of development of exudate and migration of cells has been examined. It has been found to be complement dependent and dominated by polymorphonuclear cells. The reaction reaches a peak around 6 hours after challenge. Cyclic AMP levels have been measured both intracellularly and extracellularly and have been found to persist at high levels after the waning of the reaction.

Carrageenin oedema is enhanced by the simultaneous injection in the rat paw of 1,10-phenanthroline, a kininase inhibitor. The analysis of the time-course of this enhancement showed that the maximal effect was observed about 3 hours after the injection.

AbstractThe effect of ricinoleic acid on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity has been investigated in the rat. NOS, determined by the oxidation of oxyhemoglobin to methemoglobin or by the formation of citrulline, was detected in homogenates of both ileal and colonic tissue. Ricinoleic acid (10−5–10−3M) incubated with intestinal tissue for 15 min, increased NOS activity(P <0.05–0.01); however the effect was more evident in the ileum than in the colon. A pretreatment with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 6.25–25 mg kg−1i.p., 15 min before the removal of tissue) inhibited the increase in NOS activity(P < 0.05). These findings confirm an involvement of NO in the laxative effect of ricinoleic acid (castor oil).

Recent advances in quantum semiconductor structures are reviewed. These include coupled quantum well structures with giant optical nonlinearities, Fabry-Perot electron filters and quantum cascade lasers.

The effect of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) on castor oil-induced diarrhea was studied in control rats and those treated with isosorbide dinitrate or isosorbide-5-mononitrate. Castor oil (2 ml) produced diarrhea that lasted at least 8 h. Pretreatment of the rats with L-NAME (1-25 mg/kg i.p.) 15 min before castor oil did not block the castor oil-induced diarrhea beyond 3 h after challenge but delayed its appearance (P < .05-.001). However, diarrhea was inhibited (P < .01-.001) during the entire 8 h if rats were treated twice with L-NAME (25 mg/kg) (15 min before and 3 h after castor oil). These findings suggest that L-NAME, once administered, loses its activity 3 h after its administration. The nitric oxide synthase substrate, L-arginine (150-600 mg/kg), reversed (P < .05-.01) the inhibitory effect of L-NAME on diarrhea induced by castor oil. This effect is enantiomer-specific because D-arginine (900 mg/kg) was without an effect. These results suggest that castor oil-induced diarrhea in rats involves the L-arginine nitric oxide pathway. This is further supported by the effect of isosorbide dinitrate (0.6-120 mg/kg) and isosorbide-5-mononitrate (0.6-120 mg/kg). When administered to castor oil-treated rats, these two nitric oxide-generating agents prevented in a dose-dependent fashion (P < .01-.001) the inhibitory effect of L-NAME (25 mg/kg).

Bisacodyl and phenolphthalein are diphenylmethane laxatives that have effects on intestinal water and electrolyte transport and smooth muscle contractility. Nitric oxide (NO) is produced in the intestine, where it stimulates electrolyte secretion and relaxes smooth muscle. Therefore, we studied in rats the effect of these laxatives on diarrhea, fluid transport in vivo, gastrointestinal transit and NO synthase activity in the absence and presence of inhibitors of NO synthesis. Both laxatives (50 mg/kg p.o.) produced diarrhea, which was delayed in onset by 25 mg/kg (i.p.) of the NO synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). The L-NAME effect was reversed by the NO donor isosorbide-5-mononitrate (30-120 mg/kg i.p.). L-Arginine (600 and 1500 mg/kg i.p.) prevented the inhibitory effect of L-NAME on diarrhea. The laxatives evoked water and electrolyte secretion and enhanced the transit of a suspension of charcoal through the gastrointestinal tract. This was inhibited by L-NAME but not D-NAME. The inhibitor of inducible NO synthase, dexamethasone (0.03-0.3 mg/kg i.p.), prevented the effects of both laxatives on electrolyte and water transport. Stimulation by these drugs of NO synthase was also inhibited by dexamethasone. The results demonstrate that bisacodyl and phenolphthalein stimulate water and electrolyte secretion, promote transit of intraluminal contents and produce diarrhea in association with enhanced production of NO. Furthermore, it appears that the NO is derived principally from activation of an inducible form of NO synthase.

A model is described of acute inflammation in the pleural cavity of rats using calcium pyrophosphate as the irritant. This model would seem to simulate the pseudogout syndrome.

Rat isolated intestine incubated in Krebs solution converted exogenous [14C]arachidonic acid into products that chromatographed with prostaglandins, leukotriene B4and 5-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid. The accumulation of these products was increased by phenolphthalein 3.14–1570 μM and reduced by indomethacin 2.8 μM. This raises the possibility that laxation by phenolphthalein involves the formation of arachidonate lipoxygenase a products.

Quantum cascade distributed feedback (QC-DFB) lasers based on a heterogeneous-cascade two-wavelength active waveguide core and a multisectioned cavity featuring two different Bragg gratings are demonstrated. Optimised lasers display singlemode emission at λ∼5.0 and 7.5 4;µm simultaneously and a tunability on both modes equal to single-wavelength QC-DFB lasers.

Experimental results for an optical free-space high-speed link using direct modulated mid-infrared (λ=8.1 4;μm) quantum cascade lasers are presented. A total of 800 digitally encoded multimedia channels were transmitted. The reliability of the system against weather influence (fog) was experimentally compared to that of a near-infrared (λ=0.85 4;μm) link.

The intrinsic frequency fluctuations of two single-mode quantum cascade (QC) distributed-feedback lasers operating continuously at a wavelength of 8.5 µm are reported. A Doppler-limited rovibrational resonance of nitrous oxide is used to transform the frequency noise into measurable intensity fluctuations. The QC lasers, along with recently improved current controllers, exhibit a free-running frequency stability of 150 kHz over a 15-ms time interval.

A new scheme for the generation of coherent radiation on the intersubband transition without population inversion between subbands is presented. The scheme is based on the resonant nonlinear mixing of the optical laser fields on the two interband transitions that are intracavity generated in the same active region. The two-wavelength lasing on the interband transitions can be achieved at a substantially lower threshold current than gain on the intersubband transition. This may ensure cw room-temperature operation. Due to the parametric, inversionless nature of generation, the lasers proposed are especially promising for long-wavelength operation above 20 µm.

High-speed mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers with direct modulation bandwidth of approximately 7 GHz have been developed. Error-free digital data transmission at 2.5 Gbit/s is demonstrated with devices emitting at 8 µm and operating at temperatures up to 85 K.

The high-speed direct modulation response of mid-infrared quantum cascade (QC) lasers is investigated up to a frequency of 2 GHz, showing high-frequency data transmission capabilities. The application of QC lasers to optical wireless communications is discussed and demonstrated in a free-space television link over a distance of 70 m.

We have demonstrated quantitative chemical vapor detection with a multimode quantum cascade (QC) laser. Experiments incorporated pseudorandom code (PRC) modulation of the laser intensity to permit sensitive absorption measurements of isopropanol vapor at 8.0µ . The demonstration shows the practicality of one technical approach for implementing low-peak-power QC lasers in the transmitter portion of a differential absorption lidar (DIAL) system. With a 31-chip, 300-ns/chip PRC sequence, the measured isopropanol detection limit was 12 parts in 10^6 by volume times meters (~3×10^-3 absorption) for a simple backscatter-absorption measurement configuration.

We have demonstrated quantitative chemical vapor detection with a multimode quantum cascade (QC) laser. Experiments incorporated pseudorandom code (PRC) modulation of the laser intensity to permit sensitive absorption measurements of isopropanol vapor at 8.0 µm. The demonstration shows the practicality of one technical approach for implementing low-peak-power QC lasers in the transmitter portion of a differential absorption lidar (DIAL) system. With a 31-chip, 300‐ns/chip PRC sequence, the measured isopropanol detection limit was 12 parts in 10^6 by volume times meters (∼3×10^-3 absorption) for a simple backscatter-absorption measurement configuration.

A long wavelength (λ ≃ 11 µm) quantum cascade laser based on inter-miniband transitions in semiconductor superlattices is reported. The device operates continuous wave up to a temperature of 85 K, with a maximum output power of 75 mW at 25 K, both record values for unipolar lasers of comparable wavelength.