Search

The paper presents an experiment with a squiggle game in a design class: a joint drawing activity. The squiggle game, which comes from psychoanalysis, has been adapted to a teaching‐learning situation in order to observe how graphic design practices and skills develop through creativity. The hypothesis is that the game impacts the training of participants, including teachers, by developing their creativity through the co‐construction that occurs between them. A qualitative methodology based on activity theory has been set up, consisting of two phases of experimentation in a vocational training class in France. The results are based on a semiotic and cognitive analysis of the drawing activity through its components and the participants' discourse about their drawings during self‐confrontations. The discussion creates a dialogue between several research paradigms in educational sciences, psychology, and psychoanalysis within artistic disciplines. It leads to the identification of four creativity methods that impact the teaching‐learning processes generated by the squiggle game: the game of abstract random drawing in pairs; the figurative patterns sought through combinations of strokes (complementation); opposition between very strong former and current routines of drawing or behaviours; and rebounding from the other's prompts towards new dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The postprandial glucose response is an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Observationally, early glucose response after an oral glucose challenge has been linked to intestinal glucose absorption, largely influenced by the expression of sodium–glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1). This study uses Mendelian randomization (MR) to estimate the causal effect of intestinal SGLT1 expression on early glucose response. Involving 1,547 subjects with class II/III obesity from the Atlas Biologique de l'Obésité Sévère cohort, the study uses SGLT1 genotyping, oral glucose tolerance tests, and jejunal biopsies to measure SGLT1 expression. A loss-of-function SGLT1 haplotype serves as the instrumental variable, with intestinal SGLT1 expression as the exposure and the change in 30-min postload glycemia from fasting glycemia (Δ30 glucose) as the outcome. Results show that 12.8% of the 1,342 genotyped patients carried the SGLT1 loss-of-function haplotype, associated with a mean Δ30 glucose reduction of −0.41 mmol/L and a significant decrease in intestinal SGLT1 expression. The observational study links a 1-SD decrease in SGLT1 expression to a Δ30 glucose reduction of −0.097 mmol/L. MR analysis parallels these findings, associating a statistically significant reduction in genetically instrumented intestinal SGLT1 expression with a Δ30 glucose decrease of −0.353. In conclusion, the MR analysis provides genetic evidence that reducing intestinal SGLT1 expression causally lowers early postload glucose response. This finding has a potential translational impact on managing early glucose response to prevent or treat type 2 diabetes Article Highlights: Loss-of-function variant of SGLT1 is associated with reduced intestinal SGLT1 expression and early postload glucose response. Mendelian randomization supports the causal relationship between intestinal glucose absorption and postprandial glucose. Modulating intestinal SGLT1 expression/function is a promising avenue for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell identity is specified by a core transcriptional regulatory circuitry (CoRC), typically limited to a small set of interconnected cell‐specific transcription factors (TFs). By mining global hepatic TF regulons, we reveal a more complex organization of the transcriptional regulatory network controlling hepatocyte identity. We show that tight functional interconnections controlling hepatocyte identity extend to non‐cell‐specific TFs beyond the CoRC, which we call hepatocyte identity (Hep‐ID)CONNECT TFs. Besides controlling identity effector genes, Hep‐IDCONNECT TFs also engage in reciprocal transcriptional regulation with TFs of the CoRC. In homeostatic basal conditions, this translates into Hep‐IDCONNECT TFs being involved in fine tuning CoRC TF expression including their rhythmic expression patterns. Moreover, a role for Hep‐IDCONNECT TFs in the control of hepatocyte identity is revealed in dedifferentiated hepatocytes where Hep‐IDCONNECT TFs are able to reset CoRC TF expression. This is observed upon activation of NR1H3 or THRB in hepatocarcinoma or in hepatocytes subjected to inflammation‐induced loss of identity. Our study establishes that hepatocyte identity is controlled by an extended array of TFs beyond the CoRC. Synopsis: Hepatocyte identity is controlled by interconnected transcription factors (TFs) extending beyond the core regulatory TF network (CoRC). The extended network comprises thyroid hormone receptor beta whose activation resets CoRC TFs expression and hepatocyte identity in dedifferentiated hepatocytes. Hepatocyte identity TFs of the CoRC are tightly connected to a large set of non‐hepatocyte‐specific TFs that we call Hep‐IDCONNECT TFsHep‐IDCONNECT TFs fine tune hepatocyte identity TF expression in homeostatic basal conditionsIn dedifferentiated hepatocytes, Hep‐IDCONNECT TFs can reset hepatocyte identity as shown for the thyroid hormone receptor beta whose activation induces expression of the CoRC TFs in hepatocarcinoma and in hepatocytes subjected to inflammation‐induced loss of identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Extrapolation is often required to inform cost-effectiveness (CE) evaluations of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) since survival data from pivotal clinical trials are seldom complete. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the accuracy of estimates of long-term overall survival (OS) predicted in French CE assessment reports of ICIs, and to identify models presenting the best fit to the observed long-term survival data. Methods: A systematic review of French assessment reports of ICIs in the metastatic setting since inception until May 2020 was performed. A targeted literature review was conducted to collect associated extended follow-up of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) used in the CE assessment reports. Difference between projected and observed OS was calculated. A range of standard parametric and spline-based models were applied to the extended follow-up data from the RCT to determine the best-fitting survival models. Results: Of the 121 CE assessment reports published, 11 reports met the inclusion criteria. OS was underestimated in 73 percent of the CE assessment reports. The mean relative difference between each source was −13 percent (median: −15 percent; IQR: −0.4 to 26 percent). Models providing the best fit were those that could reflect nonmonotonic hazards. Conclusions: Based on the available data at the time of submission, longer-term survival of ICIs was not fully captured by the extrapolation models used in CE assessments. Standard and flexible parametric models which can capture nonmonotonic hazard functions provided the best fit to the extended follow-up data. However, these models may still have performed poorly if fitted to survival data available at the time of submission to the French National Authority for Health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Extrapolation is often required to inform cost-effectiveness (CE) evaluations of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) since survival data from pivotal clinical trials are seldom complete. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the accuracy of estimates of long-term overall survival (OS) predicted in French CE assessment reports of ICIs, and to identify models presenting the best fit to the observed long-term survival data. Methods: A systematic review of French assessment reports of ICIs in the metastatic setting since inception until May 2020 was performed. A targeted literature review was conducted to collect associated extended follow-up of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) used in the CE assessment reports. Difference between projected and observed OS was calculated. A range of standard parametric and spline-based models were applied to the extended follow-up data from the RCT to determine the best-fitting survival models. Results: Of the 121 CE assessment reports published, 11 reports met the inclusion criteria. OS was underestimated in 73 percent of the CE assessment reports. The mean relative difference between each source was −13 percent (median: −15 percent; IQR: −0.4 to 26 percent). Models providing the best fit were those that could reflect nonmonotonic hazards. Conclusions: Based on the available data at the time of submission, longer-term survival of ICIs was not fully captured by the extrapolation models used in CE assessments. Standard and flexible parametric models which can capture nonmonotonic hazard functions provided the best fit to the extended follow-up data. However, these models may still have performed poorly if fitted to survival data available at the time of submission to the French National Authority for Health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gene transcriptional regulation relies on cis-regulatory DNA modules (CRMs), which serve as nexus sites for integration of multiple transcription factor (TF) activities. Here, we provide evidence and discuss recent literature indicating that TF recruitment to CRMs is organized into combinations of trans-regulatory protein modules (TRMs). We propose that TRMs are functional entities composed of TFs displaying the most highly interdependent chromatin binding which are, in addition, able to modulate their recruitment to CRMs through inter-TRM effects. These findings shed light on the architectural organization of TF recruitment encoded by their recognition motifs within CRMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The paper aimed to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) at the public published price for delayed-release dimethyl fumarate versus relevant Multiple Sclerosis disease-modifying therapies available in France in June 2015. Methods: The economic model was adapted to the French setting in accordance with the Haute Autorité de Santé guidelines using a model previously developed for NICE. A cohort of Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis patients was simulated over a 30-year time horizon. Twenty one health states were taken into account: Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 0–9 for Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis patients, EDSS 0–9 for Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis patients, and death. Estimates of relative treatment efficacy were determined using a mixed-treatment comparison. Probabilities of events were derived from the dimethyl fumarate pivotal clinical trials and the London Ontario Dataset. Costs and utilities were extracted from the published literature from both the payer and societal perspectives. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the model results. Results: From both perspectives, dimethyl fumarate and interferon beta-1a (IFN beta-1a) 44mcg were the two optimal treatments, as the other treatments (IFN beta-1a 30mcg, IFN beta-1b 250mcg, teriflunomide, glatiramer acetate, fingolimod) were dominated on the efficiency frontier. From the societal perspective, dimethyl fumarate versus IFN beta-1a 44mcg incurred an incremental cost of €3,684 and an incremental quality-adjusted life year (QALY) of 0.281, corresponding to an ICER of €13,110/QALY. Conclusions: Despite no reference threshold for France, dimethyl fumarate can be considered as a cost-effective option as it is on the efficiency frontier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behavior is increasingly reported as a sensitive and early indicator of toxicant stress in aquatic organisms. However, the systematic understanding of behavioral effects and comparisons between effect profiles is hampered because the available studies are limited to few chemicals and differ in the exposure conditions and effect parameters examined. The aims of the present study were 1) to explore behavioral responses of Daphnia magna exposed to different toxicants, 2) to compare behavioral effect profiles with regard to chemical modes of action, and 3) to determine the sensitivity and response time of behavioral parameters in a new multi-cell exposure system named Multi-DaphTrack compared with currently utilized tests. Twelve compounds covering different modes of toxic action were selected to sample a wide range of potential effect profiles. Acute standard immobilization tests and 48 h of behavioral tracking were performed in the customized Multi-DaphTrack system and a single-cell commercialized biological early warning system. Contrasting behavioral profiles were observed for average speed (i.e., intensity, time of effect onset, effect duration), but no distinct behavioral profiles could be drawn from the chemical mode of action. Most compounds tested in the Multi-DaphTrack system induced an early and significant average speed increase at concentrations near or below the 10% effective concentration (48 h) of the acute immobilization test, demonstrating that the Multi-DaphTrack system is fast and sensitive. To conclude, behavior endpoints could be used as an alternative or complement to the current acute standard test or chemical analysis for the predictive evaluation of ecotoxic effects of effluents or water bodies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1760-1769. © 2015 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell differentiation relies on tissue-specific transcription factors (TFs) that cooperate to establish unique transcriptomes and phenotypes. However, the role of ubiquitous TFs in these processes remains poorly defined. Recently, we have shown that the CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) is required for adipocyte differentiation through epigenomic remodelling of adipose tissue-specific enhancers and transcriptional activation of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), the main driver of the adipogenic program (PPARG), and its target genes. Here, we discuss how these findings, together with the recent literature, illuminate a functional role for ubiquitous TFs in lineage-determining transcriptional networks. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ is a transcription factor whose expression is induced during adipogenesis and that is required for the acquisition and control of mature adipocyte functions. Indeed, PPAR induces the expression of genes involved in lipid synthesis and storage through enhancers activated during adipocyte differentiation. Here, we show that PPAR γ also binds to enhancers already active in preadipocytes as evidenced by an active chromatin state including lower DNA methylation levels despite higher CpG content. These constitutive enhancers are linked to genes involved in the insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway that are transcriptionally induced during adipogenesis but to a lower extent than lipid metabolism genes, because of stronger basal expression levels in preadipocytes. This is consistent with the sequential involvement of hormonal sensitivity and lipid handling during adipocyte maturation and correlates with the chromatin structure dynamics at constitutive and activated enhancers. Interestingly, constitutive enhancers are evolutionary conserved and can be activated in other tissues, in contrast to enhancers controlling lipid handling genes whose activation is more restricted to adipocytes. Thus, PPAR γ utilizes both broadly active and cell type-specific enhancers tomodulate the dynamic range of activation of genes involved in the adipogenic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents the short story "The Doll That Faced the Wall," by Julie Chevalier.

Browning induction or transplantation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) or brown/beige adipocytes derived from progenitor or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can represent a powerful strategy to treat metabolic diseases. However, our poor understanding of the mechanisms that govern the differentiation and activation of brown adipocytes limits the development of such therapy. Various genetic factors controlling the differentiation of brown adipocytes have been identified, although most studies have been performed using in vitro cultured pre-adipocytes. We investigate here the differentiation of brown adipocytes from adipose progenitors in the mouse embryo. We demonstrate that the formation of multiple lipid droplets (LDs) is initiated within clusters of glycogen, which is degraded through glycophagy to provide the metabolic substrates essential for de novo lipogenesis and LD formation. Therefore, this study uncovers the role of glycogen in the generation of LDs. • Brown adipocytes are functionally differentiated at E17.5 in the mouse embryo • Lipid droplets are formed within glycogen clusters • Glycogen production is crucial for lipid droplet biogenesis during BAT differentiation • Glycophagy-mediated glycogen degradation drives lipid droplet formation Lipid droplet formation is a major feature of brown adipocyte differentiation. Mayeuf-Louchart et al. characterize the different steps of brown adipocyte differentiation in the mouse embryo and report the essential role of glycogen production and degradation by glycophagy for lipid droplet biogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The functional versatility of the liver is paramount for organismal homeostasis. Adult liver functions are controlled by a tightly regulated transcription factor network including nuclear receptors (NRs), which orchestrate many aspects of hepatic physiology. NRs are transcription factors sensitive to extracellular cues such as hormones, lipids, xenobiotics, etc. and are modulated by intracellular signaling pathways. While liver functional zonation and adaptability to fluctuating conditions rely on a sophisticated cellular architecture, a comprehensive knowledge of NR functions within liver cell populations is still lacking. As a step toward the accurate mapping of NR functions in the liver, we characterized their levels of expression in the whole liver from C57Bl6/J male mice as a function of time and diet. Nr1d1 (Rev-erba), Nr1d2 (Rev-erbb), Nr1c2 (Pparb/d), and Nr1f3 (Rorg) exhibited a robust cyclical expression in ad libitum-fed mice which was, like most cyclically expressed NRs, reinforced upon time-restricted feeding. In a few instances, cyclical expression was lost or gained as a function of the feeding regimen. NR isoform expression was explored in purified hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, Kupffer cells, hepatic stellate cells, and liver sinusoidal cells. The expression of some NR isoforms, such as Nr1h4 (Fxra) and Nr1b1 (Rara) isoforms, was markedly restricted to a few cell types. Leveraging liver singlecell RNAseq studies yielded a zonation pattern of NRs in hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal cells, and stellate cells, establishing a link between NR subtissular localization and liver functional specialization. In summary, we provide here an up-to-date compendium of NR expression in mouse liver in space and time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poem "Cloves Remind Me of Siblings," by Julie Chevalier is presented. First Line: when i was fifteen my mother's brother- Last Line: only six months before fresh oranges.