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Abstract: Despite the great contribution of coralligenous communities to Mediterranean biodiversity (second key-ecosystem after Posidonia oceanica meadows), they were never considered in the establishment of multimetric indices for ecological status assessment of marine environment. In this paper, we describe a method to evaluate the ecological status of coralligenous assemblages along Mediterranean French coasts. Several metrics were selected from literature for coralligenous assemblage description and include functional and structural information: percent cover of visible non-vagile species (using photographic quadrats along a transect) and gorgonian demography. Thirty eight field stations were sampled for these metrics in PACA (Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur) region in June 2010 and considered for their morphology (bank, rim), geographical orientation and principal current direction (North, East, West, South) and depth (from −30 to −84m). Metrics found to be linked to human pressures using ANCOVA and multiple correlation matrix were selected to be included in the index. The index (Coralligenous Assemblage Index, CAI) that we proposed was based on three selected metrics (Bryozoa percent cover, sludge percent cover, builder species percent cover) and considers depth; it was positively and significantly linked to anthropization (related to water quality). The 38 stations studied with theoretically good to bad environmental conditions were classified in levels of status in accordance with our field work knowledge. CAI variation was validated with three stations sampled with 30 other photos. This index could be an effective tool for the assessment of the ecological quality of coralligenous communities. It could be applied in the context of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive as well as in conservation and sustainable management of the marine environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We surveyed 12 populations of the montane water vole (Arvicola scherman), previously known as the fossorial form of the water vole A. terrestris, in eastern France for antibodies (immunoglobulin G) to Puumala virus (PUUV), lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), and cowpox virus (CPXV). Antibodies to PUUV were found in 9 (5.5) of 164 voles from 7 populations, antibodies to LCMV were found in 13 (26.0) of 50 voles from 2 populations, and antibodies to CPXV were found in 66 (41.8) of 158 voles from 7 populations. Antibody status to CPXV was statistically associated with the phase of the A. schermanpopulation density cycle and the percentage of grassland areas surrounding the sampling sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the factors mediating selection acting on two MHC class II genes ( DQA and DRB) in water vole ( Arvicola scherman) natural populations in the French Jura Mountains. Population genetics showed significant homogeneity in allelic frequencies at the DQA1 locus as opposed to neutral markers (nine microsatellites), indicating balancing selection acting on this gene. Moreover, almost exhaustive screening for parasites, including gastrointestinal helminths, brain coccidia and antibodies against viruses responsible for zoonoses, was carried out. We applied a co-inertia approach to the genetic and parasitological data sets to avoid statistical problems related to multiple testing. Two alleles, Arte-DRB-11 and Arte-DRB-15, displayed antagonistic associations with the nematode Trichuris arvicolae, revealing the potential parasite-mediated selection acting on DRB locus. Selection mechanisms acting on the two MHC class II genes thus appeared different. Moreover, overdominance as balancing selection mechanism was showed highly unlikely in this system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To develop and validate a nomogram that predicts individual probability of cesarean delivery in cases of macrosomia (>4,000 g). Methods. The nomogram was built based on the data from 246 patients who delivered macrosomic infants at Conception Hospital (Marseille, France), and was validated on an external population of 206 patients. Logistic regression was used to construct a model to predict the probability of cesarean section. The calculations were based on actual birth weight. Main outcome measures. The accuracy of the model was evaluated by area under the receiver operator curve. Results. In the multivariate analysis performed on the training set, maternal age (p=0.002), parity (p=0.003), and maternal height <1.65 m (p=0.01) were found to be significantly associated with the occurrence of cesarean delivery and included in the nomogram. The final variables included in the nomogram were: age (p=0.01), maternal height (p=0.02), parity (p<0.001), and previous cesarean section (p=0.009). Area under the ROCs was 0.80 and 0.78 in the training set before and after bootstrapping, respectively, and 0.88 in the validation set. The calibration of the nomogram was good. Conclusion. We have developed a nomogram based on actual birth weight that accurately predicts the risk of cesarean delivery in cases of macrosomia. This tool might be useful for decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stress response is initially adaptive, operating to maintain homeostasis. However, chronic long-term exposure to stressors may have detrimental effects. We proposed that chronic stress may be a major factor in demographic vole cycles, inducing decline in high-density populations. We monitored four populations of the fossorial water vole Arvicola scherman, which undergo pluriannual demographic cycles in the Jura Mountains (France). Sampling was conducted during the high densities and the decline. We measured fecal corticosterone metabolites (FCMs) to assess stress levels and injected phytohemagglutinin to estimate the cell-mediated immune response. We demonstrated that stress levels increase between the high densities and the decline in most of the vole populations. At the individual level, FCM concentrations varied with reproductive status and body condition. During the outbreak, we observed significantly higher levels of FCM concentrations in nulliparous females than in females that had previously reproduced. Moreover, a significant negative correlation was observed between concentrations of FCMs and both immunocompetence and body condition during population decline. These results might reflect an impairment of the female reproductive capability in high densities and accelerated senescence affecting immune function during decline, both arising from chronic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The first genome sequences of Tula (TULV) and Puumala (PUUV) hantaviruses undoubtedly originated from France were recovered from tissue samples of European common voles and bank voles captured in Jura region. Genetic analysis of S and M segments of French PUUV strain revealed its highest similarity to strains from neighboring Belgium and Germany and also from Slovakia. On phylogenetic trees, French PUUV strain was placed within the central European lineage formed by strains from these three countries. Both of our French TULV strains clustered together and formed a distinct, well-supported genetic lineage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article discusses family social policy in France. France has made family politics one of its top priorities, especially in the last century. The author contrasts the French model of family policy to the German model, especially when it comes to the birth rate in both countries, as it is normal in France, but dropping in Germany. The author presents an overview of the organization of social security in France and the historical development of the department of social services (Familienkasse) and the duties performed by them. The author also presents the present day duties of family policy.

Objective: To compare the imaging procedures and surgical strategies used to treat placenta accreta at referral centers in France and Argentina.Method: A total of 52 women suspected of having placenta accreta underwent ultrasound and placental magnetic resonance imaging evaluations at these centers between May 2003 and October 2006. Findings and management were recorded.Results: The use of the 2 imaging technologies was similar in France and Argentina and conservative surgical treatment was predominant in both groups. The placenta was left in situ in 64.7% of cases at the French center whereas resection of the placenta and invaded area were performed in 91.4% of cases in Argentina.Conclusion: The same diagnostic tools were used in the 2 groups, but there were differences in diagnostic accuracy and in the types of surgical procedures performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Red Sea and Indian Ocean seagrass Halophila stipulacea entered the Mediterranean in the late 19th century via the Suez Canal. Here, we report on the discovery of a population of H. stipulacea covering 16.5 ha off the harbour of Cannes, French Riviera, France. This represents the northernmost locality of the species and a jump of 350 km to the north from its closest western Mediterranean locality (Razza di Juncu in Sardinia). At Cannes, it was found dwelling between 11 and 17 m depth on a dead matte of Posidonia oceanica. The species has most probably been introduced through mega-yacht or cruise ship anchoring since the Bay of Cannes is among the most highly-frequented places for luxury yachting and tourism. The lack of effective regulation to prevent the introduction of non-indigenous species in France and Europe is highlighted. • Northernmost report of Halophila stipulacea in the Mediterranean Sea and in the world (43°32.4′ N). • Population supporting 13 °C winter seawater temperature. • First report in France, affecting an area of 16.5 ha, growing on dead matte of Posidonia oceanica. • Yachting is strongly suspected of being the vector of introduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]