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Background Beside botulinum-toxin injections and hyaluronic acid fillers, thread lifts have established themselves as the third column of minimally invasive facial rejuvenation. Most commonly, barbed threads for this approach are made out of polydioxanone, a material known for decades from application in resorbable sutures. The clinical efficacy and the putative material safety of polydioxanone have fueled the popularity of thread lifts. Methods The present study highlights significant variation among six commercially available threads in microstructure, tensile strength, elasticity, anchoring capacity in human tissue, and biocompatibility. Results Despite their license to be marketed and sold in the European Union, some products performed significantly worse than others on material testing, and even displayed cytotoxic characteristics. Conclusion The results of this study are highly relevant for clinicians and may be linked to various typical side effects of polydioxanone threads for facial rejuvenation.

In this article, the existence, stability and bifurcation structure of time-periodic solutions (including ones that also have the property of spatial localization, i.e., breathers) are studied in an array of cantilevers that have magnetic tips. The repelling magnetic tips are responsible for the intersite nonlinearity of the system, whereas the cantilevers are responsible for the onsite (potentially nonlinear) force. The relevant model is of the mixed Fermi-Pasta-Ulam-Tsingou and Klein-Gordon type with both damping and driving. In the case of base excitation, we provide experimental results to validate the model. In particular, we identify regions of bistability in the model and in the experiment, which agree with minimal tuning of the system parameters. We carry out additional numerical explorations in order to contrast the base excitation problem with the boundary excitation problem and the problem with a single mass defect. We find that the base excitation problem is more stable than the boundary excitation problem and that breathers are possible in the defect system. The effect of an onsite nonlinearity is also considered, where it is shown that bistability is possible for both softening and hardening cubic nonlinearities.

Different regenerative medicine approaches for tendon healing exist. Recently, especially gene therapy gained popularity. However, potential mutagenic and immunologic effects might prevent its translation to clinical research. Chemically modified mRNA (cmRNA) might bypass these limitations of gene therapy. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the early healing properties of Achilles tendon defects in rats treated with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) cmRNA. Forty male Lewis rats were used for the study and randomly assigned to two study groups: (1) treatment with cmRNA coding for bFGF and (2) noncoding cmRNA control. Protein expression was measured using in vivo bioluminescence imaging at 24, 48, and 72 h, as well as 14 days. Animals were euthanized 2 weeks following surgery. Biomechanical, histological, and immunohistological analyses were performed with the significance level set at p 0.05. Protein expression was evident for 3 days. At 14 days, bioluminescence imaging revealed only little protein expression. Biomechanically, tendons treated with bFGF cmRNA showed a construct stiffness closer to the healthy contralateral side when compared with the control group (p = 0.034), without any significant differences in terms of load to failure. Hematoxylin and eosin staining detected no side effects of the treatment, as signs of inflammation, or necrosis. Furthermore, it revealed the shape of the nuclei to be more oval in the bFGF group in the tendon midsubstance (p = 0.043) with a reduced cell count (p = 0.035). Immunohistological staining for type I, II, III, and IV collagen did not differ significantly between the two groups. In conclusion, this pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of a novel messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapy for Achilles tendon defects using chemically modified mRNA coding for bFGF.

Biocompatible bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) shows high potential as wound dressing and dura mater replacement, and even for the development of blood vessel or cartilage implants. Thus, the regenerative capacity of BNC implants was analyzed using a standardized bovine cartilage punch model. Cartilage rings with an outer diameter of 6 mm and an inner defect diameter of 2 mm were derived from the trochlear groove (femur-patellar articulation site). BNC implants were cultured inside the cartilage rings for up to 12 weeks. Cartilage-BNC-constructs were then evaluated by histology (hematoxylin/eosin; safranin O), immunohistology (aggrecan, collagens 1 and 2), and for protein content, mRNA expression, and push-out force of the implants. Cartilage-BNC-constructs displayed vital chondrocytes (≥ 90% until week 9; > 80% until 12 weeks), preserved matrix integrity during culture, limited loss of matrix-bound proteoglycan from ‘host’ cartilage or cartilage-BNC-interface, and constant release of proteoglycans into the culture supernatant. In addition, the content of the matrix protein collagen 2 in cartilage and cartilage-BNC-interface was approximately constant over time (with very limited quantities of collagen 1). Interestingly, BNC implants showed: (1) cell colonization of the implant; (2) progressively increasing mRNA levels for the proteoglycan aggrecan and collagen 2 (max. fivefold); and (3) significantly increasing push-out forces during culture (max. 1.6-fold). Retained tissue integrity and progressively increasing chondrogenic differentiation in implant and cartilage-implant-interface suggest beginning cartilage regeneration in the BNC in the present model and indicate a high potential of BNC as a cartilage replacement material. Thus, the present model appears suitable to predict the in vivo performance of cartilage replacement materials (e.g., BNC) for tissue engineering.

Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) shows high biocompatibility as wound dressing or dura mater, blood vessel, and cartilage implant. Three-dimensional perforation (3-D-∅) favors migration of chondrocytes into the BNC and cartilage matrix formation. Thus, the regenerative capacity of 3-D-∅ BNC implants was tested in a standardized bovine cartilage punch model. Cartilage rings containing a central defect with an outer diameter of 6 mm and an inner diameter of 2 mm were prepared from the trochlear groove (femur-patellar articulation site). Three-D-∅ BNC implants (cell-free or cell-loaded) were cultured inside the cartilage rings for up to 12 weeks. Cartilage-BNC-constructs were then investigated by histology (hematoxylin/eosin; safranin O) and immunohistology (aggrecan, collagens 1 and 2), as well as for protein content, RNA expression, and implant push-out force. Cartilage-BNC-constructs remained vital with preserved matrix integrity during culture and almost no loss of matrix-bound proteoglycan (aggrecan) or collagen 2 from ‘host’ cartilage (with very limited quantities of collagen 1). Interestingly, 3-D-∅ BNC implants displayed: (1) significantly increased superficial, but also 3-D cell seeding over time (cell-loaded significantly earlier than cell-free); (2) progressively increased aggrecan/collagen 1 and collagen 2/collagen 1 mRNA ratios, as well as aggrecan and collagen 2 protein levels; and (3) significantly increased push-out forces over time (cell-loaded). Progressively increasing cell seeding and chondrogenic differentiation suggest beginning cartilage regeneration of the 3-D-∅ BNC in this model system, and indicate an excellent potential of 3-D-∅ BNC as a cartilage replacement material. Cell-loading may favor implant performance by accelerating cell colonization.

De longue date, l’allaitement fait l’objet de débats qui ont une dimension politique, économique et socioculturelle. Aujourd’hui plus particulièrement, l’allaitement est situé au cœur des dispositifs de santé des organismes internationaux en matière de soins destinés aux nouveau-nés, mais aussi de santé maternelle. Il est un élément qui polarise les idéologies dans le débat public concernant les politiques de la famille et du travail féminin. Cette question occupe par ailleurs une place impor...

Cet ouvrage offre une mise en perspective des pratiques d’allaitement et de sevrage des nourrissons et des jeunes enfants, de la Préhistoire à nos jours. Plus qu’une histoire de l’allaitement, il dresse un bilan des savoirs les plus actuels autour de ces pratiques, depuis les premières minutes de vie jusqu’à l’abandon définitif du lait maternel. Un moment unique, un regard croisé sur les modes d’alimentation des tout-petits et leurs déterminants, cette thématique, qui implique tant les sciences humaines et sociales que les sciences médicales, est abordée dans une perspective diachronique, pluridisciplinaire et internationale. Les contributions réunies dans cet ouvrage vont au-delà des connaissances déjà produites par les historiens. S’appuyant sur d’autres sources documentaires, comme celles contenues dans les milliers de squelettes humains issus des fouilles archéologiques, et les techniques d’analyse du contenu chimique des ossements, il est désormais possible d’explorer le temps long, et de nuancer parfois les informations fournies par les textes anciens. Le large panorama ici retracé permet de conclure qu’au-delà des normes imposées par le discours médical ou militant, l’allaitement maternel n’a jamais été le mode d’alimentation exclusif des nourrissons. De tout temps et sous toutes les latitudes, les comportements d’allaitement ont été modelés par des facteurs physiologiques, psychologiques, familiaux, d’ordre social et économique au « sein » desquels les politiques de santé ont également tenté de s’imposer.

Dans le cadre d’un projet interdisciplinaire subventionné par le Fonds national de la recherche scientifique suisse, nous entamons une étude sur les représentations de l’allaitement dans l’art et la littérature médiévale (pour une présentation de ce projet, voir le chapitre 1 de la quatrième partie). La recherche sur les données factuelles et culturelles liées à la lactation et à l’alimentation des enfants en bas âge est un champ désormais reconnu. En ce qui concerne le Moyen Âge, les histori...

Voilà bien un livre qui aborde un sujet dont on aurait aimé avoir l’idée. En se proposant de consacrer une étude à la sainte simplicité dans la littérature religieuse de la France médiévale, Agata Sobczyk, qui a déjà publié un beau livre sur le roman idyllique (L’érotisme des adolescents dans la littérature française du Moyen Âge, Leuven, Peeters, 2008), semble avoir choisi un sujet de peu d’envergure, tant les livres de miracles et les recueils d’exempla sur lesquels elle s’appuie continuent...

Le Mesnagier de Paris propose dans sa premi��re partie une longue le��on d���ob��issance conjugale qui s���appuie sur de nombreux exemples. Cette riche collection inclut deux r��cits litt��raires plac��s en regard l���un de l���autre, �� l���ouverture et �� la cl��ture du chapitre. Leur analyse compar��e permet de mettre en ��vidence la subtilit�� de l���usage du r��cit exemplaire dont fait preuve l���auteur du trait��, mais aussi de pr��ciser la teneur de la logique argumentative qui r��git un tel miroir des ��pouses., The Mesnagier de Paris opens with a long lesson on conjugal duties which is based on numerous examples. This collection includes a chapter on obedience that contains, among others, the famous story of Griselidis and a tale taken from the Roman des Sept sages and known under the title ���Tentamina���. Their comparative analysis highlights how the author of the Mesnagier subtly manages to use exemplary narrative. It also shows how the layout of embedded stories reflects the harshness of his matrimonial doctrine.

Amie n’est fine ne pureKe ne se met en aventureE en perilus hardement S’ele aime del tut lealment Pulsion inquietante car souvent destructrice, le desir erotique fait l’objet d’une promotion remarquable dans la litterature medievale des le xiie siecle, notamment dans le sillage des poemes du grand chant courtois et sous l’influence des modeles transmis par l’œuvre d’Ovide. Ces accents lyriques se retrouvent dans les romans antiques et arthuriens et servent a exprimer le trouble delicieux et l...

Elastic and acoustic metamaterials can sculpt dispersion of waves through resonances. In turn, resonances can give rise to negative effective properties, usually localized around the resonance frequencies, which support band gaps at subwavelength frequencies (i.e., below the Bragg-scattering limit). However, the band gaps width correlates strongly with the resonators' mass and volume, which limits their functionality in applications. Trampoline phenomena have been numerically and experimentally shown to broaden the operational frequency ranges of two-dimensional, pillar-based metamaterials through perforation. In this work, we demonstrate trampoline phenomena in lightweight and planar lattices consisting of arrays of Archimedean spirals in unit cells. Spiral-based metamaterials have been shown to support different band gap opening mechanisms, namely, Bragg-scattering, local resonances and inertia amplification. Here, we numerically analyze and experimentally realize trampoline phenomena in planar metasurfaces for different lattice tessellations. Finally, we carry out a comparative study between trampoline pillars and spirals and show that trampoline spirals outperform the pillars in lightweight, compactness and operational bandwidth., 9 pages, 10 figures

La création artistique engage le corps et ses mouvements. Par la danse, la poésie, le cinéma, la musique, la peinture, l'artiste organise et rythme notre perception du monde. Cet ouvrage propose des réflexions sur la dynamique complexe des gestes de l'art, du Moyen Âge à l'époque contemporaine.

Background A substantial proportion of echinococcosis transmission to humans via contamination of food has been assumed. However, the relative importance of food as a transmission vehicle has previously been estimated through expert opinion rather than empirical data. Objective To find and evaluate empirical data that could be used to estimate the source attribution of echinococcosis, in particular the proportion that is transmitted through contaminated food. Methods A systematic review was undertaken to identify reports on the risk factors for human cystic (CE) and alveolar (AE) echinococcosis. Data bases searched included PubMed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, Cab Direct, Science Direct, Google Scholar, eLIBRARY.RU, CyberLeninka, CNKI and VIP. Search terms included Echinococc*, hydatid, epidemiology, logistic regression, risk factors, odds ratio, relative risk, risk factors. Reports, including grey literature where available, that had suitable data were selected and data were extracted. The main pathways of transmission were hypothesised to be contact with the definitive host, contaminated water, contaminated food and contaminated environment (other than food). For each study the attributable fraction for these potential sources of infection was calculated from the data presented. A meta-analysis was then undertaken to obtain pooled estimates for the relative contribution of these transmission pathways. Results Data from 28 cross-sectional studies and 14 case-control studies were extracted. There was strong evidence for transmission by direct contact with dogs for both CE and AE. The estimated attributable fractions were 26.1% (CI 13.8%-39.6%) and 34.4% (CI 20.7% -48.2%) respectively. Transmission through contaminated water was estimated to be responsible for approximately 29.4% (CI 12.1%-51.7%) for CE and 24.8% (CI 10.6% to 42.6%) for AE. Contaminated food may be responsible for approximately 23.4% of CE cases (CI 2.1%-47.3%). Globally, there was insufficient evidence to conclude AE can be transmitted by food, although case control studies from low human incidence areas suggested that possibly 32.5% (CI 10.0%-53.2%) could be transmitted by food. There was also insufficient evidence that direct contact with foxes was a significant source of human disease. There were no suitable studies with a risk of environmental contact reported, but the residual attributable fraction thatwould likely include this pathway was approximately 21.1% for CE and 11.1% for AE. Conclusions The results support the hypothesis that dog contact and drinking contaminated water are major pathways of transmission of both CE and AE. For contaminated food, the results are less consistent, but suggest that it is an important transmission pathway and provide better evidence than expert elicitations as previously used., Author summary Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis are zoonotic parasites that cause human cystic (CE) and alveolar (AE) echinococcosis, respectively: both diseases resulting in a substantial burden of disease. They are transmitted to humans via wild or domestic caniid definitive hosts. This study aimed at finding and evaluating the source attribution of echinococcosis and provides evidence that transmission by direct contact with the definitive hosts perhaps results in 26.1% and 34.4% cases of CE and AE, respectively. Indirect transmission by contaminated water may result in 29.4% and 24.8% of cases of CE and AE, respectively. There is evidence that indirect transmission through contaminated food may result in 23.4% of cases of CE globally. Contaminated food may result in 32.5% of cases of AE, but only in low incidence regions such as Europe. In areas of high human incidence such as China, the evidence for foodborne AE was not convincing. Other sources of transmission such as contact with a contaminated environment result in approximately 21.1% of CE cases and 11.1% of AE cases.

Pour ouvrir le présent ouvrage placé sous l’autorité de Paul Zumthor, nous proposons un rapide parcours dans l’œuvre du savant médiéviste passionné par la présence de la voix dans la poésie et par les expressions du corps et de ses mouvements dans le langage. Pour Zumthor, le geste répond à une norme de convenance plutôt qu’à une codification univoque ; il induit la performance de la poésie jusque dans les modes d’expression littéraires les plus éloignés de toute réalisation physique.

The aim of this study was to analyze cartilage creep and creep recovery after static and cyclic loading. Up to now technical limitations have hindered the measurement of creep recovery. For this reason, we developed a closed loop micro creep and creep-recovery indentation test system with active force control. Bovine osteochondral explants were tested under static (110 kPa) and cyclic (100 cycles, 350 kPa/35 kPa, 1 Hz) loading conditions and subsequently creep recovery was measured. The cartilage thickness was determined using needle indentation. For static loading, the creep and creep-recovery rates were significantly different during the first 60 seconds (p < 0.05). Cyclic loading was assessed for the medial and lateral patella and resulted in a physiological patellar cartilage strain of 7.7% ± 2.6% and 8.2% ± 2.7%, respectively. We recorded a creep recovery of 97.8% ± 2.1% for the medial and 98.3% ± 2.4% for the lateral patella. The advantage of this study over earlier in vitro studies is that we recorded creep-recovery profiles with an actively controlled setup. This allowed us to analyze creep recovery immediately after removing the creep load, in contrast to MRI-based in vivo studies. In future, the presented method will enable us to quantify spatial variations within articular joints.