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Papers by prost michel
Annales de démographie historique
This article examines the descendants of four cohorts of couples formed in the seventeenth and ei... more This article examines the descendants of four cohorts of couples formed in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries (two cohorts in two French mountain valleys and one on the Ile-d'Orléans in Quebec). The children are separated into four categories according to their fate (deceased while still unmarried, unknown fate, married but childless, "useful children"). "Useful children", a concept used in population genetics, are those who in turn bear children. In all three places, the useful children represent only from 26 to 31% of births. The study goes on to measure the contributions made by these couples to the next generation. In the mean, each couple gave birth to little over one useful child. But the contributions of couples turns out to be very unequal. Depending on the place, from 36 to 53% of couples left no useful children behind them, while a small minority of couples made an ample contribution to the next generation. The same measure is reproduced in the constitution of the next generation, thereby showing that inequality of couples in terms of reproduction is perpetuated.
Les populations montagnardes du Dauphiné ont, de la période pré-romaine jusqu'au milieu du Moyen ... more Les populations montagnardes du Dauphiné ont, de la période pré-romaine jusqu'au milieu du Moyen Age, évolué dans un relatif confinement interne. Durant un long intervalle allant du 13 e jusqu'au milieu du 20 e siècle, les historiens mettent en exergue le fait que les patronymes portés par les autochtones se retrouvent quasiment sans déformation et spécifiquement dans chacune des vallées. Ces conjectures et constatations inclinent à penser que dans cette partie des Alpes, le peuplement d'origine a évolué selon un mode de spéciations plus ou moins avéré. Au moyen de 80000 unions prises dans une centaine de communautés durant le continuum 1570 -1943, plusieurs indices de biodémographie sont évalués. L'apparentement, l'endogamie de paroisse et de massif sont quantifiées. Les échanges matrimoniaux, que nous qualifions de migrations, qui se sont produits entre les différentes populations sont aussi mesurés. On a déterminé ensuite si la nature de l'écosystème avait un impact sur les différents indices établis. En ce qui concerne les échanges de conjoints, on découvre que les Dauphinois privilégient l'endogamie locale. 3/5 des unions se réalisent entre époux d'une même paroisse et 90% entre personnes d'un même massif. En revanche, les échanges inter-massifs sont négligeables, moins de 2%. En dépit d'une forte endogamie géographique, le niveau d'apparentement n'est guère considérable, cela semble dû aux tailles des populations respectives. Quant à l'écosystème, chacun des paramètres interagit spécifiquement: l'apparentement est dépendant de l'altitude, l'endogamie géographique est davantage corrélée à la superficie et la diversité patronymique à l'isolement géographique.
Food Chemistry, 2016
Extraction of bioactives is a cause of structural changes in these molecules. In this work, the b... more Extraction of bioactives is a cause of structural changes in these molecules. In this work, the bioactivity of commercial natural β-carotenes, one softly extracted without heat-assistance from Momordica cochinchinensis (BCG), one conventionally extracted from another natural source (BCC), and a synthetic one (BCS), was assessed during an additional heat-treatment mimicking formulation. Their antioxidant activities were evaluated after heat-treatment at different concentrations through hemolysis of horse red blood cells. The thermal 15-cis-isomerization of β-carotene, characterized by DAD-HPLC, resulted in a 2.5- to 4.8-fold increase in the anti-hemolytic effect but this was undetected in chemical assay, at 4μM. At 100μM, BCC lost its antioxidant properties and became pro-oxidant. This effect might be caused by long-chain-oxidized-products of BCC. Results demonstrated that a short heat-treatment improves the bioactivity of β-carotene but longer treatments made BCC prooxidant, showing that samples that underwent drastic extraction processes could not tolerate additional steps for functional food production.
International Journal of Anthropology, 2005
The limitations of the isonymic method. From the model to an actual application on a computerized... more The limitations of the isonymic method. From the model to an actual application on a computerized population register (Vallouise 1350-1899) By means of a computerized population register integrating all the genealogies of a population of the French Alps from 1350 to the present time, we confront the theoretical concept of isonymy with observed reality. Born of the models of population genetics, isonymy allows an assessment of the average degree of kinship in a population as a result of unions of couples with the same surname. The simplicity of usage is only in appearance, since the process is upset by six hypotheses that are rarely verified. We are studying all the reservations one by one and only retain the suitable marriages as from 2,227, marriages appearing in the 19th century census. Originally, we have observed 168 couples bearing the same surname, yet only 39 actually correspond to the methodological criteria. Finally, many lessons are drawn from this study. This mountain example shows that where family kinship is concerned, there is always a remote, very remote component of this parameter. Despite our selection, assessment on the basis of isonymy turns out to be really much more important than the one established through genealogies. In the final analysis, before undertaking any research on isonymy, it is useful to carry out a precise study of the reference population, especially over a long period of time.
Revue Française des Laboratoires, 1998
L'homocyst~ine est un produit interm~diaire du mg~tabolisme de la m~thionine. L'augmentation mod~... more L'homocyst~ine est un produit interm~diaire du mg~tabolisme de la m~thionine. L'augmentation mod~r~e ou interm~diaire de la concentration totale en homocyst~ine circulante, d~tect~e dans les conditions basales ou apr~s le test de surcharge orale en m~thionine, est maintenant reconnue comme un facteur de risque important des maladies cardiovasculaires et des thromboses, chez les femmes comme chez les hommes, au m~me titre que les facteurs de risques conventionnels. L'hyperhomocyst~in~mie, qui d~pend d'une inhibition de la voie de rem~thylation, d'une inhibition ou d'une saturation de la voie de transsulfuration, r~sulte d'une altg~ration de la r~gulation coordonn~e du m~tabolisme de l'homocyst~ine par la S-ad~nosylm~thionine. Bien que la contribution de l'exc@s alimentaire en prot~ines animales riches en m~thionine n'ait jusqu'~ present pas ~t~ syst~matiquement envisag~e, la d~ficience acquise en folates associ~e ou non ~ la mutation thermolabile de la NS,1°-m~thyl~ne -t~trahydrofolate r~ductase mais aussi la d~ficience en vitamine B 6 semblent intervenir de far, on majeure dans l'augmentation du risque cardiovasculaire li~e ~ l'hyper-homocyst~in~mie. Le traitement par l'acide folique permet la r~duction de l'hyperhomocyst~in~mie d~tect~e dans les conditions basales ou apr@s le test de surcharge en m~thionine. La suppl~mentation en pyridoxine peut ~galement r~duire l'hyperhomocyst~in~mie d~tect~e lors de la surcharge en m~thionine alors que l'administration de cyanocobalamine est seulement utile Iors d'une d~ficience en cobalamine. Des travaux sont maintenant n~cessaires afin de d~terminer l'efficacit~ clinique d'un traitement par l'acide folique associ~ ou non avec les vitamines B 6 et B~2 dans la r~duction du risque cardiovasculaire ou -dans la prevention des d~sordres vasculaires li~s l'hyperhomocyst~in~mie.
1987 IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference. Digest of Technical Papers, 1987
An ECL compatible SRAM that attains rise and fall times of 200ps with a power consumtpion of 210m... more An ECL compatible SRAM that attains rise and fall times of 200ps with a power consumtpion of 210mW will be described. Word line clamping and data bus delay reduction allow control of the access time in spite of threshold voltage varation of 90mV.
Journal of Biological Research - Bollettino della Società Italiana di Biologia Sperimentale, 2013
Not available.
Steroids, Jan 12, 2015
In demyelinating or non-demyelinating neurodegenerative diseases, increased levels of 7-ketochole... more In demyelinating or non-demyelinating neurodegenerative diseases, increased levels of 7-ketocholesterol (7KC), 7β-hydroxycholesterol (7β-OHC) and 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol (24S-OHC) can be observed in brain lesions. In 158N murine oligodendrocytes, 7KC triggers a complex mode of cell death defined as oxiapoptophagy, involving simultaneous oxidative stress, apoptosis and autophagy. In these cells, 7KC as well as 7β-OHC and 24S-OHC induce a decrease of cell proliferation evaluated by phase contrast microscopy, an alteration of mitochondrial activity quantified with the MTT test, an overproduction of reactive oxygen species revealed by staining with dihydroethidium and dihydrorhodamine 123, caspase-3 activation, PARP degradation, reduced expression of Bcl-2, and condensation and/or fragmentation of the nuclei which are typical criteria of oxidative stress and apoptosis. Moreover, 7KC, 7β-OHC and 24S-OHC promote conversion of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3-I) to LC3-II...
International Journal of Anthropology, 1996
An exhaustive analysis of registers of births, deaths, and marriages is used to reconstitute gene... more An exhaustive analysis of registers of births, deaths, and marriages is used to reconstitute genealogies, both ascending and descending, for all individuals who lived in two mountain valleys: the Valserine valley (in the French Jura), which is studied from the end of the seventeenth century to the present, and the Vallouise valley (in the French Alps) studied from the seventeenth to the nieteenth centuries. This genealogical approach makes it possible to trace the reproductive process in the populations whose members lived in the valley for several generations. The Vallouise valley forms an important demographic isolate; nearly 98 per cent of those born between 1820 and 1849 were descendants of ancestors who had lived in the valley two centuries earlier. By contrast, there has been continuous immigration into the Valserine valley, which has resulted in a constant renewal of the gene pool. Only 18 per cent of the gene pool of individuals living in this valley two centuries later was ...
Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 2003
Antioxidant ability of gallic acid (GA) are determined both by electron spin resonance measuremen... more Antioxidant ability of gallic acid (GA) are determined both by electron spin resonance measurement of long-lived radicals produced in g-ray irradiated Syrian golden hamster embryo cells with GA and by hemolysis measurement with GA when blood cells are submitted to radicals. Scavenging properties of GA are determined by the reaction rate constant with long-lived mutagenic radicals in the cells while the blood test allows to analyze the global effects of this compound: radical scavenger+metal ion chelator+regeneration of intra-and extra-cellular antioxidant. r
Physiologia Plantarum, 1992
Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 2012
While the cardioprotective effect of moderate and regular wine consumption in primary prevention ... more While the cardioprotective effect of moderate and regular wine consumption in primary prevention has been well documented, the goal of the present investigation was to explore the effect of wine intake on blood parameters (lipid, anti-oxidant capacity, and erythrocyte membrane potential and fluidity) in post myocardial infarct patients to evaluate perspectives in secondary prevention. A clinical intervention trial has been undertaken on a group of selected post myocardial infarct patients who gave written informed consent for participation in this study prior to enrolment. This two-week study has been conducted on hospitalized patients during a cardiac readaptation period. During this period, patients were submitted to a ''Western prudent'' diet (inspired by the Mediterranean diet) and two groups have been compared on a drawn basis: patients receiving red wine (250 mL daily) to patients receiving water. Physical, clinical, and blood parameters were evaluated on Days 1 and 14. The data show a positive effect of low wine consumption on blood parameters (decrease in total cholesterol and LDL; increase in erythrocyte membrane fluidity and antioxidant status). The results show that a moderate consumption of red wine even for a short period associated with a ''Western prudent'' diet improves various blood parameters in lipid and anti-oxidative status in patients with previous coronary ischemic accidents.
Laboratory Investigation, 2001
Based on recent retrospective, prospective, and experimental studies, mild to moderate elevation ... more Based on recent retrospective, prospective, and experimental studies, mild to moderate elevation of fasting or postmethionine-load plasma homocysteine is accepted as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and thrombosis in both men and women. Hyperhomocysteinemia results from an inhibition of the remethylation pathway or from an inhibition or a saturation of the transsulfuration pathway of homocysteine metabolism. The involvement of a high dietary intake of methionine-rich animal proteins has not yet been investigated and cannot be ruled out. However, folate deficiency, either associated or not associated with the thermolabile mutation of the N 5,10 -methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, and vitamin B 6 deficiency, perhaps associated with cystathionine -synthase defects or with methionine excess, are believed to be major determinants of the increased risk of cardiovascular disease related to hyperhomocysteinemia. Recent experimental studies have suggested that moderately elevated homocysteine levels are a causal risk factor for atherothrombotic disease because they affect both the vascular wall structure and the blood coagulation system. The oxidant stress that results from impaired homocysteine metabolism, which modifies the intracellular redox status, might play a central role in the molecular mechanisms underlying moderate hyperhomocysteinemia-mediated vascular disorders. Because folate supplementation can efficiently reduce plasma homocysteine levels, both in the fasting state and after methionine loading, results from further prospective cohort studies and from on-going interventional trials will determine whether homocysteine-lowering therapies can contribute to the prevention and reduction of cardiovascular risk. Additionally, these studies will provide unequivocal arguments for the independent and causal relationship between hyperhomocysteinemia and atherothrombotic disease. (Lab Invest 2001, 81:645-672).
Journal of Biosocial Science, 2005
As part of a survey of the biological history of Alpine populations, the lineages of all the fami... more As part of a survey of the biological history of Alpine populations, the lineages of all the families of the Vallouise valley (a French ‘department’ of the Hautes Alpes) have been reconstructed over several centuries. The genealogies have been included in a computerized population record, known as ‘Vallouise in the Briançon area (14th–20th centuries)’, using the French–Canadian programme Analypop. Most of the professions of the family heads were included in the files. In this study, various profession groups were identified and their descents determined over successive generations. In this mountain area, where over 92% of marriages took place among relatives during the 19th century, the profession groups modulated their descents according to chosen strategies, sometimes with considerable differences among groups but with a remarkable consistency of behaviour. Moreover, there was weak interpenetration in the descents of each profession at both the 2nd and 3rd generations.
International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, 2005
Assessment of the antioxidant activity of vitamins and other compounds is of interest in the unde... more Assessment of the antioxidant activity of vitamins and other compounds is of interest in the understanding of their in vivo effects. In this study, we have investigated the activity of several lipid and water-soluble vitamins in human whole blood. Measurements were carried out using a biological test that enables the evaluation of both red blood cells and plasma resistance against free radical activity induced by 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane)hydrochloride (AAPH). Antioxidant activity of vitamins has been determined by using the biological test versus chemical methods (chemiluminescence, DMPD radical). We have observed strong antioxidant potentials for vitamins B6 and B9 with biological tests, but not with chemical methods. At 10 μM, the vitamin B9 efficiency in inhibiting radical-induced red blood cell hemolysis was almost three times higher than vitamin C efficiency and two times higher than α-tocopherol efficiency. Antioxidant activity was not observed for vitamins B1 or B2, ...
Human Biology, 2005
Sociocultural factors play a crucial role in the variation of consanguinity in a population. The ... more Sociocultural factors play a crucial role in the variation of consanguinity in a population. The choice of specific matrimonial strategies can favor the closure or opening of the group to the outside, whereas differential fertility affects the gene flow from one generation to another. In the present study we analyzed the role of socioprofessional groups in the maintenance of endogamy and consanguinity in a French Alpine valley: Vallouise in the Briançon area. In mountain environments, where the reproductive space is limited and quickly saturated, the autochthonous families adopt diversified matrimonial strategies. These marriage practices tend to prevent fragmentation of agricultural property. We analyzed the matrimonial behavior in the two main social groups of this population (décideurs and farmers) from 1550 to 1849. To better understand the behavior of the two social groups, we considered the two components of consanguinity, close and distant. Our study showed that the two groups had similar behavior regarding consanguinity. The way to prevent fragmentation of the patrimony was to choose a consanguineous spouse. This type of strategy inevitably leads to a high percentage of endogamy, which in this region of the Alps exceeded 90% through many centuries.
Human Biology, 2002
The present study considers the evolution of consanguinity in the Vallouise, a high glacial valle... more The present study considers the evolution of consanguinity in the Vallouise, a high glacial valley in the French Alps. The genealogical method was used to estimate consanguinity in this Alpine population from the 17th to the 19th centuries. This method was then compared with three other methods used to measure consanguinity. The results indicate that while consanguinity increased through time (marriage dispensations and genealogies), the structural consanguinity (isonymy) was very stable throughout the entire period.
Annales de démographie historique
This article examines the descendants of four cohorts of couples formed in the seventeenth and ei... more This article examines the descendants of four cohorts of couples formed in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries (two cohorts in two French mountain valleys and one on the Ile-d'Orléans in Quebec). The children are separated into four categories according to their fate (deceased while still unmarried, unknown fate, married but childless, "useful children"). "Useful children", a concept used in population genetics, are those who in turn bear children. In all three places, the useful children represent only from 26 to 31% of births. The study goes on to measure the contributions made by these couples to the next generation. In the mean, each couple gave birth to little over one useful child. But the contributions of couples turns out to be very unequal. Depending on the place, from 36 to 53% of couples left no useful children behind them, while a small minority of couples made an ample contribution to the next generation. The same measure is reproduced in the constitution of the next generation, thereby showing that inequality of couples in terms of reproduction is perpetuated.
Les populations montagnardes du Dauphiné ont, de la période pré-romaine jusqu'au milieu du Moyen ... more Les populations montagnardes du Dauphiné ont, de la période pré-romaine jusqu'au milieu du Moyen Age, évolué dans un relatif confinement interne. Durant un long intervalle allant du 13 e jusqu'au milieu du 20 e siècle, les historiens mettent en exergue le fait que les patronymes portés par les autochtones se retrouvent quasiment sans déformation et spécifiquement dans chacune des vallées. Ces conjectures et constatations inclinent à penser que dans cette partie des Alpes, le peuplement d'origine a évolué selon un mode de spéciations plus ou moins avéré. Au moyen de 80000 unions prises dans une centaine de communautés durant le continuum 1570 -1943, plusieurs indices de biodémographie sont évalués. L'apparentement, l'endogamie de paroisse et de massif sont quantifiées. Les échanges matrimoniaux, que nous qualifions de migrations, qui se sont produits entre les différentes populations sont aussi mesurés. On a déterminé ensuite si la nature de l'écosystème avait un impact sur les différents indices établis. En ce qui concerne les échanges de conjoints, on découvre que les Dauphinois privilégient l'endogamie locale. 3/5 des unions se réalisent entre époux d'une même paroisse et 90% entre personnes d'un même massif. En revanche, les échanges inter-massifs sont négligeables, moins de 2%. En dépit d'une forte endogamie géographique, le niveau d'apparentement n'est guère considérable, cela semble dû aux tailles des populations respectives. Quant à l'écosystème, chacun des paramètres interagit spécifiquement: l'apparentement est dépendant de l'altitude, l'endogamie géographique est davantage corrélée à la superficie et la diversité patronymique à l'isolement géographique.
Food Chemistry, 2016
Extraction of bioactives is a cause of structural changes in these molecules. In this work, the b... more Extraction of bioactives is a cause of structural changes in these molecules. In this work, the bioactivity of commercial natural β-carotenes, one softly extracted without heat-assistance from Momordica cochinchinensis (BCG), one conventionally extracted from another natural source (BCC), and a synthetic one (BCS), was assessed during an additional heat-treatment mimicking formulation. Their antioxidant activities were evaluated after heat-treatment at different concentrations through hemolysis of horse red blood cells. The thermal 15-cis-isomerization of β-carotene, characterized by DAD-HPLC, resulted in a 2.5- to 4.8-fold increase in the anti-hemolytic effect but this was undetected in chemical assay, at 4μM. At 100μM, BCC lost its antioxidant properties and became pro-oxidant. This effect might be caused by long-chain-oxidized-products of BCC. Results demonstrated that a short heat-treatment improves the bioactivity of β-carotene but longer treatments made BCC prooxidant, showing that samples that underwent drastic extraction processes could not tolerate additional steps for functional food production.
International Journal of Anthropology, 2005
The limitations of the isonymic method. From the model to an actual application on a computerized... more The limitations of the isonymic method. From the model to an actual application on a computerized population register (Vallouise 1350-1899) By means of a computerized population register integrating all the genealogies of a population of the French Alps from 1350 to the present time, we confront the theoretical concept of isonymy with observed reality. Born of the models of population genetics, isonymy allows an assessment of the average degree of kinship in a population as a result of unions of couples with the same surname. The simplicity of usage is only in appearance, since the process is upset by six hypotheses that are rarely verified. We are studying all the reservations one by one and only retain the suitable marriages as from 2,227, marriages appearing in the 19th century census. Originally, we have observed 168 couples bearing the same surname, yet only 39 actually correspond to the methodological criteria. Finally, many lessons are drawn from this study. This mountain example shows that where family kinship is concerned, there is always a remote, very remote component of this parameter. Despite our selection, assessment on the basis of isonymy turns out to be really much more important than the one established through genealogies. In the final analysis, before undertaking any research on isonymy, it is useful to carry out a precise study of the reference population, especially over a long period of time.
Revue Française des Laboratoires, 1998
L'homocyst~ine est un produit interm~diaire du mg~tabolisme de la m~thionine. L'augmentation mod~... more L'homocyst~ine est un produit interm~diaire du mg~tabolisme de la m~thionine. L'augmentation mod~r~e ou interm~diaire de la concentration totale en homocyst~ine circulante, d~tect~e dans les conditions basales ou apr~s le test de surcharge orale en m~thionine, est maintenant reconnue comme un facteur de risque important des maladies cardiovasculaires et des thromboses, chez les femmes comme chez les hommes, au m~me titre que les facteurs de risques conventionnels. L'hyperhomocyst~in~mie, qui d~pend d'une inhibition de la voie de rem~thylation, d'une inhibition ou d'une saturation de la voie de transsulfuration, r~sulte d'une altg~ration de la r~gulation coordonn~e du m~tabolisme de l'homocyst~ine par la S-ad~nosylm~thionine. Bien que la contribution de l'exc@s alimentaire en prot~ines animales riches en m~thionine n'ait jusqu'~ present pas ~t~ syst~matiquement envisag~e, la d~ficience acquise en folates associ~e ou non ~ la mutation thermolabile de la NS,1°-m~thyl~ne -t~trahydrofolate r~ductase mais aussi la d~ficience en vitamine B 6 semblent intervenir de far, on majeure dans l'augmentation du risque cardiovasculaire li~e ~ l'hyper-homocyst~in~mie. Le traitement par l'acide folique permet la r~duction de l'hyperhomocyst~in~mie d~tect~e dans les conditions basales ou apr@s le test de surcharge en m~thionine. La suppl~mentation en pyridoxine peut ~galement r~duire l'hyperhomocyst~in~mie d~tect~e lors de la surcharge en m~thionine alors que l'administration de cyanocobalamine est seulement utile Iors d'une d~ficience en cobalamine. Des travaux sont maintenant n~cessaires afin de d~terminer l'efficacit~ clinique d'un traitement par l'acide folique associ~ ou non avec les vitamines B 6 et B~2 dans la r~duction du risque cardiovasculaire ou -dans la prevention des d~sordres vasculaires li~s l'hyperhomocyst~in~mie.
1987 IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference. Digest of Technical Papers, 1987
An ECL compatible SRAM that attains rise and fall times of 200ps with a power consumtpion of 210m... more An ECL compatible SRAM that attains rise and fall times of 200ps with a power consumtpion of 210mW will be described. Word line clamping and data bus delay reduction allow control of the access time in spite of threshold voltage varation of 90mV.
Journal of Biological Research - Bollettino della Società Italiana di Biologia Sperimentale, 2013
Not available.
Steroids, Jan 12, 2015
In demyelinating or non-demyelinating neurodegenerative diseases, increased levels of 7-ketochole... more In demyelinating or non-demyelinating neurodegenerative diseases, increased levels of 7-ketocholesterol (7KC), 7β-hydroxycholesterol (7β-OHC) and 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol (24S-OHC) can be observed in brain lesions. In 158N murine oligodendrocytes, 7KC triggers a complex mode of cell death defined as oxiapoptophagy, involving simultaneous oxidative stress, apoptosis and autophagy. In these cells, 7KC as well as 7β-OHC and 24S-OHC induce a decrease of cell proliferation evaluated by phase contrast microscopy, an alteration of mitochondrial activity quantified with the MTT test, an overproduction of reactive oxygen species revealed by staining with dihydroethidium and dihydrorhodamine 123, caspase-3 activation, PARP degradation, reduced expression of Bcl-2, and condensation and/or fragmentation of the nuclei which are typical criteria of oxidative stress and apoptosis. Moreover, 7KC, 7β-OHC and 24S-OHC promote conversion of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3-I) to LC3-II...
International Journal of Anthropology, 1996
An exhaustive analysis of registers of births, deaths, and marriages is used to reconstitute gene... more An exhaustive analysis of registers of births, deaths, and marriages is used to reconstitute genealogies, both ascending and descending, for all individuals who lived in two mountain valleys: the Valserine valley (in the French Jura), which is studied from the end of the seventeenth century to the present, and the Vallouise valley (in the French Alps) studied from the seventeenth to the nieteenth centuries. This genealogical approach makes it possible to trace the reproductive process in the populations whose members lived in the valley for several generations. The Vallouise valley forms an important demographic isolate; nearly 98 per cent of those born between 1820 and 1849 were descendants of ancestors who had lived in the valley two centuries earlier. By contrast, there has been continuous immigration into the Valserine valley, which has resulted in a constant renewal of the gene pool. Only 18 per cent of the gene pool of individuals living in this valley two centuries later was ...
Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 2003
Antioxidant ability of gallic acid (GA) are determined both by electron spin resonance measuremen... more Antioxidant ability of gallic acid (GA) are determined both by electron spin resonance measurement of long-lived radicals produced in g-ray irradiated Syrian golden hamster embryo cells with GA and by hemolysis measurement with GA when blood cells are submitted to radicals. Scavenging properties of GA are determined by the reaction rate constant with long-lived mutagenic radicals in the cells while the blood test allows to analyze the global effects of this compound: radical scavenger+metal ion chelator+regeneration of intra-and extra-cellular antioxidant. r
Physiologia Plantarum, 1992
Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 2012
While the cardioprotective effect of moderate and regular wine consumption in primary prevention ... more While the cardioprotective effect of moderate and regular wine consumption in primary prevention has been well documented, the goal of the present investigation was to explore the effect of wine intake on blood parameters (lipid, anti-oxidant capacity, and erythrocyte membrane potential and fluidity) in post myocardial infarct patients to evaluate perspectives in secondary prevention. A clinical intervention trial has been undertaken on a group of selected post myocardial infarct patients who gave written informed consent for participation in this study prior to enrolment. This two-week study has been conducted on hospitalized patients during a cardiac readaptation period. During this period, patients were submitted to a ''Western prudent'' diet (inspired by the Mediterranean diet) and two groups have been compared on a drawn basis: patients receiving red wine (250 mL daily) to patients receiving water. Physical, clinical, and blood parameters were evaluated on Days 1 and 14. The data show a positive effect of low wine consumption on blood parameters (decrease in total cholesterol and LDL; increase in erythrocyte membrane fluidity and antioxidant status). The results show that a moderate consumption of red wine even for a short period associated with a ''Western prudent'' diet improves various blood parameters in lipid and anti-oxidative status in patients with previous coronary ischemic accidents.
Laboratory Investigation, 2001
Based on recent retrospective, prospective, and experimental studies, mild to moderate elevation ... more Based on recent retrospective, prospective, and experimental studies, mild to moderate elevation of fasting or postmethionine-load plasma homocysteine is accepted as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and thrombosis in both men and women. Hyperhomocysteinemia results from an inhibition of the remethylation pathway or from an inhibition or a saturation of the transsulfuration pathway of homocysteine metabolism. The involvement of a high dietary intake of methionine-rich animal proteins has not yet been investigated and cannot be ruled out. However, folate deficiency, either associated or not associated with the thermolabile mutation of the N 5,10 -methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, and vitamin B 6 deficiency, perhaps associated with cystathionine -synthase defects or with methionine excess, are believed to be major determinants of the increased risk of cardiovascular disease related to hyperhomocysteinemia. Recent experimental studies have suggested that moderately elevated homocysteine levels are a causal risk factor for atherothrombotic disease because they affect both the vascular wall structure and the blood coagulation system. The oxidant stress that results from impaired homocysteine metabolism, which modifies the intracellular redox status, might play a central role in the molecular mechanisms underlying moderate hyperhomocysteinemia-mediated vascular disorders. Because folate supplementation can efficiently reduce plasma homocysteine levels, both in the fasting state and after methionine loading, results from further prospective cohort studies and from on-going interventional trials will determine whether homocysteine-lowering therapies can contribute to the prevention and reduction of cardiovascular risk. Additionally, these studies will provide unequivocal arguments for the independent and causal relationship between hyperhomocysteinemia and atherothrombotic disease. (Lab Invest 2001, 81:645-672).
Journal of Biosocial Science, 2005
As part of a survey of the biological history of Alpine populations, the lineages of all the fami... more As part of a survey of the biological history of Alpine populations, the lineages of all the families of the Vallouise valley (a French ‘department’ of the Hautes Alpes) have been reconstructed over several centuries. The genealogies have been included in a computerized population record, known as ‘Vallouise in the Briançon area (14th–20th centuries)’, using the French–Canadian programme Analypop. Most of the professions of the family heads were included in the files. In this study, various profession groups were identified and their descents determined over successive generations. In this mountain area, where over 92% of marriages took place among relatives during the 19th century, the profession groups modulated their descents according to chosen strategies, sometimes with considerable differences among groups but with a remarkable consistency of behaviour. Moreover, there was weak interpenetration in the descents of each profession at both the 2nd and 3rd generations.
International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, 2005
Assessment of the antioxidant activity of vitamins and other compounds is of interest in the unde... more Assessment of the antioxidant activity of vitamins and other compounds is of interest in the understanding of their in vivo effects. In this study, we have investigated the activity of several lipid and water-soluble vitamins in human whole blood. Measurements were carried out using a biological test that enables the evaluation of both red blood cells and plasma resistance against free radical activity induced by 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane)hydrochloride (AAPH). Antioxidant activity of vitamins has been determined by using the biological test versus chemical methods (chemiluminescence, DMPD radical). We have observed strong antioxidant potentials for vitamins B6 and B9 with biological tests, but not with chemical methods. At 10 μM, the vitamin B9 efficiency in inhibiting radical-induced red blood cell hemolysis was almost three times higher than vitamin C efficiency and two times higher than α-tocopherol efficiency. Antioxidant activity was not observed for vitamins B1 or B2, ...
Human Biology, 2005
Sociocultural factors play a crucial role in the variation of consanguinity in a population. The ... more Sociocultural factors play a crucial role in the variation of consanguinity in a population. The choice of specific matrimonial strategies can favor the closure or opening of the group to the outside, whereas differential fertility affects the gene flow from one generation to another. In the present study we analyzed the role of socioprofessional groups in the maintenance of endogamy and consanguinity in a French Alpine valley: Vallouise in the Briançon area. In mountain environments, where the reproductive space is limited and quickly saturated, the autochthonous families adopt diversified matrimonial strategies. These marriage practices tend to prevent fragmentation of agricultural property. We analyzed the matrimonial behavior in the two main social groups of this population (décideurs and farmers) from 1550 to 1849. To better understand the behavior of the two social groups, we considered the two components of consanguinity, close and distant. Our study showed that the two groups had similar behavior regarding consanguinity. The way to prevent fragmentation of the patrimony was to choose a consanguineous spouse. This type of strategy inevitably leads to a high percentage of endogamy, which in this region of the Alps exceeded 90% through many centuries.
Human Biology, 2002
The present study considers the evolution of consanguinity in the Vallouise, a high glacial valle... more The present study considers the evolution of consanguinity in the Vallouise, a high glacial valley in the French Alps. The genealogical method was used to estimate consanguinity in this Alpine population from the 17th to the 19th centuries. This method was then compared with three other methods used to measure consanguinity. The results indicate that while consanguinity increased through time (marriage dispensations and genealogies), the structural consanguinity (isonymy) was very stable throughout the entire period.