Claire Médigue

Bio: Claire Médigue is an academic researcher from French Institute for Research in Computer Science and Automation. The author has contributed to research in topics: Heart rate variability & Heart rate. The author has an hindex of 20, co-authored 56 publications receiving 1761 citations.

Anti-Müllerian Hormone Is an Endocrine Marker of Ovarian Gonadotropin-Responsive Follicles and Can Help to Predict Superovulatory Responses in the Cow

Abstract: The major limitation to the development of embryo production in cattle is the strong between-animal variability in ovulatory response to FSH-induced superovulation, mainly due to differences in ovarian activity at the time of treatment. This study aimed to establish whether anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) was an endocrine marker of follicular populations in the cow, as in human, and a possible predictor of the ovarian response to superovulation. Anti-Mullerian hormone concentrations in plasma varied 10-fold between cows before treatment and were found to be highly correlated with the numbers of 3- to 7-mm antral follicles detected by ovarian ultrasonography before treatment (r=0.79, P<0.001) and the numbers of ovulations after treatment (r=0.64, P<0.01). Between-animal differences in AMH concentrations were found to be unchanged after a 3-mo delay (r=0.87, P<0.01), indicating that AMH endocrine levels were characteristic of each animal on a long-term period. The population of healthy 3- to 7-mm follicles was the main target of superovulatory treatments, contained the highest AMH concentrations and AMH mRNA levels compared with larger follicles, and contributed importantly to AMH endocrine levels. In conclusion, AMH was found to be a reliable endocrine marker of the population of small antral gonadotropin-responsive follicles in the cow. Moreover, AMH concentrations in the plasma of individuals were indicative of their ability to respond to superovulatory treatments.

An Algorithm for Robust and Efficient Location of T-Wave Ends in Electrocardiograms

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to propose a new algorithm for T-wave end location in electrocardiograms, mainly through the computation of an indicator related to the area covered by the T-wave curve. Based on simple assumptions, essentially on the concavity of the T-wave form, it is formally proved that the maximum of the computed indicator inside each cardiac cycle coincides with the T-wave end. Moreover, the algorithm is robust to acquisition noise, to wave form morphological variations and to baseline wander. It is also computationally very simple: the main computation can be implemented as a simple finite impulse response filter. When evaluated with the PhysioNet QT database in terms of the mean and the standard deviation of the T-wave end location errors, the proposed algorithm outperforms the other algorithms evaluated with the same database, according to the most recent available publications up to our knowledge

Regulation of Anti-Müllerian Hormone Production in the Cow: A Multiscale Study at Endocrine, Ovarian, Follicular, and Granulosa Cell Levels

Abstract: Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is an endocrine marker that can help predict superovulatory responses to treatments administered to cows for embryo production However, the optimal time of the estrous cycle at which a blood test should be performed for a highly reliable prognosis has not yet been established Moreover, little is known about the regulation of AMH production To answer these questions, a study was designed to investigate the regulation of AMH production in cows selected for their high or low ovulatory responses to superovulation At the granulosa cell level, AMH production was inhibited by follicle-stimulating hormone but enhanced by bone morphogenetic proteins At the follicular level, the expression of AMH within the follicle was dependent on the stage of follicular development At the ovarian level, the size of the pool of small antral growing follicles determined ovarian AMH production At the endocrine level, AMH followed a specific dynamic profile during the estrous cycle, which occurred independently of the follicular waves of terminal follicular development Cows selected for their high or low responses to superovulation did not differ in the regulation of AMH production, but cows with higher responses had higher plasma AMH concentrations throughout the cycle The optimal period of the estrous cycle at which to measure AMH concentrations with the aim of selecting the best cows for embryo production was found to be at estrus and after Day 12 of the cycle Based on this multiscale study, we propose a model that integrates the different regulatory levels of AMH production

Linear and non-linear analyses of heart rate variability: a minireview

Abstract: To complete traditional time- and frequency-domain analyses, new methods derived from non-linear systems analysis have recently been developed for time series studies. A panel of the most widely used methods of heart rate analysis is given with computations on mouse data, before and after a single atropine injection.

Ventilatory thresholds assessment from heart rate variability during an incremental exhaustive running test.

Abstract: The present study examined whether the ventilatory thresholds during an incremental exhaustive running test could be determined using heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. Beat-to-beat RR interval, V(.-)O (2), V(.-)CO (2) and V(.-) (E) of twelve professional soccer players were collected during an incremental test performed on a track until exhaustion. The "smoothed pseudo Wigner-Ville distribution" (SPWVD) time-frequency analysis method was applied to the RR time series to compute the usual HRV components vs. running speed stages. The ventilatory equivalent method was used to assess the ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2) from respiratory components. In addition, ventilatory thresholds were assessed from the instantaneous components of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) by two different methods: 1) from the high frequency peak of HRV ( FHF), and 2) from the product of the spectral power contained within the high frequency band (0.15 Hz to fmax) by FHF (HF x FHF) giving two thresholds: HFT1 and HFT2. Since the relationship between FHF and running speed was linear for all subjects, the VTs could not be determined from FHF. No significant differences were found between respective running speeds at VT1 vs. HFT1 (9.83 +/- 1.12 vs. 10.08 +/- 1.29 km x h (-1), n.s.) nor between the respective running speeds at VT2 vs. HFT2 (12.55 +/- 1.31 vs. 12.58 +/- 1.33 km x h (-1), n.s.). Linear regression analysis showed a strong correlation between VT1 vs. HFT1 (R (2) = 0.94, p < 0.001) and VT2 vs. HFT2 (R (2) = 0.96, p < 0.001). The Bland-Altman plot analysis reveals that the assessment from RSA gives an accurate estimation of the VTs, with HF x FHF providing a reliable index for the ventilatory thresholds detection. This study has shown that VTs could be assessed during an incremental running test performed on a track using a simple beat-to-beat heart rate monitor, which is less expensive and complex than the classical respiratory measurement devices.

Phd by thesis

Abstract: Deposits of clastic carbonate-dominated (calciclastic) sedimentary slope systems in the rock record have been identified mostly as linearly-consistent carbonate apron deposits, even though most ancient clastic carbonate slope deposits fit the submarine fan systems better. Calciclastic submarine fans are consequently rarely described and are poorly understood. Subsequently, very little is known especially in mud-dominated calciclastic submarine fan systems. Presented in this study are a sedimentological core and petrographic characterisation of samples from eleven boreholes from the Lower Carboniferous of Bowland Basin (Northwest England) that reveals a >250 m thick calciturbidite complex deposited in a calciclastic submarine fan setting. Seven facies are recognised from core and thin section characterisation and are grouped into three carbonate turbidite sequences. They include: 1) Calciturbidites, comprising mostly of highto low-density, wavy-laminated bioclast-rich facies; 2) low-density densite mudstones which are characterised by planar laminated and unlaminated muddominated facies; and 3) Calcidebrites which are muddy or hyper-concentrated debrisflow deposits occurring as poorly-sorted, chaotic, mud-supported floatstones. These

Heart rate variability in athletes.

Abstract: This review examines the influence on heart rate variability (HRV) indices in athletes from training status, different types of exercise training, sex and ageing, presented from both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. The predictability of HRV in over-training, athletic condition and athletic performance is also included. Finally, some recommendations concerning the application of HRV methods in athletes are made.The cardiovascular system is mostly controlled by autonomic regulation through the activity of sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways of the autonomic nervous system. Analysis of HRV permits insight in this control mechanism. It can easily be determined from ECG recordings, resulting in time series (RR-intervals) that are usually analysed in time and frequency domains. As a first approach, it can be assumed that power in different frequency bands corresponds to activity of sympathetic (0.04-0.15 Hz) and parasympathetic (0.15-0.4 Hz) nerves. However, other mechanisms (and feedback loops) are also at work, especially in the low frequency band. During dynamic exercise, it is generally assumed that heart rate increases due to both a parasympathetic withdrawal and an augmented sympathetic activity. However, because some authors disagree with the former statement and the fact that during exercise there is also a technical problem related to the non-stationary signals, a critical look at interpretation of results is needed. It is strongly suggested that, when presenting reports on HRV studies related to exercise physiology in general or concerned with athletes, a detailed description should be provided on analysis methods, as well as concerning population, and training schedule, intensity and duration. Most studies concern relatively small numbers of study participants, diminishing the power of statistics. Therefore, multicentre studies would be preferable. In order to further develop this fascinating research field, we advocate prospective, randomised, controlled, long-term studies using validated measurement methods. Finally, there is a strong need for basic research on the nature of the control and regulating mechanism exerted by the autonomic nervous system on cardiovascular function in athletes, preferably with a multidisciplinary approach between cardiologists, exercise physiologists, pulmonary physiologists, coaches and biomedical engineers.

Heart rate variability biofeedback: how and why does it work?

Abstract: In recent years there has been substantial support for heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) as a treatment for a variety of disorders and for performance enhancement (Gevirtz, 2013). Since conditions as widely varied as asthma and depression seem to respond to this form of cardiorespiratory feedback training, the issue of possible mechanisms becomes more salient. The most supported possible mechanism is the strengthening of homeostasis in the baroreceptor (Vaschillo et al., 2002; Lehrer et al., 2003). Recently, the effect on the vagal afferent pathway to the frontal cortical areas has been proposed. In this article, we review these and other possible mechanisms that might explain the positive effects of HRVB.

Essential fatty acids in visual and brain development

Abstract: Essential fatty acids are structural components of all tissues and are indispensable for cell membrane synthesis; the brain, retina and other neural tissues are particularly rich in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA). These fatty acids serve as specific precursors for eicosanoids, which regulate numerous cell and organ functions. Recent human studies support the essential nature of n-3 fatty acids in addition to the well-established role of n-6 essential fatty acids in humans, particularly in early life. The main findings are that light sensitivity of retinal rod photoreceptors is significantly reduced in newborns with n-3 fatty acid deficiency, and that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) significantly enhances visual acuity maturation and cognitive functions. DHA is a conditionally essential nutrient for adequate neurodevelopment in humans. Comprehensive clinical studies have shown that dietary supplementation with marine oil or single-cell oil sources of LC-PUFA results in increased blood levels of DHA and arachidonic acid, as well as an associated improvement in visual function in formula-fed infants matching that of human breast-fed infants. The effect is mediated not only by the known effects on membrane biophysical properties, neurotransmitter content, and the corresponding electrophysiological correlates but also by a modulating gene expression of the developing retina and brain. Intracellular fatty acids or their metabolites regulate transcriptional activation of gene expression during adipocyte differentiation and retinal and nervous system development. Regulation of gene expression by LC-PUFA occurs at the transcriptional level and may be mediated by nuclear transcription factors activated by fatty acids. These nuclear receptors are part of the family of steroid hormone receptors. DHA also has significant effects on photoreceptor membranes and neurotransmitters involved in the signal transduction process; rhodopsin activation, rod and cone development, neuronal dendritic connectivity, and functional maturation of the central nervous system.