Biology subjects

Mantel, M.

Publications and source records attributed to Mantel, M..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

The preference of a fragrance created by a perfumer is associated with one single-nucleotide polymorphism in OR5A1 gene

From ancient incense to Chanel No. 5, perfumes are almost ubiquitous across the world and across history yet highly diverse. While they reflect the artistry of the creator and the personality of the wearer, the neurobiological processes driving fragrance preference are unknown. Recent research demonstrated that genetic variability in olfactory receptors modulates odor perception; however, regarding the preference for complex real-world stimuli, the relative importance of peripheral sensory encoding versus top-down cognitive evaluation--shaped by individual life history--remains a subject of debate. Here, we evaluate whether the perception of a commercially available fragrance depends on genetics, using the example of beta-ionone, a molecule routinely used in perfume composition, whose perception and appreciation have been linked to a single-nucleotide polymorphism in the OR5A1 gene (rs691536). A total of 168 participants rated their preference for three versions of a perfume designed by a professional perfumer, differing only in the concentration of {beta}-ionone used in the formula. Results showed that carriers of the G allele rated the 0% {beta}-ionone fragrance significantly higher than the 10% and 50% versions, while AA homozygotes showed no discrimination between the perfumes. By focusing on just one SNP (among hundreds of olfactory genes) and a single molecule, this study offers a proof of concept regarding the influence of genetics on aesthetic fragrance appreciation, advocating for the integration of genomic data to better understand the global diversity of perfume preferences.

genetics↗

bioRxiv2024

Self-quenched fluorophore-DNA labels for super-resolution fluorescence microscopy

Protein labeling through transient and repetitive hybridization of short, fluorophore-labeled DNA oligonucleotides has become widely applied in various optical super-resolution microscopy methods. The main advantages are multi-target imaging and molecular quantification. A challenge is the high background signal originating from the presence of unbound fluorophore-DNA labels in solution. Here, we report self-quenching of fluorophore dimers conjugated to DNA oligonucleotides as a general concept to reduce the fluorescence background. Upon hybridization, the fluorescence signal of both fluorophores is fully restored. Here, we expand the toolbox of fluorophores suitable for self-quenching and report their spectra and hybridization equilibria. We apply self-quenched fluorophore-DNA labels to stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy and single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) and report improved imaging performances.

biophysics↗

bioRxiv2023

A pilot study of the impact of smells on the behavior of level 3 autistic children and adolescents during an ongoing task

The present pilot study aims to perform a first evaluation of the effect of smells on the behavior of autistic children and adolescents (level 3) while they are performing a routine task and are going through a more or less intense crisis situation. To do this, we developed a protocol adapted for a field study in the familiar environment (specialized school) of 8 autistic children and adolescents, where the effect of odors on the behaviors of screaming, agitation, and aggression was assessed. First, it was possible to carry out this protocol on this level 3 autistic population. Second, the results acquired on subjective data collected by the experimenter suggest that odors may reduce certain behavioral traits such as agitation or screaming. These data should be considered as proof-of-concept, with results that need to be confirmed in a larger sample of autistic individuals.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2019

Deliver on Your Own: Disrespectful Maternity Care in rural Kenya

BackgroundUnder the Free Maternity Policy (FMP), Kenya has witnessed an increase health facility deliveries rather than home deliveries with Traditional Birth Attendants (TBA) resulting in improved maternal and neonatal outcomes. Despite these gains, maternal and infant mortality and morbidity rates in Kenya remain unacceptably high indicating that more work needs to be done.\n\nAimUsing data from the Access to Quality Care through Extending and Strengthening Health Systems (AQCESS) projects qualitative gender assessment, this paper examines and describes womens experience of disrespectful care during pregnancy, labour and delivery. The goal is to promote improved understanding of actual care conditions in order to develop interventions that can lift the standard of care, increase maternity facility use, and improve health outcomes for both women and newborns.\n\nMethodologyWe conducted sixteen focus group discussions (FGDs) with female adolescents, women, men and community health committee members. Twenty four key informants interviews (KII) including religious leaders, local government representatives, Ministry of Health (MOH) and local womens organizations were conducted. Data were captured through audio recordings and reflective field notes.\n\nResearch siteKisii and Kilifi Counties in Kenya.\n\nFindingsFindings show Nursing and medical care was sometimes disrespectful, humiliatings, uncompassionate, and neglectful. In both sites, male health workers were the most preferred by women as they were friendly and sensitive. Young women were more likely to be abused and women with disabled children were stigmatized.\n\nConclusionsKenya needs to enforce the implementation of the quality of care guidelines for pregnancy and delivery, including respectful maternity care of pregnant women. To make sure these procedures are enforced, measurable benchmarks for maternity care need to be established, and hospitals need to be regularly monitored to make sure they are achieved. Quality of care and compassionate and caring staff may lead to successful and sustainable use of facility care.

scientific communication and education↗