Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hemostasis Hysterectomies in a Low Resources Country: Epidemiological, Clinical, and Therapeutic Aspects

Background: The perilous path of the African woman’s pregnancy often ends in difficult situations putting her life in danger. One of the solutions to save her is often to “remove” her uterus, in a hemorrhage and emergency context. It is the hemostasis hysterectomy. It’s generally practiced in difficult conditions with complicated operative follow-ups. The tragedy is that finally the patient will die (almost 1 time out of 2 in our study). This is the sad reality of resource-limited countries. How many women will continue to die under these conditions? This study attempts to explore the different aspects of this reality. Objective: To study the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic aspects of hemostasis hysterectomies at the Teaching Hospital of Souro Sanou University Hospital in Burkina Faso. Methodology: This was a prospective cross-sectional descriptive study conducted over 12 months from January 1 to December 31, 2015. Included in our study were all patients received in our department and who required a total or subtotal hysterectomy in the management of a severe postpartum hemorrhage, during the study period. Results: The frequency of hemostasis hysterectomies was 0.4% compared to all deliveries. The average age was 29.65 years old. The average parity was 4.3. Multiparas and large multiparas accounted for 65%. The main indications were uterine rupture (40%) and uterine inertia (60%). Hysterectomy was subtotal in 95% of cases. Maternal morbidity was dominated in 90% of cases by hemorrhagic shock, hemostatic disorders, and obstetrical fistulas. The prognosis was poor, with 8 deaths or 40% of cases. Conclusion: Better management of pregnancy and childbirth would reduce cases of hemostasis hysterectomies. The availability of blood products would improve the maternal prognosis.
Phylogeny and systematic revision of the helicarionid semislugs of eastern Queensland (Stylommatophora, Helicarionidae)

The helicarionid fauna of southeastern to mid-eastern Queensland is dominated by a group of semislugs with moderately reduced shells belonging to genera Fastosarion, Eungarion, Stanisicarion, Dimidarion, Macularion and Hymanarion. We comprehensively revise their systematic classification using comparative morpho-anatomy and mitochondrial phylogenetics, and demonstrate that these genera combined form a well-differentiated and monophyletic radiation. In our mitochondrial phylogeny, this radiation is divided into three main clades that are statistically well supported. One clade is also well defined in terms of diagnostic morpho-anatomical characters, but we could not identify diagnostic characters for the other two clades due to considerable levels of morpho-anatomical variation. We propose accepting only two genera, Fastosarion (with junior synonyms Eungarion, Dimidarion, and Hymanarion) and Stanisicarion (with junior synonym Macularion). Both genera represent mutually monophleytic sister taxa that can consistently be distinguished by the presence or absence of a penial verge that is fused to the penial wall and by egg shape. We also synonymise Fastosarion ameyi with F. aquavitae, F. schelli with F. helenkingae, Dimidarion peterbrocki and D. slatyeri with F. alyssa, Stanisicarion virens with S. freycineti. Revised species descriptions are presented for Fastosarion alyssa, F. aquavitae, F. brazieri, F. comerfordae, F. griseolus, F. hannianus, F. helenkingae, F. mcdonaldi, F. minerva, F. paluma, F. papillosus, F. pustulosus, F. superbus, Stanisicarion aquila and S. freycineti. Nine new species, Fastosarion deensis, F. ephelis, F. insularis, F. katatonos, F. longimentula, F. rowani, F. sarina, F. tuljun and Stanisicarion wolvi are described, bringing the total number of accepted species to 24.
Convergence of unisensory-evoked signals via multiple pathways to the cerebellum

The cerebellum receives signals directly from peripheral sensory systems and indirectly from the neocortex. To reveal how these different types of signals are processed in the cerebellar cortex, in vivo whole-cell recordings from granule cells and unit recordings from Purkinje cells were performed in mice in which primary somatosensory cortex (S1) could be optogenetically inhibited. Tactile stimulation of the upper lip produced two-phase granule cell responses (with latencies of ∼ 8 ms and 28 ms), for which only the late phase was S1 dependent. Complex spikes and the late phase of simple spikes in Purkinje cells were also S1 dependent. These results indicate that individual granule cells integrate convergent inputs from the periphery and neocortex, and send their outputs to Purkinje cells, which then combine those signals with climbing fiber signals from the neocortex.
The Coupling Effects of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria and Salicylic Acid on Physiological Modifications, Yield Traits, and Productivity of Wheat under Water Deficient Conditions

Water deficit and soil infertility negatively influence the growth, nutrient uptake, and productivity of wheat. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and salicylic acid (SA) were evaluated as possible solutions to mitigate the impacts of water deficit on growth, physiology, productivity, and nutrient uptake of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Sakha 95). Over two growing seasons (2016/2017 and 2017/2018) field experiments were conducted to examine eight combinations of two water treatments (water deficit and well-watered) with four soil and foliar treatments (control, PGPR, SA, and combination of PGPR + SA). The application of PGPR increased soil microbial activity resulting in increased field capacity and available soil water. Likewise, the application of the combined treatment of PGPR and SA significantly increased chlorophyll content, relative water content, stomatal conductance, soil microbial population, and showed inhibitory impacts on proline content, thus improving yield-related traits, productivity, and nutrient uptake (N, P, K) under water deficit compared to the control treatment. The results show that the integrative use of PGPR in association with SA may achieve an efficacious strategy to attenuate the harmful effects of water deficit as well as the amelioration of productivity and nutrient uptake of wheat under water-deficient conditions.
N-Acetyl Cysteine as a Novel Polymethyl Methacrylate Resin Component: Protection against Cell Apoptosis and Genotoxicity

The present study investigated the antiapoptotic and antigenotoxic capabilities of N-acetyl cysteine- (NAC-) containing polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin. An in vitro Transwell insert model was used to mimic the clinical provisional restorations placed on vital teeth. Various parameters associated with cell apoptosis and genotoxicity were investigated to obtain a deeper insight into the underlying mechanisms. The exposure of human dental pulp cell (hDPC) cultures to the PMMA resin (Unifast Trad™) resulted in a rapid increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) level beginning at 1 h, which was followed by time-dependent cell detachment and overt death. The formation of γ-H2AX and cell cycle G1 phase arrest indicated that oxidative DNA damage occurred as a result of the interactions between DNA bases and ROS, beyond the capacities of cellular redox regulation. Such oxidative DNA damage triggers the activation of p53 via the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) signaling pathway and the induction of intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis. Oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, and DNA damage induced by the PMMA resin were recovered to almost the level of untreated controls by the incorporation of NAC. The results indicate that the PMMA resin induced the intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis as a consequence of p53 activation via the ATM pathway in response to oxidative DNA damage. More importantly, the incorporation of NAC as a novel component into the Unifast Trad™ PMMA resin offers protective effects against cell apoptosis and genotoxicity. This procedure represents a beneficial strategy for developing more biocompatible PMMA-based resin materials.
Notes on vocalizations of Brazilian amphibians IV: advertisement calls of 20 Atlantic Forest frog species

Bioacoustics is a powerful tool used for anuran species diagnoses, given that advertisement calls are signals related to specific recognition and mate attraction. Thus, call descriptions can support species taxonomy. In spite of that, call descriptions are lacking for many species, delaying advances in biodiversity research. Here, we describe the advertisement calls of 20 anuran species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We accessed 50 digital recordings deposited in the Fonoteca Neotropical Jacques Vielliard. Acoustic analyses were carried out in the software Raven pro 1.5. We provide a general comparison of call structure among species inside taxonomic groups and genera. The vocalizations described here belong to poorly known species, which are representatives of six families: Brachycephalidae, Bufonidae, Ceratophryidae, Cycloramphidae, Hylidae, and Phyllomedusidae. Despite this, still there are 163 species of anurans from Atlantic Forest with calls not formally described. Our work represents an important step in providing data for a taxonomic perspective and improving the knowledge of the Atlantic Forest anuran diversity.
Reconstituting the spindle assembly checkpoint and the signalling roles of Mad1

Cell division allows the passage of genetic information to a new cell. During this process, maintaining chromosome transmission fidelity is important in preventing diseases such as cancer and Down’s syndrome. To ensure accurate chromosome segregation, eukaryotes have developed a cell cycle control mechanism that monitors kinetochore-microtubule attachments, known as the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC). The SAC is active in metaphase and is able to sense a lack of tension and incorrect attachments between kinetochores and microtubules. This leads to a metaphase arrest, allowing time for error correction to take place before anaphase onset. The Mad and Bub proteins, along with Mps1 kinase are central to this signalling pathway which leads to the formation of the mitotic checkpoint complex (MCC) — the key inhibitor of the anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C). APC/C inhibition prevents proteolytic degradation of Securin and Cyclin B, blocking cells in metaphase. Although we are familiar with the components of the SAC pathway, the mechanism by which they interact to form the MCC remains unclear. It is well established that SAC signalling is initiated at kinetochores. These are complex structures that are involved in key mitotic functions such as microtubule attachment and biorientation of sister chromatids. To study the checkpoint without interfering with kinetochore function, we have devised a minimalist approach. This study describes an ectopic reconstitution of SAC activation and silencing in S. pombe. Using abscisic acid induced dimerisation, we are able to control the co-recruitment of the checkpoint proteins KNL1 and Mps1 to recapitulate robust SAC arrest and silencing. Additionally, we provide insight into how S. pombe and HeLa cells respond to a prolonged ectopic arrest. It is widely accepted that Mad1 recruits Mad2 to unattached kinetochores, enabling MCC formation. However, recent findings point towards a more active role of Mad1 in checkpoint activation. This study shows that Mad1 interacts with Bub1 in S. pombe to form a scaffold complex that is essential for SAC function. We also investigate Mad1 C-terminal mutants to further dissect the roles of Mad1 and find that it forms a complex with the APC/C coactivator Cdc20. As a result, this study provides evidence in support of the hypothesis that the C-terminus of Mad1 has additional roles in SAC signalling aside from Mad2 kinetochore recruitment.
What guides lemmings movements through the snowpack?

The presence of a snowpack, which may last up to 9 months in the Arctic, can provide insulation from the cold winter temperature for small mammals living beneath it, such as lemmings. Since lemmings have to move through the snowpack during that period, it is important to better understand how the physical properties of snow affect the way they dig tunnels. Here, we tested 1) whether lemmings systematically dig in the snowpack at the ground level where they can find their food plants, and 2) whether they choose the softest snow layer in which to dig, which is usually the depth hoar layer in the arctic snowpack. We found 33 lemming tunnels in 2017 and 2018 by digging through the snow at the sites of arctic fox attacks on lemmings. Contrary to our expectation, almost all the tunnels (32/33) were found to be higher than ground level, probably because of the presence of obstacles (i.e., melt-freeze crusts or hummocks) at the base of the snowpack. As predicted, all tunnels were dug in the soft depth hoar layer, which had a lower density than snow layers below and above it. Lemmings also showed a preference to dig their tunnels at the top of the depth hoar, just below a hard snow layer. Systematically digging their tunnels in the lowest-density snow layer, regardless of its height in the snow pack, could be a strategy for lemmings to minimize energy expenditure, which could improve their survival and chances of reproducing in winter.
Regionally-Derived Second-Trimester Primary hfNSCs Have Different Neurogenic Capacity for Neuronal Differentiation

Parkinson disease is a debilitating neurodegenerative disease, which is incurable and treatment has been focused on reducing the symptoms and delaying disease progression. Cellular therapy involving grafting of fetal dopaminergic (DA) neurons or fetal mesencephalic tissues rich in DA neurons has been promising. Human fetal neural Stem Cells (hfNSCs) have the potential to be an ideal cell source and hence, we aimed to investigate DA differentiation capacity of eight regionally-derived hfNSCs while defining the differences between regionally-derived hfNSCs. The differences in regionally-derived hfNSCs response to brain-derived neurotrophic factor, dopamine, forskolin and retinoic acid (DM2) or interleukin 1β and fetal bovine serum (DM1) indicated different intrinsic neurogenic potentials within the developing fetal brain. DM2 induced more efficient DA differentiation (Tyrosine Hydroxylase (TH)+) than DM1 in the spinal cord (SC), brain stem (BS) and sub-ventricular zone (SVZ) derived hfNSCs, although statistical significance was reached only for SC (p=0.02). Similarly, DM2 induced more efficient neuronal differentiation (myelin-associated protein 2a and b (MAP2ab)+) than DM1 in SC, posterior cerebrum, SVZ, thalamus, and BS NSCs, with statistical significance reached only for SC-NSCs (p=0.03). Collectively for all eight regional NSCs, TH and MAP2ab positive neuronal differentiation with DM2 was higher than DM1 (10.4 vs 4.6%, p=0.01, and 27.6 vs 11.6%, p=0.01 respectively). Whole genome expression array showed that BS and SC-NSCs are transcriptionally most similar, while the SVZ and cerebellum-derived NSCs have the largest differences in differentially regulated genes compared to the BS-NSCs. Compared to BS-NSCs, anterior cerebrum and hippocampal NSCs exhibited differences in all three gene ontology (growth factor binding, cytokine binding, and neurogenesis) interrogated, while SC, cerebellum and thalamus only exhibited significant differences in neurogenesis pathway compared to BS-NSCs. By defining the basic neurogenic differentiation capacity and key molecular differences of regionally-derived hfNSCs, our data may facilitate the choice of regionally-derived hfNSCs for different clinical scenarios such as neurodegenerative or traumatic brain injuries.
Composition of natural phytoplankton community has minor effects on autochthonous dissolved organic matter characteristics

ABSTRACT Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is an important component of nutrient cycling, but the role of different organisms controlling the processing of autochthonous DOM remains poorly understood. Aiming to characterize phytoplankton-derived DOM and the effects of complex pelagic communities on its dynamics, we incubated natural plankton communities from a temperate mesohaline estuary under controlled conditions for 18 days. The incubations were carried out in contrasting seasons (spring and autumn) and changes in the planktonic community (phytoplankton, bacteria and microzooplankton), nutrients and DOM were assessed. Our results highlight the complexity of DOM production and fate in natural planktonic communities. Small changes in DOM composition were observed in the experiments relative to the orders-of-magnitude variations experienced in the phytoplankton assembly. We argue that the tight coupling between microbial processing and DOM production by phytoplankton and grazers stabilizes variations in quantity and characteristics of autochthonous DOM, resulting in apparently homogeneous semi-labile DOM pool throughout the experiments. However, seasonal differences in the production and processing of DOM were observed, reflecting differences in the nutrient regimes and initial DOM characteristics in each experiment, but also likely influenced by changes in the successional status of the pelagic community. Acknowledging that characteristics of the DOM derived from phytoplankton growth can vary broadly, heterotrophic processing and successional status of the community are synergistically important factors for shaping those characteristics, and thus affecting the seasonal signature of the semi-labile autochthonous DOM pool.
Effects of Selection for Mass-Independent Maximal Metabolic Rate on Food Consumption

Metabolic rates potentially regulate the pace of important physiological and life-history traits. Natural selection has shaped the evolution of metabolic rates and the physiology that supports them, including digestibility and the rate of food consumption. Understanding the relationship between metabolic rates and energy internalization is central to understanding how resources are allocated among competing physiological functions. We investigated how artificial selection on mass-independent basal metabolic rate (BMR) and mass-independent aerobic maximal metabolic rate (MMR) affected food consumption and apparent digestibility in mice. Evolved changes in mass-corrected BMR—but not mass-corrected MMR—corresponded with changes in food consumption. This result is consistent with previous work showing that BMR constitutes a large portion of an animal’s daily energy budget and thus that BMR might provide a better indicator of daily food requirements than MMR. In contrast, digestive efficiencies did not differ among selection treatments and did not evolve in these mice. This study provides insights into how evolution of metabolic rates may affect food consumption and overall energy use.
A case study on earlier activation of the variable toad, Bufotes variabilis (Pallas, 1769)

Amphibians are one of the most vulnerable group that are directly affected by environmental factors. Researchers report that nearly one third of species threatened with extinction. Amphibians in the temperate zone hibernate in winter season under normal conditions and fluctuations in climate impact indirectly the summer and winter activity of these ectothermic animals. In this study, we report data on the extraordinary activity of Bufotes variabilis in winter period and evaluated that variable toad could be active throughout the year due to global climate changes.
Evolution of herbivory remodels a Drosophila genome

One-quarter of extant Eukaryotic species are herbivorous insects, yet the genomic basis of this extraordinary adaptive radiation is unclear. Recently-derived herbivorous species hold promise for understanding how colonization of living plant tissues shaped the evolution of herbivore genomes. Here, we characterized exceptional patterns of evolution coupled with a recent (<15 mya) transition to herbivory of mustard plants (Brassicaceae, including Arabidopsis thaliana) in the fly genus Scaptomyza, nested within the paraphyletic genus Drosophila. We discovered a radiation of mustard-specialized Scaptomyza species, comparable in diversity to the Drosophila melanogaster species subgroup. Stable isotope, behavioral, and viability assays revealed these flies are obligate herbivores. Genome sequencing of one species, S. flava, revealed that the evolution of herbivory drove a contraction in gene families involved in chemosensation and xenobiotic metabolism. Against this backdrop of losses, highly targeted gains (“blooms”) were found in Phase I and Phase II detoxification gene sub-families, including glutathione S-transferase (Gst) and cytochrome P450 (Cyp450) genes. S. flava has more validated paralogs of a single Cyp450 (N=6 for Cyp6g1) and Gst (N=5 for GstE5-8) than any other drosophilid. Functional studies of the Gst repertoire in S. flava showed that transcription of S. flava GstE5-8 paralogs was differentially regulated by dietary mustard oils, and of 22 heterologously expressed cytosolic S. flava GST enzymes, GSTE5-8 enzymes were exceptionally well-adapted to mustard oil detoxification in vitro. One, GSTE5-8a, was an order of magnitude more efficient at metabolizing mustard oils than GSTs from any other metazoan. The serendipitous intersection of two genetic model organisms, Drosophila and Arabidopsis, helped illuminate how an insect genome was remodeled during the evolutionary transformation to herbivory, identifying mechanisms that facilitated the evolution of the most diverse guild of animal life. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The origin of land plants >400 million years ago (mya) spurred the diversification of plant-feeding (herbivorous) insects and triggered an ongoing chemical co-evolutionary arms race. Because ancestors of most herbivorous insects first colonized plants >200 mya, the sands of time have buried evidence of how their genomes changed with their diet. We leveraged the serendipitous intersection of two genetic model systems: a close relative of yeast-feeding fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster), the “wasabi fly” (Scaptomyza flava), that evolved to consume mustard plants including Arabidopsis thaliana. The yeast-to-mustard dietary transition remodeled the fly’s gene repertoire for sensing and detoxifying chemicals. Although many genes were lost, some underwent duplications that encode the most efficient detoxifying enzymes against mustard oils known from animals.