Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the boundaries of marine biogeographic regions of the Southwestern Atlantic using halacarid mites (Halacaridae), meiobenthic organisms with a low dispersal potential

Aim We evaluated traditional biogeographic boundaries of coastal marine regions in SW Atlantic using DNA sequence data from common, rocky-shore inhabiting, marine mites of the genera Agauopsis and Rhombognathus, family Halacaridae. Methods We investigated geographic population genetic structure using CO1 gene sequences, estimated divergence times using a multigene dataset and absolute time-calibrated molecular clock analyses, and performed environmental niche modeling (ENM) of common marine mite species. Results Agauopsis legionium has a shallow history (2.01 Ma) with four geographically differentiated groups. Two of them corresponded to the traditional Amazonian and Northeastern ecoregions, but the boundary between the two other groups was inferred at the Abrolhos Plateau, not Cabo Frio. Rhombognathus levigatoides s. lat. was represented by two cryptic species that diverged 7.22 (multilocus data) or 10.01 Ma (CO1-only analyses), with their boundary, again at the Abrolhos Plateau. ENM showed that A. legionium has suitable habitats scattered along the coast, while the two R. levigatoides cryptic species differ considerably in their niches, especially in parameters related to upwelling. This indicates that genetic isolation associated with the Abrolhos Plateau occurred in both lineages, but for the R. levigatoides species complex, ecological niche specialization was also an important factor. Main conclusions Our study suggests that the major biogeographic boundary in the Southwestern Atlantic lies not at Cabo Frio but at the Abrolhos Plateau. There, two biogeographically relevant factors meet: (i) changes in current directions (which limit dispersal) and (ii) abrupt changes in environmental parameters associated with the South Atlantic Central Waters (SACW) upwelling (offering distinct ecological niches). We suggest that our result represents a general biogeographic pattern because a barrier at the Abrolhos Plateau was found previously for the fish genus Macrodon (phylogeographic data), prosobranch mollusks, ascidians, and reef fishes (community-level data).
Ajustes morfo-fisiológicos de Lolium perenne L. y Agrostis capillaris L. como respuesta a la disminución de la luz incidente

a Escuela de Graduados, Instituto de Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Austral de Chile. Casilla 567 Valdivia, Chile. b Instituto de Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Austral de Chile. Casilla 567 Valdivia, Chile. c School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand. d Instituto de Ingeniería Agraria y Suelos, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Casilla 567, Valdivia, Chile. e Centro de Investigación en Suelos Volcánicos, Universidad Austral de Chile, Chile f Queensland Climate Change Centre of Excellence, Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management, Australia.
Laryngeal Cartilage Necrosis after Laser surgery and Radiotherapy

Volume 1 • Issue 2 • 108 www.aperito. org Corresponding Author: Jens Buntzel, Department of ORL, Head and Neck Surgery, Suedharz Klinikum Dr.-Robert-Koch-Strasse 39, D-99734 Nordhausen, Germany; Tel: +49 3631 412263; Fax: +49 3631 412240; E-mail: jens.buentzel@shk-ndh.de Abstract Introduction Advanced techniques of radiotherapy have decreased the late complication rate to < 1% at the larynx. Cartilage necrosis is one of rare toxicities associated with radiotherapy.
Descriptive skeletal anatomy of Blommersia transmarina (Amphibia: Anura: Mantellidae) from the Comoro Islands

Mantellid frogs present an extensive adaptive radiation endemic to Madagascar and Comoros, being the subfamily Mantellinae the most morphologically and ecologically diverse. The Mantellinae present key innovative evolutionary traits linked to their unique reproductive behavior, including the presence of femoral glands and a derived vomeronasal organ. In addition, previous studies pointed to size differentiation in playing an important role in species’ dispersal capacities and shaping of their geographic ranges. Despite the high phenotypic variation observed in this clade, to date an exhaustive morphological analysis of their anatomy has still not been performed, much less in relation to internal structures. Here, we present a comprehensive skeletal description of a mantellid species, Blommersia transmarina, from the island of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean, which has potentially undergone a process of moderate gigantism compared to other Blommersia species. We describe its intraspecific skeletal variation utilizing non-destructive volume renderings from μCT-scans, and characterize the presence of sexual dimorphism and size covariation in skeletal structures. Notably, we found numerous signs of hyperossification, a novel structure for mantellids: the clavicular process, and the presence of several appendicular sesamoids. Our findings suggest that skeletal phenotypic variation in this genus may be linked to biomechanical function for reproduction and locomotion.
Differential expression of five prosomatostatin genes in the central nervous system of the catshark Scyliorhinus canicula

Five prosomatostatin genes (PSST1, PSST2, PSST3, PSST5 and PSST6) have been recently identified in elasmobranchs (Tostivint, Gaillard, Mazan, & Pézeron, 2019). In order to gain insight into the contribution of each somatostatin to specific nervous systems circuits and behaviors in this important jawed vertebrate group, we studied the distribution of neurons expressing PSST mRNAs in the catshark Scyliorhinus canicula using in situ hybridization with specific probes for the five PSSTs transcripts. Additionally, we combined in situ hybridization with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunochemistry for better localization of some PSSTs-positive populations. The five PSST genes showed expression in the brain, although with important differences in distribution. PSST1 and PSST6 were widely expressed in different brain regions. Instead, PSST2 and PSST3 were expressed only in the ventral hypothalamus and in some hindbrain lateral reticular neurons, whereas PSST5 was only expressed in the region of the entopeduncular nucleus. PSST1 and PSST6 were expressed by numerous pallial neurons, although in different populations judging from the colocalization of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity and PSST6 expression in pallial neurons and the absence of colocalization between TH and PSST1 expression. Differential expression of PSST1 and PSST6 was also observed in the subpallium, hypothalamus, diencephalon, optic tectum, midbrain tegmentum and rhombencephalon. Expression of PSST1 was observed in numerous cerebrospinal fluid-contacting (CSF-c) neurons of the paraventricular organ of the hypothalamus and the central canal of the spinal cord. These wide differences in expression of PSST genes together with the numerous brain nuclei expressing PSSTs, indicate that catshark somatostatinergic neurons are implicated differentially in a number of neural circuits.
Latest Comprehensive Knowledge of the Crosstalk between TLR Signaling and 1 Mycobacteria and the Antigens Driving the Process.

Tuberculosis, which is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), is among the most pressing worldwide problems. Mtb uniquely interacts with innate immune cells through various pattern recognition receptors. These interactions initiate several inflammatory pathways that play essential roles in controlling Mtb pathogenesis. Although the TLR signaling pathways have essential roles in numerous host's immune defense responses, the role of TLR signaling in the response to Mtb infection is still unclear. This review presents discussions on host-Mtb interactions in terms of Mtb-mediated TLR signaling. In addition, we highlight recent discoveries pertaining to these pathways that may help in new immunotherapeutic opportunities.
Face discrimination does not outperform house discrimination at foveal to parafoveal locations

Since perceptual and neural face sensitivity is associated with a foveal bias, and neural place sensitivity is associated with a peripheral bias (integration over space), we hypothesized that face perception ability will decline more with eccentricity than place perception ability. We also hypothesized that face perception ability may show an upper visual field (UVF) bias due to the proximity of face-related regions to UVF retinotopic representations, and a left visual field (LeVF) bias due to earlier reports suggesting right hemisphere dominance for faces. Participants performed fovea and parafoveal face discrimination tasks (≤ 4°) while their eye movements were monitored. Additional within-category discrimination performance was measured for houses, inverted faces, shapes and low-level visual acuity. While, as expected, eccentricity-related accuracy reductions were evident for all categories, in contrast to our hypothesis, there was no significant difference between face and house-related accuracy. Furthermore, RTs for houses were significantly faster than for faces at all locations including the fovea. Significant LeVF bias was evident for upright and inverted faces, and face inversion effect was found at all parafoveal eccentricities. Our results suggest that low-level and possibly top-down factors, and not only the face-fovea place-peripheral associations found in high-level visual cortex, influence perceptual performance.
Phenotypic characterization of maize landraces from Sahel and Coastal West Africa reveals marked diversity and potential for genetic improvement

ABSTRACT Landraces of maize (Zea mays L.) are invaluable sources of genetic variability for improving agronomic traits, and they hold great promise in developing new maize varieties with enhanced resilience to stresses. Even though phenotypic characterization is an inexpensive approach for elucidating variation hidden in genetic resources, information on the genetic diversity patterns in large collections of landraces remains limited and this constitutes a major impediment for their optimal utilization in modern maize breeding programs. We investigated the extent of phenotypic diversity among 196 maize landraces, representing gene pools from Burkina Faso, Ghana and Togo, and 14 improved populations/varieties from the Maize Improvement Program of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA-MIP). The germplasm was assessed for 26 agronomic traits. Highly significant differences (P < 0.001) were observed among the accessions for all measured traits. Cluster analysis separated the maize germplasm into five major groups, differentiated largely by phenology and overall phenotypic appeal, enabling identification of outstanding genotypes for further screening for stress tolerance. Wide genetic diversity was observed between Burkinabe and improved gene pools, suggesting that the original Sahelian gene pool might not have contributed much to modern cultivars. This gene pool offers opportunities for pre-breeding by providing novel alleles for enriching elite maize germplasm. Shannon-Weaver diversity index (H’) revealed high genetic variability among the landraces (H’ = 0.73) and a narrow genetic base in the improved populations and varieties (H’ = 0.46). These results provide new insights into the potential of tropical maize landraces for genetic improvement of maize.
3D neural network-based particle tracking reveals spatial heterogeneity of the cytosol

The spatial structure and physical properties of the cytosol are not well understood. Measurements of the material state of the cytosol are challenging due to its spatial and temporal heterogeneity, the lack of truly passive probes, and the need for probes of many sizes to accurately describe the state across scales. Recent development of genetically encoded multimeric nanoparticles (GEMs) has opened up study of the cytosol at the length scales of multiprotein complexes (20-60 nm). Using these probes to spatially resolve diffusivity of a cytoplasmic volume within a cell requires accurate and automated 3D tracking methods. We developed an image analysis pipeline for whole-cell imaging of GEMs in the context of large, multinucleate fungi where there is evidence of functional compartmentalization of the cytosol for both the nuclear division cycle and branching. We apply a neural network to track particles in 3D, generate surface meshes to project data on representations of the cell, and create dynamic visualizations of local diffusivities. Using this pipeline, we have found that there is remarkable variability in the properties of the cytosol both within a single cell and between cells. By analyzing the spatial diffusivity patterns, we saw an enrichment of low diffusivity zones at hyphal tips and near some nuclei. These results show that the physical state of the cytosol varies spatially within a single cell and exhibits significant cell-to-cell variability. Thus, molecular crowding contributes to heterogeneity within individual cells and across populations.
Cross-national collaboration to combat human trafficking learning from the experience of others

To provide better customer service, NCJRS has made this Federally-funded grant final report available electronically in addition to traditional paper copies. Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The RFP to which this project responded called for a collaborative effort between U.S. scholars and colleagues in other countries to conduct research on a transnational crime of concern in both the U.S. and abroad. To that end, the principal investigator recruited colleagues in Austria and Canada to join the project and together they selected trafficking in human beings as the transnational crime of concern. Two project goals were identified. First, we sought to more clearly understand how Europe-based organizations are accomplishing cross-national collaboration to combat human trafficking. Second, we hoped to use that information to develop suggestions for improving U.S.-Canada anti-trafficking efforts. Although the two goals are intertwined, they involved separate methodologies and are best explained in separate parts of this report. Part 1: Learning From Others, reviews the Europe-based aspect of the research and Part 2: Collaboration Along the U.S.-Canada Border, describes practitioner impressions of current cooperation between North American neighbors. Data for Part 1 of the research were gathered from interviews conducted with employees of six different Europe-based organizations. Most participants were in supervisory roles (a few were management level) and had among their responsibilities the facilitating of collaboration among practitioners (e.g., law enforcement, prosecution, and NGO workers) working cross-nationally to combat human trafficking. Comments from the interviews were arranged into three subjective categories as identified in the following paragraphs with a brief summary of key findings. Basic ingredients of cross-national cooperation. Participants agreed that cooperation among countries is a necessary ingredient in combating transnational crime in general and trafficking in persons specifically. That cooperation requires, at the outset, the support of high level political officials, but also depends on a preexisting presence of intra-country cooperation. Unfortunately, participants reported, many countries where human trafficking occurs (especially countries of origin) do not have sufficient intra-country cooperation among the various players to enable those countries to effectively participate in cross-national collaboration. Impediments to cross-national cooperation. Even when political will and sufficient intra-country cooperation is present, effective cross-national cooperation is not easily achieved. Examples of impediments to cross-national cooperation as gleaned from the interviews were grouped under five categories. " Problems related to …
Distinct CASK domains control cardiac sodium channel membrane expression and focal adhesion anchoring

Membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) proteins function as adaptor proteins to mediate the recruitment and scaffolding of ion channels in the plasma membrane in various cell types. In the heart, the protein CASK (Calcium/CAlmodulin-dependent Serine protein Kinase) negatively regulates the main cardiac sodium channel, NaV1.5, which carries the sodium current (INa) by preventing its anterograde trafficking. CASK is also a new member of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex, and like syntrophin, binds to the C-terminal domain of the channel. Here we show that both L27B and GUK domains are required for the negative regulatory effect of CASK on INa and NaV1.5 surface expression and that the HOOK domain is essential for interaction with the cell adhesion dystrophin-glycoprotein complex. Thus, the multi-modular structure of CASK potentially provides the ability to control channel delivery at adhesion points in cardiomyocyte. SUMMARY Sequential functional domain deletion approach identifies three critical domains of CASK in cardiomyocytes. CASK binds the cell adhesion dystrophin-glycoprotein complex through HOOK domain and inhibits NaV1.5 channel membrane expression by impeding trafficking through L27B and GUK domains.
Evolución del nacimiento por cesárea: El caso de México Evolution of Caesarean Delivery: The Case of Mexico

The normalization of caesarean delivery in Mexico is a public health problem. The caesarean section rate is in the 50% threshold, mostly scheduled without any medical judgment, in a country where obstetric vio- lence at all levels is considered a normal practice. By ana- lyzing the birth certificates of 2008-2013, and with the help of the latest National Health Survey (Ensanut 2012), we show how serious this problem is in Mexico. We also analyze the main socio-demographic characteristics of those mothers who undergo this procedure and conclude that the forecast indicates a massive increase in 2015 to exceed the number of vaginal deliveries. Rather than seeking answers, this work aims to graphically display the status of childbirths in Mexico as well as to raise some hy- potheses about the critical situation of this phenomenon that will most probably still increase.
AVALIAÇÃO HISTOLÓGICA DO EFEITO DA METILPREDNISOLONA SOBRE A LESÃO MEDULAR EXPERIMENTAL EM RATOS

Objective: To evaluate the effect of single dose methylprednisolone given soon after an experimental traumatic medullary lesion on the extension of the spinal cord by histological analysis. Methods: 24 Wistar rats divided into three groups were used. The control group (n = 10) was submitted to a standard traumatic medullary lesion and received isotonic saline solution intraperitoneally in a Vialle EN, Vialle LR, Bleggi-Torres LF, Sakamoto KS 102 Rev Bras Ortop. 2007;42(4):101-13 volume equivalent to that given to the experimental group (n = 10), which was given methylprednisolone in a dose of 30 mg/kg of body weight, diluted in 20 ml of saline solution, intraperitoneally, five minutes after the traumatic medullary lesion was caused by the Impactor New York University device. A third group (n = 4), was submitted to laminectomy in the absence of medullary lesion, to control the possible changes caused by the surgical procedure. All animals were handled in a standard manner, with vesical expression at eight hour intervals, and were sacrificed with a lethal dose of pentobarbital 48 hours after the lesion. The spinal cord of the rats was extracted and histologically prepared with hematoxylin-eosin to be evaluated by a pathologist with no distinction between the groups under evaluation. The following alterations were searched: hemorrhages, gray matter necrosis, white matter necrosis, and neuronal loss. Results: In the evaluation of the spinal cord as a whole, no significant difference was seen between the groups, but significant differences were seen in the evaluation of the central, cranial, and caudal areas. The experimental group had less hemorrhage in the central sections of the medulla (p = 0.0371), and less area of necrosis in the white matter in cranial sections at the center of the lesion (p = 0.0144). No significant difference was found in the other parameters evaluated. Conclusion: Results showed that methylprednisolone, as used in this study, could not significantly reduce the extension of damage to the spinal cord secondary to traumatic medullary lesion, but it did reduce the extension of hemorrhage secondary to the trauma.
Differential Mortality of Male Spectacled Eiders (Somateria fischeri) and King Eiders (Somateria spectabilis) Subsequent to Anesthesia With Propofol, Bupivacaine, and Ketoprofen

Abstract Twenty free-ranging spectacled eiders (Somateria fischeri; 10 male, 10 female), 11 free-ranging king eiders (Somateria spectabilis; 6 male, 5 female), and 20 female common eiders (Somateria mollissima) were anesthetized with propofol, bupivacaine, and ketoprofen for the surgical implantation of satellite transmitters. Propofol was given to induce and maintain anesthesia (mean total dose, 26.2–45.6 mg/kg IV), bupivacaine (2–10 mg/kg SC) was infused into the incision site for local analgesia, and ketoprofen (2–5 mg/kg IM) was given at the time of surgery for postoperative analgesia. Four of 10 male spectacled eiders and 5 of 6 male king eiders died within 1–4 days after surgery. None of the female spectacled or common eiders and only 1 of the 5 female king eiders died during the same postoperative period. Histopathologic findings in 2 dead male king eiders were severe renal tubular necrosis, acute rhabdomyolysis, and mild visceral gout. Necropsy findings in 3 other dead male king eiders were consistent with visceral gout. We suspect that the perioperative use of ketoprofen caused lethal renal damage in the male eiders. Male eiders may be more susceptible to renal damage than females because of behavioral differences during their short stay on land in mating season. The combination of propofol, bupivacaine, and ketoprofen should not be used to anesthetize free-ranging male eiders, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should not be used perioperatively in any bird that may be predisposed to renal insufficiency.