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Introduction Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age. The current study sought to assess vitamin D status in women with PCOS compared to the control group and to describe the association between vitamin D deficiency and the features of PCOS.Material and methodology A descriptive retrospective study about 176 women of reproductive age was conducted. The sample was divided into two groups: individuals with PCOS (82 women) and healthy individuals without PCOS (94 women). Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a serum concentration less than 10 ng/ml. We used the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 21 for all analyses.Results In our study, vitamin D deficiency was observed in 40.2% PCOS patients and 24% controls. The 25(OH)D level was lower in PCOS women and the incidence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were significantly higher in comparison with the control group (p

In spite of the global barcoding effort, there is still a lack of genetic data on African freshwater fishes. We aimed to contribute to bridging this gap by providing molecular data on commercially important catfish species from the north-western part of Lake Tanganyika. We collected 215 catfish specimens and sequenced the standard vertebrate barcoding gene (COI) for 41 specimens. Additionally, we sequenced 20 specimens for the mitochondrial Cyt-b gene to make the link to previously published datasets. We identified 11 species using morphology, compared DNA sequences with those available on GenBank, and employed Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD) and phylogenetic approaches. The dataset includes the first molecular data (COI and Cyt-b) for Chrysichthys acsiorum, as well as the first-ever COI sequences for Dinotopterus cunningtoni and Malapterurus tanganyikaensis. Our findings extend the known distribution of C. acsiorum by approximately 100 km. Additionally, we demonstrated the difficulty in delineating species of Chrysichthys and Synodontis from Lake Tanganyika with molecular tools. For Chrysichthys, automated methods, such as ABGD, failed to delineate species. However, barcoding does seem promising as all the individual species are resolved as clades. Within Synodontis, the study found a strong similarity between S. grandiops and S. multipunctatus, highlighting a need for revision. Our findings emphasize the necessity for integrative taxonomy in the study of catfishes from Lake Tanganyika.

In this study, the physicochemical indexes, phytochemical screening by thin layer chromatography of essential oils (EOs) obtained from C. limon L. and C. sinensis peels and their antioxidant, antihemolyticand antibacterial activities were investigated. The highest yield (0.71%), density (0.918 ±0.05), refractive index (1.974±0.02), saponification value (186.11±1.13 mg KOH/g) where obtained in C. limon, wherethe highest acid value ( 0.45±0.2mg KOH/g) was for C sinensis. Eight and six spots were identified in C. sisensis and C. limon respectively using thin-layer chromatography (TLC). IC50 for DPPH radical-scavenging activity were 7.04 ±1.03 and 8.39 ± 0.9 µg/mL for C. limon and C. sinensis essential oils, respectively. C. limon EO was also demonstrated better antihemolytic activity by peroxide scavenging, IC50 were 12.76± 0.6 for C. limon and 14.26 ±0.3 µg/mL for C. sinensis essential oils. The C. limon peel EOs showed, also, a higher antibacterial effect on S. aureus and E. coli with 20.5±0.2 and 11.5 ±0.01 mm, respectively. Our data showed that both C. limon and C. sinensis EO were inactive against P. aeruginosa.

The new generation of satellite hyperspectral (HS) sensors provides remarkable potential for regional-scale mineralogical mapping. However, as with any satellite sensor, mapping results are dependent on a typically complex correction procedure needed to remove atmospheric, topographic and geometric distortions before accurate reflectance spectra can be retrieved. These are typically applied by the satellite operators but use different approaches that can yield different results. In this study, we conduct a comparative analysis of PRISMA, EnMAP, and EMIT hyperspectral satellite data, alongside airborne data acquired by the HyMap sensor, to investigate the consistency between these datasets and their suitability for geological mapping. Two sites in Namibia were selected for this comparison, the Marinkas-Quellen and Epembe carbonatite complexes, based on their geological significance, relatively good exposure, arid climate and data availability. We conducted qualitative and three different quantitative comparisons of the hyperspectral data from these sites. These included correlative comparisons of (1) the reflectance values across the visible-near infrared (VNIR) to shortwave infrared (SWIR) spectral ranges, (2) established spectral indices sensitive to minerals we expect in each of the scenes, and (3) spectral abundances estimated using linear unmixing. The results highlighted a notable shift in inter-sensor consistency between the VNIR and SWIR spectral ranges, with the VNIR range being more similar between the compared sensors than the SWIR. Our qualitative comparisons suggest that the SWIR spectra from the EnMAP and EMIT sensors are the most interpretable (show the most distinct absorption features) but that latent features (i.e., endmember abundances) from the HyMap and PRISMA sensors are consistent with geological variations. We conclude that our results reinforce the need for accurate radiometric and topographic corrections, especially for the SWIR range most commonly used for geological mapping.

Dinoflagellates belonging to the genus Hematodinium are key parasites of marine crustaceans, primarily decapods. In this study, we document the first report of H. perezi Chatton & Poisson, 1930 on the African Atlantic coast. This is also the first parasite record in the invasive non-native Atlantic blue crab Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896 in Morocco. Specimens of C. sapidus were sampled in winter 2023 from two Ramsar sites on the Moroccan Atlantic, namely Merja Zerga and Oualidia Lagoons, and were screened to detect the presence of parasites in their hemolymph. Based on staining fresh hemolymph smears, we did not detect Hematodinium in any of the 36 investigated individuals (20 and 16 from Merja Zerga and Oualidia Lagoons, respectively), probably due to methodological artifacts. The PCR-based method was revealed to be more accurate in diagnosing the Hematodinium parasite. It showed that at Merja Zerga Lagoon, 13 individuals of C. sapidus were infected by the parasite (prevalence: 65%) in comparison to four at Oualidia Lagoon (25%). Genetic analysis, based on the ITS1 rDNA gene from Hematodinium, confirmed the sequences as being those of Hematodinium perezi.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of fine powders from construction and demolition waste (CDW) as a replacement for cement on the properties of fresh and hardened cement paste and mortar. Specifically, the study focuses on three types of waste powders (WPs) which are: waste brick powder (WBP), waste concrete powder (WCP) and mixed waste powder (MWP). Each type of WP is used to replace 0% to 15% of cement. First, the milled powders are assessed in terms of their morphology (SEM) and composition (X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF)). Such an assessment is carried out based on consistency and setting time tests in order to examine the fresh behaviour of the cement pastes. Second, the mechanical properties, mineralogical and microstructural characteristics are evaluated in order to elucidate the effect of various WPs on the mortar samples. The results demonstrate that, according to the required standards, the use of each WP up to 15% does not alter the mechanical properties of the cement mortar. However, the use of 5% and 10% WBP replacement levels was adequate for improving the strength. Thus, a 52.9 MPa maximum strength was achieved with this mix. Furthermore, the microstructure analyses indicate that the WBP and WMP show a denser mortar structure compared to the reference one. Consistent with the microstructural analyses, the mineralogy analysis reveals that the WBP and MWP have a significant impact on the hydration products of the elaborated mortars.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) arising from the rectum are rare. We report the case of an aggressive rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in a 60-year-old female that presented for symptoms of constipation and lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Upon rectal examination, a hard mass was found at 6cm from the anal marge. An MRI was indicated that shows a well-demarcated lesion originates from the distal rectum with exophytic growth and central necrosis. The diagnosis of rectal gist was confirmed by colonoscopy with biopsy and immunohistochemical analyses of bioptic material. Liver metastases were seen on computerized tomography (CT). She was referred for palliative chemotherapy. The patient had suffered from intestinal obstruction three weeks after his initial presentation and passed away shortly thereafter. We aimed to report this case as an aggressive and rare GIST localization.

We conducted, in this work, a three-dimensional numerical study of forced convection heat transfer of a laminar flow of water passing through micro-channels with and without longitudinal vortex generator, using the CFD code “Ansys- Fluent”. This work aimed to elucidate the effect of vortex generators on the dynamic and thermal behavior of the micro-fluidic flow. The results obtained show that the increase in the Reynolds number leads to an improvement in the quality of heat transfer in both cases of the study. Rectangular micro-channel with LVG can improve heat transfer compared to smooth rectangular micro-channel while consuming more pressure drop. In the range of Reynolds numbers between 200 and 1200, a 2-21% increase in the mean Nusselt number was observed for micro-channels with LVG compared to smooth micro-channels. This occurs through better mixing of the fluid, reduction in the thickness of the thermal boundary layer, and increased heat transfer area. In addition, the friction factor has been increased by more than 50% compared to smooth micro-channels, due to the local resistance of LVGs and the presence of secondary flows.

Two specimens of Coptodon guineensis (Günther, 1862) were unexpectedly found in the Canal de Nador, Moulay Bousselham lagoon, almost 1000 km north of the Aabar River the northernmost river previously recorded. To confirm this identification nineteen measurements were recorded from each specimen and compared with other specimens of C. guineensis from Morocco and Mauritania. The COI gene was partially sequenced and compared with formerly published sequences of Coptodon species of the region. Both morphology and DNA revealed no differences with specimens from known populations of C. guineensis in Morocco.

Laboratory adaptation process used in sterile insect technique (SIT) programs can exert a significant impact on the insect-gut microbiome relationship, which may negatively impact the quality and performance of the fly. In the present study, changes in the gut microbiota that occur through laboratory adaptation of two Ceratitis capitata populations were investigated: Vienna 8 genetic sexing strain (GSS), a long-established control line, and a wild population recently introduced to laboratory conditions. The bacterial profiles were studied for both strains using amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA V3-V4 hypervariable region in larvae and in the gastrointestinal tract of teneral (1 day) and adults (5 and 15 days) reared under laboratory conditions for 14 generations (F0–F13). Findings demonstrated the development of distinct bacterial communities across the generations with differences in the bacterial composition, suggesting a strong impact of laboratory adaptation on the fly bacteriome. Moreover, different bacterial profiles were observed between wild and Vienna 8 FD-GSS displaying different patterns between the developmental stages. Proteobacteria, mainly members of the Enterobacteriaceae family, represented the major component of the bacterial community followed by Firmicutes (mainly in Vienna 8 FD-GSS adults) and Chlamydiae. The distribution of these communities is dynamic across the generations and seems to be strain- and age-specific. In the Vienna 8 FD-GSS population, Providencia exhibited high relative abundance in the first three generations and decreased significantly later, while Klebsiella was relatively stable. In the wild population, Klebsiella was dominant across most of the generations, indicating that the wild population was more resistant to artificial rearing conditions compared with the Vienna 8 FD-GSS colony. Analysis of the core bacteriome revealed the presence of nine shared taxa between most of the examined medfly samples including Klebsiella, Providencia, Pantoea, and Pseudomonas. In addition, the operational taxonomic unit co-occurrence and mutual exclusion networks of the wild population indicated that most of the interactions were classified as co-presence, while in the Vienna 8 FD-GSS population, the number of mutual exclusions and co-presence interactions was equally distributed. Obtained results provided a thorough study of the dynamics of gut-associated bacteria during the laboratory adaptation of different Ceratitis capitata populations, serving as guidance for the design of colonization protocols, improving the effectiveness of artificial rearing and the SIT application.

To date, 41 species of Gyrodactylus have been described from Africa. However, none of these have been reported in Morocco. After identifying and examining 738 cyprinid host specimens, 26 specimens belonging to Gyrodactylus were found to parasitize the gills of nine species of Luciobarbus, Carasobarbus, and Pterocapoeta. The current study provides new information about the presence of a new parasitic species in Morocco, the first to be characterized on a species level in the Maghreb region. It describes in detail 12 specimens of Gyrodactylus isolated from the gills of Luciobarbus pallaryi (Pellegrin, 1919) and Luciobarbus ksibi (Boulenger, 1905). Based on morphoanatomical observations, the characterization of the specimens collected indicates a species of Gyrodactylus that is new to science, described here as Gyrodactylus nyingiae n. sp. The new species is different from previously described gyrodactylids infecting African cyprinid hosts because it has a longer hamulus total length, a longer hamulus root, a downward projecting toe of the marginal hook, and a trapezium-shaped ventral bar membrane with a slightly striated median portion and small rounded anterolateral processes. This study increases the total number of Gyrodactylus spp. found in African cyprinids to four.

Mayetiola hordei (Kieffer), known as barley stem gall midge, is one of the most destructive barley pests in many areas around the world, inflicting significant qualitative and quantitative damage to crop production. In this study, we investigate the presence of reproductive symbionts, the effect of geographical origin on the bacterial microbiome’s structure, and the diversity associated with natural populations of M. hordei located in four barley-producing areas in Morocco. Wolbachia infection was discovered in 9% of the natural populations using a precise 16S rDNA PCR assay. High-throughput sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene indicated that the native environments of samples had a substantial environmental impact on the microbiota taxonomic assortment. Briefly, 5 phyla, 7 classes, and 42 genera were identified across all the samples. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the bacterial composition of M. hordei natural populations. The presence of Wolbachia infection may assist in the diagnosis of ideal natural populations, providing a new insight into the employment of Wolbachia in the control of barley midge populations, in the context of the sterile insect technique or other biological control methods.

The ichthyofauna of Lake Tanganyika consists of 12 families of fish of which five belong to Siluriformes (catfishes). Studies on Siluriformes and their parasites in this lake are very fragmentary. The present study was carried out to help fill the knowledge gap on the monogeneans infesting the siluriform fishes of Lake Tanganyika in general and, more particularly, Clarias gariepinus. Samples of gills of Clarias gariepinus (Clariidae) were examined for ectoparasites. We identified the monogenean Gyrodactylus transvaalensis (Gyrodactylidae). This is the first time this parasite was found infecting gills. We are the first to observe a large spine in the male copulatory organ of this species and to provide measurements of its genital spines; this completes the description of the male copulatory organ, which is important in standard monogenean identification. This is the first monogenean species reported in C. gariepinus at Lake Tanganyika and the third known species on a representative of Siluriformes of this lake. It brings the total number of species of Gyrodactylus recorded in Lake Tanganyika to four. Knowing that other locations where this species has been reported are geographically remote from Lake Tanganyika, we propose a “failure to diverge” phenomenon for G. transvaalensis.

Cyprinid fishes are known to harbour highly host-specific gill-associated parasites of Dactylogyrus. High similarity in the morphology of sclerotized structures among Dactylogyrus species, especially those parasitizing congeneric cyprinoids, makes their identification difficult. In this paper, four previously known species of Dactylogyrus are characterized and illustrated under a reliable taxonomic framework integrating morphological and molecular evidence, and their phylogenetic relationships are investigated using molecular data. The species are as follows: D. borjensis from Luciobarbus zayanensis; D. draaensis from Luciobarbus lepineyi; D. ksibii from Luciobarbus ksibi and Luciobarbus rabatensis; and D. marocanus from Carasobarbus fritschii, L. ksibi, L. zayanensis and Pterocapoeta maroccana. Our results revealed intraspecific genetic variability among specimens of D. ksibii collected from two different hosts and geographically distant basins. Phylogenetic reconstruction showed that Dactylogyrus spp. parasitizing Moroccan cyprinids are representatives of three main lineages corresponding to morphological differences and host specificity. Our records of D. marocanus on L. zayanensis and P. maroccana increase the range of available host species i.e.,eight species of four cyprinid genera representing two phylogenetic lineages (i.e., Barbinae and Torinae).

Neuropathic pain is one of the most prominent chronic pain syndromes, affecting almost 10% of the United States population. While there are a variety of established pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment options, including tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, anticonvulsants, trigger point injections, and spinal cord stimulators, many patients continue to have chronic pain or suboptimal symptom control. This has led to an increased interest in alternative solutions for neuropathic pain such as nutritional supplements and essential oils. In this review, we explore the literature on the most commonly cited essential oils, including lavender, bergamot, rosemary, nutmeg, Billy goat weed, and eucalyptus. However, the literature is limited and largely comprised of preclinical animal models and a few experimental studies, some of which were poorly designed and did not clearly isolate the effects of the essential oil treatment. Additionally, no standardized method of dosing or route of administration has been established. Further randomized control studies isolating the active components of various essential oils are needed to provide conclusive evidence on the use of essential oils for neuropathic pain. In this review, we explore the basis behind some of the essential oils of interest to patients with neuropathic pain seen in rheumatology clinics.

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) valorization in a new production process has been widely studied. However, up to now, valorization has been limited to use one type of waste. Hence, the environmental and economic benefits remain quite narrow, particularly in countries with high waste production. This paper aims to determine the feasibility of using waste from rejected concrete specimens by civil engineering laboratories combined with waste brick, as an alternative of natural fine aggregate in the production of cement mortar. Natural fine aggregate (NFA) has been replaced by recycled fine aggregate (RFA), at 0%, 15 %, 30 %, 45 %, and 90 %, by weight. In this study, RFA from concrete and brick wastes were firstly characterized and compared to the NFA. Then several tests were carried out in order to evaluate the effect of RFA on mortars. The RFA’ physical, mineralogical and microstructural properties prove to be different from those of NFA. Nevertheless, the results have shown that the incorporation of these RFA at 15 % do not have any negative effect on the mechanical performance of the mortars. Besides, the microscopic analysis has revealed that the addition of RFA doesn’t compromise the microstructural properties of the mortars at low substitution rates. As a whole, this study shows that the use of RFA is possible.

Abstract Background Host specificity in parasites represents the extent to which a parasite’s distribution is limited to certain host species. Considering host-specific parasites of primarily freshwater fish (such as gill monogeneans), their biogeographical distribution is essentially influenced by both evolutionary and ecological processes. Due to the limited capacity for historical dispersion in freshwater fish, their specific coevolving parasites may, through historical host-parasite associations, at least partially reveal the historical biogeographical routes (or historical contacts) of host species. We used Dactylogyrus spp., parasites specific to cyprinid fish, to infer potential historical contacts between Northwest African and European and Asian cyprinid faunas. Using phylogenetic reconstruction, we investigated the origin(s) of host-specific Dactylogyrus spp. parasitizing Northwest African and Iberian cyprinid species. Results In accordance with hypotheses on the historical biogeography of two cyprinid lineages in Northwest Africa, Barbini (Luciobarbus) and Torini (Carasobarbus), we demonstrated the multiple origins of Northwest African Dactylogyrus. Dactylogyrus spp. of Carasobarbus spp. originated from Asian cyprinids, while Dactylogyrus spp. of Luciobarbus spp. originated from European cyprinids. This indicates the historical Northern route of Dactylogyrus spp. dispersion to Northwest African Luciobarbus species rather than the Southern route, which is currently widely accepted for Luciobarbus. In addition, both Northwest African cyprinid lineages were also colonized by Dactylogyrus marocanus closely related to Dactylogyrus spp. parasitizing African Labeo spp., which suggests a single host switch from African Labeonini to Northwest African Luciobarbus. We also demonstrated the multiple origins of Dactylogyrus spp. parasitizing Iberian Luciobarbus species. One Iberian Dactylogyrus group was phylogenetically closely related to Dactylogyrus of Moroccan Carasobarbus, while the second was related to Dactylogyrus of Moroccan Luciobarbus. Conclusions Our study confirms the different origins of two Northwest African cyprinid lineages. It suggests several independent historical contacts between European Iberian Luciobarbus and two lineages of Northwest African cyprinids, these contacts associated with host switches of Dactylogyrus parasites.

Interplay between dopaminergic and cholinergic neuromodulation in the striatum is crucial for movement control, with prominent models proposing pro-kinetic and anti-kinetic effects of dopamine and acetylcholine release, respectively. However, the natural, movement-related signals of striatum cholinergic neurons and their relationship to simultaneous variations in dopamine signaling are unknown. Here, functional optical recordings in mice were used to establish rapid cholinergic signals in dorsal striatum during spontaneous movements. Bursts across the cholinergic population occurred at transitions between movement states and were marked by widespread network synchronization which diminished during sustained locomotion. Simultaneous cholinergic and dopaminergic recordings revealed distinct but coordinated sub-second signals, suggesting a new model where cholinergic population synchrony signals rapid changes in movement states while dopamine signals the drive to enact or sustain those states.

Au Maroc, le gaz butane est fortement subventionné pour son usage domestique, et est devenu depuis une dizaine d’années une des sources principales d’énergie utilisées pour le pompage de l’eau souterraine dans les exploitations agricoles. Du fait de son coût élevé pour les finances publiques, il est envisagé un arrêt de cette subvention, couplé à une éventuelle subvention à l’investissement en énergie solaire. La présente étude analyse l’impact de scénarios d’évolutions des politiques énergétiques nationales sur des exploitations irrigantes. Ces évolutions possibles de type d’énergie utilisé sont analysées à la fois en termes de rentabilité et selon le point de vue de l’exploitant lui-même. Un ensemble de 18 exploitations, utilisant 4 différents types d’énergie (gasoil, butane, électrique, photovoltaïque), ont été enquêtées dans la plaine du Saiss. Trois scénarios ont été établis : 1) un arrêt de la subvention au butane ; 2) un arrêt de la subvention couplé à une subvention à l’investissement dans l’énergie solaire ; et 3) un arrêt de la subvention butane couplé à une subvention à l’investissement dans l’énergie électrique. Les résultats montrent que, en cas d’arrêt de la subvention sur le butane, la moitié des exploitants utilisant le butane lors de l’étude envisagent de revenir au gasoil. En cas de subvention de 50% des coûts d’installation de l’énergie photovoltaïque, trois quarts des agriculteurs utilisant le butane ou le gasoil changeraient de système. Seule la moitié des exploitations en butane ou gasoil serait intéressée par un passage à l’électrique, même dans le cas d’une forte subvention à l’investissement. La transition vers le photovoltaïque, préférée par les agriculteurs utilisant le butane ou le gasoil, ne sera pas cependant qu’une question de taux de subvention, du fait notamment d’un fort besoin d’appui technique pour la conception d’un tel système au niveau des exploitations. Par ailleurs, elle devra être liée à la mise en oeuvre de mécanismes de régulation spécifiques de façon à ne pas contribuer à une augmentation de l’utilisation des ressources en eau souterraines.

Les consommateurs marocains ne disposent actuellement que de peu de possibilités d’acheter des produits alimentaires de qualité garantie. La présente étude analyse comment une filière de menthe de qualité garantie pourrait fonctionner à Casablanca et Meknès. D’une part, 368 consommateurs de ces villes ont été enquêtés pour établir leur prédisposition à payer pour une menthe de qualité garantie. Cette prédisposition a été mesurée pour une menthe respectant les normes réglementaires sur la production et sur une filière de menthe biologique. D’autre part, un scénario de fonctionnement possible d’une filière de menthe de qualité garantie à Casablanca a été conçu. Une première estimation a été effectuée de ce que pourrait être la marge journalière de l’opérateur principal d’une telle filière. 43% des consommateurs enquêtés ont diminué leur consommation de menthe depuis 10 ans du fait des problèmes perçus de qualité. Plus des deux tiers (68%) des consommateurs ont exprimé une prédisposition à payer le double du prix actuel pour une botte de menthe de qualité garantie. Dans le scénario établi, une première estimation conduit à une marge journalière positive pour l’opérateur principal de cette filière. La menthe apparait ainsi comme un produit intéressant pour tester une filière de qualité garantie sur un produit alimentaire de grande consommation, du fait du savoir-faire de certains agriculteurs acquis dans la production de menthe destinée à l’exportation et du fait de la prédisposition à payer exprimée par les consommateurs. La création d’un label pourrait offrir l’assise réglementaire nécessaire au fonctionnement d’une telle filière.

Determination of optimal cutting parameters is one of the most important elements in any process planning of metal parts. In this paper, a new optimization technique, firefly algorithm, is used for determining the machining parameters in a multipass turning operation model. The objective considered is minimization of production cost under a set of machining constraints. The optimization is carried out using firefly algorithm. An application example is presented and solved to illustrate the effectiveness of the presented algorithm.

Background: This study aimed at comparing cardiorespiratory stability during total liquid ventilation (TLV)-prior to lung aeration-with conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) in extremely preterm lambs during the first 6 h of life., Methods: 23 lambs (11 females) were born by c-section at 118-120 days of gestational age (term = 147 days) to receive 6 h of TLV or CMV from birth. Lung samples were collected for RNA and histology analyses., Results: The lambs under TLV had higher and more stable arterial oxygen saturation (p = 0.001) and cerebral tissue oxygenation (p = 0.02) than the lambs in the CMV group in the first 10 min of transition to extrauterine life. Although histological assessment of the lungs was similar between the groups, a significant upregulation of IL-1a, IL-6 and IL-8 RNA in the lungs was observed after TLV., Conclusions: Total liquid ventilation allowed for remarkably stable transition to extrauterine life in an extremely preterm lamb model. Refinement of our TLV prototype and ventilation algorithms is underway to address specific challenges in this population, such as minimizing tracheal deformation during the active expiration., Impact: Total liquid ventilation allows for remarkably stable transition to extrauterine life in an extremely preterm lamb model. Total liquid ventilation is systematically achievable over the first 6 h of life in the extremely premature lamb model. This study provides additional incentive to pursue further investigation of total liquid ventilation as a transition tool for the most extreme preterm neonates., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to the International Pediatric Research Foundation, Inc.)

Background: Respiratory viruses can be responsible for severe apneas and bradycardias in newborn infants. The link between systemic inflammation with viral sepsis and cardiorespiratory alterations remains poorly understood. We aimed to characterize these alterations by setting up a full-term newborn lamb model of systemic inflammation using polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C)., Methods: Two 6-h polysomnographic recordings were carried out in eight lambs on two consecutive days, first after an IV saline injection, then after an IV injection of 300 μg/kg Poly I:C., Results: Poly I:C injection decreased locomotor activity and increased NREM sleep. It also led to a biphasic increase in rectal temperature and heart rate. The latter was associated with an overall decrease in heart-rate variability, with no change in respiratory-rate variability. Lastly, brainstem inflammation was found in the areas of the cardiorespiratory control centers 6 h after Poly I:C injection., Conclusions: The alterations in heart-rate variability induced by Poly I:C injection may be, at least partly, of central origin. Meanwhile, the absence of alterations in respiratory-rate variability is intriguing and noteworthy. Although further studies are obviously needed, this might be a way to differentiate bacterial from viral sepsis in the neonatal period., Impact: Provides unique observations on the cardiorespiratory consequences of injecting Poly I:C in a full-term newborn lamb to mimic a systemic inflammation secondary to a viral sepsis. Poly I:C injection led to a biphasic increase in rectal temperature and heart rate associated with an overall decrease in heart-rate variability, with no change in respiratory-rate variability. Brainstem inflammation was found in the areas of the cardiorespiratory control centers., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to the International Pediatric Research Foundation, Inc.)

Ansa pancreatica is a rare anatomic variation of pancreatic ducts. It is a predisposing factor of recurrent pancreatitis. In this case report, we describe a case of a 24-year-old male suffering from an ansa pancreatica with a non-patent major papilla, diagnosed on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP).The ansa pancreatica was revealed by an episode of acute pancreatitis attacks in chronic pancreatitis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) confirmed important abrupt dilation in the main pancreatic duct with an ansa loop in the pancreatic duct in the head of the pancreas, and a sphincterotomy of the minor papilla was performed. The procedure was difficult and the placement of a long-term pancreatic stent during the ERCP was impossible, thus a surgical pancreatico-jejunostomy was proposed as a treatment of an ansa pancreatica with a non-patent major papilla., (© 2021 The Authors. Published by the British Institute of Radiology.)

Although it is well known that neonatal sepsis can induce important alterations in cardiorespiratory control, their detailed early features and the mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. As a first step in resolving this issue, the main goal of this study was to characterize these alterations more extensively by setting up a full-term newborn lamb model of systemic inflammation using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. Two 6-h polysomnographic recordings were performed on two consecutive days on eight full-term lambs: the first after an IV saline injection (control condition, CTRL); the second, after an IV injection of 2.5 μg/kg Escherichia coli LPS 0127:B8 (LPS condition). Rectal temperature, locomotor activity, state of alertness, arterial blood gases, respiratory frequency and heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, apneas and cardiac decelerations, and heart-rate and respiratory-rate variability (HRV and RRV) were assessed. LPS injection decreased locomotor activity ( p = 0.03) and active wakefulness ( p = 0.01) compared to the CTRL. In addition, LPS injection led to a biphasic increase in rectal temperature ( p = 0.01 at ∼30 and 180 min) and in respiratory frequency and heart rate ( p = 0.0005 and 0.005, respectively), and to an increase in cardiac decelerations ( p = 0.05). An overall decrease in HRV and RRV was also observed. Interestingly, the novel analysis of the representations of the horizontal and vertical visibility network yielded the most statistically significant alterations in HRV structure, suggesting its potential clinical importance for providing an earlier diagnosis of neonatal bacterial sepsis. A second goal was to assess whether the reflexivity of the autonomic nervous system was altered after LPS injection by studying the cardiorespiratory components of the laryngeal and pulmonary chemoreflexes. No difference was found. Lastly, preliminary results provide proof of principle that brainstem inflammation (increased IL-8 and TNF-α mRNA expression) can be shown 6 h after LPS injection. In conclusion, this full-term lamb model of systemic inflammation reproduces several important aspects of neonatal bacterial sepsis and paves the way for studies in preterm lambs aiming to assess both the effect of prematurity and the central neural mechanisms of cardiorespiratory control alterations observed during neonatal sepsis., (Copyright © 2020 Nault, Creuze, Al-Omar, Levasseur, Nadeau, Samson, Imane, Tremblay, Carrault, Pladys and Praud.)

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are ribonucleic acids (RNAs) of ∼21 nucleotides that interfere with the translation of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and play significant roles in development and diseases. In bilaterian animals, the specificity of miRNA targeting is determined by sequence complementarity involving the seed. However, the role of the remaining nucleotides (non-seed) is only vaguely defined, impacting negatively on our ability to efficiently use miRNAs exogenously to control gene expression. Here, using reporter assays, we deciphered the role of the base pairs formed between the non-seed region and target mRNA. We used molecular modeling to reveal that this mechanism corresponds to the formation of base pairs mediated by ordered motions of the miRNA-induced silencing complex. Subsequently, we developed an algorithm based on this distinctive recognition to predict from sequence the levels of mRNA downregulation with high accuracy (r2 > 0.5, P-value < 10-12). Overall, our discovery improves the design of miRNA-guide sequences used to simultaneously downregulate the expression of multiple predetermined target genes.