Avifauna diversity and phenology in a Ramsar site: Lake Tonga (Northeastern Algeria)

Between 2013 and 2016 we conducted an inventory and characterization of aquatic avifauna at Lake Tonga, a Ramsar site. We identified 61 species belonging to 17 families, dominated by Anatidae with 14 species. The inventoried species have different phenological status. Some are known for their regular wintering and some for their summer concentrations, while others are residents year round. Population analysis showed the presence of endangered species such as Oxyura leucocephala, Marmaronetta angustirostris and Aythya nyroca, that are protected by national and/or international laws. Bird counts showed monthly variations in total abundance and richness, peaking during winter. Peak numbers were recorded in February and January, reflecting gatherings to prepare for prenuptial migration. Analysis of diversity and equitability indices indicated that maximum values ​​were generally recorded during the pre– and post–nuptial passages (H’= 3.51 and E = 0.72). Our results reflect the importance of this wetland as a wintering site and nesting site for numerous waterbirds species.

Extracellular RNA as a potential activator of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps by Candida albicans biofilm

Neutrophils represent the first line of innate host defense. The ability to inhibit the development of infections is associated with the involvement of several fighting strategies. The still poorly understood mechanism is netosis, involving the release of Extracellular Neutrophil Traps (NETs). NETs are complexes of chromosomal DNA and granule content. Such a web-like structure inhibits the spread of invaders. Netosis plays a significant role in combating Candida albicans infections. It has been shown that several factors, composing C. albicans cell surface mediate NETs production. However, the development of difficult to eradicate fungal infection is associated with the formation of the biofilm structure, which partially protects the pathogen cells from contact with the host’s immune system. One of the reasons for the creation of a such protective environment is the production of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The major components of the C. albicans ECM layer are lipids, proteins, carbohydrates but also extracellular nucleic acids, among which we observed a significant RNA content. Considering that the ECM consisting of RNA molecules is one of the first lines of contact between biofilms and neutrophils, our current studies aimed to assess the potential role of extracellular RNA in the triggering of the netosis process by human neutrophils in vitro. We showed that RNA purified from C. albicans biofilm structure and the whole cells have the capability to induction of ROS-dependent netosis pathway. Additionally, cell migration analysis indicate that RNA molecules may also be an effective chemotactic agent. This work was supported by NCN (2019/33/B/NZ6/02284).

Lipid profile migration during the tilapia muscle steaming process revealed by a transactional analysis between MS data and lipidomics data

In this work, lipid profile migration from muscle to juice during the tilapia muscle steaming process was revealed by a transactional analysis of data from ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q Exactive (UHPLC-QE) Orbitrap mass spectrometry (MS) and lipidomics. Firstly, the lipids in tilapia muscles and juices at different steaming time points were extracted and examined by UHPLC-QE Orbitrap mass spectrometry. Secondly, a transactional analysis procedure was developed to analyze the data from UHPLC-QE Orbitrap MS and lipidomics. Finally, the corrected lipidomics data and the normalized MS data were used for lipid migration analysis. The results suggested that the transactional analysis procedure was efficient to significantly decrease UHPLC-QE Orbitrap MS workloads and delete the false-positive data (22.4–36.7%) in lipidomics data, which compensated the disadvantages of the current lipidomics method. The lipid changes could be disappearance, full migration into juice, appearance in juice, appearance in muscle, appearance in both muscle and juice, and retention in the muscle. Moreover, the results showed 9 (compared with 52), 5 (compared with 116), and 10 (compared with 178) of lipid class (compared with individual lipid) variables showed significant differences among the different steaming times (0, 10, 30, and 60 min) in all the muscles, juices, and muscle-juice systems, respectively. These results showed significant lipid profile migration from muscle to juice during the tilapia steaming process.

The Cost of “A Better Life”: Children Left Behind—Beyond Ambiguous Loss

Aim: The aim of the study is to learn how children left behind in El Salvador and Nicaragua, due to parental migration, experience care across borders. Demographics: 80 participants: adolescents ( n = 21; age 13–18 years; 11 females and 10 males); emerging adults ( n = 10; age 19–30 years; whose parents had migrated when they were children); grandparents and guardians caring for children whose parents had migrated ( n = 14; 12 females and 2 males); professionals (social workers, nurses, lawyers, and teachers); and community leaders involved and/or working directly with children and youth whose parents had immigrated ( n = 35). Methodology: Using grounded theory, the study began with one sensitizing concept: parental migration. Analysis: Modified grounded theory principles centered the exploratory nature of the study. Findings: The reconfiguration of the family after parental migration did not meet the emotional needs of children, challenging notions of a “better life.” Implications: These experiences are redefining notions of the transnational family through new geographies of care.

Photothermal Agarose Microfabrication Technology for Collective Cell Migration Analysis

Agarose photothermal microfabrication technology is one of the micropatterning techniques that has the advantage of simple and flexible real-time fabrication even during the cultivation of cells. To examine the ability and limitation of the agarose microstructures, we investigated the collective epithelial cell migration behavior in two-dimensional agarose confined structures. Agarose microchannels from 10 to 211 micrometer width were fabricated with a spot heating of a focused 1480 nm wavelength infrared laser to the thin agarose layer coated on the cultivation dish after the cells occupied the reservoir. The collective cell migration velocity maintained constant regardless of their extension distance, whereas the width dependency of those velocities was maximized around 30 micrometer width and decreased both in the narrower and wider microchannels. The single-cell tracking revealed that the decrease of velocity in the narrower width was caused by the apparent increase of aspect ratio of cell shape (up to 8.9). In contrast, the decrease in the wider channels was mainly caused by the increase of the random walk-like behavior of component cells. The results confirmed the advantages of this method: (1) flexible fabrication without any pre-designing, (2) modification even during cultivation, and (3) the cells were confined in the agarose geometry.

Subsidence of a metaphyseal-anchored press-fit stem after 4-year follow-up: an EBRA-FCA analysis

Purpose Uncemented stem migration analysis by EBRA-FCA (Einzel-Bild-Roentgen Analyse, Femoral Component Analyse) has been seen to be a good predictive indicator for early implant failure. In this study, we investigated the migration behavior of a cementless metaphyseal-anchored press-fit stem after 4-year follow-up. Methods Applying a retrospective study design, we reviewed all consecutive patients who between 2012 and 2017 received a cementless Accolade II press-fit stem at our Department. We reviewed medical histories and performed radiological measurements using EBRA-FCA software. EBRA-FCA measurements and statistical investigations were performed by two independent investigators. Results A total of 102 stems in 91 patients (female 60; male 31) fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Mean age at surgery was 66.2 (range 24.3–92.6) years. EBRA migration analysis showed a mean subsidence of 1.4 mm (range 0.0–12.0) at final follow-up. The angle between stem and femur axis was 0.5° (range 0.0°–2.8°) after 48 months. No correlations between gender or Dorr types and subsidence were found (p > 0.05). A body mass index > 30 kg/m2 showed a significant increase in stem subsidence within the first 6 (p = 0.0258) and 12 months (p = 0.0466) postoperative. Conclusions Migration pattern of the metaphyseal-anchored stem and a low subsidence rate at final follow-up may predict a good long-term clinical result. Trial registration Number: 20181024-1875.