NEOTROPICAL XENARTHRANS: a data set of occurrence of xenarthran species in the Neotropics

Xenarthrans – anteaters, sloths, and armadillos – have essential functions for ecosystem maintenance, such as insect control and nutrient cycling, playing key roles as ecosystem engineers. Because of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, and conflicts with 24 domestic dogs, these species have been threatened locally, regionally, or even across their full distribution ranges. The Neotropics harbor 21 species of armadillos, ten anteaters, and six sloths. Our dataset includes the families Chlamyphoridae (13), Dasypodidae (7), Myrmecophagidae (3), Bradypodidae (4), and Megalonychidae (2). We have no occurrence data on Dasypus pilosus (Dasypodidae). Regarding Cyclopedidae, until recently, only one species was recognized, but new genetic studies have revealed that the group is represented by seven species. In this data-paper, we compiled a total of 42,528 records of 31 species, represented by occurrence and quantitative data, totaling 24,847 unique georeferenced records. The geographic range is from the south of the USA, Mexico, and Caribbean countries at the northern portion of the Neotropics, to its austral distribution in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. Regarding anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla has the most records (n=5,941), and Cyclopes sp. has the fewest (n=240). The armadillo species with the most data is Dasypus novemcinctus (n=11,588), and the least recorded for Calyptophractus retusus (n=33). With regards to sloth species, Bradypus variegatus has the most records (n=962), and Bradypus pygmaeus has the fewest (n=12). Our main objective with Neotropical Xenarthrans is to make occurrence and quantitative data available to facilitate more ecological research, particularly if we integrate the xenarthran data with other datasets of Neotropical Series which will become available very soon (i.e. Neotropical Carnivores, Neotropical Invasive Mammals, and Neotropical Hunters and Dogs). Therefore, studies on trophic cascades, hunting pressure, habitat loss, fragmentation effects, species invasion, and climate change effects will be possible with the Neotropical Xenarthrans dataset

Latest results of dark matter detection with the DarkSide experiment

In this contribution the latest results of dark matter direct detection obtained by the DarkSide Collaboration are discussed. New limits on the scattering cross-section between dark matter particles and baryonic matter have been set. The results have been reached using the DarkSide-50 detector, a double-phase Time Projection Chamber (TPC) filled with 40Ar and installed at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (LNGS). In 2018, the DarkSide Collaboration has performed three different types of analysis. The so-called high-mass analysis into the range between ∼ 10 GeV and ∼ 1000 GeV is discussed under the hypothesis of scattering between dark matter and Ar nuclei. The low-mass analysis, performed using the same hypothesis, extends the limit down to ∼1.8 GeV. Through a different hypothesis, that predicts dark matter scattering off the electrons inside of the Ar atom, it has been possible to set limits for sub-GeV dark matter masses

Colture cellulari primarie ottenute da gonadi del comune riccio di mare Paracentrotus lividus

Considerate le enormi potenzialit\ue0 dell\u2019approccio in vitro nello studio della biologia riproduttiva, sono state condotte ricerche preliminari per l\u2019allestimento di colture cellulari primarie ottenute da gonadi del comune riccio di mare Paracentrotus lividus. Una volta caratterizzati i citotipi, \ue8 stata condotta un\u2019accurata indagine del mezzo di coltura pi\uf9 idoneo. I citotipi sono stati caratterizzati con tecniche di microscopia ottica ed elettronica a trasmissione. Successivamente, sono stati testati 3 diversi mezzi di coltura modificati: L-15, M199 e MEM. Il mezzo pi\uf9 idoneo \ue8 stato determinato mediante l\u2019osservazione a contrasto di fase delle cellule in coltura e della loro vitalit\ue0 utilizzando Tripan blue. In vitro sono stati ritrovati gli stessi citotipi gi\ue0 descritti nel modello in vivo: fagociti nutritivi e cellule germinali a diversi stadi di maturazione. Sia l\u2019osservazione a contrasto di fase che la vitalit\ue0 di queste cellule risultano ottimali utilizzando il mezzo di coltura Leibovitz-15 modificato. I dati finora ottenuti mostrano come sia possibile ottenere colture cellulari da gonadi di riccio di mare e mantenerle vitali fino a quattro settimane. Nonostante ulteriori studi siano sicuramente necessari per un\u2019adeguata ottimizzazione dei metodi, l\u2019approccio da noi proposto si dimostra un ottimo modello sperimentale

Screening for mutations in the ISL1 gene in patients with thyroid dysgenesis

CONTEXT:Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a common endocrine disorder with an incidence of 1:3000- 4000 newborns. In 80-85% of cases, CH is caused by defects in thyroid organogenesis, resulting in absent, ectopically located, and/or severely reduced gland, all conditions indicated as "thyroid dysgenesis" (TD). A higher prevalence of congenital heart diseases has been documented in children with CH compared to the general population. This association suggests a possible pathogenic role of genes involved in both heart and thyroid development. Among these, it can be included Isl1, a transcription factor containing a LIM homeodomain that is expressed in both thyroid and heart during morphogenesis. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we investigate the role of ISL1 in the pathogenesis of TD. SETTINGS AND PATIENTS: By single stranded conformational polymorphism, we screened for mutations the entire ISL1 coding sequence in 96 patients with TD and in 96 normal controls. RESULTS: No mutations have been found in patients and controls. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that, despite the relevant role of ISL1 in thyroid and heart morphogenesis, mutations in its coding region are not associated with TD in our group of patients

Early coagulation support protocol: A valid approach in real-life management of major trauma patients. Results from two Italian centres

Introduction: Early coagulation support (ECS) includes prompt infusion of tranexamic acid, fibrinogen concentrate, and packed red blood cells for initial resuscitation of major trauma patients. The aim of this study was to determine the effects, in terms of blood product consumption, length of stay, and in-hospital mortality, of the ECS protocol, compared to the massive transfusion protocol (MTP) in the treatment of major trauma patients. Patients and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using the registry data of two Italian trauma centres. Adult major trauma patients with, or at risk of, active bleeding who were managed according to the MTP during the years 2011\u20132012, or the ECS protocol during the years 2013\u20132014 and were considered at risk of multiple transfusions, were enrolled. The primary endpoint was to determine whether the ECS protocol reduces the use of blood products in the acute management of trauma patients. Secondary endpoints were the outcome measures of length of stay in ICU, length of stay in hospital, and mortality at 24-hours and 28-days after hospital admission. Results: Among the 518 major trauma patients admitted to the trauma centres during the study period, 235 patients (118 in the pre-ECS period and 117 in the ECS period) matched one of the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study. Compared with the pre-ECS period, the ECS period showed a reduction in the average consumption of packed red blood cells ( 121.87 units, 95% confidence interval [CI], 122.40, 121.34), platelets ( 121.28 units; 95% CI, 121.64, 120.91), and fresh frozen plasma ( 121.69; 95% CI, 122.14, 121.25) in the first 24-hours. Furthermore, during the ECS period, we recorded a 10-day reduction in the hospital length of stay ( 1210 days, 95% CI, 1211.6, 128.4) and a non-significant 28-day mortality increase. Conclusions: The ECS protocol was effective in reducing blood product consumption compared to the MTP and confirmed the importance of early fibrinogen administration as a strategy of rapid coagulation. This novel approach may be adopted in real-life management of major trauma patients

High prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection and stunting among school age children in communities along the Albert-Nile, Northern Uganda: A cross sectional study

BackgroundKnowing the prevalence of schistosomiasis is key to informing programmes to control and eliminate the disease as a public health problem. It is also important to understand the impact of infection on child growth and development in order to allocate appropriate resources and effort to the control of the disease.MethodsWe conducted a survey to estimate the prevalence of schistosomiasis among school aged children in villages along the Albert-Nile shore line in the district of Pakwach, North Western Uganda. A total of 914 children aged between 10-15 years were screened for Schistosoma mansoni using the POC-CCA and Kato Katz (KK) techniques. The infection intensities were assessed by POC-CCA and KK as well as CAA tests. The KK intensities were also correlated with POC-CCA and with CAA intensity. Anthropometric measurements were also taken and multivariate analysis was carried out to investigate their association with infection status.ResultsThe prevalence of schistosomiasis using the POC-CCA diagnostic test was estimated at 85% (95% CI: 83-87), being highest amongst children living closer to the Albert-Nile shoreline. Visual scoring of the POC-CCA results was more sensitive than the Kato Katz test and was positively correlated with the quantified infection intensities by the CAA test. The majority of the children were underweight (BMI< 18.5), and most notably, boys had significantly lower height for age (stunting) than girls in the same age range (p < 0.0001), but this was not directly associated with S. mansoni infection.ConclusionHigh prevalence of S. mansoni infection in the region calls for more frequent mass drug administration with praziquantel. We observed high levels of stunting which was not associated with schistosomiasis. There is a need for improved nutrition among the children in the area.Author summarySchistosomiasis is a neglected but frequent disease that is caused by schistosomes, with over 290 million people worldwide at risk of infection. The major mode of transmission is through contact with fresh water sources infested with infected snails (the intermediate host). In this study, using the point of care test (POC-CCA), we screened 914 school aged children (10-15 years) living in the rural communities along the Lake Albert- River Nile shores of Pakwach district in Northern Uganda. We observed a very high prevalence of S. mansoni infections (over 80%) although the prevalence dropped to 40% in communities that were further from the lake shores. This high prevalence was also coupled with Kato Katz light schistosome infection intensities as categorised by WHO guidelines. We further compared the POC-CCA and Kato Katz tests to the more sensitive CAA assay and this revealed that even though both tests gave good probability of positive prediction, the POC-CCA had higher sensitivity in screening for S. mansoni infections than Kato Katz assay. The study also revealed high levels of stunting within the children, more so amongst boys. Frequent screening and mass treatment of these communities with praziquantel will reduce on the infection rates. But in addition, improved hygiene and sanitation will be required for a sustainable reduction in the prevalence and morbidity of schistosomiasis in the Albert-Nile communities along with dietary intervention for optimal child health