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Genome sequences of four Ixodes species expands understanding of tick evolution
No full textInternational audienceBackground: Ticks, hematophagous Acari, pose a significant threat by transmitting various pathogens to their vertebrate hosts during feeding. Despite advances in tick genomics, high-quality genomes were lacking until recently, particularly in the genus Ixodes, which includes the main vectors of Lyme disease.Results: Here, we present the genome sequences of four tick species, derived from a single female individual, with a particular focus on the European species Ixodes ricinus, achieving a chromosome-level assembly. Additionally, draft assemblies were generated for the three other Ixodes species, I. persulcatus, I. pacificus, and I. hexagonus. The quality of the four genomes and extensive annotation of several important gene families have allowed us to study the evolution of gene repertoires at the level of the genus Ixodes and of the tick group. We have determined gene families that have undergone major amplifications during the evolution of ticks, while an expression atlas obtained for I. ricinus reveals striking patterns of specialization both between and within gene families. Notably, several gene family amplifications are associated with a proliferation of single-exon genes—most strikingly for fatty acid elongases and sulfotransferases.Conclusions: The integration of our data with existing genomes establishes a solid framework for the study of gene evolution, improving our understanding of tick biology. In addition, our work lays the foundations for applied research and innovative control targeting these organisms
Can natural language processing or large language models replace human operators for pre-processing word and sentence-based free comments sensory evaluation data?
No full textInternational audienceThe free comment (FC) method enables the collection of insights on products based on consumers' natural language. The primary drawback is the need for extensive data pre-processing. This study compared the results of three data pre-processing techniques applied to FC data related to the perception of six madeleines by two panels of 100 consumers: manual pre-processing by four human experts, automated pre-processing by an expert system, and automated pre-processing by the large language model ChatGPT. Two modes of data collection were used: responses only with words or short expressions (“FC words”), or responses based on complete sentences (“FC sentences”). Various indicators (number of words extracted, number of concepts retained, pre-processing time, level of repeatability/discrimination/stability of findings) were computed and compared between data collection modes and pre-processing techniques. It was shown that the automated systems performed correctly with FC words; however, they were less effective at extracting relevant words from FC sentences. The findings from statistical analyses following automated pre-processing were less repeatable and discriminative compared to those from the most proficient human operators. It was also demonstrated that, beyond the overall differences between products, the pre-processing of FC data can be a major source of non-reproducibility in findings, depending on the operators and the level of detail they consider when extracting information. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of each pre-processing technique were summarized, along with several recommendations for pre-processing and analysing FC data at the appropriate level of granularity to draw robust conclusions
Design and Ex Vivo Evaluation of a PCLA Degradable Device To Improve Annulus Fibrosus Repair
No full textInternational audienceWith a prevalence of over 90% in people over 50, intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a major health concern. This weakening of the intervertebral discs can lead to herniation, where the nucleus pulpus (NP) leaks through the surrounding Annulus Fibrosus (AF). Considering the limited self-healing capacity of AF tissue, an implant is needed to restore its architecture and function. Here, we developed a biomimetic electrospun nanofibrous biodegradable scaffold that could be potentially used to repair AF defects. To that aim, we synthesized copolymers and blends of ε-caprolactone and lactide to create poly(ε-caprolactone-co-lactide) (PCLA) and PCL/PLA scaffolds with 10, 20, or 30% PLA. Properties of the initial nanofibrous scaffolds and the impact of gamma irradiation sterilization on the mechanical, thermal, and in vitro degradation properties are assessed and discussed with respect to the AF application. It was shown that ovine AF cells colonize the nanofibrous layers with increased metabolic activity over time. As an outcome of these studies, two copolymers were chosen to design a device composed of a 3D nanofibrous stacked scaffold associated with a degradable anchoring system to maintain the scaffold in an AF defect. The implantability of this device was tested in a cadaveric sheep lumbar IVD
A dataset of annotated free comments on the sensory perception of madeleines for benchmarking text mining techniques
No full textInternational audienceThis dataset was created to investigate the impact of data collection modes and pre-processing techniques on the quality of free comment data related to consumers' sensory perceptions. A total of 200 consumers were recruited and divided into two groups of 100. Each group evaluated six madeleine samples (five distinct samples and one replicate) in a sensory analysis laboratory, using different free comment data collection modes. Consumers in the first group provided only words or short expressions, while those in the second group used complete sentences. Additionally, participants reported their liking for each sample. The collected data provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of the free comment method in sensory evaluation of food products. They emphasized the importance of data pre-processing and demonstrated how the chosen techniques can impact the quality of the results. The dataset is based on real-world consumer data, showcasing how individuals naturally express their subjective perceptions. It features descriptions that reflect authentic consumer language, including informal expressions, incorrect phrasing, spelling errors, and unstructured sentences. This raw textual data has been annotated and translated into English. The dataset can therefore be repurposed to assess and compare the performance of different text mining, natural language processing and sentiment analysis algorithms in both French and English, as well as to drive innovations in AI tools for sensory and consumer research
Domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) with cholecystitis commonly show hyperbilirubinemia and common bile duct dilation, gallbladder sludge, and gallbladder wall thickening on ultrasound
No full textInternational audienceOBJECTIVE To report clinical signs, biological anomalies, treatment, and outcome in domestic ferrets with cholecystitis, describe the ultrasonographic features of cholecystitis, and compare the ultrasonographic appearance of the hepatobiliary system between diseased and healthy ferrets. METHODS 11 ferrets with confirmed cholecystitis and abdominal ultrasonography were retrospectively included. Ten healthy ferrets were prospectively recruited to undergo hepatobiliary abdominal ultrasonography. Comparisons of explanatory variables (group, age, body weight, and sex) were performed. RESULTS The most common clinical signs were nonspecific, and icterus was observed in 1/4 of diseased ferrets. Compared with healthy individuals, diseased ferrets showed a larger common bile duct (CBD; ≥ 2.8 mm), a thicker CBD wall (≥ 0.7 mm), a thicker gallbladder (GB) wall, more frequent echoic GB luminal content, visible intrahepatic bile ducts, and a greater GB volume. Bile culture was positive in 9/11 mostly for Escherichia coli (8/9). Bile cytology indicated septic purulent cholecystitis in 7/7 ferrets. Survival time after antibiotic treatment ranged from 6 to 104 weeks, with a median of 36 weeks. CONCLUSIONS Ferrets with cholecystitis presented with nonspecific clinical signs and frequently showed hyperbilirubinemia. Ultrasonography findings such as enlarged CBD, thickened CBD wall, thicker GB wall, GB sludge, visible intrahepatic bile ducts, and enlarged GB may suggest cholecystitis. Escherichia coli was commonly isolated from bile. The medium-term mortality rate was high despite targeted antibiotherapy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This is the first study describing the clinical signs, biological anomalies, ultrasonographic findings, and outcomes after treatment in a series of domestic ferrets with cholecystitis
Better to be bitten by a wolf or a dog? A quantitative comparative study of the jaw adductors architecture in wild and domestic canids
No full textInternational audienceVariability in the jaw musculature of canids has been studied in various species, including domestic dogs. Previous research suggests that despite significant morphological variation due to artificial selection, muscle architecture remains relatively stable in domestic dogs. However, the variability in the jaw musculature of wild grey wolves remains unexplored, primarily due to the difficulty of obtaining fresh cadavers. Here, we compare the muscle architecture (mass and physiological cross-sectional area) of a large sample of domestic dogs (n = 83) with that of French wolves (n = 91) and Alaskan wolves (n = 14). Our results reveal that wolves have a greater proportion of masseter muscle PCSA relative to total jaw adductors musculature, with values overlapping those observed in dog breeds selected for defense or attack (e.g., Mastiffs, Pit Bulls, and Dobermans). This adaptation likely enhances their ability to generate greater bite force at low jaw-opening angles, which is crucial for wolves when cracking the bones of large prey-deer constituting 55% and 75% of the diet in French and Alaskan wolves, respectively. Similarly, attack dogs benefit from this trait for capturing and restraining prey or threats. This study provides new insights into how natural selection shapes the jaw apparatus of wild canids and highlights the impact of artificial selection on domestic breeds
Is the mitochondria a key player in the pathogenesis of Pompe disease? Focus on muscle metabolism and ERT impact
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Evaluation of control strategies implemented in a multiphysics generic greenhouse dynamic model
No full textInternational audienceIn Northwestern Europe, soilless cultivation comes with an important and unsustainable energy consumption in heated tomato greenhouses. Agricultural practices need to be improved through reducing their environmental impacts, while producers also have to anticipate the agronomical consequences of the climate change to maintain the farm’s economic viability. Complementary to experiments, multiphysics greenhouse dynamic models simulations can shed light on technical solutions and provide insights towards better practices. Starting from a modular physics-based model of a 1000 m2 experimental greenhouse compartment, this paper focuses on the integration of detailed control strategies for the equipment (thermal and shading screens, roof vents, heating pipes) and for the setpoints (temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration). The objectives require a time-continuous approach: the observation period can indeed be from a few minutes (actuators operation, weather changes) up to the complete production season (11 months) for the crop growth and yield. PID-based control is implemented, and control strategies are integrated in a way aiming at being generic. The approach allows evaluating the effects of different indoor climate settings and equipment control on the utilities consumption (energy, water, CO2) by simulation, should the use case be an existing greenhouse or a prospective one dedicated to the assessment of specific technical solutions.Compared with a reference simulation case, several strategies were evaluated concerning the screens control, the temperature and the CO2 setpoint control, as well as planting period postponing. For instance, applying a systematic offset of -1°C on the indoor temperature setpoint leads to a 19.4 % decrease in energy consumption, with a yield loss of 1.7 %
Utiliser les applications mobiles de lutte contre le gaspillage alimentaire : Un indicateur de l’adoption d’une démarche de consommation responsable ?
No full textInternational audienceIn a favorable legislative context, mobile applications to fight food waste are developing. Do they constitute a means for consumers to adopt and strengthen a responsible consumption approach? Through an online study of 1,086 French people, this research shows that knowledge and use of these applications are not indicators of individuals' commitment to a responsible consumption approach. The volume-price model remains dominant to the detriment of a more eco-responsible altruistic approach.Dans un contexte législatif favorable les applications mobiles de lutte contre le gaspillage alimentaire se développent. Constituent-elles un moyen pour les consommateurs d’adopter et renforcer une démarche de consommation responsable ? Au moyen d’une étude online auprès de 1086 Français cette recherche montre que la connaissance et l’utilisation de ces applications ne sont pas des indicateurs de l’engagement des individus dans une démarche de consommation responsable. Le modèle volume-prix reste dominant au détriment d’une démarche plus écoresponsable altruiste
