Ecohydraulics-based environmental flow assessment in two arid North African rivers.

North Africa is among the most water-stressed regions in the world; still, the habitat requirements of its freshwater biota are largely unknown. In this study, (i) we developed habitat suitability curves (HSCs) for freshwater macroinvertebrates in two poorly studied, regulated North African rivers (Ziz and Oum Er-Rbia), and (ii) assessed environmental flows downstream of each river dam by incorporating the HSCs in two-dimensional ecohydraulic models. We demonstrate a low-cost sampling methodology combined with freely distributed ecohydraulic modeling software.

Multiplexed In Vivo Imaging with Fluorescence Lifetime-Modulating Tags.

Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) opens new dimensions for highly multiplexed imaging in live cells and organisms using differences in fluorescence lifetime to distinguish spectrally identical fluorescent probes. Here, a set of fluorescence-activating and absorption-shifting tags (FASTs) capable of modulating the fluorescence lifetime of embedded fluorogenic 4-hydroxybenzylidene rhodanine (HBR) derivatives is described. It is shown that changes in the FAST protein sequence can vary the local environment of the chromophore and lead to significant changes in fluorescence lifetime.

Typology and classification of water quality in an intermittent river in a semi-arid Mediterranean climate.

The typology and classification of rivers are highly relevant concepts in the field of limnology and freshwater ecology. Water body typology systematically categorizes water bodies based on their natural attributes, while water body classification groups them based on specific criteria or purposes for management, regulatory, or administrative reasons. Both concepts play important roles in understanding and managing water resources effectively.

Pseudotumoural pulmonary tuberculosis: a case series.

This report describes three cases of tumour-like pulmonary tuberculosis: two patients had stage C3 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (with uncontrolled HIV-1 in one case) and one patient was immunocompetent. All patients initially presented with general and respiratory symptoms, with radiological findings simulating lung carcinoma. Tuberculosis was diagnosed from microbiological testing and/or histological examination results.

Isolating and Engineering Fluorescence-Activating Proteins Using Yeast Surface Display.

This protocol describes the workflow to isolate and engineer fluorescence-activating proteins by yeast surface display. Fluorescence-activating proteins are an emerging class of fluorescent chemogenetic reporters for monitoring gene expression and protein localization in living cells and organisms. They become fluorescent upon binding exogenously applied fluorogenic organic dyes.

An expanded palette of fluorogenic HaloTag probes with enhanced contrast for targeted cellular imaging.

We report the development of HaloTag fluorogens based on dipolar flexible molecular rotor structures. By modulating the electron donating and withdrawing groups, we have tuned the absorption and emission wavelengths to design a palette of fluorogens with emissions spanning the green to red range, opening new possibilities for multicolor imaging. The probes were studied in glycerol and in the presence of HaloTag and exhibited good fluorogenic properties thanks to a viscosity-sensitive emission.

The fingernail clams (Bivalvia: Veneroida: Sphaeriidae) of Morocco: Diversity, distribution and conservation status.

Background: In Morocco, many uncertainties surround the current diversity and distribution of the bivalve family Sphaeriidae. Such information, including taxonomy and conservation status, are vital for further studies to improve the knowledge of this family in Morocco and represents the first step towards the development of a national conservation plan for all freshwater bivalves.Between 2016 and 2019, several investigations were carried out to assess the diversity and distribution of Sphaeriidae in the different basins of Morocco, covering different types of habitat (lakes, springs, rivers and small ponds).

Engineering of a fluorescent chemogenetic reporter with tunable color for advanced live-cell imaging.

Biocompatible fluorescent reporters with spectral properties spanning the entire visible spectrum are indispensable tools for imaging the biochemistry of living cells and organisms in real time. Here, we report the engineering of a fluorescent chemogenetic reporter with tunable optical and spectral properties. A collection of fluorogenic chromophores with various electronic properties enables to generate bimolecular fluorescent assemblies that cover the visible spectrum from blue to red using a single protein tag engineered and optimized by directed evolution and rational design.

Alarming decline of freshwater trigger species in western Mediterranean key biodiversity areas.

Theidentification of key biodiversity areas (KBA) was initiated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2004 to overcome taxonomic biases in the selection of important areas for conservation, including freshwater ecosystems. Since then, several KBAs have been identified mainly based on the presence of trigger species (i.e.

Social-ecological interactions in the Draa River Basin, southern Morocco: Towards nature conservation and human well-being using the IPBES framework.

Water is essential to human societies and a prerequisite for flourishing nature, especially in arid regions. Yet, climate change and socio-economic developments are expected to exacerbate current and future stresses on water resources, demanding innovative approaches to balance water needs for society and nature conservation. In this study, we use the IPBES conceptual framework to combine ecological and socio-economic insights and analyse the connections between people and nature in the water scarce Draa River Basin, southern Morocco.

The Value of Histology in the Diagnosis of Tuberculous Spondylodiscitis.

Background: Tuberculous spondylodiscitis (TS) is the most common form of musculoskeletal tuberculosis. Currently, histology is widely used to distinguish tuberculous from nontuberculous disease.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to assess the accuracy of histology compared with bacteriology in the diagnosis of TS.

Granulomatous spondylodiscitis: A case series with focus on histopathological features.

To report a series of Granulomatous Spondylodiscitis (GS) with focus on the histopathological features of the different forms of GS. Case series. Pathology department of Charles Nicolle's Hospital of Tunisia This study included 57 patients diagnosed with GS.

[Epidemio-clinical features of genital tuberculosis among Tunisian women: a series of 47 cases].

This study aimed to identify the epidemio-clinic, diagnostic, therapeutic and evolutionary features of genital tuberculosis (GT) among Tunisian women. We conducted a retrospective, descriptive study in the Department of Infectious Diseases at the La Rabta Hospital, Tunisia, over a period of 15 and a half years (January 2000 - June 2014). All patients hospitalized for genital TB were included in the study.

Paradoxical reaction associated with cervical lymph node tuberculosis: predictive factors and therapeutic management.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine predictive factors of paradoxical reaction in patients with cervical lymph node tuberculosis (TB) and to discuss the therapeutic management of this condition.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective study was performed of 501 patients managed for cervical lymph node TB over a period of 12 years (from January 2000 to December 2011). Statistical data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20.

Biosorption of copper (II) ions from synthetic aqueous solutions by drying bed activated sludge.

In the present work, the usefulness of dried activated sludge has been investigated for the removal of copper ions from synthetic aqueous solutions. Kinetic data and equilibrium sorption isotherm were measured in batch conditions. The influence of some parameters such as: contact time, initial copper concentration, initial pH of solution and copper salt nature on copper biosorption kinetics has been studied.

[Upper urinary tract infections in adults: about 261 episodes].

Background: Upper urinary tract infections are frequent. Escherichia coli is the main pathogen identified from community acquired infections.

Aim: We aim to study epidemiologic, clinical and bacterial features of this infection.

Acousto-optic tunable filter using double interaction for sidelobe reduction.

We present a bifrequency acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) for applications using polychromatic laser beams. The acousto-optic device is based on two successive anisotropic interactions in paratellurite: the first takes place with an acoustic shear wave tilted at 10 degrees from the [110] axis, while the latter is provided by the acoustic shear wave propagating collinear to the [110] axis. It is then demonstrated that the sidelobes of the impulse response to optical wavelengths of such a bifrequency AOTF are greatly reduced.

Screening of new sorbent materials for cadmium removal from aqueous solutions.

This study compares the abilities of four low-cost materials: peels of peas, broad bean, and medlar, respectively and fig leaves, to remove cadmium from aqueous solutions. Kinetic data and equilibrium sorption isotherms were measured in batch conditions. Kinetics of cadmium sorption was contact time, initial cadmium concentration and sorbent type dependent.

Effect of anions and cations on cadmium sorption kinetics from aqueous solutions by chitin: experimental studies and modeling.

The effect of ions, including Na(+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Cl(-), SO(4)(2-) and CO(3)(2-), at various initial concentrations, on the kinetics of cadmium sorption by chitin was studied at 25 degrees C and free initial pH solution in batch conditions. The presence of these ions in solution was found to inhibit the uptake of cadmium by chitin to different degrees: sodium and chloride ions have no significant effect. For Mg(2+), Ca(2+), SO(4)(2-) and CO(3)(2-) ions, the effects ranged from a large inhibition of cadmium by Ca(2+) and CO(3)(2-) to a weak inhibition by Mg(2+) and SO(4)(2-).

Cadmium removal from aqueous solutions by chitin: kinetic and equilibrium studies.

A fundamental investigation on the removal of cadmium ions from aqueous solutions by chitin was conducted in batch conditions. Kinetic data and equilibrium removal isotherms were measured. The influence of different experimental parameters such as time contact, initial concentration of cadmium, chitin mass, particles size, agitation speed, temperature and the nature of cadmium salt, on the kinetics of cadmium removal was studied.

Human bladder cancer associated antigens: evaluation of antigenicity in TCC tissues of different grades and in normal urothelium.

The expression of five antigens, associated with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder on biopsies of tumors or normal urothelium, was studied by immunostaining with the corresponding monoclonal antibodies. Both tissue sections and single cell preparations were investigated with either indirect immunoperoxidase staining or immunofluorescence. All 5 antigens were expressed on the majority (70-90%) of sectioned tumor specimens from 44 TCC patients, and 4 of them were similarly expressed on single cell tumor preparations from 26 additional patients.