Respuesta del trigo duro (Triticum turgidum L. var. Durum) a la selección directa e indirecta en las condiciones semiáridas de Argelia

In arid and semi-arid areas, drought is an important abiotic factor that limits Durum wheat production. Identifying genotypes tolerant to drought is a challenge for plant breeders. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of direct and indirect selection on Durum wheat under rain-fed conditions in the high plains of Sétif, Algeria. Four parental varieties (Ofanto, MBB, Mrb5, Waha), three crosses (Ofanto/MBB, Ofanto/Mrb5, Ofanto/Waha) representing the F5, F6, and F7 populations, and one cultivar (Bousselm, control) were cultivated. Pheno-morpho-physiological traits were measured at the heading stage and yield and its components at grain maturity. Our results showed that the response to direct selection was reflected in a significant increase in grain yield, economic yield, and number of spikes, suggesting that grain yield may be improved using one of these characteristics as the selection criterion. Selection by canopy temperature was affected by a significant decrease in the drought susceptibility index (-11.3 %), making it possible to obtain abiotic stress-resistant lines. The study of the relationships between F5, F6, and F7 populations has shown that grain yield, economic yield, and plant height correlate with each generation, indicating no effect of genotype-environment interaction, unlike others. Late selection revealed eight meaningful lines (L1, L8, L14, L28, L32, L35, L36, and L40) in the selection process, maintaining high production throughout different cropping seasons. These successful lines were selected based on traits related to productivity: Gr.YLD, Ec.YLD, NS. These characters provide the same information as breeding programs, according to our results.En zonas áridas y semiáridas, la sequía es un factor abiótico que limita la producción de trigo duro; por tanto, la identificación de genotipos tolerantes a la sequía es un reto para los fitomejoradores. Este estudio buscó evaluar el efecto de la selección directa e indirecta en el trigo duro en condiciones de lluvia en las altas llanuras de Sétif, Argelia. Se cultivaron cuatro variedades parentales, tres cruces que representan las poblaciones F5, F6 y F7 y un cultivar (control). Los resultados mostraron que la respuesta a la selección directa se reflejó en un aumento significativo en el rendimiento del grano, el rendimiento económico y el número de espigas, lo que sugiere que es posible mejorar el rendimiento del grano utilizando una de estas características. La selección por temperatura del dosel se vio afectada por una disminución significativa del índice de susceptibilidad a la sequía (-11,3 %), lo que permite obtener líneas resistentes al estrés abiótico. El estudio de las relaciones entre las poblaciones F5, F6 y F7 ha mostrado que el rendimiento del grano, el rendimiento económico y la altura de la planta están correlacionados con estas generaciones, lo que indica que no se ven afectados por la interacción genotipo x ambiente, a diferencia de otros. La selección tardía reveló ocho líneas significativas, las cuales mantuvieron una alta producción en diferentes temporadas de cultivo. Estas líneas se seleccionaron con base en rasgos relacionados con la productividad que proporcionan la misma información que los programas de mejora, según nuestros resultados

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Outcomes following endorectal pull-through for Hirschsprung disease: a retrospective study

Abstract Purpose To share our experience in the surgical management of patients with Hirschsprung disease (HD) using the trans-anal endorectal pull-through “Soave” technique. Methods The study included cases diagnosed as HD who were operated during the period 2008 through 2018. Cases of total colonic aganglionosis were excluded to be discussed in a separate report. Results The study included 67 consecutive cases of HD. All included cases underwent trans-anal endorectal pull-through which was purely trans-anal in 31 (46%), while abdominal-assisted trans-anal endorectal pull-through was applied in the remaining (54%). Early postoperative complications included 2 cases of partial dehiscence at the colo-anal anastomosis; 1 of them deteriorated after re-exploration and unfortunately died. Twenty-six cases were available to assess functional outcomes after corrective surgery. Their age at follow-up ranged between 44 months and 17 years (mean = 78.8 months; median = 72 months). All cases achieved voluntary defecation. However, fecal soiling was a common finding after surgery for HD (69%). Constipation was another common postoperative finding (73%). Lastly, a history of attacks of postoperative enterocolitis was prevalent in 19 cases (73%), which ranged between 1 and 7 attacks usually in the first 2 years after the operation. Conclusion The trans-anal endorectal pull-through provides an effective surgical treatment for Hirschsprung disease. The high prevalence of fecal soiling after surgery highlights the importance of long-term follow-up to provide the required support for these patients during adolescence and transition into adulthood

Evaluation of damping reduction factors for displacement and acceleration spectra using code-compatible near-fault and far-fault ground motions depending on site conditions

Damping Reduction Factors (DRFs) are widely employed in design standards to adjust the structural response due to varied levels of the structural damping, higher or lower than the common value of 5% for response spectra or time history analyses. Research findings highlighted that DRFs are sensitive not only to damping and period, but also to the seismological parameters and site conditions. Nevertheless, effect of ground motions on the DRFs compiled to code-based target spectrum are not investigated. For this purpose, Eurocode-8 (EC8) compatible real ground motions were carefully selected for three soil classes, namely, A, B, and C, considering near- and far-fault ground motions and DRFs were derived from the displacement and acceleration response spectra through, Single Degree of Freedom (SDOF) systems, dynamic analyses. Near- and far-fault ground motions were considered to investigate the effect of the distance on DRFs. The distributions of DRFs were then subjected to a comparison with code-based and existing literature DRF models and bias between the models were calculated. The findings demonstrated that near- and far-fault ground motions produced different outcomes and DRFs obtained from acceleration spectra were, on average, approximately 25% higher than those obtained from displacement spectra. It was also observed that DRFs were sensitive to soil classes, especially to soil class B. The maximum near/far fault ratios determined for site class B were 1.20, 1.45 and 1.71 for damping ratios of 10, 20, and 40%, respectively. In addition, results indicated that the DRF values provided by EC8 were generally non-conservative. Therefore, it is important that the code-based definitions should be refined to consider important parameters that affect DRFs such as distance and soil classes

Blood parameters as a measure for controlling physical performance of young Algerian cyclists (U23 category)

Background and Study Aim. The use of blood parameters in monitoring athletes is an essential but an unstandardized component of managing athletic preparation. This study aims to describe and evaluate typical measurements and responses observed while monitoring elite cyclist during a training camp. The reported observations might contribute in constituting a scientific support for other practitioners to employ. Material and Methods. 35 elite cyclists from the Algerian National team aged 16 – 23 years participated in this study. Peripheral fasting blood samples were collected in resting after 24 hrs of physical inactivity and outside competitions. Complete blood count (CBC) and hormonal index values (Cortisol, Testosterone, Probnp and TnT) were tested twice before and after the training camp. The statistical data were analysed by the SPSS software version 22.0. Results. The observed rates of change were significant (p<0,01, p<0,05) for most erythrocyte variables, except for leukocyte and platelet distribution levels. Hormonal values recorded for Troponin (↓92,78%, p=0,000) and Cortisol (↓11,85%, p=0,000) remained significantly as an  anticipatory response to competition. The responses of the ProBnp and testosterone were not statistically significant and experienced a different response with regards to their kinetics. Conclusion. This study is further support suggesting a viable approach to monitoring physical performance index in elite athletes. The results imply that reducing volume while increasing intensity of training just before competition can enhance performance during short preparation periods

Relevant SARS-CoV-2 Genome Variation through Six Months of Worldwide Monitoring

Real-time genome monitoring of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic outbreak is of utmost importance for designing diagnostic tools, guiding antiviral treatment and vaccination strategies. In this study, we present an accurate method for temporal and geographical comparison of mutational events based on GISAID database genome sequencing. Among 42523 SARS-CoV-2 genomes analyzed, we found 23202 variants compared to the reference genome. The Ti/Tv (transition/transversion) ratio was used to filter out possible false-positive errors. Transition mutations generally occurred more frequently than transversions. Our clustering analysis revealed remarkable hotspot mutation patterns for SARS-CoV-2. Mutations were clustered based on how their frequencies changed over time according to each geographical location. We observed some clusters showing a clear variation in mutation frequency and continuously evolving in the world. However, many mutations appeared in specific periods without a clear pattern over time. Various important nonsynonymous mutations were observed, mainly in Oceania and Asia. More than half of these mutations were observed only once. Four hotspot mutations were found in all geographical locations at least once: T265I (NSP2), P314L (NSP12), D614G (S), and Q57H (ORF3a). The current analysis of SARS-CoV-2 genomes provides valuable information on the geographical and temporal mutational evolution of SARS-CoV-2.Peer Reviewe

Chemically treated eggshell wastes as a heterogeneous and eco-friendly catalyst for oximes preparation

International audienceThe synthesis of oximes from aldehydes and ketones was successfully carried out in ethanol under refluxing conditions using the Chemically Treated Eggshell (CTE) waste and its analog Chemically Treated then Calcined waste at 800 degrees C (CTEC800) as eco-friendly catalysts. After preparation and characterization of these catalysts by several methods including TGA/TDA, X-ray diffraction, SEM, EDX, and FTIR, they gave satisfactory results. These results show that 100 mg was found as optimum quantity for oximes synthesis. This amount can lead to the corresponding oximes in good yields (60% and 69% using CTE and CTEC800 respectively) to excellent yields (87% and 96% using CTE and CTEC800 respectively). The remarkable features of this new approach are very good yields, short reaction times, and mild conditions. Catalytic activities and the ability to reuse up to 7 times are demonstrated. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in children : an international, multicentre, prospective cohort study

Introduction Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). However, there is a lack of data available about SSI in children worldwide, especially from low-income and middle-income countries. This study aimed to estimate the incidence of SSI in children and associations between SSI and morbidity across human development settings. Methods A multicentre, international, prospective, validated cohort study of children aged under 16 years undergoing clean-contaminated, contaminated or dirty gastrointestinal surgery. Any hospital in the world providing paediatric surgery was eligible to contribute data between January and July 2016. The primary outcome was the incidence of SSI by 30 days. Relationships between explanatory variables and SSI were examined using multilevel logistic regression. Countries were stratified into high development, middle development and low development groups using the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI). Results Of 1159 children across 181 hospitals in 51 countries, 523 (45 center dot 1%) children were from high HDI, 397 (34 center dot 2%) from middle HDI and 239 (20 center dot 6%) from low HDI countries. The 30-day SSI rate was 6.3% (33/523) in high HDI, 12 center dot 8% (51/397) in middle HDI and 24 center dot 7% (59/239) in low HDI countries. SSI was associated with higher incidence of 30-day mortality, intervention, organ-space infection and other HAIs, with the highest rates seen in low HDI countries. Median length of stay in patients who had an SSI was longer (7.0 days), compared with 3.0 days in patients who did not have an SSI. Use of laparoscopy was associated with significantly lower SSI rates, even after accounting for HDI. Conclusion The odds of SSI in children is nearly four times greater in low HDI compared with high HDI countries. Policies to reduce SSI should be prioritised as part of the wider global agenda.Peer reviewe

Abstracts of the First International Conference on Advances in Electrical and Computer Engineering 2023

This book presents extended abstracts of the selected contributions to the First International Conference on Advances in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ICAECE'2023), held on 15-16 May 2023 by the Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Echahid Cheikh Larbi Tebessi, Tebessa-Algeria. ICAECE'2023 was delivered in-person and virtually and was open for researchers, engineers, academics, and industrial professionals from around the world interested in new trends and advances in current topics of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Conference Title: First International Conference on Advances in Electrical and Computer Engineering 2023Conference Acronym: ICAECE'2023Conference Date: 15-16 May 2023Conference Venue: University of Echahid Cheikh Larbi Tebessi, Tebessa-AlgeriaConference Organizer: Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Echahid Cheikh Larbi Tebessi, Tebessa-Algeri