Potential Benefits of Jujube ( Zizyphus Lotus

Zizyphus lotus, belonging to the Rhamnaceae family, is a deciduous shrub which generally grows in arid and semiarid regions of the globe. In traditional medicine, Z. lotus is used as antidiabetes, sedative, bronchitis, and antidiarrhea by local populations. Recently, several scientific reports for health benefit and nutritional potential of bioactive compounds from this jujube have been reported. This plant is rich in polyphenols, cyclopeptide alkaloids, dammarane saponins, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. These identified compounds were supposed to be responsible for most of Z. lotus biologically relevant activities including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. The aim of the present review was to give particular emphasis on the most recent findings on biological effects of the major groups of Zizyphus lotus components and their medical interest, notably for human nutrition, health benefit, and therapeutic impacts

Unmet need in family planning at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital of Ghana

Background: Knowing the prevalence of unintended pregnancy, unmet need in family planning and the associated factors in cape coast, is important for ensuring that all women have access to the most effective methods of family planning in order to reduce the occurrence of unintended pregnancies. This study aims to determine the prevalence of unintended pregnancies, unmet need in family planning and the associated factors among women attending antenatal clinics at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Republic of Ghana.Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study with descriptive and analytical components was carried out from 20th April 2015 to 20th June 2015 to simultaneously measure the prevalence of unmet need for family planning and related factors.  All clients reporting for ANC at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital during the study period were recruited into the study.Results: A total of 324 clients were recruited. The mean age was 29.98±5.86 years, 85.80% were married, 46.58% had tertiary education and 79.94% had a source of income. Up to 54.94% of the clients had not planned their index pregnancy. Among subjects who had not planned their index pregnancies, 74.71% had not used a family planning method. There is a significant association between age, educational level, the presence of a source of income, marital status and the occurrence of unplanned pregnancy.Conclusions: There were high prevalence of unplanned pregnancy and unmet need for family planning. There is a significant association between age, educational level, the presence of a source of income, marital status and the occurrence of unplanned pregnancy

Implication de la signalisation calcique et des MAP kinases dans la perception gustative lipidique

Dans ce travail, nous démontrons que STIM1, un senseur calcique activé par la déplétion du Ca2+ intracellulaire du réticulum endoplasmique, est indispensable pour la signalisation calcique et la préférence oro-sensorielle du gras. Nous observons que l'acide linoléique (LA), en activant les phospholipases A2 via CD36, produit de l acide arachidonique (AA) et de la lyso-phosphatidylcholine (lyso-PC). Cette activation déclenche un influx calcique dans les cellules CD36-positives, et induit la production du facteur CIF (Ca2+ Influx Factor). CIF, AA et lyso-PC exercent différentes actions sur l'ouverture des canaux SOC (Stored Operated Calcium Channel) constitués de protéines Orai et contrôlés par STIM1. Par ailleurs, les souris au phénotype Stim1-/- perdent la préférence spontanée pour les lipides et la libération de la sérotonine à partir des cellules gustatives dans le milieu extracellulaire chez les animaux sauvages. Nous demontrons aussi que la signalisation calcique médiée via CD36 est doublement modulée lors de l obésité. L augmentation de la [Ca2+]i dans les cellules gustatives observée chez le Psammomys obesus, un modèle d obésité nutritionelle, est fortement diminuée chez les souris rendues obèses par un regime hyperlipidique. Nous avons constaté également que l interaction de LA avec le CD36 induit l activation des MAP Kinases de la voie MEK1/2/ERK1/2/Elk-1 qui est non seulement à l origine de l activation des aires cérébrales telles que le NTS, le noyau arqué, l hippocampe mais aussi indispensable pour la préférence spontanée pour les lipides alimentaires. Nos résultats suggèrent pour la prémière fois, que la voie ERK1/2 des MAPK et la signalisation calcique lipidique controlée par STIM1 sont impliquées dans la perception oro-gustative des lipidesIn this work, we demonstrate that stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), a sensor of Ca2+ depletion in the endoplasmic reticulum, mediates fatty acid induced Ca2+ signaling in the mouse tongue and fat preference. We showed that linoleic acid (LA) induced the production of arachidonic acid (AA) and lysophosphatidylcholine (Lyso-PC) by activating multiple phospholipase A2 isoforms via CD36. This activation triggered Ca2+ influx in lingual CD36-positive taste bud cells (TBCs) purified from mouse CVP. LA also induced the production of Ca2+ influx factor (CIF). STIM1 was found to regulate LA-induced CIF production and the opening of store-operated Ca2+ (SOC) channels. Furthermore, CD36-positive TBCs from Stim1 / mice failed to release serotonin, and Stim1 / mice lost the spontaneous preference for fat that was observed in wild-type animals. We also demonstrate that the calcium-mediated signaling via CD36 is doubly modulated in obesity. The increase in [Ca2+]i in taste bud cells observed in Psammomys obesus, a model of nutritional obesity is strongly reduced in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. We also found that the interaction of LA with CD36 induces activation of MAP Kinases MEK1/2/ERK1/2/Elk-1 pathway that is not only responsible for the activation of NTS, arcuate nucleus, and the hippocampus in the brain but also essential for the spontaneous preference for fat food. Our results suggest for the first time, that ERK1/2 MAPK pathway and lipid-induced calcium signaling controlled by STIM1 are involved in oro-gustatory perception of dietary lipidsDIJON-BU Doc.électronique (212319901) / SudocSudocFranceF

Tétanos du post-partum sur déchirure vaginale à propos d’un cas à l’Hôpital National de Zinder, Niger

We report an exceptional case of postpartum tetanus occurring in an unvaccinated primipara having given birth in a health center. Six days after childbirth, she had a trismus associated with generalized muscle contractions suggestive of tetanus. Obstructed labor was complicated by a vulvar tear repaired with wires under septic conditions. Functional sequelae, such as dysarthria, quadriesteria, and a decrease in visual acuity, marked the evolution. The newborn was free from neonatal tetanus. Our patient poses the problem of access to preventive care and the quality of care in health facilities in developing countries

Relative effects of sensory modalities and importance of fatty acid sensitivity on fat perception in a real food model

Fat can be perceived through mouthfeel, odour and taste, but the influence of these modalities on fat perception remains undefined. Fatty acids are stimuli. Individual’s sensitivity to fatty acids varies. Studies show association between fatty acid sensitivity, dietary intake and BMI, but results are conflicting. Therefore, this study examined this association, and the effects of modalities on fat perception. Two sub-studies conducted. In Study 1 (n=46), fat intensity was assessed by milk/cream mixtures varying by five fat levels. Fat intensity was rated under four conditions: mouthfeel-odour masked, mouthfeel masked, odour masking and no masking. Mouthfeel masking was achieved using thickener and paraffin, odour masking using nose-clips. Fatty acid sensitivity was measured by 3-AFC-staircase method using milk containing oleic acid (0.31-31.4mM). In Study 2 (n=51), more fat levels were added in fat intensity rating. A 2-AFC discrimination test was used to confirm whether fat levels could be distinguished. In the sensitivity test, a wider range of oleic acid was included. Fat intensity was rated higher without nose-clips (p<0.0001), implying that odour increased fat perception. Samples with mouthfeel-masked were rated higher, showing that increased viscosity and lubricity enhanced fat perception (p<0.0001). Participants could distinguish fat levels based on “taste” in rating tests and 2-AFC-tests. Participants were divided into high/medium/low-sensitivity groups. No significant difference found in fat intensity between groups, however, high-sensitivity group discriminated more fat levels. No association between sensitivity groups, nutrient intake or BMI found

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Implication de la signalisation calcique et des MAP kinases dans la perception gustative lipidique

In this work, we demonstrate that stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), a sensor of Ca2+ depletion in the endoplasmic reticulum, mediates fatty acid–induced Ca2+ signaling in the mouse tongue and fat preference. We showed that linoleic acid (LA) induced the production of arachidonic acid (AA) and lysophosphatidylcholine (Lyso-PC) by activating multiple phospholipase A2 isoforms via CD36. This activation triggered Ca2+ influx in lingual CD36-positive taste bud cells (TBCs) purified from mouse CVP. LA also induced the production of Ca2+ influx factor (CIF). STIM1 was found to regulate LA-induced CIF production and the opening of store-operated Ca2+ (SOC) channels. Furthermore, CD36-positive TBCs from Stim1–/– mice failed to release serotonin, and Stim1–/– mice lost the spontaneous preference for fat that was observed in wild-type animals. We also demonstrate that the calcium-mediated signaling via CD36 is doubly modulated in obesity. The increase in [Ca2+]i in taste bud cells observed in Psammomys obesus, a model of nutritional obesity is strongly reduced in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. We also found that the interaction of LA with CD36 induces activation of MAP Kinases MEK1/2/ERK1/2/Elk-1 pathway that is not only responsible for the activation of NTS, arcuate nucleus, and the hippocampus in the brain but also essential for the spontaneous preference for fat food. Our results suggest for the first time, that ERK1/2 MAPK pathway and lipid-induced calcium signaling controlled by STIM1 are involved in oro-gustatory perception of dietary lipidsDans ce travail, nous démontrons que STIM1, un senseur calcique activé par la déplétion du Ca2+ intracellulaire du réticulum endoplasmique, est indispensable pour la signalisation calcique et la préférence oro-sensorielle du gras. Nous observons que l'acide linoléique (LA), en activant les phospholipases A2 via CD36, produit de l’acide arachidonique (AA) et de la lyso-phosphatidylcholine (lyso-PC). Cette activation déclenche un influx calcique dans les cellules CD36-positives, et induit la production du facteur CIF (Ca2+ Influx Factor). CIF, AA et lyso-PC exercent différentes actions sur l'ouverture des canaux SOC (Stored Operated Calcium Channel) constitués de protéines Orai et contrôlés par STIM1. Par ailleurs, les souris au phénotype Stim1-/- perdent la préférence spontanée pour les lipides et la libération de la sérotonine à partir des cellules gustatives dans le milieu extracellulaire chez les animaux sauvages. Nous demontrons aussi que la signalisation calcique médiée via CD36 est doublement modulée lors de l’obésité. L’augmentation de la [Ca2+]i dans les cellules gustatives observée chez le Psammomys obesus, un modèle d’obésité nutritionelle, est fortement diminuée chez les souris rendues obèses par un regime hyperlipidique. Nous avons constaté également que l’interaction de LA avec le CD36 induit l’activation des MAP Kinases de la voie MEK1/2/ERK1/2/Elk-1 qui est non seulement à l’origine de l’activation des aires cérébrales telles que le NTS, le noyau arqué, l’hippocampe mais aussi indispensable pour la préférence spontanée pour les lipides alimentaires. Nos résultats suggèrent pour la prémière fois, que la voie ERK1/2 des MAPK et la signalisation calcique lipidique controlée par STIM1 sont impliquées dans la perception oro-gustative des lipide

Biogeochemical and isotopic study in groundwater near waste dumps in a fractured and urban environment : case of the municipality of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)

Les décharges d'ordures fonctionnent comme des bioréacteurs dont les processus fermentaires sont intenses et produisent des lixiviats riches en matière organique, azotée et métallique. Cette étude porte sur le développement d’un modèle conceptuel de la propagation latérale des polluants et leur biodégradation dans un aquifère cristallin fracturé, sous un climat tropical semi-aride, dans la ville de Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Une combinaison de techniques géophysiques (Potentiel Spontané), biogéochimique, thermodynamique, isotopiques et des traitements géostatistiques (ACP, AFD, CAH, EMMA et Monte-Carlo), ont permis : (1) de cartographier le panache de pollution, (2) de mettre en évidence une biodégradation importante du TOC issu des lixiviats grâce au couplage de plusieurs éléments chimiques, (3) de montrer un nombre élevé de contamination métallique et (4) de mettre en évidence les processus de mélange des eaux souterraines et les sources de pollution autres que les lixiviats. L’analyse de ces résultats démontre la grande complexité du modèle conceptuel de contamination de l'aquifère fracturé de Ouagadougou, en raison de plusieurs facteurs. Ces facteurs incluent (1) la grande diversité de situations et de compositions des décharges d'ordures, (2) l'hétérogénéité spatiale de la composition des lixiviats qui pénètrent dans la nappe phréatique, (3) l’hétérogénéité des lignes de flux de pollution suivant la structure fracturée de l’aquifère et provenant d'autres sources en amont de la décharge, notamment les fertilisations agricoles et la position des puits perdus, et (4) la biodégradation complexe et dynamique qui se produit dans le panache de polluant.Landfills function as bioreactors, generating intense fermentative processes that produce leachates rich in organic, nitrogenous, and metallic matter. This study focuses on the development of a conceptual model for the lateral propagation and biodegradation of pollutants in a fractured crystalline aquifer, under a semi-arid tropical climate in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. A combination of geophysical (Spontaneous Potential), biogeochemical, thermodynamic, isotopic techniques, together with geostatistical treatments (PCA, AFD, CAH, EMMA, and Monte-Carlo) allowed: (1) to delineate of the pollution plume, (2) to highlight significant biodegradation of TOC from leachates by coupling with various chemical elements, (3) to reveal high levels of metal contamination, and (4) to identify the groundwater mixing processes and sources of pollution other than leachates. The analysis of these results demonstrates the high complexity of the conceptual model of contamination of the fractured aquifer in Ouagadougou, due to several factors, namely, (1) a great diversity of situations and compositions of waste dumps, (2) a spatial heterogeneity of the composition of leachates that flow towards the groundwater table, (3) the heterogeneity of the pollution flow lines following the fractured structure of the aquifer and originating from other sources upstream of the dump, including agricultural fertilization and the position of sinkholes, and (4) the complex and dynamic biodegradation that occurs within the pollutant plume

Étude biogéochimique et isotopique dans les eaux souterraines au voisinage des décharges d’ordures en milieu fracturé et urbain : cas de la commune de Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)

Landfills function as bioreactors, generating intense fermentative processes that produce leachates rich in organic, nitrogenous, and metallic matter. This study focuses on the development of a conceptual model for the lateral propagation and biodegradation of pollutants in a fractured crystalline aquifer, under a semi-arid tropical climate in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. A combination of geophysical (Spontaneous Potential), biogeochemical, thermodynamic, isotopic techniques, together with geostatistical treatments (PCA, AFD, CAH, EMMA, and Monte-Carlo) allowed: (1) to delineate of the pollution plume, (2) to highlight significant biodegradation of TOC from leachates by coupling with various chemical elements, (3) to reveal high levels of metal contamination, and (4) to identify the groundwater mixing processes and sources of pollution other than leachates. The analysis of these results demonstrates the high complexity of the conceptual model of contamination of the fractured aquifer in Ouagadougou, due to several factors, namely, (1) a great diversity of situations and compositions of waste dumps, (2) a spatial heterogeneity of the composition of leachates that flow towards the groundwater table, (3) the heterogeneity of the pollution flow lines following the fractured structure of the aquifer and originating from other sources upstream of the dump, including agricultural fertilization and the position of sinkholes, and (4) the complex and dynamic biodegradation that occurs within the pollutant plume.Les décharges d'ordures fonctionnent comme des bioréacteurs dont les processus fermentaires sont intenses et produisent des lixiviats riches en matière organique, azotée et métallique. Cette étude porte sur le développement d’un modèle conceptuel de la propagation latérale des polluants et leur biodégradation dans un aquifère cristallin fracturé, sous un climat tropical semi-aride, dans la ville de Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Une combinaison de techniques géophysiques (Potentiel Spontané), biogéochimique, thermodynamique, isotopiques et des traitements géostatistiques (ACP, AFD, CAH, EMMA et Monte-Carlo), ont permis : (1) de cartographier le panache de pollution, (2) de mettre en évidence une biodégradation importante du TOC issu des lixiviats grâce au couplage de plusieurs éléments chimiques, (3) de montrer un nombre élevé de contamination métallique et (4) de mettre en évidence les processus de mélange des eaux souterraines et les sources de pollution autres que les lixiviats. L’analyse de ces résultats démontre la grande complexité du modèle conceptuel de contamination de l'aquifère fracturé de Ouagadougou, en raison de plusieurs facteurs. Ces facteurs incluent (1) la grande diversité de situations et de compositions des décharges d'ordures, (2) l'hétérogénéité spatiale de la composition des lixiviats qui pénètrent dans la nappe phréatique, (3) l’hétérogénéité des lignes de flux de pollution suivant la structure fracturée de l’aquifère et provenant d'autres sources en amont de la décharge, notamment les fertilisations agricoles et la position des puits perdus, et (4) la biodégradation complexe et dynamique qui se produit dans le panache de polluant

Unvolvement of calcium signaling and MAP kinases in lipid taste perception

Dans ce travail, nous démontrons que STIM1, un senseur calcique activé par la déplétion du Ca2+ intracellulaire du réticulum endoplasmique, est indispensable pour la signalisation calcique et la préférence oro-sensorielle du gras. Nous observons que l'acide linoléique (LA), en activant les phospholipases A2 via CD36, produit de l’acide arachidonique (AA) et de la lyso-phosphatidylcholine (lyso-PC). Cette activation déclenche un influx calcique dans les cellules CD36-positives, et induit la production du facteur CIF (Ca2+ Influx Factor). CIF, AA et lyso-PC exercent différentes actions sur l'ouverture des canaux SOC (Stored Operated Calcium Channel) constitués de protéines Orai et contrôlés par STIM1. Par ailleurs, les souris au phénotype Stim1-/- perdent la préférence spontanée pour les lipides et la libération de la sérotonine à partir des cellules gustatives dans le milieu extracellulaire chez les animaux sauvages. Nous demontrons aussi que la signalisation calcique médiée via CD36 est doublement modulée lors de l’obésité. L’augmentation de la [Ca2+]i dans les cellules gustatives observée chez le Psammomys obesus, un modèle d’obésité nutritionelle, est fortement diminuée chez les souris rendues obèses par un regime hyperlipidique. Nous avons constaté également que l’interaction de LA avec le CD36 induit l’activation des MAP Kinases de la voie MEK1/2/ERK1/2/Elk-1 qui est non seulement à l’origine de l’activation des aires cérébrales telles que le NTS, le noyau arqué, l’hippocampe mais aussi indispensable pour la préférence spontanée pour les lipides alimentaires. Nos résultats suggèrent pour la prémière fois, que la voie ERK1/2 des MAPK et la signalisation calcique lipidique controlée par STIM1 sont impliquées dans la perception oro-gustative des lipidesIn this work, we demonstrate that stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), a sensor of Ca2+ depletion in the endoplasmic reticulum, mediates fatty acid–induced Ca2+ signaling in the mouse tongue and fat preference. We showed that linoleic acid (LA) induced the production of arachidonic acid (AA) and lysophosphatidylcholine (Lyso-PC) by activating multiple phospholipase A2 isoforms via CD36. This activation triggered Ca2+ influx in lingual CD36-positive taste bud cells (TBCs) purified from mouse CVP. LA also induced the production of Ca2+ influx factor (CIF). STIM1 was found to regulate LA-induced CIF production and the opening of store-operated Ca2+ (SOC) channels. Furthermore, CD36-positive TBCs from Stim1–/– mice failed to release serotonin, and Stim1–/– mice lost the spontaneous preference for fat that was observed in wild-type animals. We also demonstrate that the calcium-mediated signaling via CD36 is doubly modulated in obesity. The increase in [Ca2+]i in taste bud cells observed in Psammomys obesus, a model of nutritional obesity is strongly reduced in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. We also found that the interaction of LA with CD36 induces activation of MAP Kinases MEK1/2/ERK1/2/Elk-1 pathway that is not only responsible for the activation of NTS, arcuate nucleus, and the hippocampus in the brain but also essential for the spontaneous preference for fat food. Our results suggest for the first time, that ERK1/2 MAPK pathway and lipid-induced calcium signaling controlled by STIM1 are involved in oro-gustatory perception of dietary lipid