Performance de deux techniques d’extraction des phénols racinaires pour l’évaluation du marquage de la tolérance à la fusariose des clones de palmier a huile (Elaeis guineensis jacq.)

Les premières études sur les mécanismes de défense du palmier à huile ont mis en évidence le rôle des composés phénoliques dans la tolérance à la fusariose des clones et croisements à partir des racines inoculées par l’agent pathogène. Notre travail a consisté d’une part à améliorer les premières techniques d’extraction en remplaçant l’Ethanol par un mélange Ethanol-eau et d’autre part à améliorer les techniques de microanalyses des marqueurs de tolérance à la fusariose. Les résultats ont montré que les modifications apportées ont permis d’accéder à une quantité plus importante de phénols que la méthode classique. En outre, les analyses des phénols totaux et la fongitoxicité ont permis de discriminer les clones tolérants des clones sensibles. Ces nouvelles méthodes nous ont permisd’évaluer plus rapidement la tolérance à la fusariose des clones après inoculation de l’agent pathogène.The early studies on the defence mechanisms of the oil palm tree put in evidence the role of phenolic compounds in the tolerance of wilt disease of the clones and crossings from the roots inoculated by the pathogenic agent. Our work consists on one hand in improving the first techniques of extraction by replacing the Ethanol by a mixing Ethanol-water and on the other hand by improving the techniques of microanalyses of the tolerance markers to wilt disease. The results showed that these modifications permitted to reach a quantity more important of phenol than the classic method. Besides, the analyses of the total phenol and the fongitoxicity permitted to discriminate the tolerant clones from the sensitive clones. These new methods allow us to evaluate faster the tolerance to wilt  disease of the clones after inoculation of the pathogenic agentMots clés : Palmier à huile – Fusarium – Phénols – Clones – extraction

Caracterisation des performances de croissance et de resistances aux maladies et aux ravageurs de sept (7) varietes de patate douce (Ipomoea Batatas (l), Lam., 1793) dans la region de bouake, Cote d’Ivoire

La production de la patate douce, Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam., reste confrontée à de nombreuses contraintes agronomiques. Pour mieux faire face à ces contraintes, une étude a été réalisée dans le but de déterminer les caractères agronomiques de sept (7) variétés de patate douce cultivée au centre de la Côte d’Ivoire (Bouaké) afin de sélectionner les variétés les plus adaptées.  Dans cette étude, le taux de survie, la biomasse aérienne, la résistance aux insectes et ravageurs ont été évalués. Les résultats obtenus ont montré que les variétés Covington, CIP et Irène ont enregistré les meilleurs taux de survie. Au niveau de la biomasse aérienne la variété Irène s’est distinguée des autres variétés. La variété Fadanga a été moins sensibles pour l’ensemble des nuisibles influençant la patate douce.   The production of the sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam., still faces many agronomic constraints. To better face these constraints, a study was carried out in order to determine the agronomic characteristics of seven (7) varieties of sweet potato cultivated in the center of Côte d'Ivoire (Bouaké) in order to select the most suitable varieties. In this study, survival rate, aboveground biomass, resistance to insects and pests were assessed. The results obtained show that the Covington, CIP, and Irene varieties recorded the best survival rates. In terms of aerial biomass, the Irene variety stood out from other varieties. The Fadanga variety was less susceptible to all the pests influencing the sweet potato

Diagnostic accuracy of the Thessaly test, standardised clinical history and other clinical examination tests (Apley's, McMurray's and joint line tenderness) for meniscal tears in comparison with magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis

Acknowledgements We gratefully acknowledge the funding received for this study from the National Institutes of Health Research HTA programme, grant reference 09/163/02.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

El fenómeno del dopaje desde la perspectiva de las Ciencias Sociales Odile

En este libro se recoge una selección de las comunicaciones presentadas en el IV Congreso Internacional ‘Deporte, Dopaje y Sociedad’ que se celebró en Madrid del 26 de febrero al 1 de marzo de 2014 y que fue organizado conjuntamente por la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid y la Agencia Española de Protección de la Salud en el Deporte. Los textos están escritos en español, francés e inglés y abordan el estudio del fenómeno del dopaje desde el ámbito especifico de las Ciencias Humanas y Sociales a través de disciplinas como Historia, Derecho, Sociología, Psicología, Economía, Ciencias de la Información y otras disciplinas relacionadas

Studies on Preparation of Photosensitizer Loaded Magnetic Silica Nanoparticles and Their Anti-Tumor Effects for Targeting Photodynamic Therapy

As a fast developing alternative of traditional therapeutics, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective, noninvasive, nontoxic therapeutics for cancer, senile macular degeneration, and so on. But the efficacy of PDT was compromised by insufficient selectivity and low solubility. In this study, novel multifunctional silica-based magnetic nanoparticles (SMNPs) were strategically designed and prepared as targeting drug delivery system to achieve higher specificity and better solubility. 2,7,12,18-Tetramethyl-3,8-di-(1-propoxyethyl)-13,17-bis-(3-hydroxypropyl) porphyrin, shorted as PHPP, was used as photosensitizer, which was first synthesized by our lab with good PDT effects. Magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4) and PHPP were incorporated into silica nanoparticles by microemulsion and sol–gel methods. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. The nanoparticles were approximately spherical with 20–30 nm diameter. Intense fluorescence of PHPP was monitored in the cytoplasm of SW480 cells. The nanoparticles possessed good biocompatibility and could generate singlet oxygen to cause remarkable photodynamic anti-tumor effects. These suggested that PHPP-SMNPs had great potential as effective drug delivery system in targeting photodynamic therapy, diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic hyperthermia therapy

Triggering the internationalization of Malaysian quantity surveying firms

Although there is an increasing trend of services being traded across borders, quantity surveying (QS) firms in the construction sector remain under-researched. The triggers for the increasing globalization of QS firms are not clear, nor how these triggers are perceived by managers at different levels. A questionnaire was administered in over 84 QS consultancy firms, and the results were analyzed using the repertory grid technique, allowing a comparison between the general respondents and a focus group of senior managers. The findings show that senior managers with significant experience realize the importance of a strong internal capability of the QS firm and the capability to develop innovative offerings, coupled with an awareness of the target market and the ability to secure revenue through key contracts. Firm- and location-specific factors were more important than other competitive advantages or foreign markets’ characteristics when deciding to globalize

Tryptophan degradation in women with breast cancer: a pilot study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Altered tryptophan metabolism and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity are linked to cancer development and progression. In addition, these biological factors have been associated with the development and severity of neuropsychiatric syndromes, including major depressive disorder. However, this biological mechanism associated with both poor disease outcomes and adverse neuropsychiatric symptoms has received little attention in women with breast cancer. Therefore, a pilot study was undertaken to compare levels of tryptophan and other proteins involved in tryptophan degradation in women with breast cancer to women without cancer, and secondarily, to examine levels in women with breast caner over the course of chemotherapy.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>Blood samples were collected from women with a recent diagnosis of breast cancer (<it>n </it>= 33) before their first cycle of chemotherapy and after their last cycle of chemotherapy. The comparison group (<it>n </it>= 24) provided a blood sample prior to breast biopsy. Plasma concentrations of tryptophan, kynurenine, and tyrosine were determined. The kynurenine to tryptophan ratio (KYN/TRP) was used to estimate indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity. On average, the women with breast cancer had lower levels of tryptophan, elevated levels of kynurenine and tyrosine and an increased KYN/TRP ratio compared to women without breast cancer. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in the KYN/TRP ratio (<it>p </it>= 0.036), which remained elevated in women with breast cancer throughout the treatment trajectory.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The findings of this pilot study suggest that increased tryptophan degradation may occur in women with early-stage breast cancer. Given the multifactorial consequences of increased tryptophan degradation in cancer outcomes and neuropsychiatric symptom manifestation, this biological mechanism deserves broader attention in women with breast cancer.</p

Tsetse fly ecology and risk of transmission of African trypanosomes related to a protected forest area at a military base in the city of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

African trypanosomoses, whose pathogens are transmitted by tsetse flies, are a threat to animal and human health. Tsetse flies observed at the military base of the French Forces in Côte d’Ivoire (FFCI base) were probably involved in the infection and death of military working dogs. Entomological and parasitological surveys were carried out during the rainy and dry seasons using “Vavoua” traps to identify tsetse fly species, their distribution, favorable biotopes and food sources, as well as the trypanosomes they harbor. A total of 1185 Glossina palpalis palpalis tsetse flies were caught, corresponding to a high average apparent density of 2.26 tsetse/trap/day. The results showed a heterogeneous distribution of tsetse at the FFCI base, linked to more or less favorable biotopes. No significant variation in tsetse densities was observed according to the season. The overall trypanosomes infection rate according to microscopic observation was 13.5%. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses confirmed the presence of Trypanosoma vivax and T. congolense forest type, responsible for African animal trypanosomosis. Our findings suggest that there is a risk of introduction and transmission of T. brucei gambiense, responsible for human African trypanosomiasis, on the study site. This risk of transmission of African trypanosomes concerns not only the FFCI base, but also inhabited peripheral areas. Our study confirmed the need for vector control adapted to the eco-epidemiological context of the FFCI base

18-month occurrence of severe events among early diagnosed HIV-infected children before antiretroviral therapy in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire: A cohort study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Objective</p> <p>To assess the 18-month field effectiveness on severe events of a pediatric package combining early HIV-diagnosis and targeted cotrimoxazole prophylaxis in HIV-infected children from age six-week before the antiretroviral era, in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Data from two consecutive prevention of HIV mother-to-child transmission programs were compared: the ANRS 1201/1202 Ditrame-Plus cohort (2001–2005) and the pooled data of the ANRS 049a Ditrame randomized trial and its following open-labeled cohort (1995–2000), used as a reference group. HIV-infected pregnant women ≥ 32–36 weeks of gestation were offered a short-course peri-partum antiretroviral prophylaxis (ZDV in Ditrame, and ZDV ± 3TC+single-dose (sd) NVP in Ditrame-Plus). Neonatal prophylaxis was provided in Ditrame-Plus only: 7-day ZDV and sdNVP 48–72 h after birth. A 6-week pediatric HIV-RNA diagnosis was provided on-line in the Ditrame-Plus while it was only oriented on clinical symptoms in Ditrame. Six-week HIV-infected children received a daily cotrimoxazole prophylaxis in Ditrame-Plus while no prophylaxis was provided in Ditrame. The determinants of severe events (death or hospitalization > 1 day) were assessed in a Cox regression model.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Between 1995 and 2003, 98 out of the 1121 live-births were diagnosed as HIV-infected in peri-partum: 45 from Ditrame-Plus and 53 from Ditrame. The 18-month Kaplan-Meier cumulative probability of presenting a severe event was 66% in Ditrame-Plus (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 50%–81%) and 77% in Ditrame (95%CI: 65%–89%), Log Rank test: p = 0.47. After adjustment on maternal WHO clinical stage, maternal death, 6-week pediatric viral load, birth-weight, and breastfeeding exposure, the 18-month risk of severe event was lower in Ditrame-Plus than in Ditrame (adjusted Hazard Ratio (aHR): 0.55, 95%CI: 0.3–1.1), although the difference was not statistically significant; p = 0.07). Maternal death was the only variable determinant of the occurrence of severe events in children (aHR: 3.73; CI: 2.2–11.2; p = 0.01).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Early cotrimoxazole from 6 weeks of age in HIV-infected infants seemed to reduce probability of severe events but the study lacked statistical power to prove this. Even with systematic cotrimoxazole prophylaxis, infant morbidity and mortality remained high pointing towards a need for early pediatric HIV-diagnosis and antiretroviral treatment in Africa.</p

Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight et Arn (Mimosaceae) hydro-alcoholic extract action on the contractility of tracheal smooth muscle isolated from guinea-pig

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Dichrostachys cinerea </it>(L.) Wight et Arn. (Mimosaceae) is largely used in ethno-medically across Africa, and mainly employed for the treatment of asthma in Ivory Coast and Gabon. The paper analyses the relaxation induced by the methanolic extract of <it>D. cinerea </it>(Edici) in the guinea-pig trachea preparations (GPTPs). Purpose: This study aimed to bring out the scientific basis to the use of this plant leading to the validation of this phytomedicine.</p> <p>Method</p> <p>The aorta obtained from guinea-pigs was immediately placed in a Mac Ewen solution. Experiments were performed in preparations suspended between two L-shaped stainless steel hooks in a 10 ml organ bath containing Mac Ewen solution. The isometric contractile force of the aorta strips of guinea-pig were recorded by using a strain gauge. The different drugs were directly administered into the organ bath and the magnitude of GPTPs was evaluated.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Phytochemical analysis of the methanolic extract of Dichrostachys <it>cinerea </it>(Edici) using chemical methods revealed the presence of flavenoids, tannins, sterols, triterpenes and polyphenols. Pharmacological studies performed in GPTPs show that of <it>Dichrostachys cinerea </it>(0.1 mg/ml - 2 mg/ml) evoked a broncho-constriction in GPTPs. Whereas, at concentration up to 2 mg/ml, Edici induced a significant dose-dependent relaxation in the GPTPs. KCl-, ACh- or histamine-evoked contractions of isolated trachea was significantly inhibited by increasing concentrations of Edici (3.5-10 mg/ml). Edici (10 mg/ml) as well as promethazine (0.25 mg/ml) significantly inhibited contractions induced by increasing concentrations of histamine (1×10^-7-1×10^-4mg/ml). In the presence of atropine at a concentration of 10^-6mg/ml, contractile response curve (CRC) evoked by ACh (1×10^-5-1×10^-2mg/ml) was significantly abolished in concentration-dependent manner. Edici did not significantly reduced ACh evoked contraction (10^-5-10^-2mg/ml).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These observations suggest that Edici could act through two mechanisms: firstly by activation of β-adrenergic or histaminergic receptors; and secondly muscarinic receptors may not be greatly involved, that justifying the use of the extract in traditional Medicine in Africa.</p