Identification and Characterization of the Antibacterial Activity of Fungal Metabolites on Contaminants Responsible for Foodborne Diseases

The emergence of new diseases due to recurrent food poisoning nowadays in the face of excessive use of conventional antibiotics leads to the search for new bioactive molecules. Thus, the objective of this work was to investigate the antibacterial activity of fungal metabolites on contaminants responsible for food poisoning. To do this, Eight (08) fungal strains belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium and Nigrospora were used and antibacterial tests were performed on 4 bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Shigella sp, Escherichia coli sp and Salmonella sp) using the agar cylinder method (antibiotic). The results showed that seven (07) fungal isolates have high antibacterial activity with inhibition diameters ranging from 18 to 29 mm on Staphylococcus Aureus ATCC 25923; Shigella sp; Salmonella sp and Escherichia coli. Synergistic tests have shown that the combination of 4 to 5 fungal strains could increase bacterial inhibition of Staphylococcus, Salmonella, Shigella and Escherichia coli which appear resistant to the action of a single fungal strain

Comparison of motorcycle taxi driver's respiratory health using an air quality standard for carbon monoxide in ambient air: a pilot survey in Benin.

IntroductionAmbient air quality standards are not designed to protect people occupationally exposed to outdoor air pollution on a routine basis. This study aimed to assess the effect of exceeding the US ambient air quality standard for carbon monoxide (CO) on motorcycle taxi drivers respiratory health.MethodsA cross-sectional study of 85 current motorcycle taxi drivers with at least 5 years of job tenure in Cotonou (Benin) was conducted. Personal CO was measured with a portable CO data logger for 8 hours per day during working hours. A questionnaire on respiratory symptoms was administered to participants and spirometry was performed. Participants were divided into two groups, those with exposure to CO >9 ppm and ≤9 ppm, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Ambient Air Quality Standard which is an 8-hour average of 9ppm. 8 and 10 ppm were also used an exposure limit. Analysis was done using these two groups.ResultsSocio-demographic characteristics were well balanced between the two study groups. The drivers with a CO exposure of more than 9ppm had non-significantly more respiratory symptoms (OR=1.67; 95%CI:0.26,10.74), lower FVC and FEV1 compared to the less exposed group but they have a significant lower PEF (-10%, p=0.02). When we used an exposure limit of 8 or 10 ppm the results were not statistically different.ConclusionDrivers with a CO exposure >9 ppm tend to have more respiratory problems. More research is needed to reinforce this result in order to improve air quality standards to protect workers occupationally exposed to outdoor air pollution

Technologie de production simultanée de purée et du jus de tomate

La tomate est un produit maraîcher très important dans l’alimentation humaine en Afrique et dans le monde. L’objectif de l’étude est d’évaluer une nouvelle méthode de transformation simultanée de la tomate en purée et en jus comestible. La durée de la production, la quantité d’énergie et les rendements de la purée et du jus ont été évalués. L’ancienne méthode permet d’avoir uniquement la purée par évaporation et concentration. Avec la nouvelle méthode, la purée, le jus: salé à 1% et non salé ont été produits puis caractérisés sur le plan organoleptique et nutritionnel surtout pour le jus le plus apprécié par les participants. Les résultats obtenus montrent que pour transformer 15 kg de tomate, la durée de cuisson et la consommation en énergie pour la méthode 1 et 2 sont respectivement de 1 heure et 4 heures de 3 kg et 8,5 kg de charbon. La nouvelle méthode a donné un rendement en purée de 22,66% contre 24,33% pour l’ancienne méthode. Le test sensoriel a révélé que 70% des participants ont apprécié le jus salé et 30% pour le jus non salé. Les teneurs en vitamines C et β carotènes sont presque les mêmes pour les deux jus.© 2015 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Mots clés: Tomate, transformation, purée, jusEnglish Title: Technology of simultaneous production of tomato purée and juiceEnglish AbstractTomato is a very important gardening product in the human food in Africa and in the world. The aim of the study is to evaluate a new method of tomato process simultaneously tomato into purée and edible juice. The parameters evaluated were: production time, energy used and yields of purée and juice obtained. The former method allows only for the purée production through evaporation and concentration. With the new method, in addition to purée of tomato, two types of juice: 1% salted and unsalted were produced and characterized for sensory aspects and nutritional only for the juice mostly appreciated by panelists. The results indicated that to process 15 kg of tomatoes, the cooking time is one hour with low power consumption 3 kg of charcoal for the new method while for the former method, the duration is 4 hours and 8.5 kg of charcoal used. The new method gave 22.66% of purée yield against 24.33% for the old method. The sensory test revealed that 70% of participants liked the salted juice and 30% unsalted juice. The contents in vitamin C and β-carotenes are nearly the same for the two juices.© 2015 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: Tomato, processing, purée, juice

Toxoplasma membrane inositol phospholipid binding protein TgREMIND is essential for secretory organelle function and host infection

Apicomplexan parasites possess specialized secretory organelles called rhoptries, micronemes, and dense granules that play a vital role in host infection. In this study, we demonstrate that TgREMIND, a protein found in Toxoplasma gondii, is necessary for the biogenesis of rhoptries and dense granules. TgREMIND contains a Fes-CIP4 homology-Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs (F-BAR) domain, which binds to membrane phospholipids, as well as a novel uncharacterized domain that we have named REMIND (regulator of membrane-interacting domain). Both the F-BAR domain and the REMIND are crucial for TgREMIND functions. When TgREMIND is depleted, there is a significant decrease in the abundance of dense granules and abnormal transparency of rhoptries, leading to a reduction in protein secretion from these organelles. The absence of TgREMIND in-hibits host invasion and parasite dissemination, demonstrating that TgREMIND is essential for the proper function of critical secretory organelles required for successful infection by Toxoplasma

Health Risks Associated with Occupational Exposure to Ambient Air Pollution in Commercial Drivers: a Systematic Review

Introduction: Ambient air pollution is major global health problem and commercial drivers are particularly exposed to it. No systematic assessment of the health risks associated with occupational exposure to ambient air pollution in this population has been carried out. Methods: We conducted a systematic review using a protocol-driven strategy. Papers published from inception to 20th April 2018 in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, African journals online, Cochrane library, ISRCTN and WHO ICTRP databases were screened for inclusion by two independent reviewers. Original articles with at least an available abstract in English or French were included. Results: The initial search retrieved 1454 published articles of which 20 articles were included. 3 Studies reported a significant difference in white blood cells (106/L) among commercial motorcyclists compared to rural inhabitants (5.041±1.209 vs 5.900±1.213,p=0.001), an increased risk of lung cancer (RR=1.6, 95%CI 1.5-1.8) in bus drivers and an increased standardized mortality ratio (SMR) in bus drivers from Hodgkin’s lymphoma (SMR 2.17, 95%CI 1.19-3.87) compared to white collar workers. Other studies also found that drivers had more oxidative DNA damage and chromosome breaks. 4 papers failed to demonstrate that the drivers were more exposed to air pollution than the controls. 3 other studies also reported no significant difference in lung function parameters and respiratory symptoms. The genetic polymorphisms of detoxifying enzymes were not also homogeneously distributed compared to the controls. Conclusion: There is some evidence that occupational exposure to ambient air pollution among commercial drivers is associated with adverse health outcomes but the existing literature is limited with few studies of small sample size, methodological weaknesses and contradictory findings. Further research is recommended

Chaîne de l’eau du réseau public dans quelques quartiers précaires du sixième arrondissement de Cotonou-Bénin

La population des quartiers précaires de Cotonou aspire à l’eau potable de la Société Nationale des Eaux du Bénin (SONEB) à domicile ; mais les ressources nécessaires n’étant souvent pas disponibles pour y répondre, les opérations de collecte, de transport et de stockage de cette eau se multiplient dans les ménages. L’objectif de l’article est de mettre en évidence les risques de contamination de cette eau le long de la chaîne d’approvisionnement. Une enquête domiciliaire a été faite dans 190 concessions (2 ménages par concession) sur les conditions de collecte, de transport et de stockage de l’eau dans les quartiers précaires du sixième arrondissement de Cotonou. La méthode d’entretien direct suivie des observations a été faite. Les résultats montrent que 91,6 % des enquêtés pratiquent le stockage de l’eau du réseau public ; 82,6 % a recours aux abonnés-revendeurs privés ou aux points publics de vente (kiosque à eau). L’eau est prise au robinet ou à partir des barils sans couverture. À propos des mesures de protection, 68,9 % des récipients de transport sont non couverts alors qu’au niveau des ménages, 89,5 % est couvert durant le stockage. Les sceaux plastiques (70,0 %) et les bassines (2,1 %) sont plus entretenus que les bidons (20,5 %) et les jarres (1,6 %). S’agissant des conditions d’usage, la durée de stockage varie de un jour à sept jours, et les gobelets de consommation sont exposés à toute contamination extérieure. In fine, ces diverses manipulations de l’eau constituent autant de potentiels facteurs de sa contamination et des maladies hydriques.The population of shantytowns of Cotonou aspires to the drinking water from the public distribution network of “Société Nationale des Eaux du Benin (SONEB)” at home ; but the necessary resources are often not available to meet it, the collection, transport and storage operations of this water multiply in households. The objective of the article is to underline the risks of contamination of this water along the supply chain. A housing survey was carried out in 190 concessions (2 households per concession) about the conditions of collection, transport and storage of water in shantytowns of the sixth district of Cotonou. The method of direct interview with observations has been done. The results show that 91.6 % of the respondents practice the storage of water of the public network ; 82.6 % use private subscribers or public points of sale (water kiosk). Water is taken to the faucet or to the barrels without coverage. 68.9 % of transport containers are not covered while 89.5 % of storage containers are covered at the level of households. About types of containers used, seals plastic (70.0 %) basins (2.1 %) are more cleaned than the cans (20.5 %) and jars (1.6 %). The storage duration varies from one day to one week. Goblets of consumption are exposed to any external contamination. This various handlings of water constitute as many potential factors of its contamination and waters diseases

Chaîne de l’eau du réseau public dans quelques quartiers précaires du sixième arrondissement de Cotonou-Bénin

La population des quartiers précaires de Cotonou aspire à l’eau potable de la Société Nationale des Eaux du Bénin (SONEB) à domicile ; mais les ressources nécessaires n’étant souvent pas disponibles pour y répondre, les opérations de collecte, de transport et de stockage de cette eau se multiplient dans les ménages. L’objectif de l’article est de mettre en évidence les risques de contamination de cette eau le long de la chaîne d’approvisionnement. Une enquête domiciliaire a été faite dans 190 concessions (2 ménages par concession) sur les conditions de collecte, de transport et de stockage de l’eau dans les quartiers précaires du sixième arrondissement de Cotonou. La méthode d’entretien direct suivie des observations a été faite. Les résultats montrent que 91,6 % des enquêtés pratiquent le stockage de l’eau du réseau public ; 82,6 % a recours aux abonnés-revendeurs privés ou aux points publics de vente (kiosque à eau). L’eau est prise au robinet ou à partir des barils sans couverture. À propos des mesures de protection, 68,9 % des récipients de transport sont non couverts alors qu’au niveau des ménages, 89,5 % est couvert durant le stockage. Les sceaux plastiques (70,0 %) et les bassines (2,1 %) sont plus entretenus que les bidons (20,5 %) et les jarres (1,6 %). S’agissant des conditions d’usage, la durée de stockage varie de un jour à sept jours, et les gobelets de consommation sont exposés à toute contamination extérieure. In fine, ces diverses manipulations de l’eau constituent autant de potentiels facteurs de sa contamination et des maladies hydriques.The population of shantytowns of Cotonou aspires to the drinking water from the public distribution network of “Société Nationale des Eaux du Benin (SONEB)” at home ; but the necessary resources are often not available to meet it, the collection, transport and storage operations of this water multiply in households. The objective of the article is to underline the risks of contamination of this water along the supply chain. A housing survey was carried out in 190 concessions (2 households per concession) about the conditions of collection, transport and storage of water in shantytowns of the sixth district of Cotonou. The method of direct interview with observations has been done. The results show that 91.6 % of the respondents practice the storage of water of the public network ; 82.6 % use private subscribers or public points of sale (water kiosk). Water is taken to the faucet or to the barrels without coverage. 68.9 % of transport containers are not covered while 89.5 % of storage containers are covered at the level of households. About types of containers used, seals plastic (70.0 %) basins (2.1 %) are more cleaned than the cans (20.5 %) and jars (1.6 %). The storage duration varies from one day to one week. Goblets of consumption are exposed to any external contamination. This various handlings of water constitute as many potential factors of its contamination and waters diseases

Chaîne de l’eau du réseau public dans quelques quartiers précaires du sixième arrondissement de Cotonou-Bénin

The population of shantytowns of Cotonou aspires to the drinking water from the public distribution network of “Société Nationale des Eaux du Benin (SONEB)” at home ; but the necessary resources are often not available to meet it, the collection, transport and storage operations of this water multiply in households. The objective of the article is to underline the risks of contamination of this water along the supply chain. A housing survey was carried out in 190 concessions (2 households per concession) about the conditions of collection, transport and storage of water in shantytowns of the sixth district of Cotonou. The method of direct interview with observations has been done. The results show that 91.6 % of the respondents practice the storage of water of the public network ; 82.6 % use private subscribers or public points of sale (water kiosk). Water is taken to the faucet or to the barrels without coverage. 68.9 % of transport containers are not covered while 89.5 % of storage containers are covered at the level of households. About types of containers used, seals plastic (70.0 %) basins (2.1 %) are more cleaned than the cans (20.5 %) and jars (1.6 %). The storage duration varies from one day to one week. Goblets of consumption are exposed to any external contamination. This various handlings of water constitute as many potential factors of its contamination and waters diseases

Plasma lipids and lipoproteins in the grass-cutter, thryonomys swznderianus, in captivity'

The grass-cutter, Thryonomys sinderiaruls (TEMMINCK 1827), an african hystricomorph rodent, represents a popular meat, much sought after in Africa south of the Sahara. Unfortunately, breeding of this animal is far from being acceptable in terms of effíiency, probably because of the insufficient infarmation available on its biology and physiology. Lipid and lipoprotein profiles were done on the plasma or serum of 49 male grass-cutters. We showed that: 1. The concentrations of lipids and lipoproteins were a quarter to half the values found in man; 2. The serum lipoproteins could be separated into 4 distinct fractions by discontinuous polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; 3. The grass-cutter could be classified as HDL mammal; 4. Human and grass-cutter apolipoproteins A-IV, B, C-III, and E carry partial immunological crossr eactivity . Further characterization of the grass-cutter lipoproteins is needed as is the investigation of the role of diet composition on these profilesLa rata de cañaveral, Thryonomys swinderianui (TEMMINCK 1827), roedor histricomorfo africano representa una popular fuente de alimentación, muy apreciada en África al sur del Sahara Desgraciadamente, la eficacia de la crianza de este animal está lejos de ser aceptada, probablemente debido a que no se tiene suficiente información sobre su biología y su fisiología. En este estudio, se ha realizado un perfil lipídico y lipoproteico plasmático sobre 49 ratas de cañaveral machos. Los resultados muestran que: 1. Las concentraciones en lípidos y lipoproteínas de la rata de cañaveral se sitúan entre 114 a 112 de los valores encontrados en el hombre. 2. Las lipoproteínas del animal pueden separarse en 4 fracciones distintas por electroforesis sobre gel de poliacrilamida en gradiente discontinuo. 3. La rata & cañaveral puede ser considerado como un «mamífero de HDL». 4. Las apolipoproteínas A-IV, B, C-III y E del hombre y de la rata de cañaveral presentan una identidad antig6nica común. Un análisis más detallado de las lipoproteínas de este animal deber6 ser realizado, así como la investigación de la influencia que tiene el régimen alimentario en estos perfiles