Variabilités des descripteurs physiques, chimiques et biologiques d'un réservoir de stokage (lagunage mixte, en Slimane - Maroc)

L'étude des variations des descripteurs physiques, chimiques et biologiques des eaux d'un réservoir de maturation du lagunage mixte (Ben Slimane, Maroc), a montré une augmentation des valeurs de certaines variables (oxygène dissous, transparence) après le 36ème jour de rétention en raison d'une remise en solution.A 36 jours de rétention, la chute des teneurs de la DBO5, de la DCO, des composés azotés (NH4+, NO3-, NTK) et phosphorés (PO43-, PT), et l'augmentation du pH, de l'oxygène dissous et de la transparence laissent présager une maturation à cette date de mesure. Les densités planctoniques enregistrées à ce niveau sont les plus basses.Au-delà de ce stade de maturation, le phytoplancton prolifère avec dominance d'Euglena viridis qui montre un pic de densité (4,1.106 Individus/m3) le 81ème jour. Le début de sa phase exponentielle de croissance est observé à partir du 18ème jour de maturation. La densité cellulaire est ensuite atténuée vraisemblablement en raison de la diminution de la charge organique (DBO5 et DCO) après le 81ème jour et de l'intensité de broutage par le zooplancton herbivore surtout Acanthocyclops robustus qui montre son maximum de croissance le 138ème jour.Après le 81ème jour de maturation, Euglena viridis est remplacée par deux espèces de Chlorophycées (Pediastrum boryanum et Ankyra judai) dont le maximum de densité (91% de la densité algale totale) est atteint le 138ème jour. La prolifération de ces espèces coïncide avec des valeurs en nitrates dépassant 10,6 mg N/L.A la fin de cette période d'étude (le 138ème jour), le zooplancton est à sa prolifération maximale (106 individus/m3). Il est dominé par Acanthocyclops robustus avec présence de Nauplii et de Daphnia magna. Les Rotifères présents depuis le début de la maturation disparaissent à 138 jours de rétention. L'étude bactériologique a révélé un rendement épuratoire remarquable atteignant 100% pour les coliformes fécaux et les streptocoques fécaux.A study of physical, chemical and biological descriptors of the water in the storage reservoir of a combined stabilization pond (Ben Slimane, Morocco), during maturation, showed an improvement of the purification output for some variables after 36 days of retention. Such an environment, rich with a range of different nutrients, allowed an optimal development of plankton characterized by a high species diversity that decreased with time. Zooplankton development seemed to be limited by poor phytoplankton biomass. However, trophic factors such as nutrients and temperature affected the evolution of planktonic species.After 36 days of retention, the decrease in BOD5, COD, NH4+, NO3-, total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TNK), PO43-, total phosphorus (TP), and the increase in pH, dissolved oxygen and transparency, suggested that maturation had been reached at this level. Simultaneously, phyto- and zooplankton were present in low densities. Nevertheless, beyond this stage of maturation, phytoplankton proliferation occurred, dominated by Euglena viridis whose exponential phase of growth began at the 18th day of maturation and reached a maximum density after 81 days (4.1x106 individus/m3). A low proportion of Chlorophyte species was observed, represented by Pediastrum boryanum and Ankyra judai. The zooplankton community was dominated by two species of Cladocera (Daphnia magna and Diaphanosoma sp).The increase in Euglena viridis density up to 81 days coincided with zooplanktonic proliferation constituted exclusively by Rotifers (Brachionus calyciflorus and Polyarthra remata). At 111 days of retention, the zooplankton community consisted of Copepods (Acanthocyclops robustus), which reappeared at this stage, as well as Nauplii Cladocera (Daphnia magna) and residual Rotifers (Brachionus calyciflorus and Polyarthra remata). The remarkable decrease in Euglena density on day 111 and their complete disappearance on day 138 was probably linked to grazing by herbivorous zooplankton and to low organic matter concentrations. Euglena viridis was replaced by two Chlorophytes (Pediastrum boryanum and Ankyra judai) reaching their maximum density (91% of total algal density) on day 138. The proliferation of these species coincided with values exceeding 10.6 mg N/L. Zooplankton were dominated by Acanthocyclops robustus with the presence of Nauplii and Daphnia magna (106individuals/m3). Rotifers were present since the beginning of the maturation, but were absent by 138 days of retention.The qualitative and quantitative changes in phyto- and zooplankton result from factors that control the growth and the loss of these populations. A low growth rate can lead to biomass accumulation if the growth exceeds loss. On the other hand, a low and stable biomass can result from a high growth rate that is compensated by important losses. Zooplankton grazing and algal sedimentation, which are the two main mechanisms related to phytoplankton decline, are two selective processes (POURRIOT et al., 1982). In stabilization ponds, food chains are established that allow water clarity and minimize algal proliferation. The bacteriological study showed a remarkable purification, with reductions reaching 100% for faecal coliforms and faecal Streptococcus

Hydromagnetic soret convection in a shallow porous enclosure with a shear stress applied on the free upper surface

Paper presented at the 5th International Conference on Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics, South Africa, 1-4 July, 2007.The fluid flow induced by combined effects of thermal gradient, thermal diffusion, magnetic field and an external shear stress in a horizontal porous layer, subject to uniform heat flux along its long horizontal walls is studied analytically and numerically. The shear stress is applied on the top horizontal free surface while the bottom one is assumed to be rigid. The problem formulation is based on the Brinkman model with the Boussinesq approximation. The governing parameters are the thermal Rayleigh number, RT , the Lewis number, Le, the separation parameter, ϕ, the Darcy number, Da, the Hartmann number Ha, the dimensionless shear stress, τ and the aspect ratio of the enclosure, Ar. The analytical solution is derived on the basis of the parallel flow approximation and validated numerically using a finite difference method. The critical Rayleigh numbers for the onset of stationary, subcritical and oscillatory convection are determined explicitly as functions of the governing parameters for infinite layers in the absence of the external shear stress. The effect of the main governing parameters on the fluid flow and heat and mass transfer characteristics is discussed.cs201

Asthma patients' self-reported behaviours toward inhaled corticosteroids

SummaryBackgroundPatient adherence to recommended use of ICS is questionable in asthma, with irregular use or interruptions occurring frequently. Factors explaining discontinuation of controller therapy could orientate interventions. The characteristics of patients with interruptions of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs), intentional or accidental, were investigated.MethodsAsthma patients regularly prescribed ICS by GPs (Cegedim network) were included. Patients' characteristics and behaviours toward ICS (accidental/intentional interruptions, less frequent use of ICS and change in dosing) were identified from self-report questionnaires, and linked to data prescription database. Interrelations between declared behaviours toward ICS were studied with a Multiple Component Analysis (MCA) and the correlates of ICS interruptions were identified.ResultsDuring the past 3 months, 31.6% of 204 patients (mean age: 53.8 years, females: 59.3%) intentionally interrupted ICS when feeling better, 25.4% forgot ICS and 18.3% deliberately changed the doses. A quarter of patients considered constant use of respiratory medicines as unhealthy. MCA revealed that intentional, accidental interruptions and less frequent use of ICS were closely correlated. Risk of intentional interruption was increased when patients considered constant use of respiratory therapy to be unhealthy (OR=3.36, 95%CI=[1.47–7.66]). Conversely, risk was significantly lower when ICS was associated or combined with another controller (OR=0.24, 95%CI=[0.08–0.73]), compared to ICS in monotherapy. Less frequent interruptions were observed in patients older than 65 (OR=0.35, 95%CI=[0.13–0.89]).ConclusionsOur study suggests that discontinuation of use of controllers is associated with other inadequate behaviours or beliefs about inhaled controllers. Efforts should be targeted at patients' perceptions and behaviours toward controller therapy

Fatty Acids in Waste Tissues: The Nutraceutical Value of Gonads and Livers from the Moroccan Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Cyprinus carpio Fishes

Fishes are an important component of human nutrition, mainly acting as source of essential fatty acids in the prevention of cardiovascular disorders. The increase in their consumption has led to a growth of fishes waste; therefore, the disposal and recycling of waste has become a key issue to address, in accordance with circular economy principles. The Moroccan Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Cyprinus carpio fishes, living in freshwater and marine environments, were collected at mature and immature stages. The fatty acid (FA) profiles of liver and ovary tissues were investigated by GC-MS and compared with edible fillet tissues. The gonadosomatic index, the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio, and the atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indexes were measured. Polyunsaturated fatty acids were found to be abundant in the mature ovary and fillet of both species, with a polyunsaturated fatty acids/saturated fatty acids ratio ranging from 0.40 to 1.06 and a monounsaturated fatty acids/polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio between 0.64 and 1.84. Saturated fatty acids were found to be highly abundant in the liver and gonads of both species (range 30-54%), as well as monounsaturated fatty acids (range 35-58%). The results suggested that the exploitation of fish wastes, such as the liver and ovary, may represent a sustainable strategy for the achievement of high value-added molecules with nutraceutical potential

Fermentación controlada de aceitunas verdes picholine marroquíes sometidas a choque térmico e inoculadas sin sal

The present work reports the controlled fermentation of heat-shocked, unsalted and inoculated green olives. The effects of heat-shock (60, 70 and 80 °C three times for 5 min), inoculation with the oleuropeinolytic strain of L. plantarum FSO175 (L.p-FSO175) and the addition of Cell-Free Supernatant of C. pelliculosa L18 (CFS of C.p-L18) on the fermentation process of unsalted green olives were examined. The results showed a drastic reduction in the initial indigenous Enterobacteria, and an improvement in the acidification of heat-shocked olives at 70 and 80 °C, when compared to 60 °C. The inoculation with L.p-FSO175 and addition of CFS of C.p-L18 enhanced the fermentation and preservation of unsalted green olives, indicated by a significant decrease in pH, increase in free acidity and total disappearance of Enterobacteria. The heat-shock treatment at high temperature (80 °C), inoculation with L.p-FSO175 and addition of CFS of C.p-L18 led to the best reduction in bitterness, and favorable color changes (L, a, and b) in fermented olives. This sequential method led to more appreciated sensory characteristics (mainly bitterness and color) of fermented olives, lower spoilage incidence in olives, and reduced fermentation time to 50 days, and therefore may be suitable to control the fermentation of unsalted green olives of the Moroccan picholine variety.El presente trabajo reporta la fermentación controlada de aceitunas verdes sometidas a choque térmico, sin salar e inoculadas. Se estudian los efectos del choque térmico (60 °C, 70 °C y 80 °C tres veces durante 5 min), la inoculación con cepa oleuropeinolítica de L. plantarum FSO175 (L.p-FSO175) y la adición de sobrenadante libre de células de C. pelliculosa L18 (CFS de C.p-L18), sobre el proceso de fermentación de aceitunas verdes sin salar. Los resultados mostraron la drástica reducción de las enterobacterias autóctonas iniciales, y la mejora de la acidificación de las aceitunas sometidas a choque térmico de 70 °C y 80 °C, en comparación con 60 °C. La inoculación con L.p-FSO175 y la adición de CFS de C.p-L18 mejoró la fermentación y conservación de las aceitunas verdes sin salar, indicada por una disminución significativa del pH, aumento de la acidez libre y desaparición total de enterobacterias. El choque térmico a alta temperatura (80 °C), la inoculación con L.p-FSO175 y la adición de CFS de C.p-L18 condujeron a una mejor reducción del amargor y cambios de color favorables (L, a y b) en aceitunas fermentadas. Este método secuencial, que permitió apreciar las características sensoriales (principalmente amargor y color) de las aceitunas fermentadas, y una menor incidencia de deterioro en las aceitunas, y redujo el tiempo de fermentación a 50 días, puede ser adecuado para controlar la fermentación de aceitunas verdes sin salar de Marruecos, variedad picholine

Quality of life and voice outcome of patients treated with transoral CO2 laser microsurgery for early glottic carcinoma (T1-T2): a 2-year follow-up study

Purpose Longitudinal studies in laryngeal cancer can provide clinicians information about short-term and long-term functional outcomes, like quality of life (QoL) and voice outco

Cardiac contractile dysfunction in insulin-resistant rats fed a high-fat diet is associated with elevated CD36-mediated fatty acid uptake and esterification

Changes in cardiac substrate utilisation leading to altered energy metabolism may underlie the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy. We studied cardiomyocyte substrate uptake and utilisation and the role of the fatty acid translocase CD36 in relation to in vivo cardiac function in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD).Rats were exposed to an HFD or a low-fat diet (LFD). In vivo cardiac function was monitored by echocardiography. Substrate uptake and utilisation were determined in isolated cardiomyocytes.Feeding an HFD for 8 weeks induced left ventricular dilation in the systolic phase and decreased fractional shortening and the ejection fraction. Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and proline-rich Akt substrate 40 phosphorylation were 41% (p <0.001) and 45% (p <0.05) lower, respectively, in cardiomyocytes from rats on the HFD. However, long-chain fatty acid (LCFA) uptake was 1.4-fold increased (p <0.001) and LCFA esterification into triacylglycerols and phospholipids was increased 1.4- and 1.5-fold, respectively (both p <0.05), in cardiomyocytes from HFD compared with LFD hearts. In the presence of the CD36 inhibitor sulfo-N-succinimidyloleate, LCFA uptake and esterification were similar in LFD and HFD cardiomyocytes. In HFD hearts CD36 was relocated to the sarcolemma, and basal phosphorylation of a mediator of CD36-trafficking, i.e. protein kinase B (PKB/Akt), was increased.Feeding rats an HFD induced cardiac contractile dysfunction, which was accompanied by the relocation of CD36 to the sarcolemma, and elevated basal levels of phosphorylated PKB/Akt. The permanent presence of CD36 at the sarcolemma resulted in enhanced rates of LCFA uptake and myocardial triacylglycerol accumulation, and may contribute to the development of insulin resistance and diabetic cardiomyopathy

General Anesthetics Inhibit Erythropoietin Induction under Hypoxic Conditions in the Mouse Brain

Background: Erythropoietin (EPO), originally identified as a hematopoietic growth factor produced in the kidney and fetal liver, is also endogenously expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). EPO in the CNS, mainly produced in astrocytes, is induced under hypoxic conditions in a hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-dependent manner and plays a dominant role in neuroprotection and neurogenesis. We investigated the effect of general anesthetics on EPO expression in the mouse brain and primary cultured astrocytes. Methodology/Principal Findings: BALB/c mice were exposed to 10 % oxygen with isoflurane at various concentrations (0.10–1.0%). Expression of EPO mRNA in the brain was studied, and the effects of sevoflurane, halothane, nitrous oxide, pentobarbital, ketamine, and propofol were investigated. In addition, expression of HIF-2a protein was studied by immunoblotting. Hypoxia-induced EPO mRNA expression in the brain was significantly suppressed by isoflurane in a concentration-dependent manner. A similar effect was confirmed for all other general anesthetics. Hypoxia-inducible expression of HIF-2a protein was also significantly suppressed with isoflurane. In the experiments using primary cultured astrocytes, isoflurane, pentobarbital, and ketamine suppressed hypoxia-inducible expression of HIF-2a protein and EPO mRNA. Conclusions/Significance: Taken together, our results indicate that general anesthetics suppress activation of HIF-2 an