Contribution to the knowledge of the mosses of Megriss Mountain (Algeria)

Due to the limited knowledge on bryophytes in Algeria, this study aimed to update the Algerian bryophyte flora. Megriss Mountain (also called Jbel or Djebel Megriss), which is a part of the High Plains of Setif, was chosen as a study area for its interesting biological and landscape diversity. The inventory was carried out in different habitats (rocks, trees, soils and streams). Samples were collected from minimum survey areas of 100 cm2 (from soil and rocks), but the sample area was sometimes increased depending on the availability of species; the trees were mostly sampled between heights of 1 and 2 meters. As a result, a preliminary list of 55 moss species were identified, including 44 acrocarpous and 11 pleurocarpous, belonging to 13 families and 29 genera. The most species-rich families were Pottiaceae, Orthotrichaceae, Brachytheciaceae, and Bryaceae, while the most diverse genera were Lewinskya and Syntrichia. Epilithic mosses were dominant, followed by terricolous mosses and finally epiphytic mosses. The most frequent species in the study area were Orthotrichum diaphanum, Lewinskya acuminate, Didymodon insulanus, Grimmia pulvinata, and Tortella squarrosa. The study also highlights the presence of a new species that had never been recorded in Algeria -Orthotrichum scanicum. A comprehensive description, microphotographs of the species are provided and its ecology is also discussed. This discovery will contribute to the enrichment of the Algerian bryophyte flora in general and of the Orthotrichaceae in particular,within the genus Orthotrichum, which now has a total of 11 species recorded in the country

Effect of supervised exercise on physical function and balance in patients with intermittent claudication

Background The aim of the study was to identify whether a standard supervised exercise programme (SEP) for patients with intermittent claudication improved specific measures of functional performance including balance. Methods A prospective observational study was performed at a single tertiary vascular centre. Patients with symptomatic intermittent claudication (Rutherford grades 1–3) were recruited to the study. Participants were assessed at baseline (before SEP) and 3, 6 and 12 months afterwards for markers of lower-limb ischaemia (treadmill walking distance and ankle : brachial pressure index), physical function (6-min walk, Timed Up and Go test, and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score), balance impairment using computerized dynamic posturography with the Sensory Organization Test (SOT), and quality of life (VascuQoL and Short Form 36). Results Fifty-one participants underwent SEP, which significantly improved initial treadmill walking distance (P = 0·001). Enrolment in a SEP also resulted in improvements in physical function as determined by 6-min maximum walking distance (P = 0·006), SPPB score (P < 0·001), and some domains of both generic (bodily pain, P = 0·025) and disease-specific (social domain, P = 0·039) quality of life. Significant improvements were also noted in balance, as determined by the SOT (P < 0·001). Conclusion Supervised exercise improves both physical function and balance impairment

Long-term outcomes of a randomized clinical trial of supervised exercise, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty or combined treatment for patients with intermittent claudication due to femoropopliteal disease

Background: To compare the long-term outcomes of angioplasty (PTA), supervised exercise (SEP) and combined treatment (PTA+SEP) in patients with intermittent claudication (IC) due to femoropopliteal disease. Methods: Patients recruited to PTA, SEP and PTA+SEP arms of RCT were invited for long-term follow-up from 2010 to 2011.Indicators of limb ischaemia were recorded (ankle-brachial pressure indices, treadmill walking distances (ICD, MWD, PRWD). Duplex ultrasound was also performed. Patients completed SF36 and Vascuqol quality of life(QOL) questionnaires. Results: Of the 178 patients recruited in the trial, 139 were alive at the time of follow-up (PTA=46, SEP=47, PTA+SEP=46). Assessments were completed for 111 patients. Median time to follow-up was 5.2years (IQR 3.8-7.4years). Median age of patients at follow up was 75years. 62.2%(N=69) of patients were symptomatic.16.2%(N= 18) had experienced major cardiovascular event since their last follow-up visit. Intra-group analysis: Improvement was observed in ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) in all groups. QOL outcomes were inconsistent across individual groups. Inter-group analysis: PTA and PTA+SEP groups demonstrated a significantly higher ABPI as compared to SEP group. No significant difference was observed in walking distances, QOL outcomes, restenosis rates, and new ipsilateral and contralateral lesions on duplex scan. Patients required re-interventions in all group (PTA=14, SEP=10, PTA+SEP=6). Number of re-interventions was higher in PTA group(N=29) as compared to SEP(N=17) and PTA+SEP(N=9) but failed to reach statistical significance. Conclusion: PTA, SEP and combined treatment are equally effective long-term treatment options for patients with femoropopliteal claudication. Addition of SEP to PTA can reduce the symptomatic restenosis and re-intervention rates

Removal of Solophenyl Red 3BL Dye from Textile Effluents by Adsorption Using a Natural Adsorbent Oxalis pes-caprae L.

The aim of the present study was to assess the adsorption potential of a natural adsorbent Oxalis pes-caprae L. for the removal of azo-dye solophenyl red 3BL (SR 3BL) from textile effluents. The adsorbent was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effect of various parameters on the efficiency of the adsorption was studied. The optimum was found with the contact time of 35 minutes, pH of 6, and temperature of 25 °C. The equilibrium experimental data were fitted with the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin models. Experimental data were well described with the Langmuir isotherm indicating monolayer adsorption. Pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and Elovich kinetic models were used to evaluate the adsorption kinetics. The adsorption kinetics was found to follow closely the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. Thermodynamics studies revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty results in improved physical function but not balance in patients with intermittent claudication

Objective The aim of this study was to identify whether revascularization by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for patients with intermittent claudication improved measures of functional performance including balance. Methods A prospective observational study was performed at a single tertiary vascular center. Patients with symptomatic intermittent claudication (Rutherford grades 1-3) were recruited to the study. Participants were assessed at baseline (pre-PTA) and then 3, 6, and 12 months post-PTA for markers of (1) lower limb ischemia (treadmill walking distances and ankle-brachial pressure index), (2) physical function (6-minute walk, Timed Up and Go, and chair stand time), (3) balance impairment using computerized dynamic posturography with the Sensory Organization Test, and (4) quality of life (VascuQoL and Short Form Health Survey [SF-36]). Results Forty-three participants underwent PTA. Over 12 months, a significant improvement was demonstrated in initial (P = .04) and maximum treadmill walking distance (P = .019). Physical functional ability improved across all outcome measures (P < .02), and some domains of both generic (P < .03) and disease-specific quality of life (P < .01). No significant improvement in balance was demonstrated by the Sensory Organization Test (P = .24). Conclusions Balance impairment is common in claudicants and does not improve with revascularization. Further research regarding effective treatment of balance impairment is required in this specific group of patients

Histopathological Study of Canine Mammary Tumours with Different Stain Tecniques

Mammary gland cancer is the most frequent Malignant tumor in human females and bitches and morbidity and mortality due to it continue to increase. Mammary gland carcinomas are quite heterogeneous in terms of morphology and biological behavior. Twenty-three female dogs were confirmed affected by mammary tumors during the period January 2014 - June 2015. In this study were used different stained technuques in mammary gland tumors of bitches to help us in diagnosing of them. The aim of this study was to compare H-E technique and Masson Trichrome staining technique in mammary gland tumors, in order to differentiate histological types of neoplastic lesions

Optimizing DC Microgrid Systems for Efficient Electric Vehicle Battery Charging in Ain El Ibel, Algeria

In addressing the critical challenge of developing sustainable energy solutions for electric vehicle (EV) battery charging, this study introduces an innovative direct current (DC) microgrid system optimized for areas with high solar irradiance, such as Ain El Ibel, Djelfa. The research confronts two primary difficulties: maximizing solar energy utilization in the microgrid system and ensuring system stability and response accuracy for reliable EV charging. To tackle these challenges, the study presents two original achievements. Firstly, it develops a neural network-enhanced Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller, which is further optimized with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to increase the efficiency of solar energy capture. Secondly, it refines the system's reliability through the advanced calibration of a Fractional Order Proportional-Integral (FOPI) controller using the Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) technique, marking a notable improvement in microgrid system stability and response accuracy. The integration of a solar panel array, battery storage, and a supercapacitor, coupled with these advanced optimization techniques, exemplifies a significant leap forward in enhancing efficiency and reliability of EV battery charging through renewable energy sources. Comprehensive simulation and evaluation of the system underscore its superiority over conventional methods, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining neural network-based optimization with PSO and GWO. This breakthrough not only advances the field of renewable energy, particularly for solar-powered EV charging stations, but also aligns with global efforts towards sustainable transportation solutions

Fear of falling in claudicants and its relationship to physical ability, balance, and quality of Life

Objectives: Intermittent claudication is associated with poor physical function, quality of life (QoL), and balance impairment. Fear of falling (FoF) is a recognized contributing factor to poor physical ability. Any link between claudication and FoF is yet to be determined. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of FoF in claudicants and its relationship with physical function and QoL. Methods: A prospective observational study was performed. Fear of falling was determined using the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) questionnaire and the categorical question “Are you afraid of falling?” Physical ability and QoL (Short Form 36 and Vascular QoL) were determined. Results: A total of 161 claudicants (118 men, median age of 69 years) were assessed; 83 answered the categorical question “Are you afraid of falling?” By receiver–operating characteristic curve analysis, an ABC threshol