Epidemiology and survival analyses of 333 adult glioma patients from Eastern Algeria (2008-2016)

Background: Gliomas are a relatively rare group of tumors with a poor prognosis. We aimed to describe and analyze the clinical characteristics and survival of patients with glioma tumors of Eastern Algeria. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at the University Hospital of Constantine. Medical records of patients enrolled between January 2008 and October 2016 were consulted. Demographic characteristics, clinical data, treatment strategy and dates of last follow-up or death were collected. Chi-square test was used for checking associations, Kaplan-Meier methodology for estimating the survival, and the cox model for identifying prognosis factors. Results: A total of 333 patients composed our cohort. The mean age was 48.07 years, and men were 1.87 times more frequent than women. High grade tumors were mainly observed among adults and old adults and in supra-tentorial locations. More than half of the patients had a large resection and a curative protocol of oncological treatment (50.7% and 57%, respectively). The mean overall survival was 45.4 months, the median was 21.7 months, and survival rates at 1-, 2-, and 5-years were: 62.8%, 48.5% and 32.9% respectively. Age, histology, grade of malignancy and oncological treatment were the major prognosis factors. Conclusion: Our sample was relatively young with a higher survival compared to others

UTILISATION D’INDICES POUR L’EVALUATION DE LA QUALITE DES SEDIMENTS : CAS DU BASSIN BOUMERZOUG (ALGERIE)

The objectives of this study are to use different indexes to assess the current pollution status in Boumerzoug basin. Indexes used in this study were Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), Contamination Factor (CF), Contamination Degree (CD) and Sediment Pollution Index (SPI). Before, sediment trace metal concentrations (cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, nickel, zinc) have been investigated on surface sediments from permanent wadis of Boumerzoug basin in different seasons (winter, spring, summer and autumn). Trace metal concentrations followed the order: Zn>Pb>Cr>Cu>Ni>Cd. Indexes used give several status of sediment quality. Igeo, CF, CD and SPI reveal a polymetallic contamination dominated by two or more elements in which Cd, Cu and Pb are of greatest concern. Igeo gives more precision than CF, because it is classified into six classes. SPI has an advantage over the earlier indexes and viewed as a simple summary of the state of the sediment. However, the trace metal assessment indices are not to be used as the only indicator for sediment quality. More detailed analysis such as biological testing and analysis of existing benthic community related to sediment contamination should be performed for a better understanding about the nature, the fate and the toxic effects of contaminants in this ecosystem

Improving Bread Quality with the Application of a Newly Purified Thermostable α-Amylase from Rhizopus oryzae FSIS4

A new thermostable α-amylase from Rhizopus oryzae FSIS4 was purified for first time and recovered in a single step using a three-phase partitioning (TPP) system. The fungal α-amylase, at a concentration of 1.936 U per kg of flour, was used in bread-making and compared to the commercial enzyme. The results showed a significant effect of the recovered α-amylase in the prepared bread and allowed us to improve the quality of the bread. The study indicated clearly that the recovered α-amylase is a potential candidate for future applications in the bread-making industry and in other food biotechnology applications

Inventory of land snails from the Kebir Rhumel basin, northeast of Algeria

This study constitutes a first attempt at a qualitative and quantitative inventory of land snails from the Kebir-Rhumel basin, in the northeast of Algeria. Sampling was carried out by hand from February to March in 2018 and 2019. Live snails and shells were collected from 30 stations along wadi banks. Identification followed the most recent specialized taxonomic literature and revisions. A total of 6531 specimens were collected, representing 25 species: Tudorella sulcata (Draparnaud, 1805), Rumina decollata (Linnaeus, 1758), Rumina saharica (Pallary, 1901), Ferussacia carnea (Risso, 1826), Ferussacia folliculum (Schröter, 1784), Mauronapaeus terverii (Dupotet in E. A. Forbes, 1838), Mastus pupa (Linnaeus, 1758), Cantareus cf. koraegaelius (Bourguignat in Locard, 1882), Cornu aspersum (O. F. Müller, 1774), Cornu sp., Eobania constantina (E. Forbes, 1838), Eobania vermiculata (O. F. Müller, 1774), Helix melanostoma (Draparnaud, 1801), Massylaea massylaea (Morelet, 1851), Cernuella cf. virgata (da Costa, 1778), Cochlicella acuta (O. F. Müller, 1774), Cochlicella barbara (Linnaeus, 1758), Trochoidea pyramidata (Draparnaud, 1805), Xerosecta cespitum (Draparnaud, 1801), Xerosecta sp., Ganula flava (Terver, 1839), Sphincterochila candidissima (Draparnaud, 1801), Sphincterochila otthiana (E. Forbes, 1838), Sphincterochila sp. and Caracollina lenticula (Michaud, 1831). Typical specimens are illustrated and described with a detailed report of their distribution along basin’s wadis

Assessment of metal contamination in soil banks of the Rhumel wadi (Northeast Algeria)

Levels of six trace metals were assessed in bank soils of the Rhumel wadi (Northeast Algeria) and their association with soil properties was investigated. Samples were collected at 10 sites. The soils are neutral to moderately alkaline, have high contents of carbonate, and are low in organic carbon and clay. Mean metal concentrations are 1.1 (Cd), 63 (Cr), 20 (Cu), 26 (Ni), 31 (Pb), and 98 (Zn) mg kg(-1). The Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn contents in soil from sites closest to Constantine City were higher than in uncontaminated soils worldwide, indicating accumulation due to human activities (residential, industrial, and agricultural). Statistical analyses (correlation and principal component analysis) demonstrated that Cd, Pb, and Zn are of anthropogenic origin in the urban areas, whereas Cr and Cu enrichment in some situations is caused by industrial activities, while Ni was geogenic

Assessment of freshwater sediment quality: potential ecological risk and ecotoxicity tests as complementary approaches

International audienceThe main objective of this study was to assess the quality of sediments collected from rivers in the Northeast of Algeria. A dual approach, including trace metals assessment as well as ecotoxicity tests (Microtox(R) solid and leachate phase assays), was conducted. Results showed that surface sediments were contaminated with Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn. By using sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) and potential risk index, we concluded that there was a significant potential risk for benthic fauna. Microtox(R) solid and leachate phase assays showed that sediments with the highest trace metal contents appear to be potentially ecotoxic for Allivibrio fisheri. In this study, in attempting to link chemical characteristics with ecotoxicity test results, we got a trend going in the right direction. Samples with highest metal contents appear to be potentially ecotoxic for A. fisheri. These results suggest the usefulness of a diversity of approaches in sediment quality assessment