Apport Nutritionnel Des Aliments Consommés Par Les Adolescents De L’école Congolaise De Basket Ball « Gametime » De Brazzaville

Notre étude avait pour objectif d’évaluer l’énergie apportée par les aliments consommés par les adolescents de l’école congolaise de Basket-ball (GAMETIME) pendant la période d’entrainement et comparer ces apports aux normes recommandées par les nutritionnistes. Une enquête de consommation alimentaire a été menée auprès de 10 joueurs dont l’âge moyen était de 15,03 ± 3,65 ans. Le poids moyen était de 41,57 ± 5,18kg, tandis que la taille moyenne des sujets était de 1,69 ± 0,09m.  La méthode utilisée était celle de rappel de 24 heures. Les résultats ont indiqué que 70% des sujets prennent 2 repas par jour et ces repas sont constitués de déjeuner (60%) et du diner (30%). Toutefois, l’apport nutritionnel trouvé était de 3717,12 kilocalories. Tandis que la dépense énergétique était estimée à 2827,29 ±128,87 kilocalories. Par ailleurs, les pourcentages des apports étaient respectivement de 68,95 % en glucides (˃ à 60 %), de   19,52 % en lipides (< à 30 %) et de 11,53 % en protides (< à 15 %). Cependant, les apports énergétiques trouvés étaient supérieurs aux dépenses énergétiques, soit une différence de 889,83 ± 3,38 kilocalories a été constatée. La balance énergétique était plus dominée par des apports que des dépenses. Ces apports répondaient superficiellement aux normes recommandées. En conclusion, l’apport en macronutriment a montré des pourcentages incohérents par rapport aux normes recommandés. L’alimentation des basketteurs adolescents congolais était non seulement hyper glucidique mais malheureusement hypo lipidique et hypo protéique. Ces macronutriments déséquilibrés sont considérés comme facteurs limitants de performance. Our study aimed to evaluate the energy provided by the foods consumed by adolescents from the Congolese basketball school (GAMETIME) during the training period and to compare these contributions to the standards recommended by nutritionists. A food consumption survey was conducted among 10 players whose average age was 15.03 ± 3.65 years. The average weight was 41.57 ± 5.18 kg, while the average height of the subjects was 1.69 ± 0.09 m. The method used was the 24 hour callback. The results indicated that 70% of the subjects took 2 meals per day and these meals consisted of lunch (60%) and dinner (30%). However, the nutrient intake found was 3717.12 kilocalories. While the energy expenditure was estimated at 2827.29 ± 128.87 kilocalories. In addition, the percentages of intakes were respectively 68.95% in carbohydrates (˃ to 60%), 19.52% in lipids (<30%) and 11.53% in proteins (<15%). However, the energy intake found was greater than the energy expenditure, a difference of 889.83 ± 3.38 kilocalories was observed. The energy balance was more dominated by intakes than expenditures. These contributions superficially met the recommended standards. In conclusion, the macronutrient intake showed inconsisten percentages compared to the recommended standards. The diet of Congolese adolescent basketball players was not only high in carbohydrates but unfortunately low in fat and low in protein. These imbalanced macronutrients are considered as performance limiting factors

Minipool Caprylic Acid Fractionation of Plasma Using Disposable Equipment: A Practical Method to Enhance Immunoglobulin Supply in Developing Countries

Plasma-derived immunoglobulin G (IgG) is on WHO’s Essential Medicines List, yet developing countries face severe shortages of this critical treatment. Infusion of IgG prepared from locally-collected plasma provides an advantageous mix of antibodies to viral and bacterial pathogens found in the living environment, and this can reduce recurrent infections in immune-deficient patients. We developed a simple manufacturing process using disposable equipment (blood bags, hemodialyzer, and filters) to isolate immunoglobulins from minipools of 20 plasma donations. This process yields a ca. 90% pure virally-inactivated immunoglobulin fraction at 50–60% recovery. Anti-hepatitis B and anti-rubella immunoglobulins were enriched fourfold to sixfold. The product was free of in-vitro thrombogenic and proteolytic activity, confirming its expected clinical safety profile. Virus validations showed caprylic acid treatment robustly inactivated or removed infectivity of lipid-enveloped viruses, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus model. This simple and cost-effective process is implemented in Egypt to prepare experimental batches for clinical evaluation. It can enhance immunoglobulin supplies to treat immunodeficient patients through passive transmission of antibodies directed against local pathogens. The method requires minimal training and reasonable infrastructure, and is a practical means to prepare convalescent hyperimmune IgG during infectious outbreaks such as the current Ebola episode.UCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias de la Salud::Instituto Clodomiro Picado (ICP)UCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Salud::Facultad de Microbiologí

Antivenoms for the treatment of snakebite envenomings: The road ahead

The parenteral administration of antivenoms is the cornerstone of snakebite envenoming therapy. Efforts are made to ensure that antivenoms of adequate efficacy and safety are available world-wide. We address the main issues to be considered for the development and manufacture of improved antivenoms. Those include: (a) A knowledge-based composition design of venom mixtures used for immunization, based on biochemical, immunological, toxicological, taxonomic, clinical and epidemiological data; (b) a careful selection and adequate management of animals used for immunization; (c) well-designed immunization protocols; (d) sound innovations in plasma fractionation protocols to improve recovery, tolerability and stability of antivenoms; (e) the use of recombinant toxins as immunogens to generate antivenoms and the synthesis of engineered antibodies to substitute for animal-derived antivenoms; (f) scientific studies of the contribution of existing manufacturing steps to the inactivation or removal of viruses and other zoonotic pathogens; (g) the introduction of novel quality control tests; (h) the development of in vitro assays in substitution of in vivo tests to assess antivenom potency; and (i) scientifically-sound pre-clinical and clinical assessments of antivenoms. These tasks demand cooperative efforts at all main stages of antivenom development and production, and need concerted international partnerships between key stakeholders.Universidad de Costa Rica//UCR/Costa RicaInternational Foundation for Science//IFS/SueciaCiencia y Tecnología para el Desarrollo//CYTED/EspañaConsejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas//CRUSA-CSIC/EspañaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias de la Salud::Instituto Clodomiro Picado (ICP

Passive Immunization with Neutralizing Antibodies Interrupts the Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus Life Cycle

Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) infects the host via mucosal surfaces and exploits the host immune system for systemic spread and chronic infection. We have tested a neutralizing rat monoclonal antibody specific for the retroviral envelope glycoprotein gp52 for its efficiency in preventing acute and chronic mucosal and systemic infection. The antibody completely inhibits the superantigen response and chronic viral infection following systemic or nasal infection. Surprisingly however, the antibody only partially inhibits the early infection of antigen-presenting cells in the draining lymph node. Despite this initially inefficient protection from infection, superantigen-specific B- and T-cell responses and systemic viral spread are abolished, leading to complete clearance of the retroviral infection and hence interruption of the viral life cycle. In conclusion, systemic neutralizing monoclonal antibodies can provide an efficient protection against chronic retroviral amplification and persistence