Effect of Salt Stress (NaCl) on Germination and Early Seedling Parameters of Three Pepper Cultivars (Capsicum annuum L.)

Salinity is one of the major environmental problem that lead to a deterioration of agricultural land and, as a result, to a reduction in crop productivity worldwide. This research tested the effect of different salinity levels on germination and early seedling growth of three pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivars which were "Beldi", "Baklouti" and "Anaheim Chili". Experimental treatment included 7 concentrations of NaCl (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 g/l). Results indicated that all investigate traits were affected by salt stress. Salt stress affected on germination parameters and radicle and plumule length. Fresh weight and dry weight of evaluated seedlings was also affected. "Anaheim Chili" cultivar was shown to be the most restraint cultivar to salt stress in comparison to "Beldi" and "Baklouti" cultivars

Evolution of the specialization of the Tunisian international trade on the European market

In this study, we try to evaluate the specialization of the Tunisian international trade in relation to the European Union’s (EU-28) market during the 2004/2015 period. Trade between Tunisia and the EU has grown significantly since the signing of an EU-Tunisia Association Agreement in 1995. The examination of relative trade benefits showed that Tunisia has the highest relative trade advantage in the EU-28 in mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials (SITC 3). On the other hand, the need for modernization and restructuring of their productive production facilities stimulated the European exports of capital goods and high-tech products (chemicals and related products (SITC 5) and machinery and transport equipment (SITC 7)). The crossed trading of similar products also intensified sharply over the 2004/2015 period

Evolution of the specialization of the Tunisian international trade on the European market

In this study, we try to evaluate the specialization of the Tunisian international trade in relation to the European Union’s (EU-28) market during the 2004/2015 period. Trade between Tunisia and the EU has grown significantly since the signing of an EU-Tunisia Association Agreement in 1995. The examination of relative trade benefits showed that Tunisia has the highest relative trade advantage in the EU-28 in mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials (SITC 3). On the other hand, the need for modernization and restructuring of their productive production facilities stimulated the European exports of capital goods and high-tech products (chemicals and related products (SITC 5) and machinery and transport equipment (SITC 7)). The crossed trading of similar products also intensified sharply over the 2004/2015 period

Response of sesame seedlings to different concentrations of humic acids or calcium nitrate at germination and early growth

This study was conducted in order to evaluate the response of sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum L.) to organic or mineral fertilization. The effects of two fertilizers, which were calcium nitrate and humic acids were studied separately at germination and early seedlings growth. Different concentrations of humic acids (HA0: 0, HA1: 500, HA2: 1000 and HA3: 2000 mg L–1) or calcium nitrate (CaN0: 0, CaN1: 50, CaN2: 100 and CaN3: 200 mg L–1) were applied distinctly to the growth media. The experimental design was accomplished in a completely randomized block design with three replications. Germination measurements, seedlings length, fresh seedling weight, total chlorophylls and carotenoids, total soluble proteins and sugars were determined. Results showed that humic acids applied at 1000 mg L-1 or calcium nitrate applied at 100 mg L-1 reduced the mean germination time (3.5 and 3.61 days) and had the highest germination index (GI) and the highest coefficient of velocity (CV). The longest seedling was obtained at the concentrations HA2 and CaN2 (+22%). Total chlorophyll and carotenoids were significantly higher in seedlings receiving the HA2 and CaN2 and these treatments increased total soluble proteins content by 32%. Higher concentrations of humic acids or calcium nitrate HA3 and CaN3 delayed germination and enhanced proline and total soluble sugars, respectively, by 42% and 46%, compared to control. These preliminary results indicated that the use of fertilizers should be optimized and they can be transformed at high level to an abiotic stress menacing plant productivity. On the other hand, suitable concentrations of fertilizers can be used in the future as a remedy to improve growth under abiotic stress

Expression of stress-related genes in tomato plants exposed to arsenic and chromium in nutrient solution

International audienceThe molecular responses of hydroponically cultivated tomato plants to As(V) or Cr(VI) were assessed by transcript accumulation analysis of genes coding for products potentially involved in heavy metal tolerance. A quantitative real-time PCR experiment was performed with Hsp90-1, MT2- and GR1-like protein genes using RNA isolated from tomato roots or shoots treated for 24 h with As(V) or Cr(VI) at concentrations ranging from 80 to 640 μM. Both transient metallic treatments induced Hsp90-1 transcript accumulation in tomato plants. MT2- and GR1-like transcripts accumulated in tomato roots treated with As(V) but were only slightly affected by Cr(VI) treatment. Tomatoes showed phenotypic symptoms to heavy metal toxicity when plants were exposed to Cr(VI) but not As(V). Plant lethality was observed at 1280 μM Cr(VI), indicating that tomatoes were more tolerant to As than Cr stress under the experimental conditions used here

Suicide Among Adolescents in Center Tunisia: An 18-Year Autopsy Study

Background: Suicide and suicide attempts are more common among adolescents. Many factors are known to influence suicide in particular: region and culture. Adolescent suicide has been widely studied in many countries, but there are, currently, no data relating to adolescent suicide in Tunisia. Aim: The aims of this study were to describe epidemiological aspects of death related to adolescent suicide in Sousse, a city in central Tunisia. Methods: Data of forensic autopsies from 1998 to 2015 related to suicide of adolescents were retrospectively examined considering age, gender, method of death, year and risk factor. Results: 70 cases were reported with female predominance (62, 8%). The age range was from 10 to 19 and most of the suicides occurred in the 15-to-19 age group (75, 7%). Most victims were from rural zones (70%). Self-poisoning was the most used method (47, 1 %) followed by hanging (35, 7%). Hanging was the most common method used by males (17/26) and self-poisoning by females (29/44). Self-poisoning was related to pesticides in the vast majority of cases (29 cases among 33). The identified precipitating factors were chronic family problems in 51.4%, sentimental deception in 8.6%. Conclusion: This retrospective study raises concerns regarding the use of pesticides and the urgent need to provide rural areas with structures and medical equipment. This will ensure adequate suicide prevention in the region

Germination and growth in control and primed seeds of pepper as affected by salt stress

Salinity is an important abiotic stress which can affect crop production in the world. One of the simplest methods for improving salinity tolerance of plants is seeds priming. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of seeds priming with three solutions (KCl , NaCl and CaCl2) in germination and later growth of three pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivars: Beldi, Baklouti and Anaheim Chili. Seeds germination was conducted in a completely randomized design under seven salinity levels (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 g L-1) at room temperature for primed and control seeds. Plants derived from these germinated seeds (control and primed) were transplanted and cultivated in a greenhouse for 4 months and were irrigated permanently with seven salinity levels (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 g L-1). The results showed that salinity affected all parameters under study like total germination percentage and chlorophyll level (a and b). As well, proline content increased as response to increasing salinity. The plants derived and grown from primed seeds showed a considerable tolerance to salt stress and gave better results. In fact, priming improved the salt resistance of pepper owing to more chlorophyll and proline accumulation. These results suggest that seed priming induced possible physiological adjustments in pepper seeds, especially in the early stages of development, and could be used as a suitable tool for improving germination and growth characteristics under salt stress conditions

La baisse de la densité osseuse au cours des maladies inflammatoires chroniques de l’intestin : prévalence et facteurs de risqué

Introduction: La baisse de la densité minérale osseuse représente la principale manifestation osseuse décrite au cours des maladies inflammatoires chroniques de l'intestin. En Tunisie, très peu d'études ont rapportés sa prévalence et ses facteurs de risque. Le but de ce travail était de déterminer la prévalence de la perte osseuse au cours des maladies inflammatoires chroniques de l'intestin, et rechercher ses facteurs de risque. Méthodes: Patients et méthodes: étude ouverte transversale, réalisée de 2007 jusqu'à 2012. Résultats: 146 cas étaient colligés, dont 105 avaient une maladie de Crohn (71,9%) et 41 avaient une rectocolite hémorragique (28,1%). Il s'agissait de 62 hommes et 84 femmes. L'âge moyen était de 33,18 ans. La perte osseuse était trouvée chez 85 patients (58,2%). Il s'agissait d'une ostéopénie dans 57 cas et d'ostéoporose dans 28 cas. Les facteurs de risque de perte osseuse étaient une activité physique limitée  (p=0,013), un indice de masse corporel '20 kg/m2 (p=0,015), une maladie active (p=0,035), l'étendue de l'atteinte intestinale (p=0,006) et une dose cumulée de corticothérapie dépassant 4,5g de Prednisone (p=0,003). Conclusion: La déminéralisation osseuse est une complication fréquente mais non constante. Ceci justifie un dépistage précoce chez les patients à risque, qui pourront ainsi bénéficier d'un traitement substitutif.Key words: Maladie de Crohn, recto-colite hémorragique, densité minérale osseuse, ostéopénie, ostéoporos

Infant acute myocarditis mimicking acute myocardial infarction

Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the myocardium with heterogeneous clinical manifestations and progression. In clinical practice, although there are many methods of diagnosis of acute myocarditis, the diagnosis remains an embarrassing dilemma for clinicians. The authors report the case of 9-month-old infant who was brought to the Pediatric Emergency Department with sudden onset dyspnea. Examination disclosed heart failure and resuscitation was undertaken. The electrocardiogram showed an ST segment elevation in the anterolateral leads with a mirror image. Cardiac enzyme tests revealed a significant elevation of troponin and creatine phosphokinase levels. A diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction was made, and heparin therapy was prescribed. The infant died on the third day after admission with cardiogenic shock. The autopsy showed dilatation of the ventricles and massive edema of the lungs. Histological examinations of myocardium samples revealed the presence of a marked lymphocytic infiltrate dissociating myocardiocytes. Death was attributed to acute myocarditis. The authors call attention to the difficulties of differential diagnosis between acute myocarditis and acute myocardial infarction especially in children, and to the important therapeutic implications of a correct diagnosi