Components of the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade are activated in hepatic cells by Echinococcus multilocularis metacestode

AIM： To explore the effect of Echinococcusmultilocularis on the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） signaling pathways and on livercell proliferation.METHODS： Changes in the phosphorylation of MAPKs and proliferating cell nuclear antigen （PCNA）expression were measured in the liver of patients withalveolar echinococcosis （AE）. MAPKs, MEK1/2 [MAPK/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase （ERK）kinase] and ribosomal S6 kinase （RSK） phosphorylationwere detected in primary cultures of rat hepatocytesin contact in vitro with （1） E. multilocu/aris vesicle fluid（EmF）, （2）E. multilocularis-conditioned medium （EmCM）.RESULTS： In the liver of AE patients, ERK 1/2 andp38 MAPK were activated and PCNA expression wasincreased, especially in the vicinity of the metacestode.Upon exposure to EmF, p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase（JNK） and ERK1/2 were also activated in hepatocytesin vitro, as well as MEK1/2 and RSK, in the absenceof any toxic effect. Upon exposure to EmCM, only JNKwas up-regulated.CONCLUSION： Previous studies have demonstratedan influence of the host on the MAPK cascade inE. multilocularis. Our data suggest that the reverse,i.e. parasite-derived signals efficiently acting onMAPK signaling pathways in host liver ceils, is actuallyoperating.

Effect of Plant Fiber-Polyacrylamide Blend on Retention and Evaporation Water at Arid and Semi-Arid Soils of Algeria

Soil and water conservation is essential for sustaining food production and for preserving the environment in arid and semi arid lands （ASALs） where conditions for agriculture and other land use systems are often harsh and unpredictable. The ASALs of Algeria are an important source of a variety of non wood forest products like Stipa tenacissima L. plant （esparto grass）. This research was conducted to determine the effects of different low concentration （〈 I%） polyacrylaJnide, Stipa tenacissima L. fiber （esparto grass fibers） and its mixtures with the polymer at water retention in arid and semi arid soil. All samples are characterized by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray Diffractometry, thermal analysis TG DSC and scanning electron micrographs （SEM）. The results showed that polymer blend in soil could improve better soil physical proprieties decreased evaporation and increase water retention in arid soils compared with application of any other blend at the same concentration. The use of Polyacrylamide-Cellulose blend appears to promise for reducing the labor cost of irrigation at arid and semi-arid soils, and offers safe and environmentally friendly inexpensive materials. The importance of Polyacrylamide-Cellulose blends to alleviate poor physical properties and retain water in these arid regions to sustain plant growth.

Epidemiology and antibiotic resistance of bacterial meningitis in Dapaong,northern Togo

Objective:To assess the seasonality of the bacterial meningitis and the antibiotic resistance of incriminated bacteria over the last three years in the northern Togo.Methods:From January 2007 to January 2010,533 cerebrospinal fluids(CSF) samples were collected from patients suspected of meningitis in the Regional Hospital of Dapaong(northern Togo).After microscopic examination,samples were cultured for bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility. Results:The study included 533 patients(306 male and 227 female) aged from 1 day to 55 years [average age(13.00±2.07) years].Bacterial isolation and identification were attempted for 254/533 (47.65%) samples.The bacteria]species identified were:Neisseria meningitidis A(N.meningitidis A)(58.27%),Neisseria meningitidis W135(N,meningitidis W135)(7.09%),Streptococcus pneumoniae(S.pneumoniae)(26.77%),Haemophilus influenza B(H.influenza B)(6.30%) and Enterobacteriaceae(1.57%).The results indicated that bacterial meningitis occur from November to May with a peak in February for H.influenzae and S.pneumoniae and March for Neisseriaceae. The distribution of positive CSF with regards to the age showed that subjects between 6 and 12 years followed by subjects of 0 to 5 years were most affected with respective frequencies of 67.82%and 56.52%(P【0.001).Susceptibility tests revealed that bacteria have developed resistance to several antibiotics including aminosides(resistance rate】20%for both bacterial strains),macrolides(resistance rate】30%for H.influenzae) quinolones(resistance rate】15% for H.influenzae and N.meningitidis W135).Over three years,the prevalence of S.pneumoniae significantly increased from 8.48%to 73.33%(P【0.001),while the changes in the prevalence of H.influenzae B were not statistically significant:4.24%,vs.8.89%,(P= 0.233).Conclusions: Our results indicate that data in African countries differ depending on geographical location in relation to the African meningitis belt.This underlines the importance of epidemiological surveillance of bacterial meningitis.

Prevalence of migraine among university students at Parakou,Benin:A cross-sectional study

Objective: To determine the prevalence of migraine and its associated factors in students at the University of Parakou. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study carried out from February 1st to April 30th 2011. It included all students registered during the academic year 2010-2011 and selected by systematic random sampling. Migraine was defined according to IHS 2004 criteria. To assess the link between migraine and body mass index we collected height and weight of each student. Multivariate analysis was used to study the factors associated with migraine, odds-ratio and their confidence interval were estimated. SPSS Soft-ware was used to perform statistical analysis. Results: During the study period 1200, students returned their questionnaires. They were 842 males and 358 females. 171 fulfilled migraine criteria, and the overall prevalence of migraine was 14.2% (CI 95%: 11.6% - 17.4%). The main associated factors were the sex with an OR: 2.3 (CI 95%: 1.6 - 3.2) and family history of headache with an OR: 1.6 (CI 95%: 1.1 - 2.4). Migraine with aura was the frequent form (59.1%) and visual aura the frequent form of aura. No association was found between migraine and body mass index but students with obesity had high risk of migraine with aura OR: 3.8 (CI 95%: 1.5 - 9.7) compared with those with normal weight. The main triggering factors were sleeplessness (90.1%) and mental fatigue (85.4%). Conclusion: The results suggest a high prevalence of migraine among students at Parakou University and no association between obesity and migraine.

Vitamin E in ataxia and neurodegenerative diseases:A review

Vitamin E is one of the most important lipid-soluble antioxidants. It is essential for the neurological function but its role in the central nervous system has not fully been elucidated. It is known that tocopherol acts in protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage and it can act as an anti-in?ammatory agent, which may also be neuroprotective, as well as regulating speci?c enzymes. There is growing evidence that oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative disorders. These diseases are defined by the progressive loss of speci?c neuronal cell populations and are associated with protein aggregates. We reviewed some aspects related to the role of antioxidant properties of Vitamin E in preventing and/or curing neurodegenerative disorders such as the Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ataxia, tardive dyskinesia and Huntington’s disease.

Completeness and Timeliness of Hepatitis B Vaccination in Preschool Children: Determinants for Good and Timely Uptake in Libreville, Gabon

Background: Gabon is endemic for hepatitis B, but they have still not reached the WHO goal for Hepatitis B vaccination coverage. We aimed to determine the rate of completeness and timeliness of hepatitis B vaccination among children under 15 years of age in Libreville. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted over 9 months, including children randomly selected from vaccination centres, nurseries and kindergartens. We collected data on the child, socio-economic characteristics of the families, and dates of administration of hepatitis B vaccines. We determined the compliance of the vaccination dates according to the vaccination start pattern. Results: We included 453 children, of whom 236 were girls, for a sex ratio of 0.92. A total of 87% (95% CI [83.9% - 90.1%]) of children had started and completed their 3 doses of vaccine before the 12th month of age. 149 subjects had received their 3 doses on time according to the original vaccination schedule, i.e. 32.9% (95% CI [28.6% - 37.2%]). Factors significantly associated with completeness were vaccination in a public centre OR = 114 [47.2 - 347] p st dose OR = 3 [1.6 - 5.5] p < 0.001. Age at first dose was the predictor of timeliness aOR = 1.3 (95% CI [1.2 - 1.5] p 0.001). Conclusion: The respect for the vaccination deadlines is insufficient in our context, solutions exist to improve this situation.

Spectrofluorimetric Analysis of the Fungicide Carbendazim and Its Metabolite 2-Aminobenzimidazole in Natural Water

A spectrofluorimetric method for the direct analysis of carbendazim [methyl 2-benzimidazole carbamate (MBC)] fungicide and its metabolite 2-aminobenzimidazole (2-AB) in natural waters is described. Very low limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values of 0.002 - 0.06 ng/mL and 0.006 - 0.2 ng/mL, respectively, were determined by spectrofluorimetric method with small relative standard deviation (RSD) values < 1%. This spectrofluorimetric method was applied to the determination of MBC and 2-AB residues in natural waters, with satisfactory recovery values of (88.5% - 119.2%).

Automatic Assessment of Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) in Multiple Sclerosis Using a Decision Tree

The expanded disability status scale (EDSS) is frequently used to classify the patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). We presented in this paper a novel method to automatically assess the EDSS score from posturologic data (center of pres-sure signals) using a decision tree. Two groups of participants (one for learning and the other for test) with EDSS rang-ing from 0 to 4.5 performed our balance experiment with eyes closed. Two linear measures (the length and the surface) and twelve non-linear measures (the recurrence rate, the Shannon entropy, the averaged diagonal line length and the trapping time for the position, the instantaneous velocity and the instantaneous acceleration of the center of pressure respectively) were calculated for all the participants. Several decision trees were constructed with learning data and tested with test data. By comparing clinical and estimated EDSS scores in the test group, we selected one decision tree with five measures which revealed a 75% of agreement. The results have signified that our tree model is able to auto-matically assess the EDSS scores and that it is possible to distinguish the EDSS scores by using linear and non-linear postural sway measures.

甘草多糖抗骨关节炎作用及其机制研究

目的：我国60岁以上的老年人骨关节炎（osteoarthritis，OA）患病率高达50％。OA发病机制十分复杂，生物化学上表现为软骨细胞和基质中蛋白多糖丢失、胶原基质破坏；软骨细胞氧化损伤是其重要的发病机制之一。目前临床上尚缺乏高效、价廉的抗骨关节炎药物。甘草为中医骨关节炎治疗方剂中的常用单味药，甘草多糖（glycyrrhiza polysaccharide，GP）是其主要成分之一。本研究在细胞分子水平上初步探讨了自制GP的抗OA疗效、作用机制和有效成分。方法及结果：甘草经过脱脂、水提、醇沉、Sevag法除蛋白、干燥等过程得到GP；用DEAESephadex A-50分离，苯酚硫酸法检测，得到三个组分（GP-1、GP-2和GP．3）。培养大鼠原代软骨细胞，二甲基亚甲基蓝（DMMB）染色法测定培养基中所含硫酸化糖胺聚糖（GAGs）含量，发现GP能浓度依赖性的促进GAGs释放；

我国不同城市失业人群的行为调查

对 5 8 4名失业者采用了动态问卷调查 ,调查内容包括家庭基本情况、医疗费报销及医疗行为。调查结果提示 ,应该建立一个面向全体居民的医疗保险体系 ,并给予低收入阶层的人群更多的优惠政策。

阿魏酸钠治疗实验性骨关节炎的疗效及其机制研究

目的：证实阿魏酸钠（SF）治疗实验性骨关节炎（oA）软骨细胞的疗效，并应用蛋白组学技术初步探讨其分子机制。方法：取成年Wistar大鼠髋关节软骨细胞，行平面培养和藻酸钙串珠三维培养，分别设立正常对照组、IL-1β模型对照组、高浓度SF对照组和SF治疗组（1L-1β＋低、中、高浓度SF）。SF处理细胞72h后，对平面培养细胞采用四甲基偶氮唑盐（MTT）法检测细胞增殖，Realtime-PCR法检测软骨基质合成限速酶葡萄糖醛酸转移酶Ⅰ（GlcAT-Ⅰ）mRNA的表达以及碘化吡啶（PI）单染检测细胞凋亡率；对三维培养细胞采用放射性35S标记检测软骨蛋白多糖含量。为深入探讨其可能机制，还应用二维电泳法初步检测OA平面培养软骨细胞的蛋白组学变化，电泳后的凝胶经标准硝酸银染色法染色，BIO—RADGS-800TM扫描仪获取图像，PDQuest7．0软件分析蛋白图谱。结果：与正常对照组比较，模型对照组细胞MTT值、GlcAT-Ⅰ表达和蛋白多糖含量均明显降低，而细胞凋亡率明显增高（P〈0．01），而在SF对照组中，上述指标均无明显变化。125、500和1000μMSF均可显著升高MTT值，降低细胞凋亡率（P〈0．01），且具有浓度相关性。1000μMSF可使GlcAT-1的表达明显升高（P〈0．01），蛋白多糖却无显著变化。

Induction of antiproliferative effect by diosgenin through activation of p53, release of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) and modulation of caspase-3 activity in different human cancer cells

Previously, we demonstrated that a plant steroid, diosgenin, altered cell cycle distribution and induced apoptosis in the human osteosarcoma 1547 cell line. The objective of this study was to investigate if the antiproliferative effect of diosgenin was similar for different human cancer cell lines such as laryngocarcinoma HEp-2 and melanoma M4Beu cells. Moreover, this work essentially focused on the mitochondrial pathway. We found that diosgenin had an important and similar antiproliferative effect on different types of cancer cells. In addition, our new results show that diosgenininduced apoptosis is caspase-3 dependent with a fall of mitochondrial membrane potential, nuclear localization of AIF and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. Diosgenin treatment also induces p53 activation and cell cycle arrest in the different cell lines studied.

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of B. henselae Houston and B. henselae Marseille by Two-dimensional Gel Electrophoresis

To compare the protein difference between B. henselae Houston and B. henselae Marseille by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Method Protein samples were prepared by vorterx, ultrasonic treatment, and centrifugation. Protein concentrations were determined by Bradford method. Protein difference was compared by the first IEF and the second SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Results Protein concentrations in samples of Bartonella henselae Houston and Bartonella henselae Marseille were 2.117 μg/μL and 2.200 μg/μL respectively. Sample protein of 40 μg for IPG strips loading was perfect. The results of 2-DE in pH 4 to 7 IPG strips showed that the total protein spots of Bartonella henselae Houston and Bartonella henselae Marseille were 375 and 379 respectively, 95% of the spots were the same between the two strains of Bartonella henselae. Conclusion The procedure of 2-DE may prove successful for the proteomic analysis of Bartonella henselae. Bartonella henselae Houston and Bartonella henselae Marseille are different genotypes.

High-magnification observation of seminiferous tubules through the tunica albuginea by two-photon laser scanning microscopy

Testicular sperm extraction is widely used in the treatment of male infertility in cases of non-obstructive azoospermia. Identifying spermatogenetic foci within the testes is critical for testicular sperm extraction. Two-photon laser scanning microscopy （TPLSM） is an autofluorescence-based microscopy technique that allows observation at a cellular level in the depth of fresh living tissues and does not require any histological processing （fixation or staining）. The wavelengths previously used have shown no phototoxicity on sperm. We used TPLSM to detect spermatogenetic foci in fresh mouse testicular parenchyma without disrupting the tunica albuginea. Fresh surgically retrieved testes were observed using TPLSM within 1 h after extraction. Contralateral testes for each animal were observed using standard histology. Using TPLSM we were able to observe and measure the diameter of seminiferous tubules through the tunica albuginea, similar to the histological control. Structures within epithelial tubules were also observed, although their nature has yet to be identified. TPLSM is a real-time microscopy technique that could detect spermatogenetic foci.

Evaluation of in vitro antioxidant and apoptotic activities of Cyperus rotundus

Objective:To evaluate in vitro antioxidant and apoptotic activities of Crperus rotundas(C.rotundus).Methods:The phytochemical study and the antioxidant activities of both methanol and aqueous extracts from C.rotundus aerial part were determined.In addition,these extracts were also investigated for their cytotoxic and apoptotic activities.The major compound of the methanol extract was isolated.Both metlianol and aqueous extracts(300,150,and 50μg/mL)were evaluated for their antioxidant activity by the xanthine/xanthine oxidase assay system.However,16,8,and 4 mg/mL of each extract were tested to investigate their OH.formation scavenging potential.Aqueous extract(800,400.and 200μg/mL)and melhunol extract(350,175,and 88μg/mL)were tested against lipid peroxidation,induced by 75μM H_2O_2,The cytotoxicity(by MTT assay)and cell DNA fragmentation of both extracts were evaluated Inwards K562 and L1210 cell lines.The major compound was obtained from the butanol fraction of methanol extract and its structure was determined by KMN spectroscopic analysis.Results:The methanol and aqueous extracts showed respectively,88%and 19%inhibition of xanthine oxidase activity.Vet.the same extracts inhibited lipid peroxidation by 61.5%and 42.0%.respectively.Roth extracts inhibited OH.formation by 27.1%and 25.3%,respectively.Only methanol cxtract induced DNA degradation.Orientin was determined as the major compound isolated from the butanol fraction of metlianol extract.Conclusions:It appears that C.rotundus extracts exhibit a potential use as a natural antioxidant and an apoptosis inducer.

HIV感染者抗结核治疗过程中严重肝毒性反应的发生率及其危险因素

目的:评估HIV感染患者抗结核治疗的严重肝毒性反应发生率及其危险因素,并观察病人的特征和开始治疗第一周期间并用其它药物的影响。方法:观察1992.1.1至2004.12.31期间转至六家法国医院的HIV(+)确诊或拟诊结核病患者。观察开始抗结核治疗2个月期间的肝毒性反应。结果:在12年研究期间共纳入144例患者。15例(10.7%)发生了严重肝毒性反应。发生肝毒性反应的中位时间为14天。单因素分析显示:基础胆红素高(P=0.004)、CD4+细胞数介于50-100/mm^3(P=0.022)及并用氟康唑(P=0.0005)与肝毒性反应有关。多因素分析显示:肝毒性反应的独立危险因素为基础胆红素(Bil)异常(P=0.033)、谷丙转氨酶(ALT)(P=0.028)异常及并用氟康唑(P=0.008)。结论:严重的肝毒性反应常有发生,通常发生于抗结核治疗早期。在开始治疗1个月期间应密切观察Bil及ALT变化,尤其是治疗前Bil及ALT基础水平增高者。我们建议同时使用抗结核药物及氟康唑宜慎重,虽然我们的结论尚需进一步调查及肯定。

Can subjective sleep quality, evaluated at the age of 73, have an influence on successful aging? The PROOF study

Objective: Sleep complaints are recurrent in Geriatrics and are often attributed to physiological aging. The aim of this work is to describe subjective sleep quality and its impact on successful aging. Methods: Subjective sleep quality was evaluated by using the Pittsburgh subjective sleep quality questionnaire. Two visual analogical scales (graduate from 0 to 10) were used to quantify perceived state of health and life satisfaction. Objective respiratory sleep parameters were also collected. Results: 370 data were analysed (46.2% of males). The average age was 73.2 +/- 1. The level of perceived state of health was 6.9 +/- 2, and life satisfaction level was 7.7 +/-2. Subjective sleep quality was significantly related to perceived health status (p = 0.034) and life satisfaction (p = 0.005). There was no significant association between sleep quality and objective respiratory sleep parameters. Conclusion: The assessment of sleep quality plays an important role in the management of elderly persons and can help them to age more successfully.

Epileptiform seizures revealing neurocysticercosis:report of two clinical cases in Libreville,Gabon

Neurocysticercosis(NCC) is recognized as a cause of neurologic disease worldwide.We reported two cases(one co-infected with the HIV) of NCC.Medical treatment led to recovery.NCC should be considered in tropical countries as a cause of epilepsy and included in the diagnosis of neurologic infections in HIV patients.

CONTROL OF ANGIOGENESIS BY INHIBITOR OF PHOSPHOLIPASE A_2

Objective To investigate the potential effects of angiogenic process by secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2)inhibitor-HyPE(linking N-derivatized phosphatidyl-ethanolamine to hyaluronic acid)on human bone marrow endothelial cell line(HBME-1). Methods In order to examine the suppressing effects of HyPE on HBME-1 proliferation, migration, and capillary-like tube formation, HBME-1 were activated by angiogenic factor, specifically by basic fibroblast growth factor(b-FGF), vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),and oncostatin M(OSM)(at a final concentration of 25, 20, and 2.5 ng/mL, respectively), then HBME-1 proliferation, migration, and tube forma-tion were studied in the absence or presence of HyPE. HBME-1 tube formation was specially analyzed in fibrin gel. Results HyPE effectively inhibited HBME-1 proliferation and migration as a dose-dependent manner, whatever HBME-1 were grown in the control culture medium or stimulated with b-FGF, VEGF, or OSM. In fibrin, the formations of HBME-1 derived tube-like structures were enhanced by all angiogenic factors, but these were strongly suppressed by HyPE. Conclusions The results support the involvement of sPLA2 in angiogenesis. It is proposed that sPLA2 inhibitor introduces a novel approach in the control of cancer development.