The Gabes aquifer system,located in southeastern Tunisia,is a crucial resource for supporting local socio-economic activities.Due to its dual porosity structure,is particularly vulnerable to pollution.This study aims ...The Gabes aquifer system,located in southeastern Tunisia,is a crucial resource for supporting local socio-economic activities.Due to its dual porosity structure,is particularly vulnerable to pollution.This study aims to develop a hybrid model that combines the Fracture Aquifer Index(FAI)with the conventional GOD(Groundwater occurrence,Overall lithology,Depth to water table)method,to assess groundwater vulnerability in fractured aquifer.To develop the hybrid model,the classical GOD method was integrated with FAI to produce a single composite index.Each parameter within both GOD and FAI was scored,and a final index was calculated to delineate vulnerable areas.The results show that the study area can be classified into four vulnerability levels:Very low,low,moderate,and high,indicating that approximately 8%of the area exhibits very low vulnerability,29%has low vulnerability,25%falls into the moderate category,and 38%is considered highly vulnerable.The FAI-GOD model further incorporates fracture network characteristics.This refinement reduces the classification to three vulnerability classes:Low,medium,and high.The outcomes demonstrate that 46%of the area is highly vulnerable due to a dense concentration of fractures,while 17%represents an intermediate zone characterized by either shallow or deeper fractures.In contrast,37%corresponds to areas with lightly fractured rock,where the impact on vulnerability is minimal.Multivariate statistical analysis was employed using Principal Components Analysis(PCA)and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis(HCA)on 24 samples across six variables.The first three components account for over 76%of the total variance,reinforcing the significance of fracture dynamics in classifying vulnerability levels.The FAI-GOD model removes the very-low-vulnerability class and expands the spatial extent of low-and high-vulnerability zones,reflecting the dominant influence of fracture networks on aquifer sensitivity.While both indices use a five-class system,FAI-GOD redistributes vulnerability by eliminating very-low-vulnerability areas and amplifying low/high categories,highlighting the critical role of fractures.A strong correlation(R2=0.94)between the GOD and FAI-GOD indices,demonstrated through second-order polynomial regression,confirms the robustness of the FAI-GOD model in accurately predicting vulnerability to pollution.This model provides a useful framework for assessing the vulnerability of complex aquifers and serves as a decision-making tool for groundwater managers in similar areas.展开更多
Global marine ecosystems are signiicantly endangered by microplastic pollution,leading to comprehensive investigations into its distribution and impacts on the health of ecosystem.This research employs the Alseamar Au...Global marine ecosystems are signiicantly endangered by microplastic pollution,leading to comprehensive investigations into its distribution and impacts on the health of ecosystem.This research employs the Alseamar Autonomous Underwater Vehicle(AUV)known as Glider to investigate microplastic concentrations within the Al Hoceima Marine Protected Area(MPA).Our objective is to identify spatial patterns that reveal pollution hotspots and furnish data for targeted conservation efforts and pollution prevention.We aim to identify regions with elevated microplastic concentrations by meticulously analyzing microplastic level graphs,with a speciic focus on temporal variations.The results reveal notable patterns,such as increased densities aroundishing harbors and near urban centers,potentially linked to anthropogenic activities.Additionally,we observe variations in pollution levels throughout different glider operation cycles,underscoring the importance of understanding the spatio‑temporal dynamics of microplastic distribution.Al Hoceima Marine protected areas exhibiting lower microplastic concentrations illustrate the eficacy of such zones in alleviating pollution impacts,thereby underscoring the signiicance of conservation efforts in safeguarding marine biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.Ultimately,our research enhances our comprehension of the pressures exerted by humans on marine environments and underscores the necessity of proactive conservation measures to shield marine ecosystems from the threats posed by microplastic pollution.展开更多
This research aims to investigate the potential of a plant cellulose developed from Opuntia ficus-indica(OFI)cladode as a sustainable and renewable adsorbent for the removal of neutral red(NR),a cationic dye pollutant...This research aims to investigate the potential of a plant cellulose developed from Opuntia ficus-indica(OFI)cladode as a sustainable and renewable adsorbent for the removal of neutral red(NR),a cationic dye pollutant,from aqueous environments.Analysis of raw and treated OFI using X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy(FTIR)demonstrated the successful extraction of type I_(β)cellulose.The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller(BET)analysis of the nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherm revealed an improved specific surface area of 12.4 m^(2)/g after treatment.A systematic study of key parameters in batch adsorption experiments revealed removal rates greater than 90%at pH=3,an adsorbent dosage of 3 g/L and an initial dye concentration of 100 mg/L with equilibrium achieved within 2 h.The high correlation coefficient(R^(2)=0.98)obtained with the Langmuir isotherm model suggests that the adsorption behavior is consistent with monolayer surface adsorption.A maximum adsorption capacity(Qm)of 357.1 mg/g for neutral red dye was achieved,demonstrating a significant adsorption capacity relative to other materials such as chitosan-modified activated carbon and halloysite nanotubes.The pseudo-second-order model effectively described the kinetics of the adsorption phenomena.Thermodynamic analysis revealed an exothermic and spontaneous adsorption process,with an enthalpy change(ΔH)of−24.886 kJ/mol,indicative of predominantly physisorption-driven interactions.Moreover,the regenerated cellulose exhibited a retention of over 70%efficiency after multiple adsorption-desorption cycles,highlighting its potential as an excellent reusable adsorbent.The outcomes of this research present an environmentally conscious alternative to synthetic adsorbents,facilitating the effective NR dye removal through renewable and sustainable means.展开更多
Three-phase grid-connected inverters(GCIs)are essential components in distributed generation systems,where the accuracy of current measurement circuits is fundamental for reliable closed-loop operation.Nevertheless,th...Three-phase grid-connected inverters(GCIs)are essential components in distributed generation systems,where the accuracy of current measurement circuits is fundamental for reliable closed-loop operation.Nevertheless,the presence of a DC offset in the measured current can disrupt the regulation of grid currents and significantly degrade system performance.In this work,a fault-tolerant control approach is introduced to counteract the impact of such offset faults through a dedicated current compensation mechanism.The proposed solution is built around two main stages:(i)detecting and isolating DC offset faults that may appear in one or multiple phases of the measured grid currents,and(ii)estimating the fault magnitude and reconstructing the corrected current signal.The offset magnitude is obtained analytically by examining the grid current projected onto the synchronous d-axis at the grid angular frequency,eliminating the need for any additional sensing hardware.Simulation and experimental investigations conducted under several fault scenarios confirm the robustness of the proposed strategy and highlight significant improvements in detection speed and diagnostic accuracy.展开更多
The present investigation aims at unveiling the main causes of the recorded disparate phylogeographic patterning among the two highly dispersive coastal crab species Carcinus aestuarii and Pachygrapsus marmoratus in t...The present investigation aims at unveiling the main causes of the recorded disparate phylogeographic patterning among the two highly dispersive coastal crab species Carcinus aestuarii and Pachygrapsus marmoratus in the Mediterranean Sea.For this purpose,available mitochondrial and nuclear data for both species were re-analyzed and investigated for genetic polymorphism and differentiation patterns across three defined geographic scales in their distribution ranges,but also across the same locations in the Mediterranean Sea.The temporal frame of genetic diversification was also determined for both species in order to check whether observed differences in phylogeographic patterns among these coastal decapods could be attributed to different evolutionary histories.The obtained results revealed a more variable and diversified gene pool in the green crab C.aestuarii than the one recorded in the marbled crab P.marmoratus.Lack of significant correlation between pairwise genetic dissimilarities observed among C.aestuarii populations and those detected for P.marmoratus was notably discerned across the same defined Mediterranean locations.This finding indicates that the pattern of pairwise genetic differentiation does not vary in the same way in both examined crab species.Significant outputs of population genetic differentiation,retrieved within both species,were shown to be differently associated with the potential effects of various kinds of isolation processes(related to geography,environment and biogeographic boundary).Evolutionary history reconstruction showed older genetic diversification event in C.aestuarii than the one recorded in P.marmoratus.These recorded temporal frames suggest different modes of genetic diversification in both crab species(glacial vicariance for C.aestuarii and interglacial dispersal for P.marmoratus).They may also provide an explanation for the recorded differences in variation of patterns of population genetic diversity and structure,when integrated with species ecological requirements and life-history traits.展开更多
In this study,Opuntia ficus-indica cladode powder(OFIC),locally sourced from Rabta in Tunis,was utilized as a novel,eco-friendly adsorbent in both raw and iron(III)chloride-modified forms.The presence of iron in the m...In this study,Opuntia ficus-indica cladode powder(OFIC),locally sourced from Rabta in Tunis,was utilized as a novel,eco-friendly adsorbent in both raw and iron(III)chloride-modified forms.The presence of iron in the modified material was confirmed by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy(XRF).The neat and modified biomass were characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD),Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy(FTIR),thermogravimetric analysis(TGA)and scanning electron microscopy(SEM),and their usefulness as adsorbent for cationic Neutral Red(NR)and anionic Congo Red(CR)dyes were explored under batch conditions.Equilibrium studies revealed that the iron-modified Fe(OH)_(x)@Cellulose adsorbent exhibited superior adsorption capabilities for both dyes compared to the raw material.Moreover,CR dye was more effectively adsorbed by Fe(OH)_(x)@Cellulose than NR.The adsorption isotherms for both dyes were fitted.The results demonstrated that the adsorption of both NR and CR dyes onto the biosorbent Fe(OH)_(x)@Cellulose was closely followed by the Langmuir model,with R^(2) values of 0.980 and 0.973 for NR and CR,respectively,and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model better depicted the adsorption kinetic.Thermodynamic analysis revealed a negative enthalpy value(−67.15 kJ/mol)forNR adsorption,suggesting an exothermic process,while a positive enthalpy value(3.99 kJ/mol)was observed for CR adsorption,indicating an endothermic process.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate how DNA fragmentation index(DFI)and chromatin denaturation index(CDI)relate to semen parameters across different types of male infertility,thereby improving the understanding and assessment of sp...Objective:To evaluate how DNA fragmentation index(DFI)and chromatin denaturation index(CDI)relate to semen parameters across different types of male infertility,thereby improving the understanding and assessment of sperm quality.Methods:A prospective and descriptive cohort study was conducted over two years at the Integrated Physiology Laboratory of the University of Carthage in collaboration with the Alyssa Fertility Group,Tunisia.A total of 163 participants were classified into five groups based on their semen parameters:normozoospermia,oligozoospermia,asthenozoospermia,teratozoospermia,and oligoastheno-teratozoospermia.The normozoospermia group was selected from volunteers who had children.Semen samples were analyzed according to WHO guidelines.DFI was measured using Halosperm®and CDI was tested using aniline blue staining.Results:Both DFI and CDI were significantly higher in all infertility groups,with the oligozoospermia group showing the highest DFI and CDI.Negative correlations were found between DFI/CDI and sperm motility,concentration,and morphology in the affected groups.The normozoospermia group served as a control with the lowest DFI and CDI values.Conclusions:DFI and CDI are increasingly recognized as important biomarkers for evaluating sperm quality in cases of male infertility.Their elevated levels in patients with oligozoospermia,asthenozoospermia,teratozoospermia,and oligo-asthenoteratozoospermia underscore their potential role in not only diagnosing male infertility but also in assessing the overall reproductive outcomes for affected individuals,thus guiding more effective treatment strategies.展开更多
In this research,we examine how the Al Hoceima Marine Protected Area(MPA),located in the southwest Mediterranean Sea,can be effectively monitored using the SeaExplorer glider—an advanced autonomous underwater vehicle...In this research,we examine how the Al Hoceima Marine Protected Area(MPA),located in the southwest Mediterranean Sea,can be effectively monitored using the SeaExplorer glider—an advanced autonomous underwater vehicle(AUV)designed for long‑duration oceanographic missions.The study focuses on the glider’s ability to simultaneously observe a variety of environmental parameters,including temperature,conductivity,oxygen,and chlorophyll,during its deployment across multiple transects.The primary objective of the mission is to improve understanding of the vertical thermal structure and seasonal dynamics of the water column in this ecologically signiicant region.To achieve this,we apply Gaussian Process(GP)regression techniques to the glider‑derived temperature data.This statistical method enables the smoothing and interpolation of irregularly spaced in situ measurements,thereby improving the visibility and interpretation of stratiication patterns throughout the water column.Although the glider followed a predetermined course,the data‑driven analysis suggests that adaptive sampling strategies—such as adjustments based on real‑time outliers—could be valuable in future missions.Our results,which show distinct thermal layering and seasonal variability,are crucial for informing ecosystem function assessments and climate resilience planning.This study also discusses how integrating machine learning into glider‑based monitoring could enhance MPA observation systems and promote adaptive,evidence‑based management.展开更多
Objectives:Cisplatin(CDDP)therapy for glioblastoma(GBM)is linked with several limitations,which include poor penetration of the blood-brain barrier(BBB),systemic toxicity,and the development of drug resistance mechani...Objectives:Cisplatin(CDDP)therapy for glioblastoma(GBM)is linked with several limitations,which include poor penetration of the blood-brain barrier(BBB),systemic toxicity,and the development of drug resistance mechanisms implicating oxidative stress dysregulation and compromised apoptotic pathways.This study evaluates C-Phycocyanin(C-PC)as a potential adjuvant to enhance CDDP efficacy by modulating redox balance and apoptosis.Methods:GBM cells(U87 and U87-EGFRvIII)were treated with CDDP,C-PC,or their combination.Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay;apoptosis was evaluated by DAPI staining andWestern blot analysis of cleaved Caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase(PARP).Both intracellular and extracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)were measured using 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate(DCF-DA)fluorescence and lucigenin chemiluminescence,respectively.Catalase activity was quantified via hydrogen peroxide(H2O2)decomposition assay,and manganese superoxide dismutase(MnSOD)expression byWestern blot.Results:C-PCselectively decreased U87GBMcell viability while sparing normal cells.C-PC enhanced CDDP cytotoxicity,reducing viability to 26.5%vs.53.2%for CDDP alone.This effect correlated with increased apoptosis,evidenced by DNA fragmentation and higher cleaved caspase-3 and PARP levels.Combined treatment lowered ROS below survival thresholds while upregulating MnSOD and catalase activity.In U87-EGFRvIII cells,CDDP reduced viability modestly(85.2%),C-PC alone decreased viability significantly(51.5%)and induced cell death,but the combination did not further increase apoptosis.Here,C-PC’s pro-apoptotic effects,alone or with CDDP,were also associated with reduced oxidative stress in cells.Conclusion:We demonstrate that C-PC enhances CDDP cytotoxicity in sensitive U87 cells by promoting apoptosis and modulating ROS,suggesting potential for improved therapeutic efficacy with reduced systemic toxicity.Compared to the combination,C-PC monotherapy achieves superior cytotoxicity in CDDP-resistant U87-EGFRvIII cells,underscoring its potential as a standalone therapeutic approach for chemotherapy-resistant glioblastoma subtypes.展开更多
Fungal plant diseases are infections caused by pathogenic fungi that affect crops,ornamental plants,and trees.Symptoms of these diseases can include leaf spots,fruit rot,root rot,and generalized growth retardation.Fun...Fungal plant diseases are infections caused by pathogenic fungi that affect crops,ornamental plants,and trees.Symptoms of these diseases can include leaf spots,fruit rot,root rot,and generalized growth retardation.Fungal diseases can result in decreased quality and quantity of crops,which can have a negative economic impact on farmers and producers.Moreover,these diseases can cause environmental damage.Indeed,fungal diseases can directly affect crops by reducing plant growth and yield,as well as altering their quality and nutritional value.Although effective,the use of many chemical products is often harmful to health and the environment,and their use is increasingly restricted due to their high toxicity.To address this issue,it is becoming increasingly essential to replace these chemical products with products that respect the environment and human health,and for sustainable agriculture,such as regenerative agricultural practices.Regenerative agricultural practices such as crop rotation,intercropping,composting,and notill farming techniques can offer sustainable solutions for the prevention and control of plant fungal diseases.These regenratives approaches not only help to control fungal plant disease by strengthening plant disease resistance,but also significantly contribute to the improvement of sustainable agriculture,by restoring soil health,increasing biodiversity and reducing the use of harmful chemicals to the environment and human health in order to keep a long-termecosystem resilience,promote environmental sustainability,and support global food security.Using regenerative agricultural practices can provide a holistic and effective approach to controlling fungal plant diseases while improving the health and productivity of farming systems.展开更多
Nickel(Ni)toxicity significantly impairs plant growth,photosynthesis,and metabolism by inducing oxidative stress.This study evaluates the potential of exogenous Alpha-Ketoglutarate(AKG)in mitigating Ni-induced stress ...Nickel(Ni)toxicity significantly impairs plant growth,photosynthesis,and metabolism by inducing oxidative stress.This study evaluates the potential of exogenous Alpha-Ketoglutarate(AKG)in mitigating Ni-induced stress in Peganum harmala L.Seedlings were exposed to 0,200,500,and 750μM NiCl2,with or without AKG supplementation.Under 750μM Ni stress,dry weight(DW)decreased by 33.7%,tissue water content(TWC)by 39.9%,and chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll levels were reduced by 17%and 15%,respectively.Ni exposure also significantly increased secondary metabolite production,with leaf anthocyanin content rising by 131%,and superoxide dismutase(SOD)and catalase(CAT)activities increasing by 228%and 53%,respectively,in roots at 500μM Ni.AKG treatment alleviated Ni toxicity by enhancing TWC by 39%and promoting root and shoot growth.Additionally,AKG treatment boosted the synthesis of phenolic compounds and flavonoids,contributing to improved tolerance against Ni stress.These findings demonstrate the potential of AKG in enhancing Ni tolerance in P.harmala,suggesting its promising role in bioremediation of metal-contaminated soils.This is the first study to report the beneficial effects of exogenous AKG in alleviating nickel toxicity in P.harmala L.,offering a new approach for improving plant resilience to heavy metal stress.展开更多
In Burkina Faso, as in other African countries, infertility has become a social burden for the population and a public health problem. Male infertility accounts for 30% to 40% of all infertility cases. The diagnosis o...In Burkina Faso, as in other African countries, infertility has become a social burden for the population and a public health problem. Male infertility accounts for 30% to 40% of all infertility cases. The diagnosis of male infertility or hypofertility is often made by a simple laboratory analysis of sperm to explore sperm parameters. In most African countries, such as Burkina Faso, microbiological analysis in the context of sperm analysis is still not developed, and is carried out solely based on microscopy and traditional culture, which does not allow the growth of fragile and demanding bacteria. Our study investigated the microorganisms of sperm that may be involved in male infertility, using conventional bacteriology techniques and real-time PCR. However, it did not intend to perform a multivariate statistical association analysis to estimate the association of microorganisms with abnormal semen parameters. This prospective cross-sectional pilot study was carried out on patients who visited the bacteriology laboratory of Centre MURAZ, a research Institute in Burkina Faso, for male infertility diagnosis between 2 August and 31 August 2021. Bacteria were isolated and identified using standard bacteriology techniques. In parallel, common pathogenic microorganisms known to be associated with male infertility were targeted and detected in the sperm using a multiplex real-time PCR assay. A total of 38 sperm samples were analyzed by bacteriological culture and bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) 5.55%, Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) and Staphylococcus hoemalyticus (S. hoemalyticus) respectively 2.70%. Real-time PCR targeted and detected Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) at 7.89%, Ureaplasma urealyticum (U. urealyticum) at 21.05%, Ureaplasma parvum (U. parvum) at 18.42%, Mycoplasma hominis (M. hominis) at 15.79%, Mycoplasma genitalium (M. genitalium) at 10.53% and Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) at 2.63%. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae) was targeted by the real-time PCR assay and was not detected (0%) in the tested semen samples. Our study highlights critical limitations of culture performance (low sensitivity), particularly in Burkina Faso, which has a total inability to detect microorganisms (fragile and demanding microorganisms) detected by PCR-based assays. There is therefore an urgent need to at least optimize culture, procedures and algorithms for detection of microorganisms associated with male infertility in clinical laboratories of Burkina Faso. The most effective solution is the routine implementation of molecular diagnostic methods.展开更多
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top 10 threats to global health and it is estimated around 10 millions of deaths per year are associated with AMR until 2050. Burkina Faso is also facing the emergence and ...Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top 10 threats to global health and it is estimated around 10 millions of deaths per year are associated with AMR until 2050. Burkina Faso is also facing the emergence and spread of AMR of several bacteria resistant strains such as those of public health concerns under surveillance Enterobacteriaceae. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) clinical isolates from patients attending the bacteriology laboratory of the Centre MURAZ in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. Clinical isolates from urine, pus, stool, and semen were collected from April to June 2017. Identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using the VITEK 2 compact automated system according to EUCAST version 2015 recommendations. ESBL detection was then performed on the Muller-Hinton medium using the combined disc method. One hundred (100) strains of Enterobacteriaceae were isolated from 100 patients, including 52% of ESBLS. Escherichia coli (E. coli) was the most commonly isolated ESBL [(84.62, 44/72) ESBL], followed by Klebsiella spp. [(40%, 06/15) ESBL], then Enterobacter spp. [(40%, 2/5) ESBL]. Risk factor analysis revealed that ESBL-PE infection was frequently found in pus samples (P = 0.042;[OR] = 3.16;95% [CI] = 1.04 - 9.61) and that E. coli was the strain most likely to harbour ESBL (P = 0.008;[OR] = 3.60;95% [CI] = 1.40 - 9.31). This study reports a high prevalence of ESBL-PE associated with strong resistance to quinolones and cotrimoxazole (over 80%), which calls for increased surveillance of these superbugs, the adoption of a rational antibiotic prescription policy, and rigorous hygiene measures to prevent the spread of these multi-resistant bacteria.展开更多
Over the past century,anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions have continuously increased global temperature and triggered climate change,significantlyimpacting species distributions and biodiversity patterns.Understan...Over the past century,anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions have continuously increased global temperature and triggered climate change,significantlyimpacting species distributions and biodiversity patterns.Understanding how climate-driven shifts in species distributions reshape diversity patterns is crucial for formulating effective future conservation strategies.Based on the distribution data of 314 Rhododendron species in China,along with 16 environmental variables,we examined spatial diversity patterns and assessed regional and biome differences in species responses using ensembled species distribution models.Our results indicated that climatic variables significantlyinfluencedspecies distributions,with ongoing climate change expected to concentrate Rhododendron distribution patterns and alter species composition.Regional topography played a critical role in shaping species responses to global warming.In the mountainous areas of southwestern China,species exhibited heightened sensitivity to temperature fluctuations,shifting upward as temperature increased.This region also had a higher proportion of threatened species and showed an overall contraction in primary distribution range.Conversely,in southern China,species were more influencedby precipitation,exhibiting a notable northward shift and expansion in primary distribution areas.Notably,alpine species,occurring in habitats above the treeline,may face severe survival risks due to the high degree of habitat loss and fragmentation.We identifiedseven priority conservation areas,predominantly situated in highly fragmented mountainous regions that were inadequately protected by existing nature reserves.Our findingscontribute to a better understanding of changes in Rhododendron diversity patterns under climate change,providing valuable insights for developing comprehensive,flora-wideconservation plans in China.展开更多
The advantageous magnetic,optical,and antibacterial properties of magnetic nanoparticles have recently drawn a lot of attention in the field of biomedicine.One of the most famous super paramagnetic materials,nanoferri...The advantageous magnetic,optical,and antibacterial properties of magnetic nanoparticles have recently drawn a lot of attention in the field of biomedicine.One of the most famous super paramagnetic materials,nanoferrite,is made up of two types of spinel structures:inverse and normal.Cobalt ferrite's inverse spinel structure offers several benefits,including excellent magnetostrictivity,good coupling efficiency,and inexpensive cost.This study's objective is to synthesize,characterize,and investigate the characteristics of the electrochemical properties of Co_(x)Fe_(1-x)Fe_(2)O_(4)/Fe_(2)O_(3)(x=0.30 and 0.77)nanoparticles using the chemical co-precipitation method.The physical properties of the produced nanoparticles were investigated using x-ray diffraction(XRD),transmission electron microscopy(TEM),and a vibrating sample magnetometer(VSM).The band gap properties of magneto-nano powders,including the direct and indirect band gap energies,and Urbach energy,are found.Scanning electron microscopy showed the presence of spherical nanoparticles ranging from 20.7 nm-23.7 nm.The analysis of Co_(x)Fe_(1-x)Fe_(2)O_(4)/Fe_(2)O_(3)(x=0.30 and 0.77)nanoparticles,for instance,reveals differences in their surface characteristics that are significant for their potential applications.Parameters like dnorm,de,and di,along with shape index and curvedness,contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the molecular surface,which is crucial for the design of new materials with desired physical and chemical properties.Molecular docking studies have revealed promising interactions between certain crystals and DNA gyrase,mirroring the binding mode of known inhibitors.This suggests potential for these crystals to serve as antimicrobial agents in future research.Such findings are crucial as they contribute to the development of new treatments against antibiotic-resistant bacteria,a growing global health concern.展开更多
The Miombo ecoregion covers eastern and southern Africa,with variations in plant species composition,structure,and biomass across a broad precipitation gradient.Most studies of woody plant communities focus exclusivel...The Miombo ecoregion covers eastern and southern Africa,with variations in plant species composition,structure,and biomass across a broad precipitation gradient.Most studies of woody plant communities focus exclusively on larger overstorey trees(≥5 or≥10cm stem diameter),overlooking the contribution of small trees and shrubs in the understorey,which can comprise a significant portion of total biomass and diversity.Here,we evaluate the contribution of both large overstorey and small understorey woody plants to species diversity and above-ground biomass(AGB),with 17 plots(0.5-1ha)across five sites representing both extremes of rainfall gradient spanning the Miombo ecoregion,in northeast Namibia(500-700mm mean annual precipitation,MAP)and southern Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC)(>1,200mm MAP).Mean AGB per site ranged from 21 to 119Mg·ha^(-1),increasing with rainfall,while the proportional AGB contribution of small trees,saplings,and shrubs decreased.In dry Namibia,small trees,saplings,and shrubs(<5cm DBH)contributed up to 28.2%of total AGB(mean±standard deviation:18.3%±3.4%),whereas in wet DRC,they contributed only up to 2.5%(2.3%±1.4%).Namibian sites,on average,contained a large proportion of woody species diversity exclusively in small trees and shrubs(<5cm DBH),with 55 species representing 59.4%of the total diversity.In contrast,DRC sites had higher overall small woody plant diversity(66 species)but fewer species found exclusively as small individuals(25.2%),with many saplings that grow to larger trees.Understorey composition also differed,with saplings of overstorey trees dominating in DRC,while shrubs dominated in Namibia.Our findings show that woody biomass and diversity in dry woodlands are substantially underestimated when studies focus only on larger trees.This highlights the need to consider all woody vegetation to better understand woody plant diversity and biomass variation.展开更多
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent a public health problem due to their high prevalence worldwide and the emergence of multidrug resistance of responsible microorganisms. Medical laboratory diagnosis of ...Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent a public health problem due to their high prevalence worldwide and the emergence of multidrug resistance of responsible microorganisms. Medical laboratory diagnosis of sexually transmitted genital infections by traditional methods as culture remains extremely delicate, difficult or impossible (to find extremely fragile organisms that can be cultured). Thus, molecular techniques constitute an alternative to improve accurate diagnostic, personalized patient treatment, and public health. A total of 83 clinical samples including urethral discharge and urine samples from individual patients with symptoms of urethritis received were analyzed using traditional methods and a commercial real-time PCR (qPCR) method. Out of 83 urethritis patients, n = 55 (66.26%) were positive for at least one of the STI pathogens detected by qPCR. qPCR assay was more sensitive (50/83, positive cases) compared to culture (15/83, positive cases) and light microscopy (28/83, positive cases). The most prevalent NTD pathogen in the suspected patients was N. gonorrhoeae with 60.24% (50/83) based on real-time PCR diagnosis. Among the positive cases of STI pathogens, Neisseria gonorrhoeae had the highest frequency 49/55 (89.01%) followed by low frequencies of Trichomonas vaginalis 4/55 (7.27%) and Chlamydia trachomatis 1/55 (1.82%). This highlights the high prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae infection in male urethritis patients and a very important misdiagnosis using traditional routine methods in Burkina Faso by medical laboratories. Thus, this situation may negatively impact patients’ personalized treatment and care and public health with the possible rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant strains. This study also highlights the urgent need to optimize culture for the diagnosis of NTD pathogens in Burkina Faso and the usefulness and the need for the introduction of molecular diagnostic methods in routine diagnosis for the detection of NTD pathogens in the medical laboratories in Burkina Faso.展开更多
Deep genome skimming(DGS)has emerged as a promising approach to recover orthologous nuclear genes for large-scale phylogenomic analyses.However,its reliability with low DNA quality and quantity typical of archival spe...Deep genome skimming(DGS)has emerged as a promising approach to recover orthologous nuclear genes for large-scale phylogenomic analyses.However,its reliability with low DNA quality and quantity typical of archival specimens,such as herbarium material,remains largely unexplored.We used Rhododendron as a case study to evaluate best practices for DGS in phylogenetic analyses at both deep and shallow scales.We first investigated locus recovery variation with sequencing depth,before evaluating the phylogenetic utility of different sets of loci,including Angiosperms353,target nuclear exons,and extended exon-flanking regions.We found DGS effectively recovered nuclear genes from herbarium specimens,with~15coverage performing similarly to deeper sequencing.The recovery of target exon and flanking regions was improved by using supercontigs as a reference,offering a potential solution to limited sequencing depth.The high-integrity nuclear sequences recovered robust phylogenetic relationships within Rhododendron.Notably,exon-flanking regions showed significant potential for resolving relationships at shallow scales.Genes recovered with taxon-specific references had less missing data than those recovered by Angiosperms353 and generated higher-resolution phylogenetic trees.This study demonstrates the utility of DGS data for obtaining numerous nuclear genes from herbarium specimens for phylogenetic studies,and makes recommendations for best practices regarding sequencing coverage,locus selection,and bioinformatic approaches.展开更多
Introduction: Arbovirus diseases such as dengue and chikungunya threaten public health worldwide. Early and rapid diagnosis and surveillance of dengue virus (DENV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infections are essentia...Introduction: Arbovirus diseases such as dengue and chikungunya threaten public health worldwide. Early and rapid diagnosis and surveillance of dengue virus (DENV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infections are essential to the control of these diseases. In this study, we evaluate the diagnostic performance of our new in-house multiplex RT-qPCR method for detecting DENV serotypes and CHIKV in an external laboratory. Methodology: The evaluation study was conducted on 200 clinical samples of suspected patients for arbovirus disease infection, collected in Centre de Recherche Biomoléculaire Pietro Annigoni (CERBA), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Our new multiplex RT-qPCR was compared to the commercial kit, the Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya (ZDC) Real-Time PCR Assays kit (Bio-Rad, California, USA). Results and Conclusions: Among 200 samples, 21.5% (43/200) were DENV-positive by multiplex RT-qPCR, and 21.5% (43/200) were also DENV-positive by reference real-time RT-PCR. 157 (78.5%) samples tested negative for DENV by both tests (new mRT-qPCR and reference test). The sensitivity and specificity of mRT-qPCR were 100%. The DENV serotypes detected were DENV-1 60.5% (26/43) and DENV-3 39.5% (17/43). CHIKV was not detected in this study. Our new mRT-qPCR is sensitive, cost-effective, simple, and can be used in developing country laboratories.展开更多
文摘The Gabes aquifer system,located in southeastern Tunisia,is a crucial resource for supporting local socio-economic activities.Due to its dual porosity structure,is particularly vulnerable to pollution.This study aims to develop a hybrid model that combines the Fracture Aquifer Index(FAI)with the conventional GOD(Groundwater occurrence,Overall lithology,Depth to water table)method,to assess groundwater vulnerability in fractured aquifer.To develop the hybrid model,the classical GOD method was integrated with FAI to produce a single composite index.Each parameter within both GOD and FAI was scored,and a final index was calculated to delineate vulnerable areas.The results show that the study area can be classified into four vulnerability levels:Very low,low,moderate,and high,indicating that approximately 8%of the area exhibits very low vulnerability,29%has low vulnerability,25%falls into the moderate category,and 38%is considered highly vulnerable.The FAI-GOD model further incorporates fracture network characteristics.This refinement reduces the classification to three vulnerability classes:Low,medium,and high.The outcomes demonstrate that 46%of the area is highly vulnerable due to a dense concentration of fractures,while 17%represents an intermediate zone characterized by either shallow or deeper fractures.In contrast,37%corresponds to areas with lightly fractured rock,where the impact on vulnerability is minimal.Multivariate statistical analysis was employed using Principal Components Analysis(PCA)and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis(HCA)on 24 samples across six variables.The first three components account for over 76%of the total variance,reinforcing the significance of fracture dynamics in classifying vulnerability levels.The FAI-GOD model removes the very-low-vulnerability class and expands the spatial extent of low-and high-vulnerability zones,reflecting the dominant influence of fracture networks on aquifer sensitivity.While both indices use a five-class system,FAI-GOD redistributes vulnerability by eliminating very-low-vulnerability areas and amplifying low/high categories,highlighting the critical role of fractures.A strong correlation(R2=0.94)between the GOD and FAI-GOD indices,demonstrated through second-order polynomial regression,confirms the robustness of the FAI-GOD model in accurately predicting vulnerability to pollution.This model provides a useful framework for assessing the vulnerability of complex aquifers and serves as a decision-making tool for groundwater managers in similar areas.
文摘Global marine ecosystems are signiicantly endangered by microplastic pollution,leading to comprehensive investigations into its distribution and impacts on the health of ecosystem.This research employs the Alseamar Autonomous Underwater Vehicle(AUV)known as Glider to investigate microplastic concentrations within the Al Hoceima Marine Protected Area(MPA).Our objective is to identify spatial patterns that reveal pollution hotspots and furnish data for targeted conservation efforts and pollution prevention.We aim to identify regions with elevated microplastic concentrations by meticulously analyzing microplastic level graphs,with a speciic focus on temporal variations.The results reveal notable patterns,such as increased densities aroundishing harbors and near urban centers,potentially linked to anthropogenic activities.Additionally,we observe variations in pollution levels throughout different glider operation cycles,underscoring the importance of understanding the spatio‑temporal dynamics of microplastic distribution.Al Hoceima Marine protected areas exhibiting lower microplastic concentrations illustrate the eficacy of such zones in alleviating pollution impacts,thereby underscoring the signiicance of conservation efforts in safeguarding marine biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.Ultimately,our research enhances our comprehension of the pressures exerted by humans on marine environments and underscores the necessity of proactive conservation measures to shield marine ecosystems from the threats posed by microplastic pollution.
文摘This research aims to investigate the potential of a plant cellulose developed from Opuntia ficus-indica(OFI)cladode as a sustainable and renewable adsorbent for the removal of neutral red(NR),a cationic dye pollutant,from aqueous environments.Analysis of raw and treated OFI using X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy(FTIR)demonstrated the successful extraction of type I_(β)cellulose.The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller(BET)analysis of the nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherm revealed an improved specific surface area of 12.4 m^(2)/g after treatment.A systematic study of key parameters in batch adsorption experiments revealed removal rates greater than 90%at pH=3,an adsorbent dosage of 3 g/L and an initial dye concentration of 100 mg/L with equilibrium achieved within 2 h.The high correlation coefficient(R^(2)=0.98)obtained with the Langmuir isotherm model suggests that the adsorption behavior is consistent with monolayer surface adsorption.A maximum adsorption capacity(Qm)of 357.1 mg/g for neutral red dye was achieved,demonstrating a significant adsorption capacity relative to other materials such as chitosan-modified activated carbon and halloysite nanotubes.The pseudo-second-order model effectively described the kinetics of the adsorption phenomena.Thermodynamic analysis revealed an exothermic and spontaneous adsorption process,with an enthalpy change(ΔH)of−24.886 kJ/mol,indicative of predominantly physisorption-driven interactions.Moreover,the regenerated cellulose exhibited a retention of over 70%efficiency after multiple adsorption-desorption cycles,highlighting its potential as an excellent reusable adsorbent.The outcomes of this research present an environmentally conscious alternative to synthetic adsorbents,facilitating the effective NR dye removal through renewable and sustainable means.
文摘Three-phase grid-connected inverters(GCIs)are essential components in distributed generation systems,where the accuracy of current measurement circuits is fundamental for reliable closed-loop operation.Nevertheless,the presence of a DC offset in the measured current can disrupt the regulation of grid currents and significantly degrade system performance.In this work,a fault-tolerant control approach is introduced to counteract the impact of such offset faults through a dedicated current compensation mechanism.The proposed solution is built around two main stages:(i)detecting and isolating DC offset faults that may appear in one or multiple phases of the measured grid currents,and(ii)estimating the fault magnitude and reconstructing the corrected current signal.The offset magnitude is obtained analytically by examining the grid current projected onto the synchronous d-axis at the grid angular frequency,eliminating the need for any additional sensing hardware.Simulation and experimental investigations conducted under several fault scenarios confirm the robustness of the proposed strategy and highlight significant improvements in detection speed and diagnostic accuracy.
文摘The present investigation aims at unveiling the main causes of the recorded disparate phylogeographic patterning among the two highly dispersive coastal crab species Carcinus aestuarii and Pachygrapsus marmoratus in the Mediterranean Sea.For this purpose,available mitochondrial and nuclear data for both species were re-analyzed and investigated for genetic polymorphism and differentiation patterns across three defined geographic scales in their distribution ranges,but also across the same locations in the Mediterranean Sea.The temporal frame of genetic diversification was also determined for both species in order to check whether observed differences in phylogeographic patterns among these coastal decapods could be attributed to different evolutionary histories.The obtained results revealed a more variable and diversified gene pool in the green crab C.aestuarii than the one recorded in the marbled crab P.marmoratus.Lack of significant correlation between pairwise genetic dissimilarities observed among C.aestuarii populations and those detected for P.marmoratus was notably discerned across the same defined Mediterranean locations.This finding indicates that the pattern of pairwise genetic differentiation does not vary in the same way in both examined crab species.Significant outputs of population genetic differentiation,retrieved within both species,were shown to be differently associated with the potential effects of various kinds of isolation processes(related to geography,environment and biogeographic boundary).Evolutionary history reconstruction showed older genetic diversification event in C.aestuarii than the one recorded in P.marmoratus.These recorded temporal frames suggest different modes of genetic diversification in both crab species(glacial vicariance for C.aestuarii and interglacial dispersal for P.marmoratus).They may also provide an explanation for the recorded differences in variation of patterns of population genetic diversity and structure,when integrated with species ecological requirements and life-history traits.
文摘In this study,Opuntia ficus-indica cladode powder(OFIC),locally sourced from Rabta in Tunis,was utilized as a novel,eco-friendly adsorbent in both raw and iron(III)chloride-modified forms.The presence of iron in the modified material was confirmed by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy(XRF).The neat and modified biomass were characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD),Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy(FTIR),thermogravimetric analysis(TGA)and scanning electron microscopy(SEM),and their usefulness as adsorbent for cationic Neutral Red(NR)and anionic Congo Red(CR)dyes were explored under batch conditions.Equilibrium studies revealed that the iron-modified Fe(OH)_(x)@Cellulose adsorbent exhibited superior adsorption capabilities for both dyes compared to the raw material.Moreover,CR dye was more effectively adsorbed by Fe(OH)_(x)@Cellulose than NR.The adsorption isotherms for both dyes were fitted.The results demonstrated that the adsorption of both NR and CR dyes onto the biosorbent Fe(OH)_(x)@Cellulose was closely followed by the Langmuir model,with R^(2) values of 0.980 and 0.973 for NR and CR,respectively,and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model better depicted the adsorption kinetic.Thermodynamic analysis revealed a negative enthalpy value(−67.15 kJ/mol)forNR adsorption,suggesting an exothermic process,while a positive enthalpy value(3.99 kJ/mol)was observed for CR adsorption,indicating an endothermic process.
文摘Objective:To evaluate how DNA fragmentation index(DFI)and chromatin denaturation index(CDI)relate to semen parameters across different types of male infertility,thereby improving the understanding and assessment of sperm quality.Methods:A prospective and descriptive cohort study was conducted over two years at the Integrated Physiology Laboratory of the University of Carthage in collaboration with the Alyssa Fertility Group,Tunisia.A total of 163 participants were classified into five groups based on their semen parameters:normozoospermia,oligozoospermia,asthenozoospermia,teratozoospermia,and oligoastheno-teratozoospermia.The normozoospermia group was selected from volunteers who had children.Semen samples were analyzed according to WHO guidelines.DFI was measured using Halosperm®and CDI was tested using aniline blue staining.Results:Both DFI and CDI were significantly higher in all infertility groups,with the oligozoospermia group showing the highest DFI and CDI.Negative correlations were found between DFI/CDI and sperm motility,concentration,and morphology in the affected groups.The normozoospermia group served as a control with the lowest DFI and CDI values.Conclusions:DFI and CDI are increasingly recognized as important biomarkers for evaluating sperm quality in cases of male infertility.Their elevated levels in patients with oligozoospermia,asthenozoospermia,teratozoospermia,and oligo-asthenoteratozoospermia underscore their potential role in not only diagnosing male infertility but also in assessing the overall reproductive outcomes for affected individuals,thus guiding more effective treatment strategies.
文摘In this research,we examine how the Al Hoceima Marine Protected Area(MPA),located in the southwest Mediterranean Sea,can be effectively monitored using the SeaExplorer glider—an advanced autonomous underwater vehicle(AUV)designed for long‑duration oceanographic missions.The study focuses on the glider’s ability to simultaneously observe a variety of environmental parameters,including temperature,conductivity,oxygen,and chlorophyll,during its deployment across multiple transects.The primary objective of the mission is to improve understanding of the vertical thermal structure and seasonal dynamics of the water column in this ecologically signiicant region.To achieve this,we apply Gaussian Process(GP)regression techniques to the glider‑derived temperature data.This statistical method enables the smoothing and interpolation of irregularly spaced in situ measurements,thereby improving the visibility and interpretation of stratiication patterns throughout the water column.Although the glider followed a predetermined course,the data‑driven analysis suggests that adaptive sampling strategies—such as adjustments based on real‑time outliers—could be valuable in future missions.Our results,which show distinct thermal layering and seasonal variability,are crucial for informing ecosystem function assessments and climate resilience planning.This study also discusses how integrating machine learning into glider‑based monitoring could enhance MPA observation systems and promote adaptive,evidence‑based management.
文摘Objectives:Cisplatin(CDDP)therapy for glioblastoma(GBM)is linked with several limitations,which include poor penetration of the blood-brain barrier(BBB),systemic toxicity,and the development of drug resistance mechanisms implicating oxidative stress dysregulation and compromised apoptotic pathways.This study evaluates C-Phycocyanin(C-PC)as a potential adjuvant to enhance CDDP efficacy by modulating redox balance and apoptosis.Methods:GBM cells(U87 and U87-EGFRvIII)were treated with CDDP,C-PC,or their combination.Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay;apoptosis was evaluated by DAPI staining andWestern blot analysis of cleaved Caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase(PARP).Both intracellular and extracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)were measured using 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate(DCF-DA)fluorescence and lucigenin chemiluminescence,respectively.Catalase activity was quantified via hydrogen peroxide(H2O2)decomposition assay,and manganese superoxide dismutase(MnSOD)expression byWestern blot.Results:C-PCselectively decreased U87GBMcell viability while sparing normal cells.C-PC enhanced CDDP cytotoxicity,reducing viability to 26.5%vs.53.2%for CDDP alone.This effect correlated with increased apoptosis,evidenced by DNA fragmentation and higher cleaved caspase-3 and PARP levels.Combined treatment lowered ROS below survival thresholds while upregulating MnSOD and catalase activity.In U87-EGFRvIII cells,CDDP reduced viability modestly(85.2%),C-PC alone decreased viability significantly(51.5%)and induced cell death,but the combination did not further increase apoptosis.Here,C-PC’s pro-apoptotic effects,alone or with CDDP,were also associated with reduced oxidative stress in cells.Conclusion:We demonstrate that C-PC enhances CDDP cytotoxicity in sensitive U87 cells by promoting apoptosis and modulating ROS,suggesting potential for improved therapeutic efficacy with reduced systemic toxicity.Compared to the combination,C-PC monotherapy achieves superior cytotoxicity in CDDP-resistant U87-EGFRvIII cells,underscoring its potential as a standalone therapeutic approach for chemotherapy-resistant glioblastoma subtypes.
基金provided by SIRAM project within the framework of PRIMA,a program supported by H2020,the European Program for Research and Innovation and the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research(MERS).
文摘Fungal plant diseases are infections caused by pathogenic fungi that affect crops,ornamental plants,and trees.Symptoms of these diseases can include leaf spots,fruit rot,root rot,and generalized growth retardation.Fungal diseases can result in decreased quality and quantity of crops,which can have a negative economic impact on farmers and producers.Moreover,these diseases can cause environmental damage.Indeed,fungal diseases can directly affect crops by reducing plant growth and yield,as well as altering their quality and nutritional value.Although effective,the use of many chemical products is often harmful to health and the environment,and their use is increasingly restricted due to their high toxicity.To address this issue,it is becoming increasingly essential to replace these chemical products with products that respect the environment and human health,and for sustainable agriculture,such as regenerative agricultural practices.Regenerative agricultural practices such as crop rotation,intercropping,composting,and notill farming techniques can offer sustainable solutions for the prevention and control of plant fungal diseases.These regenratives approaches not only help to control fungal plant disease by strengthening plant disease resistance,but also significantly contribute to the improvement of sustainable agriculture,by restoring soil health,increasing biodiversity and reducing the use of harmful chemicals to the environment and human health in order to keep a long-termecosystem resilience,promote environmental sustainability,and support global food security.Using regenerative agricultural practices can provide a holistic and effective approach to controlling fungal plant diseases while improving the health and productivity of farming systems.
基金Researchers Supporting Project No.(RSP2025R390),King Saud University,Riyadh,Saudi Arabia.
文摘Nickel(Ni)toxicity significantly impairs plant growth,photosynthesis,and metabolism by inducing oxidative stress.This study evaluates the potential of exogenous Alpha-Ketoglutarate(AKG)in mitigating Ni-induced stress in Peganum harmala L.Seedlings were exposed to 0,200,500,and 750μM NiCl2,with or without AKG supplementation.Under 750μM Ni stress,dry weight(DW)decreased by 33.7%,tissue water content(TWC)by 39.9%,and chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll levels were reduced by 17%and 15%,respectively.Ni exposure also significantly increased secondary metabolite production,with leaf anthocyanin content rising by 131%,and superoxide dismutase(SOD)and catalase(CAT)activities increasing by 228%and 53%,respectively,in roots at 500μM Ni.AKG treatment alleviated Ni toxicity by enhancing TWC by 39%and promoting root and shoot growth.Additionally,AKG treatment boosted the synthesis of phenolic compounds and flavonoids,contributing to improved tolerance against Ni stress.These findings demonstrate the potential of AKG in enhancing Ni tolerance in P.harmala,suggesting its promising role in bioremediation of metal-contaminated soils.This is the first study to report the beneficial effects of exogenous AKG in alleviating nickel toxicity in P.harmala L.,offering a new approach for improving plant resilience to heavy metal stress.
文摘In Burkina Faso, as in other African countries, infertility has become a social burden for the population and a public health problem. Male infertility accounts for 30% to 40% of all infertility cases. The diagnosis of male infertility or hypofertility is often made by a simple laboratory analysis of sperm to explore sperm parameters. In most African countries, such as Burkina Faso, microbiological analysis in the context of sperm analysis is still not developed, and is carried out solely based on microscopy and traditional culture, which does not allow the growth of fragile and demanding bacteria. Our study investigated the microorganisms of sperm that may be involved in male infertility, using conventional bacteriology techniques and real-time PCR. However, it did not intend to perform a multivariate statistical association analysis to estimate the association of microorganisms with abnormal semen parameters. This prospective cross-sectional pilot study was carried out on patients who visited the bacteriology laboratory of Centre MURAZ, a research Institute in Burkina Faso, for male infertility diagnosis between 2 August and 31 August 2021. Bacteria were isolated and identified using standard bacteriology techniques. In parallel, common pathogenic microorganisms known to be associated with male infertility were targeted and detected in the sperm using a multiplex real-time PCR assay. A total of 38 sperm samples were analyzed by bacteriological culture and bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) 5.55%, Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) and Staphylococcus hoemalyticus (S. hoemalyticus) respectively 2.70%. Real-time PCR targeted and detected Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) at 7.89%, Ureaplasma urealyticum (U. urealyticum) at 21.05%, Ureaplasma parvum (U. parvum) at 18.42%, Mycoplasma hominis (M. hominis) at 15.79%, Mycoplasma genitalium (M. genitalium) at 10.53% and Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) at 2.63%. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae) was targeted by the real-time PCR assay and was not detected (0%) in the tested semen samples. Our study highlights critical limitations of culture performance (low sensitivity), particularly in Burkina Faso, which has a total inability to detect microorganisms (fragile and demanding microorganisms) detected by PCR-based assays. There is therefore an urgent need to at least optimize culture, procedures and algorithms for detection of microorganisms associated with male infertility in clinical laboratories of Burkina Faso. The most effective solution is the routine implementation of molecular diagnostic methods.
文摘Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top 10 threats to global health and it is estimated around 10 millions of deaths per year are associated with AMR until 2050. Burkina Faso is also facing the emergence and spread of AMR of several bacteria resistant strains such as those of public health concerns under surveillance Enterobacteriaceae. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) clinical isolates from patients attending the bacteriology laboratory of the Centre MURAZ in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. Clinical isolates from urine, pus, stool, and semen were collected from April to June 2017. Identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using the VITEK 2 compact automated system according to EUCAST version 2015 recommendations. ESBL detection was then performed on the Muller-Hinton medium using the combined disc method. One hundred (100) strains of Enterobacteriaceae were isolated from 100 patients, including 52% of ESBLS. Escherichia coli (E. coli) was the most commonly isolated ESBL [(84.62, 44/72) ESBL], followed by Klebsiella spp. [(40%, 06/15) ESBL], then Enterobacter spp. [(40%, 2/5) ESBL]. Risk factor analysis revealed that ESBL-PE infection was frequently found in pus samples (P = 0.042;[OR] = 3.16;95% [CI] = 1.04 - 9.61) and that E. coli was the strain most likely to harbour ESBL (P = 0.008;[OR] = 3.60;95% [CI] = 1.40 - 9.31). This study reports a high prevalence of ESBL-PE associated with strong resistance to quinolones and cotrimoxazole (over 80%), which calls for increased surveillance of these superbugs, the adoption of a rational antibiotic prescription policy, and rigorous hygiene measures to prevent the spread of these multi-resistant bacteria.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2023YFF0805800)the Science and Technology Basic Resources Investigation Program(2021FY100200)+2 种基金the Key Basic Research program of Yunnan Province,China(202101BC070003)the Chinese Academy of Sciences President's International Fellowship Initiative(2024PVA0087)supported by the Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services Division(RESAS)of the Scottish Government.
文摘Over the past century,anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions have continuously increased global temperature and triggered climate change,significantlyimpacting species distributions and biodiversity patterns.Understanding how climate-driven shifts in species distributions reshape diversity patterns is crucial for formulating effective future conservation strategies.Based on the distribution data of 314 Rhododendron species in China,along with 16 environmental variables,we examined spatial diversity patterns and assessed regional and biome differences in species responses using ensembled species distribution models.Our results indicated that climatic variables significantlyinfluencedspecies distributions,with ongoing climate change expected to concentrate Rhododendron distribution patterns and alter species composition.Regional topography played a critical role in shaping species responses to global warming.In the mountainous areas of southwestern China,species exhibited heightened sensitivity to temperature fluctuations,shifting upward as temperature increased.This region also had a higher proportion of threatened species and showed an overall contraction in primary distribution range.Conversely,in southern China,species were more influencedby precipitation,exhibiting a notable northward shift and expansion in primary distribution areas.Notably,alpine species,occurring in habitats above the treeline,may face severe survival risks due to the high degree of habitat loss and fragmentation.We identifiedseven priority conservation areas,predominantly situated in highly fragmented mountainous regions that were inadequately protected by existing nature reserves.Our findingscontribute to a better understanding of changes in Rhododendron diversity patterns under climate change,providing valuable insights for developing comprehensive,flora-wideconservation plans in China.
文摘The advantageous magnetic,optical,and antibacterial properties of magnetic nanoparticles have recently drawn a lot of attention in the field of biomedicine.One of the most famous super paramagnetic materials,nanoferrite,is made up of two types of spinel structures:inverse and normal.Cobalt ferrite's inverse spinel structure offers several benefits,including excellent magnetostrictivity,good coupling efficiency,and inexpensive cost.This study's objective is to synthesize,characterize,and investigate the characteristics of the electrochemical properties of Co_(x)Fe_(1-x)Fe_(2)O_(4)/Fe_(2)O_(3)(x=0.30 and 0.77)nanoparticles using the chemical co-precipitation method.The physical properties of the produced nanoparticles were investigated using x-ray diffraction(XRD),transmission electron microscopy(TEM),and a vibrating sample magnetometer(VSM).The band gap properties of magneto-nano powders,including the direct and indirect band gap energies,and Urbach energy,are found.Scanning electron microscopy showed the presence of spherical nanoparticles ranging from 20.7 nm-23.7 nm.The analysis of Co_(x)Fe_(1-x)Fe_(2)O_(4)/Fe_(2)O_(3)(x=0.30 and 0.77)nanoparticles,for instance,reveals differences in their surface characteristics that are significant for their potential applications.Parameters like dnorm,de,and di,along with shape index and curvedness,contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the molecular surface,which is crucial for the design of new materials with desired physical and chemical properties.Molecular docking studies have revealed promising interactions between certain crystals and DNA gyrase,mirroring the binding mode of known inhibitors.This suggests potential for these crystals to serve as antimicrobial agents in future research.Such findings are crucial as they contribute to the development of new treatments against antibiotic-resistant bacteria,a growing global health concern.
基金funded by the following grants:the Natural Environ-ment Research Council-Funded SECO Project(NE/T01279X/1)the Fostering Research&Intra-African Knowledge Transfer Through Mobility&Education(FRAME)Conservation Action Research Network(CARN)through the ASPIRE Grant Programme.
文摘The Miombo ecoregion covers eastern and southern Africa,with variations in plant species composition,structure,and biomass across a broad precipitation gradient.Most studies of woody plant communities focus exclusively on larger overstorey trees(≥5 or≥10cm stem diameter),overlooking the contribution of small trees and shrubs in the understorey,which can comprise a significant portion of total biomass and diversity.Here,we evaluate the contribution of both large overstorey and small understorey woody plants to species diversity and above-ground biomass(AGB),with 17 plots(0.5-1ha)across five sites representing both extremes of rainfall gradient spanning the Miombo ecoregion,in northeast Namibia(500-700mm mean annual precipitation,MAP)and southern Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC)(>1,200mm MAP).Mean AGB per site ranged from 21 to 119Mg·ha^(-1),increasing with rainfall,while the proportional AGB contribution of small trees,saplings,and shrubs decreased.In dry Namibia,small trees,saplings,and shrubs(<5cm DBH)contributed up to 28.2%of total AGB(mean±standard deviation:18.3%±3.4%),whereas in wet DRC,they contributed only up to 2.5%(2.3%±1.4%).Namibian sites,on average,contained a large proportion of woody species diversity exclusively in small trees and shrubs(<5cm DBH),with 55 species representing 59.4%of the total diversity.In contrast,DRC sites had higher overall small woody plant diversity(66 species)but fewer species found exclusively as small individuals(25.2%),with many saplings that grow to larger trees.Understorey composition also differed,with saplings of overstorey trees dominating in DRC,while shrubs dominated in Namibia.Our findings show that woody biomass and diversity in dry woodlands are substantially underestimated when studies focus only on larger trees.This highlights the need to consider all woody vegetation to better understand woody plant diversity and biomass variation.
文摘Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent a public health problem due to their high prevalence worldwide and the emergence of multidrug resistance of responsible microorganisms. Medical laboratory diagnosis of sexually transmitted genital infections by traditional methods as culture remains extremely delicate, difficult or impossible (to find extremely fragile organisms that can be cultured). Thus, molecular techniques constitute an alternative to improve accurate diagnostic, personalized patient treatment, and public health. A total of 83 clinical samples including urethral discharge and urine samples from individual patients with symptoms of urethritis received were analyzed using traditional methods and a commercial real-time PCR (qPCR) method. Out of 83 urethritis patients, n = 55 (66.26%) were positive for at least one of the STI pathogens detected by qPCR. qPCR assay was more sensitive (50/83, positive cases) compared to culture (15/83, positive cases) and light microscopy (28/83, positive cases). The most prevalent NTD pathogen in the suspected patients was N. gonorrhoeae with 60.24% (50/83) based on real-time PCR diagnosis. Among the positive cases of STI pathogens, Neisseria gonorrhoeae had the highest frequency 49/55 (89.01%) followed by low frequencies of Trichomonas vaginalis 4/55 (7.27%) and Chlamydia trachomatis 1/55 (1.82%). This highlights the high prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae infection in male urethritis patients and a very important misdiagnosis using traditional routine methods in Burkina Faso by medical laboratories. Thus, this situation may negatively impact patients’ personalized treatment and care and public health with the possible rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant strains. This study also highlights the urgent need to optimize culture for the diagnosis of NTD pathogens in Burkina Faso and the usefulness and the need for the introduction of molecular diagnostic methods in routine diagnosis for the detection of NTD pathogens in the medical laboratories in Burkina Faso.
基金the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2023YFA0915800)the Science and Technology Basic Resources Investigation Program(2021FY100200)+3 种基金the Key Basic Research program of Yunnan Province,China(202101BC070003)the Large-scale Scientific Facilities of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(2017-LSFGBOWS-02)the Chinese Academy of Sciences President's International Fellowship Initiative(2025PD0021)We are grateful to curator of KUN to access the herbarium specimens,and Jiayun Zou,Zhirong Zhang,Jing Yang,Hongtao Li and Chunxia Zeng,for their help with sample collection,laboratory work and data analysis.Molecular experiments and data analysis were performed at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology and iFlora High-Performance Computing Center of Germplasm Bank of Wild Species,Kunming Institute of Botany,CAS.
文摘Deep genome skimming(DGS)has emerged as a promising approach to recover orthologous nuclear genes for large-scale phylogenomic analyses.However,its reliability with low DNA quality and quantity typical of archival specimens,such as herbarium material,remains largely unexplored.We used Rhododendron as a case study to evaluate best practices for DGS in phylogenetic analyses at both deep and shallow scales.We first investigated locus recovery variation with sequencing depth,before evaluating the phylogenetic utility of different sets of loci,including Angiosperms353,target nuclear exons,and extended exon-flanking regions.We found DGS effectively recovered nuclear genes from herbarium specimens,with~15coverage performing similarly to deeper sequencing.The recovery of target exon and flanking regions was improved by using supercontigs as a reference,offering a potential solution to limited sequencing depth.The high-integrity nuclear sequences recovered robust phylogenetic relationships within Rhododendron.Notably,exon-flanking regions showed significant potential for resolving relationships at shallow scales.Genes recovered with taxon-specific references had less missing data than those recovered by Angiosperms353 and generated higher-resolution phylogenetic trees.This study demonstrates the utility of DGS data for obtaining numerous nuclear genes from herbarium specimens for phylogenetic studies,and makes recommendations for best practices regarding sequencing coverage,locus selection,and bioinformatic approaches.
文摘Introduction: Arbovirus diseases such as dengue and chikungunya threaten public health worldwide. Early and rapid diagnosis and surveillance of dengue virus (DENV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infections are essential to the control of these diseases. In this study, we evaluate the diagnostic performance of our new in-house multiplex RT-qPCR method for detecting DENV serotypes and CHIKV in an external laboratory. Methodology: The evaluation study was conducted on 200 clinical samples of suspected patients for arbovirus disease infection, collected in Centre de Recherche Biomoléculaire Pietro Annigoni (CERBA), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Our new multiplex RT-qPCR was compared to the commercial kit, the Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya (ZDC) Real-Time PCR Assays kit (Bio-Rad, California, USA). Results and Conclusions: Among 200 samples, 21.5% (43/200) were DENV-positive by multiplex RT-qPCR, and 21.5% (43/200) were also DENV-positive by reference real-time RT-PCR. 157 (78.5%) samples tested negative for DENV by both tests (new mRT-qPCR and reference test). The sensitivity and specificity of mRT-qPCR were 100%. The DENV serotypes detected were DENV-1 60.5% (26/43) and DENV-3 39.5% (17/43). CHIKV was not detected in this study. Our new mRT-qPCR is sensitive, cost-effective, simple, and can be used in developing country laboratories.
