International Journal of Agricultural Research, Innovation and Technology (IJARIT)
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Gene expression plasticity and frontloading promote thermotolerance in Pocillopora corals
No full textInternational audienceEcosystems worldwide are suffering from climate change. Coral reef ecosystems are globally threatened by increasing sea surface temperatures. However, gene expression plasticity provides the potential for organisms to respond rapidly and effectively to environmental changes, and would be favored in variable environments. In this study, we investigated the thermal stress response in Pocillopora coral colonies from two contrasting environments by exposing them to heat stress. We compared the physiological state, bacterial and Symbionaceae communities (using 16S and ITS2 metabarcoding), and gene expression levels (using RNA-Seq) between control conditions and heat stress (the temperature just below the first signs of compromised health). Colonies from both thermal regimes remained apparently normal and presented open and colored polyps during heat stress, with no change in bacterial and Symbionaceae community composition. In contrast, they differed in their transcriptomic responses. The colonies from Oman displayed a more plastic transcriptome, but some genes had a higher basal expression level (frontloading) compared to the less thermotolerant colonies from New Caledonia. In terms of biological functions, we observed an increase in the expression of stress response genes (including induction of tumor necrosis factor receptors, heat shock proteins, and detoxification of reactive oxygen species), together with a decrease in the expression of genes involved in morpho-anatomical functions. Gene regulation (transcription factors, mobile elements, histone modifications and DNA methylation) appeared to be overrepresented in the Oman colonies, indicating possible epigenetic regulation. These results show that transcriptomic plasticity and frontloading can be co-occurring processes in corals confronted to highly variable thermal regimes
A Financial Fraud Detection Indicator for Investors: An IDeA
No full textInternational audienceFraud detection is a key issue for investors and financial authorities. The Ponzi schemeorganized by Bernard Madoff is a magnified example of a financial fraud, always possiblewhen well-orchestrated. Traditional methods to detect fraud require costly and lengthyinvestigations that involve complex financial and legal knowledge, as well as highly skilledanalysts. Based on the motto “too good to be true” that should be adopted by any rationalinvestor, we propose herein the use of a robust performance measure (named GUN*) toconstruct an Index for detection of anomalies (called IDeA). This index is based on thebasic intuition that it is not possible to properly evaluate a fund as “good” regardless thecharacteristics and risk aversion of investors. After defining the intuition behind such anindex and its economic theoretical background, we illustrate our innovative operationsresearch methodology for fraud detection and demonstrate its usefulness studying theemblematic case of the fraud by Madoff
Chemotaxonomy and Antibacterial Activity of the Extracts and Chemical Constituents of Psychotria succulenta Hiern. (Rubiaceae)
No full textInternational audienceThe use of natural products for medicinal purposes is becoming more and more common nowadays, as evidenced by the presence in plants of secondary metabolites with different potentials such as antioxidant and antibacterial properties. We evaluated in this work the antimicrobial activities of the extracts and some isolated compounds from the seeds of Psychotria succulenta Hiern. (Rubiaceae), a Cameroonian medicinal plant traditionally used to cure microbial infections. The ethanol extract was prepared by maceration and extracted with ethyl acetate and n-butanol. The EtOAc ( m = 168 g ) and n-BuOH ( m = 20 g ) extracts were further fractionated by silica gel column chromatography to isolation of compounds. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and by comparison with published data. The antibacterial activity of extracts and compounds was assessed by evaluating the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against pathogenic bacteria. Thirteen compounds including four alkaloids (veprisine (1), naucleofficine III (2), vepridimerine B (3), and vepridimerine C (4)), three triterpenes (barbinervic acid (5), 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl quinovic acid (6), and oleanolic acid (7)), one steroid (β-sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (8)), four phenolic compounds (scopoletin (9), gallic acid (10), quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (11), and kaempferol 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside-7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (12)), and one iridoid (borreriagenin (13)) were isolated from the EtOAc and n-BuOH extracts. These compounds were identified by 1D and 2D NMR combined analysis as well as by melting point comparison. The EtOH, EtOAc, and n-BuOH extracts exhibited significant antibacterial activities ( MIC = 32 ‐ 128 μ g / mL ; MBC = 64 ‐ 256 μ g / mL ) against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive bacterium), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumonia (Gram-negative bacteria). Among the isolated compounds, scopoletin (9) showed a moderate activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae with MIC and MBC values of 16 μg/mL and 32 μg/mL, respectively. It appears that, chemotaxonomically, some of the isolated compounds have already been obtained from the genus Psychotria but to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the phytochemical investigation of P. succulenta. Although many other studies need to be achieved, our results support the use of P. succulenta in traditional medicine to cure infectious diseases particularly those caused by the tested bacteria
Utilisation de l'amikacine liposomale inhalée en traitement des infections à mycobactéries non tuberculeuses chez les patients atteints de mucoviscidose sur l'Île de la Réunion
No full textBackground: Non tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung diseases in cystic fibrosis patients on Reunion Island are responsible of an important morbi-mortality. Their treatment is difficult and requires antibiotic regimens on an extended period of time. Inhaled liposomale amikacin is a new drug developed to allow a targeted delivery while decreasing systemic exposure.Method: Retrospective study of a cohort of cystic fibrosis patients from Reunion island with NTM lung disease treated with ALI for a period of 12 months minimum in combination with other antibiotics. The objectives are to evaluate the efficiency of the treatment on sputum conversion and on the clinic, and of its tolerance.Results: Eight patients were included. They were all infected with the M. Abscessus Complex (MABSC), one had a M. avium complex co-infection. Four patients showed sputum conversion for MABSC in the first month of treatment. This conversion was maintained for the duration of posttreatment follow-up in 3 of these patients. One patient underwent lung transplant during treatment and had no positive MABSC culture after transplant and during the remainder of follow-up. We observed a mean rise of the FEV1 of 3.25% at one year and of the BMI z-score of 0.38. The most commonly reported side effects were dysphonia and cough. Two patients presented reversible hearing loss.Conclusion: Sputum conversion was observed in half of our cohort with positive outcomes of their lung function and their nutritional status, and with limited side effects. Additional randomized studies are needed to study the efficacy and tolerance of this treatment in this population.Introduction : Les infections pulmonaires à Mycobactéries non tuberculeuses (MNT) chez les patients mucoviscidosiques sur l’Île de la Réunion sont responsables d’une morbi-mortalité importante. Leur traitement nécessite plusieurs antibiotiques sur une durée prolongée. L’amikacine liposomale en inhalation (ALI) est un nouveau médicament développé pour permettre une délivrance ciblée en diminuant l’exposition systémique.Méthode : Étude rétrospective d’une cohorte de patients réunionnais atteints de mucoviscidose, présentant une infection pulmonaire à MNT et ayant bénéficié d’ALI pendant un minimum de 12 mois en association aux autres antibiotiques. Les objectifs sont d’étudier l’efficacité sur la négativation des cultures d’expectoration et sur la clinique, ainsi que de la tolérance.Résultats : Huit patients ont été inclus, tous infectés à M. abscessus complex (MABSC), dont un avec co-infecté à M.avium complex. Quatre patients ont négativé leurs cultures à MABSC, dont trois 12 mois après traitement. Un patient a bénéficié d’une transplantation bi-pulmonaire et a négativé ses cultures après. Nous avons noté une augmentation moyenne du VEMS de 3,25% à 12 mois et du score de l’IMC de 0,38. Les effets secondaires les plus rapportés étaient la dysphonie et la toux. Deux patients ont présenté une baisse réversible de leur audition.Conclusion : La négativation des cultures a été observée chez la moitié de notre cohorte avec une amélioration de la fonction respiratoire et du statut nutritionnel, et peu d’effets secondaires. Des études supplémentaires randomisées sont nécessaires pour étudier l’efficacité et la tolérance de ce traitement dans cette population
Hepatitis B Vaccination Coverage of Preschool Children in Libreville, Gabon: Prevalence and Determining Factors.
No full textInternational audienceObjective: We aimed to assess hepatitis B vaccination coverage (vaccine coverage) among preschool children in Libreville, Gabon, and determine associated factors.Methods: A cross-sectional study was done evaluating hepatitis B vaccination records, by cluster random sampling of children aged 4 months to 5 years from 5 medical centres.Results: Of the 500 children (243 males) included, we found a hepatitis B vaccine coverage of 78.6% (95% CI 75% to 82.2%). Factors significantly associated with vaccine coverage included parental confidence in the vaccine (OR=2.2;95% CI 1.4-5.5), the number of children at home lower than the median (aOR=1.6; 95% CI ; 1.3-3.7). and working mothers/fathers.Conclusion: Hepatitis B vaccine coverage in Libreville is lower than WHO objectives. Healthcare providers have a crucial role in building up confidence among parents
Marine turtles of the African east coast: current knowledge and priorities for conservation and research
No full textInternational audienceAlthough published literature regarding the 5 species of marine turtle found along the continental African east coast has grown substantially over the last decades, a comprehensive synthesis of their status and ecology is lacking. Using a mixed methods approach, which combined an exhaustive literature review and expert elicitation, we assessed the distribution and magnitude of nesting, foraging areas, connectivity, and anthropogenic threats for these species in Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and South Africa. A complex pattern of nesting sites, foraging areas, and migration pathways emerged that identified areas of high importance in all 5 countries, although significant data gaps remain, especially for Somalia. Illegal take, bycatch, and loss of foraging and nesting habitat were identified as the most serious anthropogenic threats. Although these threats are broadly similar along most of the coast, robust data that enable quantification of the impacts are scarce. Experts identified regional strengths and opportunities, as well as impediments to turtle conservation. Topics such as legislation and enforcement, collaboration, local stakeholders, and funding are discussed, and future directions suggested. Given the projected growth in human population along the continental African east coast and expected accompanying development, anthropogenic pressures on turtle populations are set to increase. Stronger regional collaboration and coordination within conservation and research efforts are needed if current and future challenges are to be tackled effectively
Sorption vs adsorption: The words they are a-changin', not the phenomena
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New αIIbβ3 variants in 28 Turkish Glanzmann patients; structural hypothesis for complex activation by residues variations in I-EGF domains
No full textInternational audienceGlanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) is a rare autosomal recessive bleeding disorder characterized by impaired platelet aggregation due to defects in integrin αIIbβ3, a fibrinogen receptor. Platelet phenotypes and allelic variations in 28 Turkish GT patients are reported. Platelets αIIbβ3 expression was evaluated by flow cytometry. Sequence analyzes of ITGA2B and ITGB3 genes allowed identifying nine variants. Non-sense variation effect on αIIbβ3 expression was studied by using transfected cell lines. 3D molecular dynamics (MDs) simulations allowed characterizing structural alterations. Five new alleles were described. αIIb:p.Gly423Asp, p.Asp560Ala and p.Tyr784Cys substitutions impaired αIIbβ3 expression. The αIIb:p.Gly128Val substitution allowed normal expression; however, the corresponding NM_000419.3:c.476G>T variation would create a cryptic donor splicing site altering mRNA processing. The β3:p.Gly540Asp substitution allowed αIIbβ3 expression in HEK-293 cells but induced its constitutive activation likely by impairing αIIb and β3 legs interaction. The substitution alters the β3 I-EGF-3 domain flexibility as shown by MDs simulations. GT variations are mostly unique although the NM_000419.3:c.1752 + 2 T > C and NM_000212.2:c.1697 G > A variations identified in 4 and 8 families, respectively, might be a current cause of GT in Turkey. MD simulations suggested how some subtle structural variations in the β3 I-EGF domains might induce constitutive activation of αIIbβ3 without altering the global domain structure. © 2021 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
Quel est le vécu du médecin généraliste de l’utilisation de la téléconsultation durant la première vague épidémique de la crise COVID-19 ?
No full textBackground : During COVID-19, confinement was decreed in France on March 16, 2020. Physicians have been encouraged to use teleconsultation. Their experience regarding this practice is poorly explored. The aim of this study is to explore general practitioners’ experience in the use of teleconsultation during the first epidemic wave in the west side of Reunion islandMethod : Making of a phenomenologic qualitative study by semi-structured interviews, face to face or by videoconferencing, between May 2020 and August 2020. Data triangulation were done between researchers.Results : Teleconsultation’s emergency establishment created fears and resignation, heightened by socio-demographic and epidemic specificities of the island. However, physicians were satisfied with being able to ensure continuity of care. Despite this, many doctors were frustrated by teleconsultation, which they found inadequated to their role, and were outraged by making a lower quality medicine.Discussion : The study’s originality and the methodology, adapted to experience’s exploring, are the strengths of the study. The work by 5 researchers increases external validity. Interpretation bias was limited by data triangulation. Recruitment and investigative bias remains. Conclusion : The pandemic is a stepping stone to the use of teleconsultation, generating various and ambivalent feelings among the physicians. Further work would be useful to explore and understand better these facts.Introduction : En contexte de COVID-19, le confinement a été décrété le 16 mars 2020. Les médecins généralistes ont été encouragés à utiliser la téléconsultation. Le vécu des médecins généralistes de l’utilisation de la téléconsultation est peu exploré. L’objectif était d’explorer ce vécu durant la 1ère vague épidémique dans la zone Ouest de La Réunion.Méthode : Réalisation d’une étude qualitative phénoménologique. Les entretiens ont été réalisés selon un canevas d’entretien évolutif entre mai et aout 2020. Après obtention d’une suffisance des données, une triangulation a été réalisée.Résultats : La mise en place en urgence de la téléconsultation a suscité des craintes et un enthousiasme, exacerbé par les spécificités sociodémographiques et épidémiques de l’île. Les médecins ont néanmoins été satisfaits de pouvoir assurer une continuité des soins. Malgré cela, nombreux étaient les médecins frustrés par la téléconsultation, qu’ils trouvaient inadaptée à leur rôle, et étaient embarrassés de réaliser une médecine de qualité moindre.Discussion : L'originalité de l’étude et la méthode adaptée à l’exploration du vécu sont les principales forces de l’étude. Le travail par 5 chercheurs permet d’augmenter la validité externe des résultats. Le biais d'interprétation, inhérent à l'analyse qualitative, a été limité par la triangulation des données. Néanmoins, il persiste un biais d’investigation et de recrutement. Conclusion : La pandémie est un tremplin dans l’utilisation de la téléconsultation, générant chez les médecins des sentiments multiples et ambivalents. Des travaux complémentaires supplémentaires seraient utiles pour explorer et mieux comprendre ces phénomènes
A corpus-based critical analysis of metaphor and metonymy in political discourse of conflict in Africa.
No full textInternational audienceThis study presents a corpus-based analysis of political discourse in contexts of conflict in West and Central Africa. It investigates how figurative language and hostile rhetoric are combined to handle armed conflicts and other forms of violence. The analysis mainly relies on van Dijk’s critical sociocognitive approach and cognitive linguistics’ analyses (Lakoff and Johnson (1980), Chilton and Schäffner (2002), Chilton (2004), among others).The investigation of our corpus (33,912 words of presidential speeches – Sketch Engine word count) reveals a recurring interplay between figurative language and discursive constructions such as polarization, foregrounding, (de)legitimation, as illustrated respectively in the following examples :1) Contre notre bonne foi, on engage la guerre. Eh bien, je vous le dis aujourd’hui : quiconque vient vers moi avec un rameau d’oliviers à la main, je lui donnerai un baiser et je l’embrasserai. Mais quiconque vient avec une épée, je sortirai une épée et nous nous battrons. (L. Gbagbo, Côte d’Ivoire, 2002)2) Nous savons tous que c’est l’ancien Président François BOZIZE qui a conçu la rébellion, réuni les moyens et mis le feu au pays… (F. A. Touadera, Central African Republic, 2021)3) Le Conseil Militaire de Transition n’a pas d’autre objectif que d’assurer la continuité de l’État, la survie de la nation et l’empêcher de sombrer dans le néant, la violence et l’anarchie. […] Notre pays est au carrefour de son histoire. (M. I. Deby, Chad, 2021)Our hypothesis is that although these constructions are used to influence the hearer/reader’s opinions, attitudes and actions, they also reveal underlying subjective representations of political leaders and their personal fragility through discourse. When talking about their opponents and certain entities, political leaders often use metaphoric and metonymic conceptualizations. Furthermore, the analysis of collocations has shown that entities such as rebels, terrorists, country, nation, government are used in metaphoric or metonymic constructions which make more salient their positive or negative attributes, aiming at (de)legitimizing and polarizing actors’ attitudes in the conflict. In both subject and object positions, they are structured in such a way that the hearer/reader can perceive who acts how and toward what goals. Thus, on the one hand, metonymic conceptualization such as GOVERNMENT FOR PRESIDENT/MINISTERS (65%), NATION/COUNTRY FOR THE PEOPLE (59%), etc. are frequent in subject positions as actors/agents of positive things. On the other hand, REBELLION FOR REBELS and TERRORISM FOR TERRORISTS are rare in this position, respectively 43% and 24% of their metonymic uses. And when they appear as agents (mostly in their non-metonymic forms), the speaker tends to present them as doers of negative actions such as attack, menace, reject, refuse, etc. ReferencesChilton, P. (2004). Analysing Political Discourse: Theory and Practice. London: Routledge.Chilton, P. and C. Schäffner (Eds) (2002). Politics as Text and Talk: Analytic Approaches to Political Discourse. Amsterdam: John Benjamins.Lakoff, G. and M. Johnson. (2003 [1980]). Metaphors We Live by. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.Van Dijk, T. (2009). Critical Discourse Studies: a sociocognitive approach. In Ruth Wodak & M. Meyer (Eds). Methods of Critical Discourse Analysis. Second edition, pp. 62-86. London: Sage