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Under dry and warm environmental conditions, the main Tunisian pistachio cultivar Mateur does not show a normal 'On/Off' cycle with highly variable nut yield, which could be affected by the tree nutritional status. In this context, Potassium (K) is considered a key nutritional element for nut development and for yield. The current study investigated the effects of alternate bearing and flower bud removal on seasonal dynamics of potassium in fruiting and non-fruiting branches of mature pistachio trees (cv. Mateur) in arid land. Three disbudding treatments were considered in reference to untreated trees taken as a control (T0): removal of all flower buds for one year (T1), or two successive years (T2) and removal of 50% of flower buds each year (T3). Similar K concentrations were detected early in the season in leaves, current shoot and one-year-old wood for all treatments. Current shoot begin the cycle with higher K concentrations, which declined during the lignification of endocarp and seed growth stages to finally accumulate K during postharvest. Inversely, one-year-old wood stored a large amount of K during the stage I and II of nut development, and became the main sink for K of the bearing shoot. Leaf K concentration explained 75% of yield variation. Yearly removal of 50% of flower buds induced less variation of leaf K concentrations (ranged between 0.5-0.8% DM) with regular nut yield compared to bi-annual On-Off cycle. Thus, under severe climatic conditions, the annual pruning could be applied to improve the nutritional status of pistachio trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In 2017, the incidence of human brucellosis in Tunisia was 9.8 per 100,000 population. In the Douz district, 2 cases were reported in March 2018. Prior to that date, the last indigenous cases to be reported in Douz had been in 2015. This study aimed to identify the source of this new contamination and recommend control interventions.Methods: This case-control study included residents of Douz who presented with clinical symptoms of brucellosis and had a subsequent Wright test antibody titer ≥ 1/160. The controls were neighbors of the infected cases who had a negative Rose Bengal test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to estimate the odds ratios of risk factors. Goats belonging to the cases and controls were actively screened.Results: Twenty-five infected cases and 52 uninfected controls were enrolled. All infected cases had consumed goat milk and 92% had purchased it from the same breeder. Consumption of goat milk from this breeder (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 30.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.47 to 235.91) and overall consumption of raw goat milk (aOR, 14.84; 95% CI, 2.04 to 310.44) were independent risk factors for brucellosis. The breeder had 18 goats, 5 of which were smuggled from a neighboring country. Three of those goats were diagnosed with brucellosis.Conclusions: Consumption of raw milk from smuggled sick goats was the main risk factor in this outbreak. The sick goats were slaughtered and an education campaign was conducted. Vaccination, control of cross-border animal movements, and control of goat milk sales must be strengthened to prevent the spread of brucellosis in southwestern Tunisia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent trends in peach orchards have focused on intensification and high density plantings using different Prunus rootstock species with different vigor traits. This investigation aims to study the physiological behavior of different Prunus rootstocks in order to identify the most suitable rootstock under warm Mediterranean conditions. Field agronomic performance and foliar nutrient content of the flat peach cultivar 'Subirana' grafted on ten different Prunus rootstocks were studied on calcareous soil typical of the Mediterranean area. Ten rootstocks: 'ADAGAF 04-03', 'AGAF 0301-04', 'Garnem', 'Krymsk® 1', 'Krymsk® 86', 'PAC 847', 'PADAC 04-01', 'PADAC 150', 'PM 105 AD', and 'Rootpac® 70', were considered. Vegetative growth, chlorophyll SPAD index, leaf mineral status and deviation from the optimum percentage (DOP) index were determined. Leaf chlorophyll content varied depending on the rootstock. 'PADAC 04-01' and 'ADAGAF 04-03' showed higher chlorophyll index. The lowest SPAD values were observed for the most dwarfing rootstock 'Krymsk® 1', which showed visual chlorosis symptoms, and lower leaf mineral contents compared to the other rootstocks. Peach trees on Prunus rootstocks showed differences in leaf macronutrient and micronutrient content. 'Rootpac® 70', 'ADAGAF 04-03' and 'PADAC 04-01' had better adaptation under warm Tunisian conditions but high ΣDOP index. The most invigorating 'Garnem' had the highest imbalanced nutritional status, but continues to perform well under warm conditions. Interesting results were obtained with 'Rootpac® 70' showing one of the best balanced nutritional values (average ΣDOP index). However, the most dwarfing rootstock 'Krymsk® 1' presented the worst adaptation to the studied warm Mediterranean conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inner bark of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is widely used as a spice. Cinnamon plants are also a valuable source of essential oil used for medicinal purposes. The present study aimed to investigate the composition and in vitro antioxidant activity of essential oil of C.verum bark (CvEO) and its protective effects in vivo on CCl4-induced hepatic and renal toxicity in rats. Groups of animals were pretreated for 7 days with CvEO (70 or 100 mg/kg body weight) or received no treatment and on day 7 a single dose of CCl4 was used to induce oxidative stress. Twenty-four hours after CCl4 administration, the animals were euthanized. In the untreated group, CCl4 induced an increase in serum biochemical parameters and triggered oxidative stress in both liver and kidneys. CvEO (100 mg/kg) caused significant reductions in CCl4-elevated levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, urea, and creatinine and increased the level of high-density lipoprotein compared with the untreated group. Moreover, pretreatment with CvEO at doses of 70 and 100 mg/kg before administration of CCl4 produced significant reductions in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and protein carbonyl levels in liver and kidney tissues compared with the untreated group. The formation of pathological hepatic and kidney lesions induced by the administration of CCl4 was strongly prevented by CvEO at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Overall, this study suggests that administration of CvEO has high potential to quench free radicals and alleviate CCl4-induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a tool of Knowledge Management, knowledge cartography is used, in this paper, to enhance knowledge identification, sharing, representation and visualization in a healthcare organization as well as to deliver healthcare services and improve communication between healthcare professionals. The Know-How and Knowing-That concepts are used, in this paper, instead of the knowledge concept. Know-How is defined as the capacity to perform an action and Knowing-That is defined as a belief state related to a description which can be factual or prescriptive. For the construction of Know-How and Knowing-That cartography, a knowledge cartography methodology is proposed. It is composed of three steps: (i) identifying the concepts to visualize, (ii) identifying the graphical elements and (iii) choosing the cartography technique. This cartography is experimented in the ASHMS (Association of Protection of Motor Disabled of Sfax) to facilitate Know-How and Knowing-That identification, characterization and visualization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to combine between the valorization of the adsorption ability of the clay mineral and essential oil with insecticidal effect for synthesis of a powder formulation investigated as natural insecticide. The insecticidal formulation created by the adsorption of the terpenes from Eucalyptus globulus essential oil onto the Tunisian clay classed beidellite (Bd). Furthermore, modified beidellite was investigated for increasing the amount of terpenes adsorbed. Organoclays (OC) were prepared by hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium (HDTMA) and didodecyldimethyl ammonium bromide (DDDMA) intercalation in the interlayer space of Bd. The OC was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) analysis and Textural analysis by nitrogen adsorption desorption (BET method) in order to confirm the success of organic modification. After adsorption studies, the kinetic models are examined. Results show the adsorption of terpenes onto Bd and modified Bd flows the pseudo-second-order model. Moreover, the adsorption ability of terpenes from Eucalyptus globulus oil is enhanced after organic modification, especially HDTMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An efficient oxirane ring opening of polyoxyethylene diglycidyl ethers with sodium amide has been achieved for the first time under catalyst-free conditions. This reaction is highly regioselective and affords the corresponding bis (β-aminoalcohols) polyoxyethylene in good yields as a mixture of regioisomers. Various other advantages are associated with this novel protocol, including short reaction time, no need for catalysts, and a simple workup procedure. Here, the wide scope and utility of this method is demonstrated, and the stereochemistry is discussed. The regioisomeric ratio is determined from binomial calculation based on 1H NMR data and is confirmed by GC-MS.Graphical Abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper gives an overview of the first works, which could be described as musicological, that took place in Tunisia. These works were established around the emblematic figure of Baron François Rodolphe d’Erlanger and have been written mainly in French. The independent personality of Rodolphe d’Erlanger gave rise to a synergy between speakers with different profiles, in a colonial context, which allowed this team to address themes as different as the general history of music, the collect and the translation of Arabic manuscripts, the study of musical systems in practice in the Arab world, recording of musical practices and analysis of traditional music. Only part of this largescale work was presented at the Cairo Congress of 1932 and through the publication of the six volumes Arab Music. Our aim is to highlight this unknown part of the history of the musicological discipline, which will be decisive for the evolution of music and musicology, nationally and internationally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phlebotomus perniciosus is one of the major vectors of Leishmania infantum in the Mediterranean basin. The aim of this work was (i) to provide information about abundance and temporal dynamics of this Larroussius species in a hot spot area of visceral leishmaniasis in Tunisia, (ii) to detect L. infantum DNA in wild caught female sandflies and (iii) to measure Phlebotomus perniciosus infection rate throughout the active season. Sandflies were collected monthly during one year using CDC miniature light-traps in house and in animal shelters. Male specimens were identified at species level according to morphological characters. Female specimens were conserved individually for molecular study. Leishmania infection was tested by kinetoplast DNA real-time PCR and ITS-1 PCR-sequencing. Subsequent sandfly species identification of infected specimens was done by mitochondrial cytochrome b sequencing. In one year period, overall 4,441 specimens (2230 males and 2211 females) were collected. Sandfly activity started in end-April and ended in early-November. Mean sandfly density in house was significantly lower than in animal shelters (51 ± 50 versus 504 ± 460 sandflies /CDC night, p<0.05). However, a higher proportion of females was found in house (58.4% versus 49.2%, p<0.001). Based on species identification of male specimens, Phlebotomus perniciosus was the dominant species (56% of the whole male sandfly fauna, p<0.0001). It showed two peaks of density in the active season, a sharp one in early May and a higher long lasting one from end-July to end-September. DNA was extracted from 190 female specimens randomly sampled and corresponding to 96 specimens from house and 94 from animal shelters. Twenty four female sandfly were infected by Leishmania infantum. All infected specimens were recognized as Phlebotomus perniciosus. Leishmania infantum infection rate in female sandflies was 2.3 fold higher in house than in animal shelters (17.7% versus 7.4%, p<0.05). In house, estimated number of infected specimens was the highest at the end of the active season. Abundance, dynamics of density and Leishmania infantum infection prevalence of Phlebotomus perniciosus in Tunisian hot spot of visceral leishmaniasis highlight the major role of this Phlebotominae species in L. infantum transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a discrete-time sliding mode control (DT-SMC) algorithm for uncertain linear systems with time-varying delay on the state. The parameter uncertainties and the external disturbances are assumed to be unknown but norm-bounded. The sliding mode existence depends on that of the stable linear sliding surface, which is ensured by a sufficient condition that depends on the delay bounds and is derived using LMI. A numerical example as well as an application to the Two-Area Four-Machine power system has been presented to illustrate and confirm the usefulness and the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a practical and one-pot synthesis of novel series of ω-(oxathiolan-2-thione-5-yl)-α- oxazolidin-2-ones ( 3a-h). The obtained compounds have been designed, synthesized via reaction of oligoethylene glycols diglycidyl ethers, isocyanate and carbon disulfide in the presence of catalytic amount of lithium bromide. A variety of important oxazolidinone derivatives can be obtained from simple starting materials in good yields and the biological activity of these new products will be investigated in complementary study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Levels of the oxidative stress-related minerals selenium (Se), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) that should be supplied in microdiets for marine fish larvae depend on the availability of the molecular form of these minerals. The objective of this study was to determine how effectively Se, Zn and Mn in organic, inorganic and nanoparticle forms promote larval performance and bone development. Microdiets supplemented with Se, Zn and Mn were fed for 24 days to 20 dah seabream larvae. Microdiets without Se, Zn and Mn supplementation were associated with poor growth, low bone mineralization and a high incidence of anomalies in the branchial arches. Including Zn, Mn and Se in an amino acid chelate organic form promoted maximum larval growth, increased body lipid reserves, enhanced early mineralization and prevented branchial arches anomalies. In contrast, feeding with inorganic forms of these minerals was less effective than organic minerals in improving larval weight or bone mineralization in comparison to the non-supplemented diet. Moreover, the larvae were less resistant to stress, and fish showed higher bone anomalies in the pre-hemal region. Adding Zn, Mn and Se in the form of nanometals did not enhance growth, but improved stress resistance and bone mineralization. The study showed the need to supplement seabream with early weaning diets based on squid meal and krill oil with one or more of the antioxidant minerals, to promote larval growth, bone mineralization and prevention of skeleton anomalies, organic minerals being more effective than inorganic forms and nanometals in promoting mineralization and stress resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most temperate fruit and nut trees require fulfillment of chilling and heat requirements during their dormant phase in order to flower regularly and produce economically satisfying yields. Recent and expected temperature increases are cause for concern for many orchard managers, especially in warm growing regions, because they may compromise the trees’ ability to fulfill their climatic needs. To explore temperature responses across different cultivars, we applied Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression to correlate bloom dates of 12 local and 25 foreign almond ( Prunus dulcis Mill.) cultivars in Sfax, Tunisia with daily chill and heat accumulation based on more than 30 years of phenology records from 1981 to 2014 and long-term daily minimum and maximum temperatures between 1973 and 2016. We used three chilling models (the Chilling Hours, Utah and Dynamic Models) and one forcing model (Growing Degree Hours; GDH) to quantify climatic needs. Chilling and forcing phases derived from the PLS outputs appeared discontinuous for all almond cultivars and were shorter for the local almond cultivars than for the foreign cultivars. The Dynamic Model provided the most precise estimates of chilling requirements but still appeared to have some shortcomings. According to the Chilling Hours Model, chilling needs were very low, but still higher than for the Utah Model, where the negative chill contributions by high temperatures implied negative chilling requirements. The Chilling Hours and Utah Models therefore do not seem suitable for the climate of the Sfax region. For local almond cultivars, chilling requirements were estimated at between 3.4 and 15.5 Chill Portions (CP) and heat needs between 3962 and 8873 GDH. For foreign cultivars, chilling requirements varied from 6.7 to 22.6 CP and heat needs from 2894 to 10,504 GDH. High temperatures during the chilling phase showed a significant bloom-delaying effect on most of the local and the foreign almond cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fig tree (Ficus caricaL.) is widely cultivated in the Mediterranean region under warm climates. Fig yield is governed by the previous crop load and is strongly dependent on shoot length. Special cultural practices are required to stimulate new vegetative growth that will ensure regular and high productivity. The present study focused on the use of the rest breaking agent hydrogen cyanamide (HC) as Dormex to enhance vegetative growth, which influences the yield. A field trial was held in northern Tunisia (36° 49′ N; 9° 48′ E) on mature fig trees cv. Zidi. In reference to untreated trees as control, two hydrogen cyanamide treatments at 1% and 1.5% HC were considered. Bud break rate, vegetative growth, starch content of shoots, yield, and fruit characteristics were assessed. Results indicated that 1.5% HC significantly increased shoot length, fruit number per shoot, and yield. It advanced bud break by 10 days and fruit ripening by 7 days compared to the control. However, leaf number, leaf area, and starch content seem to be unaffected by hydrogen cyanamide treatments. Regarding fruit quality, a 1.5% HC dose significantly increased dry matter content, while fruit diameter and total soluble solids remain unaffected. In conclusion, hydrogen cyanamide could be used under warm conditions to improve vegetative growth of fig trees cv. Zidi and consequently fig productivity. Application of 1.5% HC 40 days before bud break was the most effective in increasing shoot length and yield. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A simple and highly efficient regio- and chemio-specific synthesis of polyoxyethylene epoxyoxathiolan-2-thione was realized from a one-pot reaction of polyoxyethylene diglycidyl ether and carbon disulfide using lithium bromide as a catalyst. The unsymmetrical obtained products were fully characterized by1H,13C NMR and high-resolution mass spectra data. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The agronomic performance and fruit quality traits were evaluated for ten Prunus rootstocks: Garnem, PADAC 150, PADAC 04-03, PADAC 04-01, Rootpac ® 70, PM 105 AD, AGAF 0301-04, Krymsk ® 1, Krymsk ® 86 and PAC 847. These rootstocks were budded with ‘Subirana’ flat peach cultivar in September 2007 and planted in two adjacent plots in northern Tunisia (36°41′N, 10°15′E) on a heavy and calcareous soil typical of the Mediterranean area. Tree mortality, vegetative growth, rate of bud failure and fruit quality were assessed. Significant differences were found among rootstocks for the agronomic and fruit quality traits. Growing conditions generated varying levels of tree mortality, the highest with Krymsk ® 1 rootstock. In contrast, all trees on PADAC 04-03 and PADAC 04-01 survived well. The lowest vigor was induced by Krymsk ® 1 with a reduction of 90% in trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA) and canopy volume as compared to Garnem. PADAC 150 also expressed a low vigor. The highest canopy volume was found on Rootpac ® 70 as similarly for Garnem. The remaining rootstocks induced a medium vigor level. Trees on vigorous rootstocks as Rootpac ® 70 showed the lowest rate of bud failure, while dwarfing rootstocks induced the highest buds abscission. Yield was higher for AGAF 0301-04 in 2011 and 2012 as compared to the rest of rootstocks. The highest yield efficiency was recorded on PM 105 AD and AGAF 0301-04 rootstocks. Rootpac ® 70 presented the highest fruit weight and fruit diameter. The highest level of soluble solids content (SSC) was recorded on Krymsk ® 1, and the lowest on Garnem, although differences were not significant when compared to the other rootstocks. The less vigorous rootstocks seem to induce a better fruit quality of peach based on fruit sugar content. This study provides information that new Prunus rootstocks for peach can lead to a better agronomic performance than Garnem, mainly in vigor and in productive parameters. The peach-plum hybrid PADAC 04-03 induced good yield, with large fruit size and acceptable efficiency with significant smaller trees than Garnem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Productivity of peach cultivars with different ripening seasons was studied under the growers’ conventional conditions of Tunisia. Experiments were performed in northern Tunisia (36° 41ʹ N, 10° 15ʹ E). Performances of Flordastar, Royal Glory, and Carnival as respectively early, mid-season, and late ripening cultivars were evaluated under the grower’s conventional irrigation programs. Fruit growth, yield, water supply, and water productivity were determined through four years. For the three cultivars, Flordastar, Royal Glory, and Carnival, fruit maturity was achieved at 650, 1100, and 2200 GDD, respectively. Average yields were 17.4, 29.8, and 41.1 t ha–1and mean values of water productivity were 1.9, 3.1, and 3.6 kg fresh yield m–3for early, mid-season, and late cultivars, respectively. Results of agronomic performances evaluation at the farm scale provided a reference on the behavior of early, mid-season, and late cultivars of peach in irrigated orchards in semi-arid conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Irrigation with saline water is becoming a frequent practice in arid areas. This alternative may substitute for water scarcity. The role of nutrient uptake in olive trees is reflected in their metabolic functions to mitigate against drought and saline conditions. This study investigated the adaptive strategies of olive trees, with regard to their nutrient and water uptake under combined salt and water stress. The stress factors were managed by irrigation with tap water (EC=2.46 mS/cm) and saline water (EC=7.5 mS/cm) in an arid climate. Potassium (K+) and calcium (Ca2+) play an important role in the physiological performance of olive trees and improves their adaptation under drought and saline conditions. The highest levels of K+ were observed at 1 and 3.22% (% leaf dry matter) with both saline water and DRY treatments after re-watering, with a recovery of 56%. The Ca2+ content reached 1.57% (% leaf dry matter) in plants subjected to saline water which was higher than in the DRY regime (2.2%). During severe drought, olive trees maintained their mineral status by increasing nitrogen (N) content, leaf starch and soluble carbohydrate profiles. In trees irrigated with saline water and under DRY conditions, a high level of proline as a stress indicator was accompanied by an increase in total phenol content, malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) concentrations. The physiological performance improved moderately under the saline conditions as compared to DRY conditions. Tolerance to water shortage and salt stresses were linked to the accumulation of organic molecules and mineral elements in leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted tofind out the nutritive value of different cuts of goat carcass. Meat samples were obtained from goat kids in Tunisia. Twenty-six indigenous kids were divided into three groups: oat hay (control), dried olive leaves + dried Stipa tenacissima, and grass hay. The cuts were the shoulder, chest, and leg of each goat carcass. Tissue compositions of different cuts and meat physicochemical parameters were determined. Percentage of muscle was higher in shoulders (61.57%) and legs (58.89%). The percentage of fat was higher in the chest (24.74%). Percentage of bone was higher in legs and shoulders. The percentage of muscle and bone was similar in the three diet treatments. The fat percentage tended to be higher in the grass hay group. The mean pH value of different cuts differed significantly; it was higher in shoulders, but pH values did not differ significantly according to different diets. The crude protein content of meat was similar in the three cuts and three diets. Fat contents and dry matter of different cuts differed significantly and shoulder portions contained higher crude protein and dry matter (3.95% and 22.61%) than other portions. The ash content was similar in different cuts and diets. The major mineral contents did not differ significantly [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Kombucha (KT) is claimed to have various beneficial effects on human health, but there is very little scientific evidence available in the literature. Objective: The present study investigates the effects ofCamellia sinensis(GT) Linn. (Theaceae) and KT, two natural drinks, on cholesterol and antioxidant status using a hypercholesterolemia rat model. Materials and methods: The present study compared the free-radical scavenging abilities and polyphenol levels of GT and KT. Wistar rats fed cholesterol-rich diets were given KT or GT (5 mL/kg body weight per day, po) for 16 weeks, then fasted overnight and sacrificed. The plasma lipid levels, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) serum levels, antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and creatinine and urea rats were examined. Results: KT had a phenolic compound of 955 ± 0.75 mg GAE/g) followed, by GT (788.92 ± 0.02 mg GAE/g). The free radical scavenging activity of KT was higher than GT. Compared with GT, KT induced lowered serum levels of TC, TG, VLDL-C, and LDL-C by 26, 27, 28, and 36%, respectively, and increased the serum level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). KT induced a 55% decrease of TBARS level in liver and 44% in kidney, compared with those of rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet alone. Moreover, CAT and SOD activities were reduced by 29 and 33%, respectively, in liver and 31 and 35%, respectively, in kidney, after oral administration of KT, compared with those of HCD-fed rats. Conclusion: The findings revealed that KT administration induced attractive curative effects on hypercholesterolemic, particularly in terms of liver–kidney functions in rats. Its effect on humans needs to be studied further. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

• High-density planting with new almond cultivars and Prunus rootstocks in warm area. • SPAD and Fv/Fm affected by the scion-rootstock combinations and the monitoring year. • Significant differences in mineral status among almond cultivars on Prunus rootstocks. • DOP analysis demonstrated low values on less vigorous rootstock R40 than Garnem. • R40 suitable for high-density with medium canopy and balanced nutritional status. • Guara, Lauranne and Tuono on R40 best choice for physiological and mineral parameters. Nowadays, the new tendency for a high-density plantings system for almond requires smaller and more efficient canopies. In this way, appropriate scion-rootstock combination is an important factor in adapting to local conditions and specific training systems. This investigation was dedicated to identify the most suitable scion-rootstock combination for high-density planting of almond under warm Mediterranean conditions. Four almond cultivars 'Lauranne', 'Tuono', 'Guara' and 'Belona' budded on two Prunus rootstocks 'Garnem' and 'Rootpac-40′ (R40) and planted at 2m×4m spacing were followed for five successive years. Measurements focused on physiological parameters and the mineral foliar analysis. As a result, strong variability between the scion-rootstock combinations of almond was observed. For all surveyed parameters, significant effects of rootstock, cultivar, and year and their interactions were recorded. Less tree vigor was induced by 'R40' with similar medium tree vigor obtained with 'Lauranne', 'Tuono', and 'Belona' cultivars, whereas 'Guara' performed the lowest vigor. A significant yearly difference in vigor level could be related to local conditions and crop yield with negative impact during warm and drought year. For physiological parameters, SPAD and quantum yield Fv/Fm values were significantly affected by the scion-rootstock combinations and the monitoring year. 'Belona' and 'Tuono' performed high SPAD and Fv/Fm values on 'Garnem' and 'Lauranne' and 'Guara' showed the high SPAD and Fv/Fm values on 'R40'. Mineral tree status revealed differences in leaf macronutrient and micronutrient content for almond cultivars on Prunus rootstocks. Optimal macro elements contents ​​were detected for 'Guara' and 'Lauranne' on 'R40'. However, variable microelements contents were observed within different combinations. DOP analysis demonstrated low values on 'R40' with the best-balanced and highest imbalanced nutritional status (average ∑DOP index) performed by 'Lauranne'/'R40' and 'Belona'/'R40', respectively. In conclusion, less vigorous rootstock 'R40' seems to perform well in high-density planting almond orchards in a warm area. Their best performances were associated with 'Guara', 'Lauranne' and 'Tuono'. These scion-rootstock combinations inducing size-controlling effect could be considered to implement a new high-density planting system for almond in a warm area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term effects of partial root-zone drying (PRD) irrigation technique using saline water (6.7 mS cm −1 ) on olive yield and olive oil composition were investigated. Three irrigation levels were considered: (i) full irrigation (control); (ii) PRD 15 and PRD 30 irrigated with 50% of water of the control applied on one side and switched every 15 and 30 days, respectively; and (iii) rain-fed conditions. Results showed that accumulated yield significantly increased and oil content decreased with applied irrigation water. Irrigation induced a slight increase in free oil acidity, K 232 , K 270 and oleic acid in contrast to rain-fed treatment. However, it significantly lowered the levels of chlorophyll, carotenoids and phenols, and caused decreases in oil stability as well. Long-term use of saline water to irrigate olive trees significantly improved fresh yield compared to rain-fed treatment, with slight reduction of oil content and olive oil composition. PRD strategy using saline water seems to ensure sustainable long-term olive yield and quality with less salt accumulation in the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological effects of contrasting chill accumulation on scion-rootstock combinations of peach were investigated using field observations during 2006–2010. Early and mid-season ripening peach cultivars (Early May Crest and Royal Glory, respectively) grafted on GF677 and Cadaman rootstocks were monitored over a five year period in the region of Mornag in northern Tunisia (36°41′N, 10°15′E). Flowering date, flowering duration and double fruits rate were observed over the entire experimental period. The phenological behavior, expressed as fruit set and flower buds abscission, was also surveyed. At harvest, yield, fruit size and number of commercial fruits were determined. Trends of chilling accumulation were characterized over twenty years using two chilling hours models (0–7.2 °C model, CH and Crossa-Raynaud model, CH CR ), Utah and Dynamic models. Correlations among chilling models showed that the Dynamic model is more appropriate to estimate chilling accumulation in our warm production area. Climatic conditions during the five experimental years were variable, with chill accumulation in the range 127–421 CH, 82–294 CH CR , 298–860 chill units (CU) and 19–50 chilling portions (CP). Exceptionally warm conditions were observed in winter 2006–2007 and 2009–2010 with significant drop of chill accumulation to levels less than 50% of average chill accumulation. Flowering and fruiting of both early and mid-season maturing commercial cultivars were affected by chill accumulation variability. Warmer winter delayed flowering, extended flowering duration, increased bud abscission and affected fruit set. A chill accumulation less than threshold values of 25 CP, 200 CH, 100 CH CR , and 350 CU resulted in substantial decrease of yield and fruit quality. Cultivar responses to chilling conditions in term of flowering date and yield seemed to be rootstocks dependant. Adoption of appropriate scion-rootstock combination and cultural practices based on chill accumulation could be used in peach industry as means to adapt to increasing frequency of warm winters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Carbohydrate status of disbudded pistachio trees under dry and warm conditions. [•] Annual starch storage and mobilization are driven by crop load and nut development. [•] Starch deficiency in current shoots of ‘on’ trees could induce floral bud drop. [•] Removal of 50% of flower bud lead to regular nut yield, increase cumulated yield. [•] Pruning could improve carbohydrate status and reduced alternate bearing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Peach production will eventually suffer from the temperature changes initiated by global warming. This study investigates the response of peach cultivars to exceptional warm winter conditions. Fifteen peach cultivars from three production areas in the north and the centre of Tunisia were surveyed during 2006 and 2007. Flowering date and period, vegetative growth, yield and fruit quality were monitored. During a warmer year, chill accumulation represents less than 50% of the average chilling accumulation for the three production areas and less than 35% of the previous year’s accumulation. The lack of chilling had variable consequences on peach species, depending on cultivars. Delayed flowering, extended flowering period, weak vegetative growth and high heterogeneity of fruit size were observed. Bud break and flowering were delayed by 6–17 days, and the flowering period was extended by 4–10 days. Early cultivars seem to be in general less sensitive to low chill accumulation. Nevertheless, some early, mid-season and late ripening cultivars were severely affected and seem to be highly sensitive to warm conditions. With the increasing frequency of warmer winters, planting early ripening and low chilling cultivars and adopting new practices that increase assimilation could compensate for the effect of the observed anomalies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Highlights: [•] Lack of winter chill affected significantly pistachio flowering and nut yield. [•] A significant correlation between nut yield of pistachio and winter chill. [•] No significant correlation could be demonstrated for nut yield vs. precipitation. [•] In warm regions, hydrogen cyanamide could be used as rest breaking agent. [•] Dynamic model could be adopted as the suitable model for predicting winter chill. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Water supply indices: as the ratios between cumulated water supply (I + P) and ET o. [•] Significant relationships obtained between Ψ stem and Ψ PD and Ψ m. [•] A good correlation between fraction of available water (FAW) and Ψ PD, Ψ m and Ψ stem. [•] High correlation between Ψ stem and seasonal water supply indices (K s). [•] K s values of 0.8 and 0.5 could be adopted to maintain Ψ stem within adequate level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Water and salts dynamic depended on irrigation, precipitation and soil texture. [•] Partial root zone drying gives better soil water status with less salt added. [•] Stem water potential was highly correlated to predawn and soil water potentials. [•] An improvement of olive yield achieved subsequent irrigation with saline water. [•] Partial root zone drying seemed to assure sustainable long-term olive performances. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: From 2009 to 2010, 3129 sandflies were caught in CDC light traps placed in various habitats in Ghomrassen, Tataouine governorate, southeast Tunisia, a mixed focus of human cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania tropica and Leishmania major. Species diversity was quantified in anthropogenic, semi-anthropogenic and semi-natural locations. Sandflies were identified according to morphological characters and also by the comparative sequence analysis of a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene to distinguish between two putative local vectors of L. tropica, namely Phlebotomus chabaudi and Phlebotomus riouxi. The lowest sandfly diversities were found in L. major sites, where the incriminated vector P. papatasi predominated in the burrows of the rodent reservoir hosts (Meriones) as well as inside and outside houses of human cases. In L. tropica sites, the incriminated peri-domestic vector Phlebotomus sergenti was the most abundant species inside houses, whereas P. riouxi or P. chabaudi was the dominant species in the semi-natural rocky habitats favoured by the putative rodent reservoir, Ctenodactylus gundi. All specimens of P. chabaudi identified molecularly had the diagnostic cytochrome b characters of P. riouxi, indicating either that the latter represents only a geographical variant of P. chabaudi or that these two species may sometimes hybridize. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Pistachio germoplasm cultivated in traditional areas of Tunisia presented an interesting genetic diversity. The study was conducted to assess desirable biochemical characteristics from the rich local germoplasm in pistachio ecotypes. Kernel samples of the widely cultivated Mateur cultivar and 89 ecotypes from Sfax and El Guetar localities were collected during 2 years. Oil content and fatty acid composition were assessed. Fat content and fatty acid composition differed significantly among local ecotypes. The mean fat content of pistachio ecotypes ranged from 56 to 78%. Palmitic acid content varied between 7.1 and 12.9%. In addition, stearic acid was found as a minor saturated fatty acid in pistachio kernels; levels varied from 0.7 to 2.8%. Oleic acid content ranged from 56.1 to 80.7% with a significant difference over the different ecotypes. Linoleic acid varied between 8.2 and 29.7%. Mateur cultivar showed slight variations of fat content and fatty acid composition in the localities investigated. Certain ecotypes, such as Loby7 (fat content 78.5%), Sridique1 (80% Oleic, 9% linoleic), Ibala3 (76.8% oleic, 9.5% linoleic) from Sfax, and EPE2 (80% oleic, 8.2% linoleic), BMS3 (79.4% oleic, 9% linoleic), HAB3 (78.6% oleic, 9.9% linoleic), AMMS4 (78% oleic, 11.2% linoleic), and ABT2 (76.8% oleic, 12.1 linoleic) from El Guetar oasis, were distinguished by the interesting oil quality compared with Mateur and foreign cultivars. These results offer opportunities for further genetic improvement of pistachio oil quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Intrathecal morphine (IT) is commonly used for postoperative analgesia after caesarean section. The addition of intrathecal (IT) magnesium to spinal bupivacaine-fentanyl anaesthesia increases the duration of spinal analgesia for labour without additional side effects. In this prospective, randomized, double blind, controlled study, we evaluated whether adding intrathecal magnesium could prolong spinal morphine analgesia after caesarean section. Parturient and methods: After ethics committee approval and obtaining written consent, one hundred and five (ASA I or II) adult patients undergoing caesarean section were recruited. They were randomly allocated to one of three groups: (1) group Morphine (M): 10mg of isobaric bupivacaine 0.5% (2ml)+100μg morphine (1ml)+10μg fentanyl (0.1ml)+1ml of isotonic saline solution, (2) group Magnesium (Mg): 10mg of isobaric bupivacaine 0.5% (2ml)+100mg of magnesium sulphate 10% (1ml)+10μg fentanyl (0.1ml)+1ml of isotonic saline solution, (3) group Morphine+Magnesium (MMg): 10mg of isobaric bupivacaine 0.5% (2ml)+100mg of magnesium sulphate 10% (1ml)+100μg morphine (1ml)+10μg fentanyl (0.1ml). We recorded the following: time to the first analgesic request, pain scores with the visual analogic scale at rest and in movement at h0, h1, h2, h4 and then every 4h for the first 36 postoperative hours, the occurrence of adverse events and patients’ satisfaction. Results: Time of the first analgesic request was 28±8h in group MMg versus 19±6h in group M and 7±6h in group Mg (p <0.01). Pain scores were statistically lower in group MMg (9±7 and 17±9mm respectively) compared to group M (16±9 and 28±11mm respectively) and Mg (21±9 and 37±13mm respectively) (p <0.01). There was no difference in adverse events among the three groups. Patients satisfaction was better in group MMg (p <0.01). Conclusion: In patients undergoing caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia, the addition of IT magnesium sulphate (100mg) to morphine 100μg improved the quality and the duration of postoperative analgesia without increasing the incidence of adverse effects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: While it is possible to check the energy performance of a given building by means of several available methods, the inverse problem of determining the optimum configuration given a desired performance is more difficult to solve. In the Mediterranean region this problem is more complex due to the following two reasons: the air-conditioning load is as important as the heating load, and the energy needs depend on a high number of architectural parameters which have different, even contradictory, effects on summer and winter loads. In this paper we present an optimization algorithm that couples pseudo-random optimization techniques, the genetic algorithms (GA), with a simplified tool for building thermal evaluation (CHEOPS) for the purpose of minimizing the energy consumption of Mediterranean buildings. Since increasing the energy performance usually requires the use of special devices resulting in a high construction cost, we also propose to use GA for the purpose of economical optimization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A thermal comfort field survey has been conducted in five towns from two climatic zones in Tunisia. Two hundred persons were concerned by this survey. They have been asked in their houses and working places at their normal living conditions once each month during 1 year. The selected sample of buildings has been chosen among free running buildings. Only few office buildings were equipped with heating systems but not with air conditioning systems. The survey results have been processed and correlations between sensations and globe temperatures have been found. The comfort temperatures have been calculated for each location and each month. They have been correlated with the mean outdoor air temperature and with the outdoors running mean temperature. Robust correlations have been found. The description of this survey and the methodology of data analysis are described in details in this paper. The main results are discussed and compared with those of similar surveys conducted in different geographic locations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Mediterranean climate is characterized by a high level of the solar resource in winter and some coolness of the nights in summer, which offer a good opportunity for thermal comfort achievement at low energy cost and reduced CO2 emissions, provided that an appropriate design of the building envelope is adopted. It has thus been decided to implement some regulations in three countries of North-Africa for controlling the heating and cooling loads. The study described in this paper has been conducted in the frame of this project. It has two objectives: to define adequate indicators for the thermal performance of buildings during both the cold season and the hot one, and to develop a standard calculation procedure for these indicators. The developed procedure, CHEOPS, is fast and requires minimum input data; it is very easy to use, the steps for calculating the cooling and heating coefficients being almost the same. The transmission losses and the solar gains are clearly identified; this fact can contribute to a better understanding by the designer of the effect of each parameter, leading him towards the appropriate trade-offs between summer and winter considerations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Forecasting phenological events has important uses in warm Mediterranean area, where olive is one of the oldest cultivated species.Thus, continuously-recorded phenological observations for the main olive cultivar Chemlali widely spreading in warm and sub-arid area were achieved during 2005–2019 in central Tunisia. Gathered climatic and phenological data were used to: i) delineate the chill and heat accumulation periods and the thermal requirements using Partial Least Squares (PLS) approach; and to ii) develop statistical models predicting budburst and flowering dates. Results revealed significant yearly variations in budburst and flowering dates related to the climatic conditions. PLS analysis delineated two chill accumulation periods spanned from November 19th to January 12th and from the end of March to the beginning of April, respectively. Stepwise regression revealed that the best indicator of the budburst date was the mean temperature in pentad-6 of November followed by the minimum and the mean temperature during pentad-2 of February. Based on these two statistical analyses, chilling requirements seemed to be linked to the first delineated chill accumulation period. Average chilling and heat requirements of 'Chemlali' olive cultivar were 17 CP and 24892 GDH, respectively. A forecasting linear model was generated displaying mean absolute error of 1.6 and 2.4 days between simulated and observed budburst and start flowering dates, respectively. These proposed models will be very helpful for orchard management and the high number of independent factors determining the critical periods necessary for flowering may explain the adaptive plasticity of 'Chemlali' cultivar growing in sub-arid and warm areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In operating rooms, the routine use of radiological procedures is commonplace. However, this essential tool brings about significant concerns for healthcare workers due to the associated radiological risks. Understanding healthcare workers' attitudes and perceptions about ionizing radiation is crucial for addressing these concerns. Objectives: This study aims to assess the perceptions and concerns of healthcare workers regarding radiation risks and their practices in the operating room. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in February and March 2023 among the operating room staff of Habib Bourguiba University Hospital in Sfax, Tunisia. We used a self-administered questionnaire that included socio-professional data. Self-assessment of exposure risk and protection level against ionizing radiation was evaluated on a scale from 0 to 10, and attitudes were assessed using a 5-item Likert scale. Results: Our study population consisted of 92 healthcare workers, with 54.3% being male. When asking operating room workers about the availability, accessibility, and quality of lead aprons, the median scores were 3 (IQR [0;6.5]), 2 (IQR [0;5]), and 2 (IQR [0;5]), respectively. The median self-assessment score for exposure risk was 8 (IQR [5.5; 10]), while the median self-assessment score for protection against ionizing radiation was 1 (IQR [0;3]). Sixty percent of the population had limited knowledge of the harmful effects of ionizing radiation, with a median self-assessment knowledge score of 1.5 (IQR [0;3]). Sixty-two percent reported concerns regarding radiological risks. In terms of practices, 44.5% of the staff maintained a distance from the radiation source during intraoperative radiography, and 21.7% used the apron for protection. Dosimeters were not used by any of the participants. Concerns level was associated with self-assessment of exposure risk (p = 0.027). Conclusions: In conclusion, awareness of the risks generates anxiety and concern among staff; however, it alone is insufficient to alter our practices. This underscores the imperative for a proactive approach in implementing robust safety measures and comprehensive training programs. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate the preventive effects of methanol fraction from Cassia angustifolia leaf extract (MECA), associated with its phytochemical content, on CCl4-induced hepatic toxicity in adult rats. In the controls, CCl4 induced an increase of serum biochemical parameters and triggered oxidative stress in the liver. MECA caused significant reductions in CCl4-elevated levels of hepatic markers, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein and increased the level of high-density lipoprotein compared to the CCl4 group. Moreover, pretreatment with the MECA produced significant reductions in lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and protein carbonyl level in liver tissues as compared with the untreated group. The formation of pathological hepatic lesions was strongly prevented by MECA. Overall, this study suggests that administration of MECA has a high potential to quench free radicals and alleviate CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Olive germplasm could be used to mitigate harmful impact of increasing temperature. • Phenological stages of olive cultivars highly correlated to climatic variations. • Warm temperatures induced a tendency for advanced flowering of olive cultivars. • Exponential increase of heat quantity with increasing chill to set olive flowering. • Winter temperature is a key factor in determining olive flowering in a warm area. Climate changes are expected to have a great and negative impact on agriculture in Mediterranean region. In this region, olive industry plays a key role at regional and national level as in Tunisia. With expected increasing temperature, the impact of climate change on the phonological behavior of the olive cultivars was evaluated in the main production region in central Tunisia (34°56′08″N, 10°36′54″E) during 2005–2015.The relationships between the budburst and flowering dates and climatic variations were investigated for the main local (Chemlali, Chemchali, Oueslati and Chetoui) and foreign (Koroneiki and Arbequina) olive cultivars to state their adaptability to warm area climate. Chilling was computed as chill portions (CP) from October to budburst using Dynamic Model, whereas heat accumulation was quantified as growing degree hours (GDH) from budburst to the beginning of flowering. As a result, variable budburst and flowering dates of olive cultivars were obtained related to the climatic conditions occurring each year. 'Chemlali' and 'Arbequina' seemed to be the precocious cultivars with an average budburst date of DOY-71 (March-12), whereas 'Chemchali' and 'Koroneiki' were the most late with an average budburst dates of DOY-80 and DOY-81 (March21-22). The beginning of flowering occurred from DOY-93 (3-April) to DOY-126 (6-May), where 'Chemchali' seemed, also, to be the latest one. Winter chill impacted significantly olive flowering with a positive correlation between flowering date and chill accumulation. A tendency for advancing flowering of local and foreign olive cultivars occurred subsequent a lack of winter chill. Trends for increasing heat accumulation with increasing chilling were observed in exponential manner to achieve flowering of olive cultivars. Moreover, winter temperature, appeared to be one of the most important variables in determining flowering time of olive cultivars mainly when quarterly and monthly mean temperatures were considered. In conclusion, this investigation is the first database concerning olive cultivars originated from different geographical areas and grown in a warm area. It revealed that olive cultivars behaved differently with contrasting chilling and heat accumulations and in years with extreme climatic conditions. It will be more interesting to consider the important genetic diversity of olive tree to mitigate the harmful effect of increasing temperature in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) has a worldwide distribution and is especially prevalent in North African countries. With a mean annual surgical incidence (ASI) of CE of 12.7 per 100,000 inhabitants, Tunisia is one of the most CE endemic countries in the Mediterranean area. Tataouine governorate is considered to be the most CE hypoendemic region in Tunisia (ASI = 0.92) despite favourable socioeconomic conditions that enable maintenance of the Echinococcus granulosussensu lato (s.l.) life-cycle and a significant environmental contamination with E. granulosuss.l. eggs. The aim of this study was to assess human CE seroprevalence, prevalence of CE in food animals and environmental contamination by E. granulosus s.l. eggs in different districts of Tataouine governorate. Methods: This study was conducted from January to December 2018. A total of 374 human sera samples were tested for the presence of immunoglobulin G antibodies against E. granulosus using a commercial ELISA kit. Specimens were also collected from animals slaughtered at the Tataouine abattoir (n = 8609) and examined for the presence of hydatid cysts; 111 hydatid cysts were genotyped. Eggs of E. granulosuss.l. were identified by PCR and DNA sequencing from dog faecal samples (n = 288). Results: Serological tests showed that 8.5% of the sera samples tested were positive for E. granulosus-specific antibodies. The average prevalence of hydatidosis in livestock was 1.6%, and CE infection was more prevalent in cattle than in sheep, goats and dromedaries. The contamination rate of dog faeces by E. granulosus sensu stricto eggs varied significantly from 0 to 23.5% depending on the collection area. Molecular analyses only revealed the presence of the G1 genotype for cysts and eggs. Conclusions: Based on our findings, CE is likely to be more endemic in the Tataouine governorate than previously described. Thus, to implement an effective control programme against CE, a national survey should be carried out to determine human CE prevalence in the different Tunisian governorates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) has a worldwide distribution and is especially prevalent in North African countries. With a mean annual surgical incidence (ASI) of CE of 12.7 per 100,000 inhabitants, Tunisia is one of the most CE endemic countries in the Mediterranean area. Tataouine governorate is considered to be the most CE hypoendemic region in Tunisia (ASI = 0.92) despite favourable socioeconomic conditions that enable maintenance of the Echinococcus granulosussensu lato (s.l.) life-cycle and a significant environmental contamination with E. granulosuss.l. eggs. The aim of this study was to assess human CE seroprevalence, prevalence of CE in food animals and environmental contamination by E. granulosus s.l. eggs in different districts of Tataouine governorate. Methods: This study was conducted from January to December 2018. A total of 374 human sera samples were tested for the presence of immunoglobulin G antibodies against E. granulosus using a commercial ELISA kit. Specimens were also collected from animals slaughtered at the Tataouine abattoir (n = 8609) and examined for the presence of hydatid cysts; 111 hydatid cysts were genotyped. Eggs of E. granulosuss.l. were identified by PCR and DNA sequencing from dog faecal samples (n = 288). Results: Serological tests showed that 8.5% of the sera samples tested were positive for E. granulosus-specific antibodies. The average prevalence of hydatidosis in livestock was 1.6%, and CE infection was more prevalent in cattle than in sheep, goats and dromedaries. The contamination rate of dog faeces by E. granulosus sensu stricto eggs varied significantly from 0 to 23.5% depending on the collection area. Molecular analyses only revealed the presence of the G1 genotype for cysts and eggs. Conclusions: Based on our findings, CE is likely to be more endemic in the Tataouine governorate than previously described. Thus, to implement an effective control programme against CE, a national survey should be carried out to determine human CE prevalence in the different Tunisian governorates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Future warming predicted for Tunisia may reduce winter chill and affect the production of tree fruits and nuts, one of the key sectors of the country's economy. To assess past and future chill availability, we used weather records from 1973 to 2019 to simulate historic and future chill for 20 weather stations (16 from Tunisia, 3 from Algeria and 1 from Libya) by generating 6 past scenarios and 72 future scenarios for 2041–2070 and for 2071–2100, for two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). We selected three future scenarios representing optimistic, intermediate, and pessimistic outlooks. Safe Winter Chill (SWC; in Chill Portions) was calculated using the Dynamic Model based on data for 100 winter seasons produced with a weather generator. SWC was then mapped for the whole country. Chilling requirements for typical Mediterranean fruit species (almond, pistachio, and peach cultivars) were compared with future SWC to select the best adapted fruit species, and cultivars within species, for each region. Our findings revealed severe SWC decline in the recent past. This decline will continue in the course of the twenty-first century. At the end of the century, we expect few of the studied species and cultivars to be able to fulfill their chilling requirements. By that time, only almonds may remain viable, whereas pistachios and peaches may experience alarming chill shortfalls. While our findings paint a grim picture for Tunisia's orchards, they also allow insights for many other important fruit-growing regions with Mediterranean climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to evaluate the performance effect of aqueous extract of Rosmarinus officinalis (AERO) against the kidney toxicity induced by CCl4 in mice. The results showed that the renal damage induced by CCl4 was associated with a rise in oxidative stress monitored by a significant increase of TBARS and PCO levels (+89% and +136% respectively, p <.001) and a significant decrease of GSH level (–68%, p <.001) and antioxidants enzymes such as SOD, CAT, and GPX activities (–41.7%, –47.8%, and –50.5%; p <.001, respectively). Also, the nephropathology parameters including creatinine, BUN, and urea (+68.9%, +47%, +48·6% respectively, p <.05) were remarkably increased. These findings were substantiated by histological study. Pretreatment with Rosemary extract significantly attenuated the CCl4 related toxic effects via more than one mechanism such as the inhibition of lipid peroxidation, the stimulation of the synthesis of cellular antioxidants, the decrease of the biomarker kidney and the correction of the kidney structure. We can conclude that the Rosemary is efficient in the prevention of kidney function against CCl4 toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Agroclimatic requirements of 23 Prunus cultivars derived from long-term bloom data. • First contribution to assess agroclimatic requirements of studied apricot cultivars. • The chilling and forcing phases showed a discontinuous pattern. • Cultivars showed overlaps or transition periods between chilling and forcing phases. • Warm temperatures in the chilling phase present a delaying effect on flowering. Given the influence of climate change, sustain productivity of stone fruit trees is considered a major concern for growers, especially in warm areas where temperature is a crucial determinant of phenology. Sustainable fruit tree orchards depended on satisfying the chilling requirements of cultivars to trigger dormancy release and heat requirements to blossom correctly. Yet determining agroclimatic requirements are essential for predicting cultivar performance and selecting suitable production areas. To support this challenge, our study was conducted to expand the knowledge of agroclimatic requirements of cultivars of Prunus species growing in warm areas. Thus, Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression was employed to compute chilling requirements (CR) using the Dynamic Model (in Chill Portions (CP)) and heat requirements (HR) using the Growing Degree Hours Model (in (GDH)). PLS regression was employed to establish a correlation between long-term phenological observations and temperature records of 7 peach, 5 apricot, and 11 plum cultivars grown in Tunisia. The findings from the PLS regression revealed that the chilling and forcing periods appeared discontinuous. Overlaps or transition periods between the two phases were determined. For peach cultivars, the CR varied from 20 in early flowering cultivars to 63.4 CP in late flowering cultivars and the HR from 4381 to 6556 GDH. For apricot cultivars, the CR ranges from 45.3 to 47.9 CP and the HR from 5567 to 8647 GDH. For plum cultivars, the CR spans from 36.2 to 62.6 CP and the HR from 4999 to 7907 GDH. The main determinant of the flowering of the studied cultivars is the warm mean temperatures occurring during the chilling period. Our findings represent an advance regarding the global knowledge of Prunus temperature requirements which can aid in the adaptation of the stone fruit sector to climate change and mitigation of its impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La sarcopénie ou perte de masse musculaire est de plus en plus reconnue comme un facteur influençant le pronostic de la maladie de Crohn. Cependant, son rôle en tant que facteur prédictif des complications sévères reste à mieux comprendre. Cette étude vise à évaluer l'impact de la sarcopénie radiologique sur l'apparition d'événements péjoratifs chez les patients atteints de Crohn. Nous avons réalisé une étude prospective entre 2020 et 2023 sur des patients atteints de la maladie de Crohn ayant bénéficié de deux IRM abdominales, réalisées à des intervalles de temps variables. La sarcopénie radiologique a été évaluée en utilisant l'indice total du psoas (TPI), calculé à partir de la surface des muscles psoas au niveau de la troisième vertèbre lombaire (L3). Les patients, dont le TPI, ajusté en fonction du sexe, était inférieur au quartile le plus bas, ont été considérés comme sarcopéniques. Les facteurs d'évolution entre les deux IRM, tels que l'introduction de nouveaux traitements, les hospitalisations, la survenue de complications (sténoses, fistules intra-abdominales, abcès, lésions anopérinéales, etc.), ainsi que le recours à la chirurgie, ont été analysés. L'étude a inclus 101 patients, avec un ratio hommes/femmes de 0,94 et un âge moyen de 44,13 ± 14,29 ans. La TPI moyenne lors du premier IRM était de 654,18 mm2/m2 chez les hommes et de 459,34 mm2/m2 chez les femmes (p < 0,001). La sarcopénie radiologique a été observée chez 24,8 % des patients. Durant la période d'étude entre les deux IRM, 16,8 % des patients ont développé une sténose intestinale, 3 % des fistules intra-abdominales, 4 % des abcès (dont 3 intra-abdominaux et 1 pelvien), et 12,9 % ont présenté de nouvelles lésions anopérinéales. De plus, 14,9 % ont nécessité une intervention chirurgicale digestive (7 périnéales et 10 abdominales). Une escalade thérapeutique a été notée, avec l'introduction de thiopurines chez 9,9 % des patients, un traitement anti-TNF chez 28,7 %, l'optimisation des anti-TNF chez 18 %, et un switch vers un autre anti-TNF chez 10,3 %. L'analyse multivariée a révélé une association significative entre la sarcopénie et la survenue de sténoses intestinales (p = 0,02 ; OR = 5,26 ; IC 95 % [1,30–21,27]), confirmant le rôle potentiel de la sarcopénie comme facteur prédictif d'événements péjoratifs. La sarcopénie est un facteur indépendant associé à un risque accru de complications sévères, telles que les sténoses intestinales, chez les patients atteints de la maladie de Crohn. Ces résultats suggèrent que la surveillance de la masse musculaire, notamment par l'évaluation du TPI, pourrait jouer un rôle clé dans la gestion proactive des patients et la prévention des complications. Des études supplémentaires sont nécessaires pour valider ces résultats et explorer les stratégies d'intervention ciblant la sarcopénie. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperate deciduous trees can only be productive where winters are cold enough to meet their chilling needs. In the Mediterranean region, chill has traditionally been sufficient for many species, but this may change as temperatures increase. We explored the region’s present and future suitability for temperate trees by quantifying chill for the Sfax region in central Tunisia, one of the warmest regions where temperate nuts are commercially grown. We assessed climatic risk by calculating historic chill (since 1973) and using a weather generator calibrated with local weather data (1973-2015) to produce 101 years of chill estimates (computed with the Dynamic Model) and 3 past and 72 future scenarios (for 2041-2070 and 2071-2100, using two representative concentration pathways: RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). For almonds and pistachios, we compared available chill during the chilling period with the species’ estimated chilling requirements, and we computed the date by which sufficient chill was expected to have accumulated. Our findings indicated severe chill losses for all future scenarios. For all species, the current chill period is no longer expected to be sufficient for meeting chilling requirements in the future. Chill needs may still be fulfilled later in the year, especially for low-chill almonds, but this would result in delayed phenology, with possible adverse effects on productivity. Temperate nut production is thus unlikely to remain viable at this site, highlighting an urgent need to identify locally appropriate adaptation options. This challenge is likely shared by other warm production regions of temperate fruits and nuts around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]