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This study models the rainfall-runoff relationship in the Kebir-Rhumel River watershed in the Constantine Highlands, Algeria, using data from three concomitant rainfall and hydrometric stations. Statistical tests confirmed the absence of breaks in the series. We applied four conceptual models (GR4J, IHAC6, MORDOR, TOPMO8) and neural network models (RNN, NARX, LSTM) over three- and ten-year periods. Among the conceptual models, GR4J provided the best fit, highlighting the non-stationary nature of the relationship. The PMC neural network model performed well over three years but was less effective over ten years due to low flow influence. Notably, the NARX-RNN and RNN-LSTM models showed excellent predictive accuracy, with NARX-RNN perfectlycapturing flow dynamics and RNN-LSTM achieving minimal RMSE and high correlation coefficients. This study lies the comparative analysis of conceptual and neural network models, specifically the NARX-RNN and RNN-LSTM models, which have not been extensively applied in this context. This research fills the gap in understanding the effectiveness of neural network models in modelling non-stationary rainfall-runoff relationships in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildland fires are the most common peril for forests due to climate change. Furthermore, it is an uncontrollable disaster and poses a great deal of threat to human health and ecosystems. In Algeria, almost 40,000 hectares are burned each year, approximately 1% of all existing woodlands of the country. In this work, the forest fire event prediction is highlighted using machine learning. The study utilized data sets from several sources, including fire data obtained from the fire information system for resource management by NASA (FIRMS) and climate data accessed from the NASA energy project API, derived from the MODIS satellite (NASA forecasting of energy resources around the world). Fire data from NASA provides real-time information, spanning from 2000 to 2020. The methodology process of creating the prediction system involved collecting the data, preprocessing the data, finding the best models, training and testing the models, and evaluating them for validation. The machine learning model was trained and validated using 70% and 30% of the set features with a performance accuracy of up to 86%. Upon completion, we deployed our selected machine learning model to create a Web platform enables different end users to check possible future forest fires by select a geographical area on a world map. The objective of our machine learning model is to analyze the weather data of the selecting area on the map in real time and predict whether a fire will occur or not. This prediction system will enhance early detection, allowing prompt response measures to be implemented, reducing the risk of uncontrolled wildfires and safeguarding ecosystems and communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typha latifolia leaves act as sensitive barometers for trace heavy metal pollution, as revealed by their pronounced anatomical responses in a constructed wetland. Monthly water samples and Typha latifolia leaf tissue were collected over three consecutive months in 2018 from the Burgas Lake wetlands (Taoura), northeast Algeria. While physical and chemical parameters improved after treatment, atomic absorption spectrometry (Perkin Elmer A Analyst 800 AAS) detected persistent trace levels of cadmium, chromium, and lead in both the treated water and leaf tissue, highlighting the need for continued phytoremediation efforts. Microscopic examination of leaf tissue exposed to these metals revealed distinct anatomical adaptations, including shrunken vascular bundles, altered cell shapes, and stomatal closure. These findings underscore Typha latifolia's effectiveness in accumulating heavy metals and its potential as a highly sensitive biomonitor for persistent pollution in lake ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of present study was to determine the antioxidant and anti-mycotoxin activities of crude ethanolic extracts from various organs of Bunium ferulaceum Sm. plant from Western Algeria. Firstly, we proceed to a phytochemical screening of leaves, kernels, and barks of plants. Tests showed the presence of several families of chemical constituents and phenolic compounds. The quantitative estimation of the total phenol content, flavonoids, and coumarins is carried out by colorimetric methods. The important total phenolic contents were found in leaves extract with a TPC value of 51.22 ± 0.46 mg GAE/g, whose flavonoids were revealed to be the main phenolic compounds in this extract and the coumarins in bark extract. The antioxidant activity was estimated by the DPPH method compared to the ascorbic acid antioxidant. The leaves extract showed a good scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 0.11 ± 0.57 mg/ml. Anti-mycotoxin activity are tested against three pathogens fungi produced mycotoxins using mycelial biomass assay and mycotoxigenic test. For all fungi tested, leaves extract showed the most inhibitory activity against Penicillium expansum MTTC 1344 and Aspergillus flavus MTTC 2799 followed by bark extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The presence of antioxidants such as polyphenol, in plants may provide protection against a number of diseases. Moreover, pathogenic fungi can cause a variety of adverse health effects and pose a serious health threat to both humans and livestock. The aim of present study was to determine the antioxidant and antifungal activities of aerial part extracts from Ephedra alata Decne. Methods: Antifungal activities were tested against three pathogens fungi using mycelial growth, sporulation and germination spores. Result: The determination of the polyphenol contents, total flavonoids and condensed tannins of the aerial part extracts gave respectively (TPC: 40.45±0.18 mg GAE/g, TFC: 133.25±0.11 mg QE/g, TCT: 20.76±0.19 mg CE/g). The flavonoids and methanolic extracts showed a good scavenging activity with an IC50: 0.23±0.66; 0.54±0.35 mg/ml, respectively. For antifungal properties, flavonoids extract showed the inhibitoriest activity against fungi tested, followed by methanolic extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Phytothérapie is the property of John Libbey Eurotext Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: The emergence and rapid spread of Enterobacteriaceae carrying extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and carbapenemases represent a great threat to clinical treatment due to their multi-drug resistance. This study investigated ESBLs and carbapenemases encoding genes in Enterobacteriaceae collected from diabetic foot infections (DFIs) in Ouargla, southern Algeria. Methodology: A total of 70 Enterobacteriaceae strains were recovered from 76 patients with DFI between February 2017 and April 2018. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disc diffusion method, and the presence of bla genes was detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. The genetic transfer of the plasmids was carried out by conjugation using the broth mating method. Results: The most common isolate was Proteus mirabilis, followed by Escherichia coli, Morganella morganii and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The prevalence of ESBL and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae was 11.42% and 2.85 % respectively. Plasmid-mediated AmpC was detected in 5.71% isolates. Conjugation experiments showed the transferability of blaCTX-M-2. Conclusions: Our findings support the view that various pathogens found in DFIs differ from one part of the country to another. This study reports the first description of metallo-β-lactamase NDM-5 producing Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolate in Algeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal estimation of water balance components at the local and regional scales is essential for many applications such as integrated water resources management, hydrogeological modelling and irrigation scheduling. Evapotranspiration is a very important component of the hydrological cycle at the soil surface, particularly in arid and semi-arid lands. Mapping evapotranspiration at high resolution with internalised calibration (METRIC), trapezoid interpolation model (TIM), two-source energy balance (TSEB), and soil-plant-atmosphere and remote sensing evapotranspiration (SPARSE) models were applied using Landsat 8 images for four dates during 2014-2015 and meteorological data. Surface energy maps were then generated. Latent heat flux estimated by four models was then compared and evaluated with those measured by applying the method of Bowen ratio for the various days. In warm periods with high water stress differences and with important surface temperature differences, METRIC proves to be the most robust with the root-mean-square error (RMSE) less than 40 W·m-2. However, during the periods with no significant surface temperature and soil humidity differences, SPARSE model is superior with the RMSE of 35 W·m-2. The results of TIM are close to METRIC, since both models are sensitive to the difference in surface temperature. However, SPARSE remains reliable with the RMSE of 55 W·m-2 unlike TSEB, which has a large deviation from the other models. On the other hand, during the days when the temperature difference is small, SPARSE and TSEB are superior, with a clear advantage of SPARSE serial version, where temperature differences are less important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of EPPO Bulletin is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: adherence to drugs is critical for achieving the best clinical results in the treatment of chronic diseases. Adherence to chronic drugs might be influenced by beliefs about medications and other variables. The goal of this study was to assess relevant determinants of medication adherence in Algerian population with insulin-dependent diabetes. Methods: from July 1st 2019 to February 29th 2020, a cross-sectional study was conducted. Participants who had been on insulin for at least 6 months were recruited from Tlemcen (Algeria) clinics in secondary care settings. Patients were invited to a face-to-face interview, in order to complete out the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS) tools to report their attitudes towards medication adherence and views about their insulin. The recruited patients' socio- demographic data was also collected. The related determinants of chronic drug non-adherence in the tested population were identified using a stepwise binary logistical regression model. Results: in this study, 147 patients out of 400 were not adhering to their insulin therapy (36.5%). Insulin non-adherence was linked to single status (AOR=2.088, CI=1.180-3.694), non-insurance (AOR=2.949, CI=1.323-6.572), number of daily insulin injections (AOR=1.269, CI=1.033-1.559), unawareness of the insulin regimen (AOR=3.528, CI=1.453-8.565), hypertension (AOR= 3.497, CI=1.98-6.154) and the non-practice of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) (AOR=2.635, CI=1.472-4.718). Conclusion: insulin adherence in Algerians is still well below international standards. This study improved the understanding of the factors affecting the non-adherence to insulin among diabetics and may be used as a baseline to target; throughout educational programs; the sub-populations identified as non-adherents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South of Algeria is known for these immense sand dunes, which cover part of its territory (Sahara). The main objective of this study is the recovery of sands dune and wood waste (sawdust). The latter, which constitutes a potential source of several environmental and economic problems. The objective of this present work is to characterize the physico-mechanical properties at a young age of a dune sand-based mortar lightened by wood waste and to examine the suitability of using it for various applications in the construction of buildings. The improvement of the characteristics of these sands, which essentially formed of sand untapped to date and with the sole aim of enhancing this national sand wealth. The formulation of the mixtures is based on the substitution of dune sand by sawdust, at different weight contents 0, 10, 20 and 30%. The quantity of cement is fixed at 450 g. The results obtained show firstly that the introduction of sawdust improves the characteristics of the mixture (grain size tends to be spread out, reduction in densities), and secondly the physico-mechanical characteristics, especially at 30% substitution (reduction absorption by total immersion of 20.50%, porosity of 28.32%, wet density of 1.73% and dry density of 14.94% and increase in tensile strength of 61.43% and in compression of 63.87%). The effect of sawdust on the relationships between the properties of mortars was clearly noted either for the relationships between early strengths or between compressive and tensile strengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomegranates are attacked by invasive fruit flies of the family Drosophilidae including the African fig fly, Zaprionus indianus. This species is reported for the first time from North-East Algeria reared from pomegranate fruits from two commercial pomegranate orchards. This vinegar fly is an opportunist that uses both fallen fruits and damaged fruits still on the pomegranate tree as breeding substrates.We report percent infestation of fruit of Z. indianus and of several other pomegranate insect pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current work concerns a medicinal plant Marrubium vulgare L. grown in Souk Ahras region (Northeastern of Algeria). Widely used by the natives of this region for their extraordinary therapeutic properties such as: antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic activities. The aims of this study were to evaluate the phenolics, flavonoids and tannins composition, and antioxidant activities of hexane, dichloromethane, acetone and methanol extracts from leaves of Marrubium vulgare L. by using different methods. The extracts were a good source of phenolics and flavonoids. Acetonic extract from the aerial part of M. vulgare had the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents with 171.45±3.38 µg GAE mg -1 E and 78.33±0.29 µg QE mg-1 E, respectively. While the hexane extract had the most condensed tannins content with 90±0.01 µg CE mg -1 E. The antioxidant activity showed the good antioxidant capacity of extracts (dichloromethane, acetone and methanol) in DPPH, ABTS, ß-Carotene, CUPRAC, Phenanthroline and GOR assays. While the hexane extract showed the lowest antioxidant activity in DPPH, ß-Carotene and GOR assay. Weak antioxidant activity in Reducing power was observed for all extracts with >200 µg/mL. On the other hand, these extracts showed no activity in Ferrous ions chelating assay, exceptionally the methanol extract which showed a very weak activity >800 µg/mL. The results showed that the concentrations of TPC, TFC and CTC were not significantly different (p > 0.05). However, a highly significant difference in all antioxidant activities was observed (p < 0.001) except Phenanthroline activity which presented a non-significant difference (p > 0.05). We have also tested the effect of the different extracts against two phytopathogenic fungi strains by the disc-diffusion method. The inhibitory effect were important for the two tested strains. The extracts of M. vulgare have important antifungal activity. Statistical analysis indicates no significant differences at P > 0.05. Based on These results, it is right to conclude that M. vulgare is an important source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antifungal properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The alarming situation of the increasing problem of the antibiotics resistance in the whole world requires an immediate need of the exploration of better alternatives for combating resistance. The main aim of the present work was the isolation and the screening of large range of lactic acid bacteria with important potential of antibacterial activity against multidrug resistance pathogenic strains and the characterization of the molecules responsible for antibacterial activity. The primary screening indicated the isolation of total of 200 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from harvested milk (camel and goat) and traditional fermented dairy products (Jben and kamaria) of south Algeria and investigated for their antibacterial activity against clinical pathogens bacteria. Furthermore, Nineteen representative isolates (19) were selected and characterized with regard to their functional properties. The obtained results indicated that produced bacteriocin by both bacterial strains L. raffinolactis LAB9 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. cremoris LAB13 has manifested an excellent antagonistic activity against P.aeruginosa (PA) and Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which was Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). A Further investigation indicated that the produced bacteriocin by LAB9 and LAB 13 were heat stable, where their inactivation was observed when treated with pepsin and trypsin. Additionally, the purification of the produced bacteriocin by L.raffinolactis LAB9 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. cremoris LAB13 has been achieved by the using of the partial ammonium sulfate precipitation. The technological properties and the stability of bacteriocins of LAB may lead for bioprospection of antibacterial components in the current struggle against increasing pandrug resistance and slowing down the expansion of multi-drug resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to evaluate the treated wastewater from the activated sludge treatment plant in the City of Sidi Bel Abbes (North-Western Algeria) which is required for reuse in irrigation. The control of irrigated areas downstream is done based on a pedological study. Physico-chemical analysis such as (pH, BOD5, COD and SS) indicate results in Algerian and international standards required by the WHO. The Sodium Adsorption Ratio and Electrical Conductivity values of the treated wastewater belong to the C3-S1 class. The treated wastewater has a fairly good microbiological quality that meets Algerian standards. The helminth eggs are practically absent. The concentrations of heavy metals are much lower than the limits prescribed in the Algerian decrees. Therefore, the overall processing plant efficiency is satisfactory and has the characteristics of a good treated water quality for reuse in the field of irrigation while protecting the environment. The pedological study of the soil samples shows that the most dominant fraction is undeveloped calcimagnetic. The planned irrigation plain covers an area of about two thousand hectares. Depending on the crops to irrigate; the development and nature of the necessary or recommended improvements, the proposed irrigation perimeter could be classified into five categories in which only three categories are irrigable. Water projects have been proposed to ensure the irrigation of three subdivided sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was aimed to assess the ecotoxicological impact of anthropogenic activities on soil quality by using the land snail Helix aspersa as a bioindicator. Soil samples and snails were collected from several sites of northeast Algeria during spring and winter, 2017. All sites were chosen in this study for the reason of their proximity to industrial factories as a potential source of heavy metal soil contamination. The concentration of heavy metals in soil samples was analyzed using the X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer (Thermo Scientific Model Niton FXL 950) since the three metals of the highest levels in soil samples were examined in Helix aspersa hepatopancreas and feet by means of the atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Also, the highest levels of heavy metals were noticed during spring in Helix aspersa of the closest sites to the potential sources of pollution. These results are correlated with the physico-chemical characteristics of soil (texture, organic matter, pH Water, conductivity, limestone, and porosity) in each site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban growth is a worldwide phenomenon. The rate of urbanisation in developing countries such as Algeria is speedy. Sub-watershed of Oued Fekan is included in the large watershed of Macta which is located in northwestern Algeria and is one of the most important sites of this country characterized by an abundant amount of biodiversity as well as a highly productive ecosystem. The valuable landscape undergoes a radical change in the form of a sub-watershed recently due to anthropogenic change on land use and land cover. The exponential increase in population and human activities are increasing the demand for land and soil resources for agriculture, urban and industrial uses. Anthropogenic factors, especially urban sprawl, have a significant role in controlling the temperature change. In this paper, four Landsat-8 OLI/TIRS images of 2018 have been used from different seasons to estimate land surface temperature (LST), Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) in order to study the phenomenon of difference distribution temperature in urban with the surrounding rural areas. Analysis based on linear regression was used to generate relationships between LST with NDVI and NDBI. Our analysis indicates that for the four seasons, a strong linear relationship between NDBI and LST was marked compared with the relationship between NDVI and LST, which was less intense and varied by seasons. We suggest that NDBI is a visible indicator for studying surface Urban Heat Island phenomenon (UHI). Useful information that occurs as a consequence of land-use changes and urbanization are then provided for understanding the local climate and environmental changes of our study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trilobites are widespread in Lower Devonian deposits of north Gondwana, and some have been collected from two known sections of the Saoura Valley in SW Algeria, from the ‘Chefar el Ahmar’ Formation. This formation is considered to be from late Emsian to Frasnian in age, but only the lower parts of this formation have yielded trilobites. Nevertheless, no detailed studies have focused on their biodiversity and their morphological variability. New occurrences of phacopids including Barrandeops chattertoni sp. nov., Geesops fabrei sp. nov., Austerops legrandi sp. nov. and Phacops boudjemaai sp. nov. are described from this area and comparisons are made with closely allied species. These new occurrences have been integrated into analyses of intra- and inter-specific variability and biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] First report of confirmed Leishmania major infection in hedgehogs. [•] We detect Leishmania in skin and spleen tissues by high sensitive qPCR. [•] Serological methods detect specific Leishmania antibodies in hedgehogs. [•] The molecular methods used allow identifying the species involved as L. major. [•] We find out that hedgehogs could be reservoirs of L. major. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited – though increasing – evidence suggests that argan oil might be endowed with potential healthful properties, mostly in the areas of CVD and prostate cancer. We sought to comprehensively determine the effects of argan oil supplementation on the plasma lipid profile and antioxidant status of a group of healthy Algerian subjects, compared with matched controls. A total of twenty healthy subjects consumed 15 g/d of argan oil – with toasted bread – for breakfast, during 4 weeks (intervention group), whereas twenty matched controls followed their habitual diet, but did not consume argan oil. The study lasted 30 d. At the end of the study, argan oil-supplemented subjects exhibited higher plasma vitamin E concentrations, lower total and LDL-cholesterol, lower TAG and improved plasma and cellular antioxidant profile, when compared with controls. In conclusion, we showed that Algerian argan oil is able to positively modulate some surrogate markers of CVD, through mechanisms which warrant further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The study of endoparasites (helminths and coccidians) in the Algerian (Atelerix algirus) and desert (Paraechinus aethiopicus) hedgehogs was performed between July 2008 and October 2009. The helminth species found included two cestodes, Mathevotaenia erinacei (Anoplocephalidae) and an unidentified cestode larva in the mesentery, eight species of nematodes: Aonchotheca erinacei (Trichuridae) in the intestine, spirurids (Spiruridae) in the intestine, Crenosoma striatum (Crenosomatidae) in the lungs, Gongylonema mucronatum (Gongylonematidae) in the oesophagus, Physaloptera clausa (Physalopteridae) in the stomach, Physaloptera sp. larvae (Physalopteridae) in the mesentery, Pterygodermatites plagiostoma (Rictulariidae) in the stomach, Spirura rytipleurites seurati (Spiruridae) in the intestine; and two acanthocephalans, Moniliformis moniliformis (Moniliformidae) in the intestine and larvae of an unknown acanthocephalan species in the mesentery. The general prevalence was high in both hosts, 92% in Atelerix algirus and 94.12% in Paraechinus aethiopicus. Physaloptera clausa was the most prevalent species (64.0% in Atelerix algirus and 64.7% in Paraechinus aethiopicus). Polyparasitism of helminths was 68% in Atelerix algirus and 52.9% in Paraechinus aethiopicus. Two coccidian species were detected in both hedgehogs, Isospora sp. and Eimeria sp. We provide the first complete parasitological data from Africa for these two hedgehogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hedgehogs have become a popular pet despite their potential role in zoonotic disease transmission. We conducted an entomological study in a mountainous region of northeast Algeria in which we collected 387 fleas (Archeopsylla erinacei) and 342 ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Haemaphysalis erinacei) from Paraechinus aethiopicus and Atelerix algirus hedgehogs. Of the hedgehogs sampled, 77.7% and 91% were infested with fleas and ticks, respectively. Significantly more ticks and fleas were collected from A. algirus than from P. aethiopicus. Rickettsia felis was detected in 95.5% of fleas and R. massiliae was detected in 6.25% of Rh. sanguineus ticks by molecular tools. A new Rickettsia species of the spotted fever group was detected in 11.25% of Rh. sanguineus and in 77% of H. erinacei ticks. Overall, we show that hedgehogs can act as hosts for ectoparasites infected with several rickettsial agents. These data justify a more detailed investigation of animal reservoirs for Rickettsiae. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of VertigO is the property of La Revue Electronique en Sciences de l'Environnement VertigO and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The present study was aimed to test the purifier capacities of a helophyte plant, and herein the cattail (Typha latifolia) has been used to purify the raw wastewaters through monitoring the contamination physico-chemical and parasitological indicators following various stay periods. The experimental pilot scheme is composed of three planted trays of young Typha stem. Each one was retained, respectively a treatment period of 7, 14 and 21 days. The supply of planted systems are exclusively occurred through the release of wastewaters in Medjerda river (discharge of river).The results have shown that these helophytes lead to the neutralization of pH, along with decrease in electrical conductivity of raw wastewaters. The monitoring of the purifying performances of the three systems shows that the third planted tray ensure an important elimination of the total suspended matter (TSS) at 97.6% and the turbidity (92.4%), which showed to be efficient in removing the organic charge with a reduction in BOD5 (90.1%), COD (92.66%) and the nutrients (NH4+: 88.54% and PO43-: 91.9%). Moreover, the concentrations of these chemicals do not exceed the national (J.O.R.A) and international (WHO, FAO) standards for the irrigation water. Regarding the parasite load, the three planted trays lead to the elimination of the total parasitic helminth eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Medicinal plants are considered as a rich source of bioactive compounds. The present study aimed to document the local knowledge of medicinal plants' use by traditional healers in Mascara, North-west Algeria. Materials and methods The present study was carried out in Mascara (North West of Algeria). Ethnobotanical data were recorded from 43 traditional healers practicing in Mascara. Data collected was analysed using quantitative indices such as the use value (UV), fidelity level (FL) and Informant Consensus Factor ( F IC ). Results Traditional healers reported 141 medicinal plant species belonging to 54 families and 125 genera for the treatment of different ailments grouped into 14 ailments categories. Lamiaceae were the most represented family with 19 species (13.57%) followed by Asteracea , Apiaceae and Fabaceae. Thymus vulgaris L. was the most frequently used by local informants, with the highest UV of 0.883 (38 use reports). Our findings revealed that 39 species have not been previously reported as medicinal plants in the region. Furthermore, we report for the first time a total of 100 new therapeutic uses for 37 known plant species. F IC values ranged from 0.125 to 0.658. Gastro-intestinal diseases had the highest F IC (0.658) with 60 species and 261 use reports. Conclusion The present study revealed the important local knowledge as showed by the variety of species used to treat several ailments. Recorded species with high UV should be subjects of further pharmacological studies to validate their popular use and to isolate the bioactive compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Late Panafrican evolution of the Hoggar shield is characterized by emplacement of magmatic intrusions and by occurrence of major shear zones separating different terranes. In Telloukh granite is close to the In Guezzam faults (western border of the Tin Serririne basin). Analysis of its visible and magnetic fabrics suggests an emplacement mode and deformation that are not related to the In Guezzam faults, but most likely to a N–S compression, an event not yet identified. Dioritic dykes crosscutting the granite have a very different magnetic fabric, which is related on the contrary to dextral strike-slip movements along the In Guezzam faults. In both cases, no visible fabric can be correlated with the magnetic fabric, which has been likely acquired during late magmatic stages. This magnetic fabric was not significantly affected by the tectonic events that took place after entire crystallization of the magma. The In Guezzam faults and the major 7°30 and 4°50 shear zones are close to intrusions such as In Telloukh dykes and the Alous En Tides and Tesnou plutons where quite similar magnetic fabrics are observed, all related with dextral strike-slip movements along these structures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A paleomagnetic study has been conducted on intrusive doleritic rocks cropping out within Devonian horizontal tabular formations of the Saharan craton (Tin Serririne basin, South of Hoggar shield). The 40K/40Ar dating of the dolerites gave an age of 347.6±8.1Ma, i.e. Tournaisian. The paleomagnetic data present three different directions. The first has a paleomagnetic pole close to the previous African poles of Permian age. This direction is therefore interpreted as a Permian remagnetization. The second direction, which is defined by both linear regression and remagnetization circles analysis, is considered as the primary magnetization. It yields a new African Tournaisian paleomagnetic pole (λ =18.8° S, ϕ =31.2° E, K =29, A 95 =7.5°) very close to the Ben Zireg Tounaisian pole [Aifa, T., Feinberg, H., Pozzi, J.P., 1990. Devonian/Carboniferous paleopoles for Africa. Consequences for Hercynian geodynamics. Tectonophysics, 179, 288–304]. The third direction has intermediate orientation between those of the first or second directions and that of the Upper Cenozoic field. It is interpreted as related to a composite magnetization. This new Tin Serririne pole improves the APWP of Gondwana, for this key period of the evolution of the Pangea. This APWP confirms the previous paleogeographic reconstruction which shows that the pre-Hercynian ocean between Gondwana and Laurussia is still not close during the beginning of the Carboniferous. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background & Objectives: West Nile virus (WNV) is considered one of the most widely distributed arboviruses in the world which is transmitted by several mosquito species including the Culex genus. Culex pipiens is the major vector of this virus in Europe and USA whereas in African countries, other species such as Cx. perexiguus is considered as an important vector. This paper aimed to study the mosquito species involved in WNV transmission in Aougrout, one of the highly populated Oasis of Timimoun Province in Algeria where human WNV neuroinvasive diseases are prevalent., Methods: CDC light-traps were installed in animal and human shelters for three nights. Collected mosquitoes were pooled and real-time PCR was performed to detect and identify WNV lineages 1 and 2 in the samples. Results: CDC light-traps collected 270 mosquitoes belonging to three genera. Culex genus was predominant with Cx. perexiguus as main species followed by Aedes and Anopheles genus. A total of 33 pools were tested; one pool containing Cx. perexiguus was found positive for WNV lineage 1., Interpretation & Conclusion: This study reports for the first time a WNV natural infection of Culex perexiguus in the study region indicating that species other than Cx. pipiens should be taken into consideration in WNV surveillance, especially in specific environments like Saharan Oasis ecosystem., Competing Interests: None

The compositions of the essential oils isolated from the aerial parts of tree Mediterranean populations of Laurus nobilis L. collected during the flowering phase on Tunisia, Algeria and France, were studied by GC and GC-MS. The analysis has allowed identifying 54 components. The main components were 1,8-cineole, alpha-terpinyl acetate (10-18.6%), methyl eugenol (10-22.1%), sabinene (1.2-8%), eugenol (1.2-11.7%) alpha-pinene (tr-4.5%) and beta-pinene (0.4-4.2%). The monoterpene fraction was dominant in all the oils analysed and consisted mainly of oxygenated monoterpenes. The oils from the tree populations studied showed a clear chemical polymorphism. The principal component and the hierarchical cluster analyses separated the Laurus nobilis leaf essential oils into three groups.

Isolation of essential oil from dried and ground leaves of Laurus nobilis L. from Algeria and Tunisia were obtained with two different methods: by means of classical hydrodistillation (HD) and by using carbon dioxide in the supercritical state (SFE). The effect of extraction pressure on the yield and composition of the L. nobilis volatile oil is examined. The best extraction conditions were as follows: pressure, 9.0 MPa; temperature, 323.15 K; 4 h of extraction and carbon dioxide flow, Phi = 1.2 kg h(-1). Waxes were entrapped in the first separator set at 9.0 MPa and 263.15 K. The oil was recovered in the second separator working at 2.0 bar and 288.15 K. GC/MS analysis of the leaves' volatile oil revealed that it mainly consisted of: 1,8-cineole, linalool, alpha-terpinyl acetate, methyl eugenol and sabinene. The comparison with the hydrodistilled oil did not reveal any big difference. The collection of samples at different extraction times during supercritical extraction allowed us to monitor the change of the oil composition. On the matrice exhaust owing to a SFE at 9.0 MPa, one further extraction at 323.15 K and 24.0 MPa was performed to obtain a mixture of compounds with higher molecular weight. Finally, the antibacterial and antifungal activity of the various extracts has been assayed.