Search

This paper discusses the role of labor force in industrialization in Algeria by entering the spending in education as a mediator variable. From a theoretical point of view, there are good grounds for believing that labor force can play an important role in promoting industrialization, but if education had been incorporated in manufacturing, this will facilitate the conduct of manufacturing operations. At this, the authors will use the method of Path Analysis in order to calculate the impact of the labor force on industrialization in Algeria with the presence of education expenditure as a variable mediator during the period from 1970 to 2014. It is therefore concluded that education expenditure plays an important mediator role in the enhancement of workforce's capacity to strengthen manufacturing in Algeria during the study period.

Several Mediterranean fisheries are experiencing flaws in the application of the management system based on input control, including Algeria, where the state of fisheries and stocks remain unclear. This paper focused on the characterization of the catches from bottom trawling by professional fishing vessels in the Mostaganem fishery (West of Algeria). Catch data were collected on board between 2017 and 2020 in two different fishing areas between isobaths 30 and 100 meters in depth. Out of a total of 87 species caught, discards represented a greater variety of species (74) than landings (57). Quantitatively, the landing weights were estimated at 7.8 tons, while the discard weights were lower, accounting for 1.8 tons. Between the two fishing areas, a significant difference was detected in the composition of discards and landings, while for the weights, the two areas were similar. Generally, the Mostaganem fishery is similar to other bottom trawl Mediterranean fisheries both for target and discard species. Otherwise, this research highlighted the existence of an uncontrolled black market, which sustains the practice of illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing, and potentially increases the rate of overexploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water can be a boon as well as be scarce or cause floods. Indeed, floods account for more than 80 per cent of natural disasters recorded in the world between 1996 and 2006, causing damage (human, economic, etc.) on the one hand and changing the image of the city on the other hand. In a developing country such as Algeria, which has been confronted with a 'crisis of the past, a crisis of the present and a crisis of the future', it is difficult to see how this situation can be resolved. The aim of this study is therefore to warn of potential future risks, particularly floods, through an in-depth analysis of the vulnerability of natural risks in urban areas in Algeria — in particular the Annaba metropolitan region. The rate of urbanisation of flood-prone areas remains high in the greater Annaba area. The State's new orthodoxy is largely based on reducing the vulnerability of goods and people to flood risk, which should not be systematically synonymous with the unbuildability or freezing of territories subject to risk. The challenge is to control the urbanisation of the most exposed areas, while allowing the urban and economic renewal of already urbanised or least exposed areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dialects have received bigger interest in recent years as they are increasingly used on the web and social media. Because Algerian Arabic dialects suffer from a lack of appropriate speech corpora for speech recognition, a rich dialect corpus is needed to approach Algerian Accent recognition. The latter remains a key feature in the field of Forensic Voice Comparison (FVC) systems. This paper presents a new large-scale forensic Algerian speech corpus called Sawt El-Djazaïr. An important criterion in dealing with forensic corpora is the presence of session variability. For this purpose, we collected celebrity recordings in various regions of Algeria, from different social networks, in various scenarios, and at different times. In addition, we also recorded 87 participants using cellular calls and voice over IP (VoIP) applications including Viber, WhatsApp, and Google Meet. The corpus of approximately 50 hours covers various speech topics and is spoken in twelve Algerian sub-dialects. The design guidelines of the proposed corpus are described along with the grouping of dialects across different geographical locations. Sawt El-Djazaïr is available to the research community upon request. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rainfall-flow modeling remains necessary, even essential, to understand the dynamics of a watershed and to solve problems related to the disruption of hydrological regimes. It has been proven effective by providing solutions to many water-related problems, such as sizing and management of structures, and flood forecasting. Global hydrological models can simulate the transformation of rainfall data into flows on natural basins for many practical applications in the field of water resource management. Our study aims to evaluate the reliability of one of these models, that of Rural Engineering 'GR' at three time steps: annual (GR1A), monthly (GR2M), and daily (GR4J), which will be applied to the Beni Bahdel watershed with an area of 1040 km², one of the sub-basins of Northwestern Algeria. The input parameters are precipitation and potential evapotranspiration (PET), and the output parameters are flows. The results obtained, both in calibration and validations, are encouraging, where the evaluation criteria taken into consideration, namely the Nash criterion and the correlation coefficient, exceeded 70% and 0.80 respectively. The study could be a decision-making tool for the simulation of flows, and be very useful for future hydraulic developments in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our objective was to analyze and assess the extra-articular manifestations (EAMs) associated with the ankylosing spondylitis in Western Algeria. 292 patients diagnosed with AS at the level of rehabilitation department of Hassani Abdelkader Hospital of Sidi Bel Abbes region were enrolled. Studied parameters were: age, gender, disease duration, disease age onset, morning stiffness, joint involvements, laboratory data, disease activity, and treatments. All data were processed and analyzed via SPSS 22.0. 105) Algerian AS patients with EAMs) and 187 without EAMs were involved. The average disease duration was of 7.72 ± 4.970 and 6.55 ± 3.613 years in the EAMs and without EAMs groups, respectively. The group without EAMs suffered more from their lumbar (77%) and high inflammatory parameters (63.1% CRP positive), and most of them were smokers 20 (10.7%). However, EAMs patients' suffered the most from their joint (20% Vs 9.6 had knees affection and 41.9% Vs 25.7% had hips affection, respectively). High disease activity was more noted in EAMs group (52.4% VS 43.3%). Uveitis (AAU) and psoriasis (PsO) were the most common EAMs reported in AS patients and were significantly associated with radiological joint damage and duration morning stiffness p<0.05. In AS Algerian patients, uveitis was the most common reported EAMs with higher radiological joint damage, high inflammatory parameters and high disease activity score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Albardine (Lygeum spartum L.) is one of the major native grass species of the semi-arid and arid regions of the Mediterranean basin. In Algeria, it is much more widespread on the high plateaus of southern Oranais. This species occupies an important place in the steppe region because it has many ecological, economic, and fodder interests. The present work aims to study the tolerance of L. spartum seeds to water and salt stress, two abiotic factors that affect the physiology of the plant during the germinal stage. The methodology adopted consists of using increasing concentrations under a controlled temperature (15°C) for 21 days of germination. The germination responses of the seeds to different degrees of salt stress induced by NaCl (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 g/l) and water stress induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG;−2, -4, -6, -8, −10 bar), showed that the salt and water stresses retarded the germination rate of L. spartum L. seeds and also decreased their percentage during the time of the experiment. However, seeds soaked in distilled water (control) recorded a maximum germination rate of 80%. The results of this study show that L. spartum seeds are moderately salt and drought tolerant with a depressive effect on germination rate at a salt concentration of 10g/l and an osmotic pressure of −10 bar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The North-Western Sahara Aquifer System (NWSAS) is a complex multi-layered aquifer system with extraordinary continental groundwater reserves. This largest aquifer in the world straddles three countries: Algeria, Libya, and Tunisia. It contains more than 50,000 billion cubic meters of water; of which 70% is in Algerian territory in the southeast of the country. This water is the result of accumulation over 1 million years. In the Wadi Mya basin (Algeria), this system is characterized by two overlaid aquifer systems: the complex terminal (CT), a shallow aquifer housed in the Senonian-Eocene and Mio-Pliocene formations, and the continental intercalary (CI), a deep aquifer hosted in the Albian, Aptian and Barremian formations. The main purpose of this study is to carry out a correlation between the geochemical composition of the water and the facies of the aquifer formation. The adopted approach will allow deciphering the hydro-chemical relationships between the different levels of the two aquifer systems in the Wadi Mya basin. To acquire the chemical composition of water, the study method goes through a targeted sampling and physicochemical analysis of water followed by a statistical analysis as well as correlation and geochemical modelling: the interpretation of specific diagrams (Piper), correlations between chemical elements in binary graphs, and principal component analysis (PCA). The performed geochemical modelling by examining the saturation index and chemical balance of water helps to better understand the origin of mineralization, elucidate the mixing of waters originating from different aquifers, as well as highlight the relationship between deep and shallow aquifers in the Wadi Mya Basin hydrodynamic conversion. The obtained results indicate that the overall mineralization occurring within the study area is dominated by sodium chloride and calcium chloride-sulfate facies. This can be explained by the dissolution of halite, gypsum, and anhydrite evaporitic rocks, intercalated in the aquifer matrix besides the effects of the extended stay of fossil waters with low recharging and cation exchange reactions resulting from water-rock interactions. The interference recorded between the geochemical signatures of the two aquifers favors the hypothesis of interconnection between aquifers through fractures. Through the implementation of such academic research, this invaluable source of life will stay sustainable for future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of agriculture to the detriment of the forest is one of the strongest pressures, essentially anthropogenic. The particularity of this study was that the traditional agricultural practice used was low intensity agriculture (fallow period) since the first conversion. The experiment was conducted in the Keroua forest, Saïda Province, north-western Algeria. Soil samples from two experimental areas were collected at depths ranging from 0 to 10 cm. The findings came from the statistical analysis of the data, some of which revealed the sensitivity of this ecosystem. The conversion of the forest soil to agricultural land increased the alkalinity of the soil (pHH2O increased by 0.16 units), and the acidification of the soil with a significant decrease in pHKCl values (by 0.24 units). Moreover, the organic matter content in the converted soil decreased by more than 50%, while the physical characteristics changed slightly with a decrease in moisture content and water holding capacity and an increase in bulk and real density. Meanwhile, the permeability and total porosity did not change in the two areas. For biological properties, basal respiration and microbial biomass decreased by more than 45% in the converted soil compared to the forest soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven date seeds cultivars, Deglet Nour, Degla Baïdha, Fakht, Ghars, Hamraya, Tafezouin and Takermost were provided from Algerian Sahara. Some of these Algerian date seeds were studied for the first time (Fakht, Hamraya and Takermost). The biochemical characterization of these date seeds were studied, including fatty acids and minerals profiles. The results showed that date seeds are a good source of carbohydrates and crude cellulose, with averages of 66.63 and 13.20%, respectively. They are also a good source of proteins, with the cultivar Deglet Nour seeds as the richest one (9.27 ± 0.03%). The main fatty acid for all date seeds oils is oleic acid except for Deglet Nour in which lauric acid is the main one. However, the studied date seed oils could be classified as oleic-lauric oil. Potassium was the highest mineral in all date seeds cultivars, with values ranging from 2700 to 2900 mg/Kg, followed by sodium and iron. These results indicate that date seeds have good nutritional value with different compositions among cultivars. It could be concluded that date seeds could be considered as a good opportunity for their technological and industrial valorization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ectoparasites are commonly the largest group of fish pathogenic organisms, and among these, crustaceans cause considerable pathogenic effects on farmed freshwater fishes. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of parasitic copepods on the growth of Carassuis carassuis, from the Beni-Haroun Dam, Mila city, Northeast Algeria. The study was conducted on 242 fish individuals sampled between July 2015 - October 2016. The sex was macroscopically determined and age was specified by the scalimetry method. The identified gill ectoparasites were six ectoparasitic species belonging to four genera and two families, namely Ergasilus briani, E. megaceros, E. sieboldi, Paraergasilus brevigiditus, Neoergasilus japonicas and Lernea cyprinacea. Further, the fishes growth under the effect of parasitic copepods was carried out by the mathematical method of Von Bertalanffy, and accordingly, the growth parameters in C. carassuis w ere L∞ = 34.1 cm; K = 0.65; t0 =-1.01; Ø' = 2.87, in the non-parasitized fishes, and L&#8734;= 29.47 cm; K=0.92; t0= -0.80; Ø'= 2.90, in the parasitized fishes. In addition, the parasites slow down the absolute growth in length of the parasitized fishes which, in turn, suffer from a drop in their condition factor (K = 1.26) compared to the non-parasitized fishes (K = 1.34). The evolution of the total weight of the studied fishes in relation to their length revealed minor allometry (b<3) for the non-parasitized and parasitized fishes (without distinction between the two sexes). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article seeks to provide a scientific and critical reading on Algerian diplomatic behavior towards the ongoing Libyan crisis between the government of Tripoli and the military officer Khalifa Haftar, and their supporters from regional and international powers, especially with the suggestion to send the Algerian army out of its borders for deliberation. With systematic analysis of the data related to Algerian diplomatic activity through documented statements and statistics, the researcher has reached several conclusions. The most important of these is that Algeria is seeking political solutions, intensifying diplomatic efforts rather of military solutions and security approaches. Also taking a single distance from all parties, including international forces, which are intervening or seeking to intervene in Libya; public references in direct or indirect ways to the proposal to send an Algerian military force outside its borders with the consent of the United Nations, which constitutes proactive behavior against future military problems and is not exclusively linked to Libya's crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently, Candida auris is among the most serious emerging pathogens that can be associated with nosocomial infections and outbreaks in intensive care units. Clinicians must be able to identify and manage it quickly. Objective: Here, we report for the first time in Algeria seven cases of C. auris infection or colonisation. Methods and Results: The strains were isolated from clinical sites including bronchial aspirates (n = 4), wound swabs (n = 1), urine sample (n = 1) and peritoneal fluid (n = 1), in patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Candida auris was identified both by MALDI‐TOF and by sequencing the ITS region and the D1/D2 domain. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed using the E‐test method. Non‐wildtype susceptibility was observed for five strains against fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole and caspofungin. Genotyping showed the presence of four clades (I–IV) in one hospital. Conclusions: Appropriate antifungal treatments with rapid and accurate microbial identification are the cornerstone for the management and control of C. auris infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has spread rapidly, infecting more than 194 million and killing more than 4 million people worldwide. Algeria has not escaped this scourge; according to World Health Organization (WHO), 162,155 confirmed cases and 4,063 deaths have been recorded from 3rd January 2020 to 26th July 2021. Recent studies have indicated the critical role of an altered immune system, and oxidative stress in the pathological process contributing to several complications during COVID-19 disease. Aim: To determine blood markers, oxidant/antioxidant status and biochemical parameters in patients highly recovered from COVID-19 and compare with those who have never contracted COVID-19; considered as controls. Materials and Methods: The present case-control study was conducted in Tiaret, Algeria, between May 2021 and June 2021. Thirty healthy volunteers who had never contracted COVID-19 and 16 volunteers who recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months were included in the study. Blood samples were taken after 8 to 12 hours of fasting, the blood markers and biochemical parameters were evaluated. The participant with chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease) was excluded. Student's t-test was performed for statistical comparison between the two groups. Statistical analysis was performed using Excel Microsoft 2010 software. results. The control group consisted of 46.7% male (n=14) and 53.3% females (n=16). While, the case group consisted of 62.5% males (n=10) and 37.5% females (n=6). The plasma levels of Low Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol (LDL-C), p-value=0.004** and creatinine increased very significantly in the cases compared to the controls. While, total cholesterol, p-value=0.04* and Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (GPT), p-value=0.03* increased significantly in the case group on comparision to the control group. On the other hand, erythrocyte Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, p-value=0.009** increased very significantly in the case group compared to controls. The erythrocyte activity catalase decreased highly significantly in the case group compared to the controls. But erythrocyte Reduced glutathione (GSH) decreased very significantly in group cases compared to controls. conclusion: The findings in the present study confirmed the persistence of metabolic alterations and oxidative stress in COVID-19 patients after recovery. Antioxidant supplementation is recommended to improve redox status and reduce oxidative stress after recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease, primarily affecting young women of childbearing age. SLE is rare in the elderly and represents clinico-biological characteristics in this age group different from those of young patients. Objectives: To determine the clinical-biological and prognostic specificities of 12 cases of SLE emerged after the age of 50 years and compare them with some cases of early-onset SLE. Methods: On a total of 203 SLE patients, 12 cases aged of 50 years and above were examined. All SLE patients were who had been diagnosed according to the ACR and SLICC criteria and followed up during 2006 - 2019 in two western Algeria hospitals. Results: Twelve patients with late SLE were diagnosed during the research period. The mean age of attack in this age group was 59.17 ± 11.10 years, and the mean age of clinical diagnosis was 67.67 ± 10.95 years. Among the concerned cases, ten patients (83.3%) were postmenopausal women, and two participants weremen (16.7%) with an F/M gender ratio of 5 : 1. Themean duration of follow-up was 8.5 ± 4.33 years. The most frequent revealing clinico-serological characteristics were dermatological, articular, hematological, and pulmonary damage (58.3%, 91.7%, 58.3%, and 33.3% respectively), the positivity of anti-dsDNA antibodies (75%), anti-Sm/anti-SSA (41.7%), and hypocomplementemia (25%). Moreover, renal and neuropsychiatric damage was rare after the age of 50 years. The leading cause of death was stroke, with a significantly higher mortality rate in the elderly group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: SLE in the elderly is rare, its diagnosis may be delayed due to the insidious onset, and its low prevalence and similarity and comorbidity with other more common disorders make its diagnosis difficult, especially in this subgroup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Continental Intercalaire (CI) groundwaters of the Tidikelt (In-Salah region) are characterized by a high salinity and ion concentrations higher than the maximum standards for drinkability. The total dissolved solids range from 850 to 3390 mg L–1 for conductivities ranging from 1470 to 6780 μS cm–1. Their chemical facies is dominated by Cl–, SO42– and Na+, respectively. Alkali ions, Cl– and SO42– are acquired through the dissolution of Halite (NaCl) and Gypsum (CaSO4, 2H2O). CI waters have depleted δ values for 18O and 2H, corresponding to a cold end-member. This is an indication of a very homogeneous aquifer which is similar to what was observed for the CI in the eastern sub-basin (Great Oriental Erg) and for palaeowaters elsewhere in the Middle-East and Libya. Tritium analyses show that these waters are all very weakly tritiated, which is a testimony of the non-renewed character for these waters. Both δ13C and 14C measured on more than a dozen of samples also show that CI groundwaters are old, with ages comprised between 19,000 and 35,000 years with an average δ13C of –10 ‰. This means that these waters are derived from old precipitation whose features were totally different from the very scarce prevailing ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actinobacteria originated from extreme ecosystems remains the most interesting source of new antibiotics. An actinobacterial strain, named AHO23, was isolated from Ahaggar region soil in Algeria, using the dilution agar plating method with chitin-vitamins B medium supplemented with nalidixic acid and actidione. The morphological characteristics showed that strain AHO23 belonged to the genus Saccharothrix. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of this strain AHO23 showed 98.95% of similarity with the closely related species Saccharothrix xinjiangensis NBRC 101911T. AHO23 exhibited a strong activity against Gram-negative bacteria (15-36 mm), as well as good activity against Gram-positive bacteria (29-34 mm). Candida albicans (ATCC10237) was also inhibited (20 mm). Moreover, AHO23 presented a strong activity against mycotoxigenic and phytopathogenic fungi (21-36 mm), with the highest activity (36 mm) against Fusarium culmorum. Bioactive metabolites from AHO23 culture on ISP2 medium were extracted using four organics solvents: n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl-acetate and nbutanol. The highest antibacterial activities were detected in the n-butanol extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The establishment of the general cadastre in Algeria and the constitution of the land register were undertaken, in 1977 and first of all, in the northern regions of the national territory, in rural and urban areas, as well as in the urban areas of the southern regions. This project covers a vast territory covering the so-called 'steppe' areas and is part of a research framework for technical solutions relating to the exploitation of the imagery of the ALSAT2 satellite for the maintenance of the graphic databases of the steppe land register, this, by determining the informative capacities that this image possesses in terms of identifying objects corresponding to part or all of the land holdings. The information extracted will be an integral part of a multi-source Land Information System SIF (cadastral data, planning data and ortho-image database). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to establish an overview of medicinal plants in the Saida and El Bayadh regions through a survey of herbalists. Our survey included more than 60 herbalists spread over the territory of two Wilayas (provinces), in an area representing more than 3% of Algerian territory. At the same time, and when conditions permitted, families were interviewedand their answers most often guided our survey. In addition, we collected information on: traditional herbalists, the most exploited species, areas of origin, periods and quantities exploited, as well as the influence of this mode of exploitationon present and future biodiversity in these regions. Analysis of the data showed that threats to the biological diversity of medicinal plants mainly included human actions and natural changes. Herbalists practise this trade mostly by inheritance and they are willing to train in the field of herbalism. The frequency of use of medicinal plants as alternative medicine is very important in the social life of populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The vanA gene continues to spread throughout the world. Algeria does not seem to be spared, but the data, which remain sporadic, are also old. This has justified the overriding interest in exploring the current state of antibiotic resistance in Enterococci, while focusing on the presence of certain genes. Aim: To study the isolation frequency and the level of antibiotic resistance of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) and Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium) isolated during two years at the Tlemcen Hospital (northwest Algeria), while investigating the possible presence of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE). Materials and Methods: The present study was a prospective study in which Enterococcus spp was isolated from five different departments which were identified and confirmed by molecular identification with 'tuf' gene. Antibiotic sensitivity was done by the agar diffusion and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) method. The vancomycin resistance genes (van A, van B) were researched by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and then sequenced by the Genoscreen laboratory in Lille (France). SPSS software version 20 (IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistics 20) was used to analyse the data obtained from the study. Results: The PCR of the "tuf" gene revealed two predominant species E. faecalis and E. faecium. All isolates have a multidrug resistance, two E. faecium were distinguished by their resistance to vancomycin with MICs >256 µg/mL. At the origin of this resistance, the vanA gene was characterised and sequenced; the obtained sequence has been introduced into the Genbank National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. Conclusion: This work revealed alarming levels of antibiotic resistance in Enterococci, the vanA gene was found in two E. faecium; sequencing of this gene has revealed a total homology with another isolated in Cuba, which demonstrates a worldwide spread of this resistance gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: the aim of our study was to precise the epidemiological, clinicobiological, immunological, and evolutionary profile of systemic lupus erythematosus in Algerian men. Methods: A retrospective multicenter study was carried out on 19 Algerian male lupus patients, diagnosed according to the ACR and SLICC criteria and followed between 2006 and 2019 on a total of 203 cases of systemic lupus erythematosus in western Algeria. Results: 203 SLE patients were included, 19 men (9.4%) and 184 women (90.6%) with F/ M sex ratio of 9.68 / 1. The mean age at diagnosis was 33 ± 9.49 years. The most frequent clinical manifestations were joint involvement (84.2%), cutaneous (68.4%) and hematological disorder (63.2%). 15.8% had lupus nephropathies with the predominance of class IV; Raynaud's syndrome and neuropsychiatric involvement were found in 26.3%. Comparison of these results with those of 184 lupus women showed a significant frequency of mucosal ulcer (p=0.000011) and neuropsychiatric damage in men (p=0.011), while alopecia in women (p=0.021). As well, hypocomplementemia (p=0.0004), anti -Sm antibodies (p=0.053) and anti Ribosome (p=0.028) were more frequent in men; while anti-SSA (p=0.003) and anti-SSB (p=0.011) antibodies were more frequent in women. Survival of lupus men was equal to 100% throughout the studied period. Conclusion: Male lupus is rare. The Algerian man suffers from SLE in a less severe form compared to other data in the literature, which is manifested by a lower frequency of organ damage and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We here report the oldest remains (teeth) of the African tigerfish ( Hydrocynus) from the Oued Méridja and Garet Dermchane sections, Hamada of Méridja deposits, in southwestern Algeria. The tigerfish, a large carnivorous fish today represented by several species in the freshwaters of Africa, was previously found in upper middle to upper Eocene deposits in Egypt and Libya. The remains described here are several million years older, being early to middle Eocene in age, and are associated with other fish elements including lungfish, polypterid, amiiform, possible cichlid, and Alestes and Brycinus material, along with several fish elements that cannot be associated with a specific taxon and some fragmentary amphibian bones. This represents the first detailed description of a freshwater fish assemblage from the Eocene of Algeria, although a short list of fish taxa from Eocene Algerian deposits was previously reported. Furthermore, these new Algerian fossils allow us to assess the hypothesized existence of an east-west or west-east hydrological connection between eastern and western parts of northern Africa. We suggest that the shared presence of tigerfish in the Eocene deposits of Algeria, Libya, and Egypt does not necessarily indicate a permanent (i.e., nonseasonal) connection east-west or west-east among these areas. Rather, the observed faunal similarities could have been the result of seasonal flooding that caused the dispersal of Hydrocynus and associated taxa across coastal flood plains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian urolithiasis is one of the major causes of mortality in poultry. However, in Algeria this condition has never been described. An outbreak of avian urolithiasis was observed on a large commercial egg complex in the department of Chlef (West of Algeria). The clinical features of this condition are to be described. Mortality associated to urolithiasis started at the onset of egg production, estimated to 0.7 % per week. Urolithiasis induced an egg drop estimated to 12%. Dead and live layers were both necropsied and examined for kidney lesions. Most of the birds examined presented enlarged ureters, renal atrophy and visceral gout deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the Algerian Arabic Speech Database (ALGASD), a Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) speech corpus composed of utterances pronounced by 300 Algerian native speakers selected from eleven regions of Algeria. One of the objectives of this corpus design is to be representative of the regional accents of MSA spoken in Algeria. Useful information related to the speakers, such as gender, age, and education level, is provided. This paper also reports the results of the Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) application of the corpus and outlines an original global monophone recognition model designed to handle linguistic variability. The global phone recognition rate for this ASR reference system is satisfactory and may constitute a useful baseline ASR system dedicated to MSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The main purpose of this article is to discuss the use of GPS positioning together with a gravimetrically determined geoid, for deriving orthometric heights in the North of Algeria, for which a limited number of GPS stations with known orthometric heights are available, and to check, by the same opportunity, the possibility of substituting the classical spirit levelling. For this work, 247 GPS stations which are homogeneously distributed and collected from the international TYRGEONET project, as well as the local GPS/Levelling surveys, have been used. The GPS/Levelling geoidal heights are obtained by connecting the points to the levelling network while gravimetric geoidal heights were interpolated from the geoid model computed by the Geodetic Laboratory of the National Centre of Spatial Techniques from gravity data supplied by BGI. However, and in order to minimise the discordances, systematic errors and datum inconsistencies between the available height data sets, we have tested two parametric models of corrector surface: a four parameter transformation and a third polynomial model are used to find the adequate functional representation of the correction that should be applied to the gravimetric geoid. The comparisons based on these GPS campaigns prove that a good fit between the geoid model and GPS/levelling data has been reached when the third order polynomial was used as corrector surface and that the orthometric heights can be deducted from GPS observations with an accuracy acceptable for the low order levelling network densification. In addition, the adopted methodology has been also applied for the altimetric auscultation of a storage reservoir situated at 40km from the town of Oran. The comparison between the computed orthometric heights and observed ones allowed us to affirm that the alternative of levelling by GPS is attractive for this auscultation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The informal urban margins within towns and cities of the South imply the need for a command of the situation and solutions involving regulanzation procedures reorganization, then rehousing for the families concemed. The example set out in this work is disconcerting in that the prescribed solutions emanating from the public authorities only aggravate the marginal situation of the poorest by moving them from within the city to a marshland site far from the centre. A review of the production and treatment of urban margin situations during the colonial period puts what has happened more than two decades since independence into perspective, helps understand the mechanisms and modes of production of this rehousing called "Nedjma", implanted eight kilometres from Oran, Algeria's second largest city. How could the public authorities have initiated this programme and "sell" it as a measure for combating marginality, an operation whose publicly announced virtues were to relieve families in difficulty? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of clostridia strains in a hospital environment in Algeria and to evaluate their antimicrobial susceptibility to antibiotics and biocides. (2) Methods: Five hundred surface samples were collected from surfaces in the intensive care unit and surgical wards in the University Hospital of Tlemcen, Algeria. Bacterial identification was carried out using MALDI-TOF-MS, and then the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of various antimicrobial agents were determined by the E-test method. P. sordellii toxins were searched by enzymatic and PCR assays. Seven products intended for daily disinfection in the hospitals were tested against Clostridium spp. spore collections. (3) Results: Among 100 isolates, 90 P. sordellii were identified, and all strains were devoid of lethal and hemorrhagic toxin genes. Beta-lactam, linezolid, vancomycin, tigecycline, rifampicin, and chloramphenicol all proved effective against isolated strains. Among all strains tested, the spores of P. sordellii exhibited remarkable resistance to the tested biocides compared to other Clostridium species. The (chlorine-based 0.6%, 30 min), (glutaraldehyde solution 2.5%, 30 min), and (hydrogen peroxide/peracetic acid 3%, 15 min) products achieved the required reduction in spores. (4) Conclusions: Our hospital's current cleaning and disinfection methods need to be optimized to effectively remove spores from caregivers' hands, equipment, and surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus aureus causes a foodborne intoxication due to the production of enterotoxins and shows antimicrobial resistance, as in the case of methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA). Herein, we analyzed 207 ready-to-eat foods collected in Algeria, reporting a S. aureus prevalence of 23.2% (48/207) and respective loads of coagulase positive staphylococci (CPS) ranging from 1.00 ± 0.5 to 5.11 ± 0.24 Log CFU/g. The 48 S. aureus isolates were widely characterized by staphylococcal enterotoxin gene (SEg)-typing and 16S-23S rDNA intergenic spacer region (ISR)-PCR, as well as by detecting tst and mecA genes, genetic determinants of toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 and methicillin resistance, respectively. We found that the S. aureus isolates belonged to seven different SEg-types harboring the following combinations of genes: (1) selW, selX; (2) egc (seG, seI, seM, seN, seO), selW, selX; (3) seA, seH, seK, seQ, selW, selX; (4) seB, selW, selX; (5) seD, selJ, seR, selW, selX; (6) seH, selW, selX, selY; and (7) seA, egc, selW, selX, while among these, 2.1% and 4.2% were tst- and mecA- (staphylococcal chromosomal cassette mec-type IV) positive, respectively. Selected strains belonging to the 12 detected ISR-types were resistant towards antimicrobials including benzylpenicillin, ofloxacin, erythromycin, lincomycin, tetracyclin, kanamycin, oxacillin, and cefoxitin; 8.3% (1/12) were confirmed as MRSA and 16.7% (2/12) were multidrug resistant. The present study shows the heterogeneity of the S. aureus population in Algerian ready-to-eat foods as for their toxigenic potential and antimicrobial resistance, shedding the light on the quality and safety related to the consume of ready-to-eat foods in Algeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spread of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) in Algerian hospital settings is poorly reported. Since the first report in 2006, few data have been available on the molecular mechanism of this resistance across the country. In this study, we investigate the frequency and antibiotic resistance mechanisms of Enterococci strains isolated from hospitalised patients in the Tlemcen university hospital. 191 Enterococcus spp. strains were collected from various clinical samples and were identified using MALDI-TOF-MS. The presence of van genes was investigated by standard PCR and sequencing. Results revealed that E. faecium and E. faecalis strains are the main pathogens identified in the study. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that the resistance rate was high for the majority of antibiotic classes, including glycopeptides, and only linezolid was effective on all strains. Molecular analysis revealed that 52.2% of strains from intensive care unit (ICU) were positive for the vanA gene, including 44.44% E. faecium , 5.55% E. faecalis and 2.22% E. avium. 25.5% of these isolates co-harboured both the vanA and vanC genes, including E. gallinarum (n = 16) and E. faecium (n = 6). In surgical wards (SW) 29.70% of strains harboured the van genes, including 4.90% of E. faecalis harbouring the vanB gene, and of the rest of strains, (24.80%) harboured the vanC genes. Indeed, 9.90% E. gallinarum and 4.90% E. faecalis were positive for vanC1 and 9.90% of E. casseliflavus were positive for the vanC2/C3 gene. The glycopeptide resistance rate was higher among strains from the ICU and was mainly composed by E. faecium strains compared with surgical wards where resistant E. faecalis strains were predominant. • Molecular characterization of clinical multidrug resistant Enterococci isolates from Algerian healthcare settings. • High prevalence and colonization of an intensive care unit by Enterococcus faecium isolates VanA and VanC positive. • A range of resistance mechanisms is currently emerging in our hospitals [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerial flowering parts of Sinapis arvensis L. growing in Algeria provided a pale, light yellow colored essential oil with a characteristic sulfury odor. The oil was found to be a complex mixture of aldehydes, nitriles, sulfur-containing compounds and mono- and sesquiterpenes. Seventy compounds accounting about 96.4% of the oil were characterized using capillary GC and GC/MS. Major compounds of the oil are dimethyl trisulfide (33.6%), heptadecane (10.5%), methylpentadecane (9.1%), 6,10,14-trimethylpentadecane-2-one (8.6%) and dimethyl tetrasulfide (7.3%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity has reached epidemic proportions world-wide. Its risk factors are poorly studied, especially among children in developing countries such as Algeria. Objectives: The purpose of this study was therefore to determine the prevalence and risk factors of obesity in Algerian schoolchildren 6 to 8 years aged by conducting a school-site retrospective cohort study in Tlemcen Department (western Algeria). Material and Methods: From 2008 to 2010, socio-demographic characteristics, body mass index (BMI), physical activity categories, lifestyle and nutritional habits of 1520 children (839 boys and 681 girls), at entrance into primary school, were recorded using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Among the 1520 participants, 99 (6.5%) were obese. Birthweight ≤ 2.5 kg and ≥ 4 kg, early introduction of solid foods and low physical activity were significantly associated with obesity (p<0.001). Additionally, mother's and grandmother's BMI ≥ 30 kg/m², fewer children in the household, higher parental education, household income and the presence of familial obesity may predispose significantly to childhood obesity (p<0.001). Furthermore, child's BMI was significant positively correlated with total energy, fat and saturated fatty acid (SFA) intakes (p<0.01). Mother's and grandmother's BMI were significant positively correlated with child total energy, fat and SFA intakes. Physical activity score was significant negatively correlated with child total energy, fat and SFA (p<0.01) intakes in obese children. Conclusion: Mother's and grandmother's obesity, excess energy and fat intakes and low physical activity are the strong predictors of childhood obesity in Algeria. Preventive measures should focus on the promotion of physical activity and maternal and children nutritional education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the oxidant and antioxidant status in Algerian mothers and their newborns according to birth weight. Study design: Subjects for the study were consecutively recruited from Tlemcen hospital. 139 pregnant women and their newborns were included. The plasma total antioxidant activity (ORAC), vitamins A, C, E, hydroperoxides, carbonyl proteins, and erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase) were measured on mothers and their newborns. Lipid and lipoprotein parameters were also determined. The results were assessed in accordance with small for gestational age (SGA), appropriate (AGA) and large (LGA) birth weight of the newborn. Results: SGA newborns and their mothers had low ORAC, vitamin C and E values (P <0.01) and high plasma hydroperoxide and carbonyl protein levels (P <0.01) compared to AGA groups. The SGA group showed also altered erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities and several lipid and lipoprotein changes. In LGA compared to control newborns, hydroperoxide, carbonyl protein levels and SOD activity were enhanced while ORAC, vitamin A and E levels were reduced. However, oxidant and antioxidant status in their mothers was similar to that in control mothers. Conclusion: Oxidative stress is present in both SGA and LGA newborns, with a concomitant alteration in maternal oxidant and antioxidant status only in intrauterine growth restriction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To correlate positivity of auto-antibodies with clinical manifestations of systemic lupus erythmatosus in Algerian population. Methodology: This retrospective multicenter study was carried out on 203 Algerian patients with systemic lupus erythmatosus, diagnosed according to the American College of Rheumatology and SLICC criteria, from January 2006 to December 2019 in the University Hospital of ORAN region (EHUO) and the Abdelkader Hassani University Hospital of Sidi Bel Abbes region (CHU-SBA), west of Algeria. The study assessed the clinical characteristics and the profile of the auto-antibodies. The detection of antinuclear antibodies was carried out by indirect immune-fluorescence technique, anti-DNAn and anti-cardiolipin antibodies using immune-enzymatic technique and nuclear antigens extractable by immunodot. Results: The mean age of symptoms onset was 29.47 ± 11.24 years and the sex ratio of female to male was 9.68: 1. The frequency of most clinical manifestations was 75.9%, 71.4% and 71.9% for rheumatological, dermatological and haematological disorders respectively. In total, about 25% of the cases had lupus nephropathy. The positivity of antinuclear antibody (ANA) was found in 94.8% of cases, anti-DNAn (66.1%), anti-Sm (32.7%), anti-RNP (21.8%), anti-SSA (38.5%) and anti-SSB (18.4%). A significant correlation was found between these auto-antibodies and clinical manifestations of SLE (p<0.05), in particular with anti-DNAn, anti-Sm, anti-RNP and anti-SSA. Conclusion: Anti-DNAn and anti-Sm antibodies strongly correlate with clinical manifestations and lupus nephropathy. The high frequency of anti-SSA antibodies in the Algerian population gives them a significant predictive value for the diagnosis of SLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A framework has been developed for dosimetric evaluation in mammography, using the GATE Monte Carlo (MC) platform, to simulate a MAMMOMAT 3000 Nova mammograph (Siemens) available at the University Hospital Center "1st November 1954" of Oran (EHU Oran 1er Novembre, 1954), Algeria. Calculated quantities such half-value layer (HVL), Entrance Surface Dose (ESD) and Mean Glandular Dose (MGD) have been compared to experimental data in order to validate the modeling of mammography examinations. Results are consistent with previous studies and show a good agreement between measurements and Monte Carlo calculations. By varying the tube voltage from 25 to 35 kV, we have estimated an increasing of a factor of 2.4 in ESD, and a factor of 2.75 for the MGD in a breast phantom. Furthermore, the current intensity of 100 mAs used for a beam quality combination (Mo/Mo) Anode/filter was found suitable for the tube voltages of 25–29 keV since the MGD does not exceed the limits set by the different quality insurance protocols. This GATE dose calculation framework thus provides a very useful tool for the optimization of mammography examinations at Oran hospital by allowing a better estimation of the dose delivered to patients according to the parameters of the examination. • A mammography dose calculation software has been developed for the 1st of November university hospital (EHU, Oran, Algeria). • This tool is based on a GATE/GEANT4 Monte Carlo platform, validated with a series of experimental measurements (HVL, doses). • Technical parameters of the MAMMOMAT-3000 device were considered in the calculations, as well as clinical protocol. • Main results on HVL (Half Value Layer), and ESD (Entrance Surface Dose)/MGD (Mean Glandular Dose) are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wetland are of paramount importance for the entire province of Nâama as well as for the entire Algerian Western High Plateaus. One of them, Chott El Gharbi, is a major but poorly-known hydrogeological unit shared between Algeria (80%) and Morocco (20%). Chott El-Gharbi is a multi-layered aquifer system whose most productive layers are the Middle Jurassic (Bajocian-Bathonian dolomite and limestone) and the Cenozoic continental sediments (lacustrine intercalation of clays and limestones, marls and sands). Groundwaters exhibit depleted δ18O (−8.98 to −5.53‰) and δ2H (−69.4 to −48.0‰) isotope ratios linked to an evaporative process. Groundwaters are old, with 14C activities from 2 pmC to 58 pmC and residence times of 23 ky to 9 ky. These old recharges occurred during a more humid and colder epoch. 87Sr/86Sr ratios, coupled with major element abundances, determine that Gharbi waters resulted from the mixing of waters having been in contact with the Triassic evaporite-rich sequence (0.70810, rich in sulfates) and waters in contact with Lago Mare (late Miocene) sequence (0.70875, less rich in sulfates). Water with Triassic signature is present in the Jurassic aquifer (Bathonian-Bajocian) while water with Lago Mare or mixed signature is present in the Miocene, locally along faults in the Jurassic aquifer. 14C ages indicate that the mixing process occurred at c. 10,000 years along faults probably during an active tectonic period. Waters with modern signature are only known outside the endorheic Gharbi basin in shallow Jurassic aquifers. The Gharbi aquifer system is separated from the large Chergui aquifer system to the east. • Arid Chott El-Gharbi endoreic basin is an isolated multi-layer carbonate aquifer. • Gharbi water are strongly influenced by Triassic and Miocene evaporitic minerals. • Water mixing between Jurassic and Miocene aquifers occurred along faults 10 ky ago. • Water with modern signature is only known outside the endorheic Gharbi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective There is strong evidence that genetic as well as environmental factors affect the development of periodontitis. Various studies suggest that genetic polymorphisms of the interleukin-1 (IL-1) genes are associated with an increased risk of developing the pathogenesis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible relationship between two polymorphisms of IL-1 gene cluster IL-1B (C + 3954T) (rs1143634) and IL-1A (C − 889T) (rs1800587) SNPs and the aggressive and chronic periodontitis risk in a case control study in Algerian population. Methods 279 subjects were recruited and received a periodontal examination: 128 healthy controls and 151 cases. From cases, 91 patients were having a chronic disease whereas 60 subjects with aggressive form. All these subjects were genotyped for IL-1A (C − 889T) and IL-1B (C + 3954T) polymorphisms using TaqMan real time PCR technology. Frequencies of IL-1 alleles, genotypes and the haplotypes were also examined. Results Significant differences were found in the carriage rate of both minor alleles of the IL-1A (C − 889T) and IL-1B (C + 3954T) polymorphisms of aggressive periodontitis cases compared with healthy controls (OR [95%CI] = 1.61 [1.03–2.49], p = 0.03), (OR [95%CI] = 1.69 [1.09–2.63], p = 0.01), respectively. The result did not reach significance with the chronic form. Conclusion The studied polymorphisms of the IL-1 genes appear to be associated with susceptibility to aggressive periodontitis (AgP) in the Algerian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Continental strata of Early and Middle Jurassic age are seldom-exposed, and little is known of the history of sauropod dinosaurs prior to the neosauropod radiation of the end of the Middle Jurassic. Here, we report, in the Middle Jurassic of the Occidental Saharan Atlas (Algerian High Atlas), the discovery of a skeleton, including cranial material, of a new cetiosaurid sauropod. Chebsaurus algeriensis n. g., n. sp. represents the most complete Algerian sauropod available to date, only few remains were found before. To cite this article: F. Mahammed et al., C. R. Palevol 4 (2005) . [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The isolation of endophytic actinobacteria from the roots of wild populations of Artemisia herba-alba Asso, a medicinal plant collected from the arid lands of Algeria, is reported for the first time. Forty-five actinobacterial isolates were identified by molecular analysis and in vitro evaluated for antimicrobial activity and plant growth-promoting (PGP) abilities (1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase activity, nitrogen fixation, phosphate and potassium solubilization, ammonia, and siderophores production). The phylogenetic relationships based on 16S rRNA gene sequences show that the genus Nocardioides (n = 23) was dominant in the sampled localities. The remaining actinobacterial isolates were identified as Promicromonospora (n = 11), Streptomyces (n = 6), Micromonopora (n = 3), and Saccharothrix (n = 2). Only six (13.33%) strains (five Streptomyces and one Saccharothrix species) were antagonistic in vitro against at least one or more indicator microorganisms. The antimicrobial activity of actinobacterial strains targeted mainly Gram-positive bacteria. The results demonstrate that more than 73% of the isolated strains had ACC deaminase activity, could fix atmospheric nitrogen and were producers of ammonia and siderophores. However, only one (2.22%) strain named Saccharothrix sp. BT79 could solubilize phosphorus and potassium. Overall, many strains exhibited a broad spectrum of PGP abilities. Thus, A. herba-alba provides a source of endophytic actinobacteria that should be explored for their potential biological activities., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Introduction: Blastocystis sp. is a protozoan that colonizes the gastrointestinal tract of humans and many animals and is currently the most common parasite found in human stools. In some developing countries, its prevalence in study populations may exceed 50%. Morphologically, isolates of Blastocystis sp. found in different hosts are very similar. However, these same isolates show a very high genetic diversity between them and no less than 17 subtypes (or genotypes) have already been identified from molecular data. Genotyping studies have been carried out in many countries around the world and in particular in some Mediterranean countries such as France, spain, Italy, Turkey and Egypt. However, very little genotyping data is available in Algeria. To this end, we conducted the present study to identify and genotype Blastocystis in human and animal stool samples., Patients and Methods: One thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine (1,869) stool samples from kitchen staff as part of the periodic medical check-up, from subjects for the provision of a medical certificate required for the processing of a visa file and from patients with gastrointestinal disorders were examined. In addition to human faeces, animal samples, including 10 poultry, 2 cattle and 2 murine animals were examined. All stools were subjected to direct microscopic examination supplemented by concentration techniques and modified Ziehl Neelsen staining. Molecular characterization of 39 human and 14 animal isolates was performed by sequencing and the resulting sequences compared with those available from GenBank. Sequencing was only contributory for 30 human and 9 animal strains., Results: Of all human samples examined 284 were positive (15.19%) with a prevalence of 7.38% for Blastocystis. Of the 30 strains that were molecularly characterized, ST3 was predominant (15/30, 50%) followed by ST1 (10/30, 33.33%) and in third place ST2 (4/30, 13.33%). ST4 was identified in only one patient (1/30, 3.33%). The correlation between clinical status and the subtype of Blastocystis identified showed that the number of ST3 was high in asymptomatic subjects (11/15, 73%) compared to symptomatic subjects (4/15, 26.66%), as well as for the ST1 subtype (7/10, 70% versus 3/10, 30%). Conversely, the number of ST2 was higher in subjects with gastrointestinal disorders (3/4, 75%). In addition to human strains, we genotyped 7 avian, 2 murine and 2 bovine strains. Characterization of the avian strains revealed 5 ST6 (71.42%) and 2 ST7 (28, 57%). The murine and bovine strains are identified as ST7 and ST6 respectively., (Copyright © 2022 SFMTSI.)

Objective: Identify the lessons learned in the Greater Maghreb, during the first semester of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, in the field of response., Methods: During the first week of May 2020, a consultation of experts was conducted, using the "Delphi" technique, through an email asking each of them, the drafting of a good practice recommendation for "Public health". The Group coordinator finalized the text of the lessons, later validated by the signatories of the manuscript., Results: Five lessons of good «response» against epidemics have been deduced and approved by Maghreb experts, linked to the following aspects: 1. Total reservation of hospital beds for patients; 2. Clinical management of the response; 3. Discreet conflict of interest; 4. Community participation in the response; 5. Contextualization of the global fight strategy., Conclusion: Based on the finding of low relevance of the Maghreb response against COVID-19, this list of lessons would help support the performance of Maghreb health systems in the management of epidemics.

Objective: To compile the lessons learned in the Greater Maghreb, during the first six months of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, in the field of "capacity building" of community resilience., Methods: An expert consultation was conducted during the first week of May 2020, using the "Delphi" technique. An email was sent requesting the formulation of a lesson, in the form of a "Public Health" good practice recommendation. The final text of the lessons was finalized by the group coordinator and validated by the signatories of the manuscript., Results: A list of five lessons of resilience has been deduced and approved : 1. Elaboration of "white plans" for epidemic management; 2. Training in epidemic management; 3. Uniqueness of the health system command; 4. Mobilization of retirees and volunteers; 5. Revision of the map sanitary., Conclusion: Based on the evaluation of the performance of the Maghreb fight against COVID-19, characterized by low resilience, this list of lessons could constitute a roadmap for the reform of Maghreb health systems, towards more performance to manage possible waves of COVID-19 or new emerging diseases with epidemic tendency.

Objectives: In this study, 77 Enterobacter spp. isolates from a collection of 175 Gram-negative bacilli isolated from Tlemcen University Hospital Center (North-West of Algeria) were tested for antibiotic resistance, biocide tolerance and genetic determinants of antimicrobial resistance., Methods: The isolates were identified by 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Biocide tolerance was determined by broth microdilution, and antibiotic resistance was determined by disk diffusion. Genetic determinants of resistance were studied by PCR amplification using suitable primers., Results: The most common Enterobacter species was Enterobacter cloacae (58.4%), followed by Enterobacter hormaechei (24.7%). The most common antibiotic resistance was to ticarcillin either alone or in combination with clavulanic acid (70.1%), followed by cefepime (68.8%), cefotaxime (63.6%), ceftazidime (54.5%) and gentamicin (54.5%). Tobramycin was active against 87.0% of the isolates. Levels of biocide tolerance were high for hexachlorophene and to a lesser extent for benzalkonium chloride. The extended-spectrum β-lactamase genes bla TEM and bla CTX-M were detected in 44.2% and 36.4% of isolates, respectively. Other antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) frequently detected were aac(6')-Ib (57.1%) and sul2 (50.6%). Multidrug-resistant isolates carrying several ARGs were common. Significant positive correlations were detected for efflux pump genes with ARGs and also between ARGs., Conclusion: The results of this study reveal thatEnterobacter spp. isolates from hospital settings are both resistant to clinically-used antibiotics and tolerant to biocides. Biocide tolerance could be an advantage for antibiotic-resistant strains in hospitals., (Copyright © 2019 International Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Faced with the challenges of immigration, the opening of the Trans-Saharan road and the increase in the volume of trade with sub-Saharan Africa, there is a steady increase in the number of malaria cases. An introduction of the disease in the Maghreb is possible., Objective: The general objective is to take stock of the epidemiological situation and the malaria control strategy in the Maghreb countries., Methods: This is a synthesis of data from a literature search on: PubMed (publications), International and national reports (epidemiology and strategies)., Results: In 1979, Tunisia became the second Maghreb country to eliminate malaria after Libya (the last local case in 1973). In 1997, when 76 cases were recorded, Morocco embarked on a new national strategy aimed at the elimination of indigenous malaria by the end of 2005. In Algeria, after a phase of control by existence of P. vivax and P. malaria microspheres, the country is in the maintenance phase and no cases were recorded between 2013 and 2016. In Mauritania, even though malaria transmission is generally low, this parasitosis remains a problem public health. And the strategies of struggle and the contribution of scientific research remain below expectations., Conclusion: With the exception of Mauritania, the countries of the Great Arab Maghreb have practically eradicated malaria, even though the maintenance phase is underway in Algeria and cases imported from sub-Saharan Africa continue to be registered.

Background: Training in public health, an essential lever for the success of health programs, mobilizes several disciplines, from the description of health situations to the study of their determinants, and to health management., Objective: To compare postgraduate training programs in Public Health, provided in the countries of the Greater Maghreb., Methods: Through a documentary study, various components of post-graduate training in Public Health in the Maghreb have been identified: offers and methods of training, learning objectives, program content and reference skills., Results: In the Maghreb, and with the exception of Mauritania, Training offers are limited to teaching in Public Health with a medical orientation, integrated in the university system in the form of residency. Other training (masters ...) are provided in the context of continuing professional development. Areas of competence include, in addition to medical and scientific expertise, communication and interdisciplinary collaboration. The programs focus on methodological aspects in relation to related disciplines such as health promotion, anthropology, sociology and health planning., Conclusion: The pooling of training experiences in Public Health, in the Maghreb countries, would be essential to launch a quality homogeneous training based on the paradigm of global health.

Background: The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) is an objective method of measurement of disease disability, allowing the quantification of a population's health status, the identification of its health needs, and the determination of its public health priorities., Objectives: To document the epidemiological transition in Maghreb countries (Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria) over the past three decades and to identify their priority health problems, which are responsible for a considerable burden of disability., Methods: This is a data synthesis work of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) global burden of disease, through its project "GBD Compare Data Visualization". Data covering the period from 1990 to 2016, examined the three major categories of health problems "communicable, maternal, neonatal and nutritional diseases", "noncommunicable diseases" and "injuries", as well as the three types of risk: metabolic, environmental / professional and behavioral., Results: Since 1990, cardiovascular diseases have consistently been the leading cause of death in the three Maghreb countries. During the period 1990-2016, and at varying speeds, the positions of communicable and neonatal diseases declined, while noncommunicable diseases (particularly cardiovascular diseases, cancers, mental disorders, diabetes and neurological disorders) increased significantly, to be at the top of the list of components of the global burden of disease.In 2016, road accidents have been ranked eighth in the ranking of the main components of the overall burden of morbidity in Tunisia and Morocco and ninth in Algeria. During the same period, the environmental and behavioral risk factors registered an overall decrease in the three Maghreb countries, in contrast to the metabolic risk factors that experienced a gradual and homogeneous increase in the Greater Maghreb., Conclusion: This GBD analysis confirmed the rather old and fairly advanced epidemiological transition in Maghreb countries, leading to a real "triple burden" threatening the stability and sustainability of national health systems. Hence the urgency of supporting the following five projects: the curriculum reform of the faculties of health sciences, the development of the second line of care, the participative management of health services, universal health coverage and the implementation of a comprehensive and integrated strategy for prevention and health promotion.

This study aimed to describe and evaluate the type, frequency and patterns of congenital heart diseases (CHDs) in patients with Down Syndrome (DS) in Sétif, Algeria. Down Syndrome, or trisomy 21, is the most common genetic disorder in the world. Data were collected and followed from January 2009 to December 2013. Parental consanguinity documenting pedigree analyzing, chromosome analysis and clinical examination were carried out for all cases. Results have shown that 22 (15.4%; ± 0.06) of the total 143 known cases of DS from DS centres have CHDs and 88 (10.6%; ± 2.2) of the total 770 patients with CHDs collected from public departments at the child and maternity teaching hospital, Sétif, have DS. Among the 110 cases, 75 (68%) have single cardiac abnormalities and 35 (32%) have multiple cardiac abnormalities. The most frequent CHDs were Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD). In conclusion, our study will be helpful to demonstrate the current status of DS and to identify the distribution of CHD in patients with DS in Sétif, Algeria, for further study.

Premise of the Study: The Paleogene deposits of the Hamada of Méridja, southwestern Algeria, are currently dated as lower-to-middle Eocene in age based on fossil gastropods and charophytes. Here we report the presence of fruits that can be assigned to the Boraginaceae s.str., apparently representing the first fossil record for this family in Africa, shedding new light on the historical biogeography of this group., Methods: Microscopic studies of the fossil nutlets were carried out and compared to extant Boraginaceae nutlets, and to types reported in the literature for this family., Key Results: The fossils are strikingly similar in general size and morphology, particularly in the finer details of the attachment scar and ornamentation, to nutlets of extant representatives of the Boraginaceae tribe Echiochileae, and especially the genus Ogastemma. We believe that these nutlets represent an extinct member of this lineage., Conclusions: The Ogastemma-like fossils indicate that the Echiochileae, which are most diverse in northern Africa and southwestern Asia, have a long history in this region, dating back to the Eocene. This tribe corresponds to the basal-most clade in Boraginaceae s.str., and the fossils described here agree well with an assumed African origin of the family and the Boraginales I, providing an important additional calibration point for dating the phylogenies of this clade., (© 2015 Botanical Society of America.)