Evaluation of levels of lead pollution from automobiles near Highway using phanerogamic and cryptogamic species in the city of Annaba (Algeria).

Nowadays, a serious problem emerged in the natural environments of many countries: 15 they are increasingly subjected to a large number of air pollution: industrial pollution, 16 pollution related to agriculture, but also pollution related to transport. The pollution of lead 17 has constantly evolved over time, due to the considerable increase in the number of vehicles 18 on the market. Our work is based primarily on the use of plants as bio indicator of air 19 pollution in the region of Annaba. 20 The evaluation of the pollution levels near the main roads is a complex exercise, given the 21 many factors to consider at this scale. To do this, we chose three locations on three main 22 roads Greater Annaba: ((RN 44): Annaba - El Kala; (RN 16): Annaba - El Hadjar; (RN 44): 23 Annaba - Skikda), plants used are: phanerogamic namely species (Fraxinus angustifolia, 24 Eucalyptus camaldulensis, and Eriobotrya japonica) and a fungal species (a lichen (Ramalina 25 farinacea)). 26 An appropriate sampling strategy, a spatio-temporal monitoring, a counting vehicle at our 27 study sites and measurements of physiological parameters combined with the determination 28 of lead allowed us to assess not only the state of the air quality but also the impact of this 29 pollution on the environment caused by a heavy traffic in the area

Coupling of c-Src to large conductance voltage-and Ca2+-activated K+ channels as a new mechanism of agonist-induced vasoconstriction

The voltage-dependent and Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel (MaxiK, BK) and the cellular proto-oncogene pp60(c-Src) (c-Src) are abundant proteins in vascular smooth muscle. The role of MaxiK channels as a vasorelaxing force is well established, but their role in vasoconstriction is unclear. Because Src participates in regulating vasoconstriction, we investigated whether c-Src inhibits MaxiK as a mechanism for agonist-induced vasoconstriction. Functional experiments in human and rat show that inhibitors of Src (Lavendustin A, PP2) but not inactive compounds (Lavendustin B, PP3) induce a pronounced relaxation of coronary or aortic smooth muscle precontracted with 5-hydroxytriptamine, phenylephrine, or Angiotensin II. Iberiotoxin, a MaxiK blocker, antagonizes the relaxation induced by Lavendustin A or PP2, indicating that c-Src inhibits the Iberiotoxin-sensitive component, likely MaxiK channels. In agreement, coronary muscle MaxiK currents were enhanced by Lavendustin A. To investigate the molecular mechanism of c-Src action on MaxiK channels, we transiently expressed its alpha subunit, hSlo, with or without c-Src in HEK293T cells. The voltage sensitivity of hSlo was right-shifted by approximately 16 mV. hSlo inhibition by c-Src is due to channel direct phosphorylation because: (i) excised patches exposed to protein tyrosine phosphatase (CD45) resulted in a partial reversal of the inhibitory effect by approximately 10 mV, and (ii) immunoprecipitated hSlo channels were recognized by an anti-phosphotyrosine Ab. Furthermore, coexpression of hSlo and c-Src demonstrate a striking colocalization in HEK293T cells. We propose that MaxiK channels via direct c-Src-dependent phosphorylation play a significant role supporting vasoconstriction after activation of G protein-coupled receptors by vasoactive substances and neurotransmitters

Mediterranean spotted fever: clinical and laboratory characteristics of 415 Sicilian children

BACKGROUND: Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is an acute febrile, zoonotic disease caused by Rickettsia conorii and transmitted to humans by the brown dogtick Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Nearly four hundred cases are reported every year (mainly from June to September) on the Italian island of Sicily. The aim of the study was to analyze the clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with MSF and the efficacy of the drugs administered. METHODS: Our study was carried out on 415 children with MSF, during the period January 1997 – December 2004, at the "G. Di Cristina" Children's hospital in Palermo, Sicily, Italy. On admission patients' clinical history, physical and laboratory examination and indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) for Rickettsia conorii were performed. Diagnosis was considered confirmed if the patients had an MSF diagnostic score greater than or equal to 25 according to the Raoult's scoring system. All patients were treated with chloramphenicol or with macrolides (clarithromycin or azithromycin). RESULTS: Fever, rash and tache noire were present in 386 (93%), 392 (94.5%) and 263 (63.4%) cases respectively. Eighteen (4.6%) children showed atypical exanthema. Chloramphenicol and newer macrolides all appeared to be effective and safe therapies. CONCLUSION: Clinical features of 415 children with MSF were similar to those reported by other authors except for a lower incidence of headache, arthralgia and myalgia and a higher frequency of epato-splenomegaly. Concerning therapy, clarithromycin can be considered a valid alternative therapy to tetracyclines or chloramphenicol especially for children aged < eight years

Losartan Decreases p42/44 MAPK Signaling and Preserves LZ+ MYPT1 Expression

Heart failure is associated with impairment in nitric oxide (NO) mediated vasodilatation, which has been demonstrated to result from a reduction in the relative expression of the leucine zipper positive (LZ+) isoform of the myosin targeting subunit (MYPT1) of myosin light chain phosphatase. Further, captopril preserves normal LZ+ MYPT1 expression, the sensitivity to cGMP-mediated vasodilatation and modulates the expression of genes in the p42/44 MAPK and p38 MAPK signaling cascades. This study tests whether angiotensin receptor blockade (ARB) with losartan decreases p42/44 MAPK or p38 MAPK signaling and preserves LZ+ MYPT1 expression in a rat infarct model of heart failure. In aortic smooth muscle, p42/44 MAPK activation increases and LZ+ MYPT1 expression falls after LAD ligation. Losartan treatment decreases the activation of p42/44 MAPK to the uninfarcted control level and preserves normal LZ+ MYPT1 expression. The expression and activation of p38 MAPK, however, is low and does not change following LAD ligation or with losartan therapy. These data suggest that either reducing or blocking the effects of circulating angiotensin II, both decreases the activation of the p42/44 MAPK signaling cascade and preserves LZ+ MYPT1 expression. Thus, the ability of ACE-inhibitors and ARBs to modulate the vascular phenotype, to preserve normal flow mediated vasodilatation may explain the beneficial effects of these drugs compared to other forms of afterload reduction in the treatment of heart failure

A Whole-Genome SNP Association Study of NCI60 Cell Line Panel Indicates a Role of Ca2+ Signaling in Selenium Resistance

Epidemiological studies have suggested an association between selenium intake and protection from a variety of cancer. Considering this clinical importance of selenium, we aimed to identify the genes associated with resistance to selenium treatment. We have applied a previous methodology developed by our group, which is based on the genetic and pharmacological data publicly available for the NCI60 cancer cell line panel. In short, we have categorized the NCI60 cell lines as selenium resistant and sensitive based on their growth inhibition (GI50) data. Then, we have utilized the Affymetrix 125K SNP chip data available and carried out a genome-wide case-control association study for the selenium sensitive and resistant NCI60 cell lines. Our results showed statistically significant association of four SNPs in 5q33–34, 10q11.2, 10q22.3 and 14q13.1 with selenium resistance. These SNPs were located in introns of the genes encoding for a kinase-scaffolding protein (AKAP6), a membrane protein (SGCD), a channel protein (KCNMA1), and a protein kinase (PRKG1). The knock-down of KCNMA1 by siRNA showed increased sensitivity to selenium in both LNCaP and PC3 cell lines. Furthermore, SNP-SNP interaction (epistasis) analysis indicated the interactions of the SNPs in AKAP6 with SGCD as well as SNPs in AKAP6 with KCNMA1 with each other, assuming additive genetic model. These genes were also all involved in the Ca2+ signaling, which has a direct role in induction of apoptosis and induction of apoptosis in tumor cells is consistent with the chemopreventive action of selenium. Once our findings are further validated, this knowledge can be translated into clinics where individuals who can benefit from the chemopreventive characteristics of the selenium supplementation will be easily identified using a simple DNA analysis

إدماج نموﺫج لتنقل المياه المحاذات للسواحل التونسية في نموﺫج لتنقل المياه في كامل البحر الابيض المتوسط

La présente étude a pour objectif la mise en place d’un système de modélisation numérique de la dynamique marine près des côtes Tunisiennes. Pour cela on imbrique un modèle de circulation de l’eau près des côtes Tunisiennes dans un modèle de circulation générale de la mer Méditerranée. La grille du modèle des côtes Tunisiennes comporte la ossibilité d’augmenter la résolution dans un domaine ciblé. Les conditions initiales pour ce modèle étiré sont obtenues par interpolation des états simulés par le modèle côtier à résolution constante. Vu sa résolution plus élevée, le modèle à grille étirée nécessite un long temps de calcul. Cependant les tests effectués avec ce modèle montrent que des simulations de 20 jours suffisent pour atteindre un équilibre dynamique. Les résultats des simulations avec un étirement sur le Golfe de Gabès confirment l'aptitude du modèle à grille variable à reproduire la circulation de l'eau et ses caractéristiques physiques.The present work aims at nesting a regional ocean model near the Tunisia coasts in a general circulation model of the Mediterranean Sea. The grid of the Tunisia coasts model includes a zooming option that permits the resolution increase in a given area. Initial conditions are obtained by the interpolation of the outputs provided by the regular grid model. The stretched model needs more computing time than the regular resolution one. But tests performed with this model have shown that a 20-day simulation is sufficient to reach a dynamical equilibrium. The stretched model reproduced efficiently the water circulation and characteristics in the Gulf of Gabes.تهدف هذه الدراسة إلى وضع منظومة نمذجة رقميّة لتنقل مياه البحر حذو السواحل التونسيّة. ولقد وقع استعمال نموذج به إمكانيّة الترفيع في دقّته في مكان محدّد وهو مؤطّر في جوانبه الخارجيّة بنموذج آخر يعمل على كامل البحر الأبيض المتوسط ويقع استعمال النماذج بالتتالي ابتداء من نموذج البحر الأبيض المتوسط وصولا إلى السواحل التونسيّة عبر النموذج عالي الدقّة. ولقد أظهرت النتائج أنّ هذا النظام مكّن من محاكاة الخصائص الفيزيائيّة لمياه البحر وتنقلها في خليج قابس بكفاءة ودقّة عالية.Publishe

إدماج نموﺫج لتنقل المياه المحاذات للسواحل التونسية في نموﺫج لتنقل المياه في كامل البحر الابيض المتوسط

La présente étude a pour objectif la mise en place d’un système de modélisation numérique de la dynamique marine près des côtes tunisiennes. Pour cela on imbrique un modèle de circulation de l’eau près des côtes tunisiennes dans un modèle de circulation générale de la mer Méditerranée. La grille du modèle des côtes tunisiennes comporte la possibilité d’augmenter la résolution dans un domaine ciblé. Les conditions initiales pour ce modèle étiré sont obtenues par interpolation des états simulés par le modèle côtier à résolution constante. Vu sa résolution plus élevée, le modèle à grille étirée nécessite un long temps de calcul. Cependant les tests effectués avec ce modèle montrent que des simulations de 20 jours suffisent pour atteindre un équilibre dynamique. Les résultats des simulations avec un étirement sur le Golfe de Gabès confirment l'aptitude du modèle à grille variable à reproduire la circulation de l'eau et ses caractéristiques physiques.The present work aims at nesting a regional ocean model near the Tunisia coasts in a general circulation model of the Mediterranean Sea. The grid of the Tunisia coasts model includes a zooming option that permits the resolution increase in a given area. Initial conditions are obtained by the interpolation of the outputs provided by the regular grid model. The stretched model needs more computing time than the regular resolution one. But tests performed with this model have shown that a 20-day simulation is sufficient to reach a dynamical equilibrium. The stretched model reproduced efficiently the water circulation and characteristics in the Gulf of Gabesتهدف هذه الدراسة إلى وضع منظومة نمذجة رقميّة لتنقل مياه البحر حذو السواحل التونسيّة. ولقد وقع استعمال نموذج به إمكانيّة الترفيع في دقّته في مكان محدّد وهو مؤطّر في جوانبه الخارجيّة بنموذج آخر يعمل على كامل البحر الأبيض المتوسط ويقع استعمال النماذج بالتتالي ابتداء من نموذج البحر الأبيض المتوسط وصولا إلى السواحل التونسيّة عبر النموذج عالي الدقّة. ولقد أظهرت النتائج أنّ هذا النظام مكّن من محاكاة الخصائص الفيزيائيّة لمياه البحر وتنقلها في خليج قابس بكفاءة ودقّة عالية.Publishe

Evaluation of levels of plumbic pollution near Highway using phanerogamic and cryptogamic species in the city of Annaba (Algeria)

Nowadays, a serious problem emerged in the natural environments of many countries: they are increasingly subjected to a large number of air pollution: industrial pollution, pollution related to agriculture, but also pollution related to transport. The pollution of lead has constantly evolved over time, due to the considerable increase in the number of vehicles on the market. Our work is based primarily on the use of plants as bio indicator of air pollution in the region of Annaba. The evaluation of the pollution levels near the main roads is a complex exercise, given the many factors to consider at this scale. To do this, we chose three locations on three main roads Greater Annaba: ((RN 44): Annaba - El Kala; (RN 16): Annaba - El Hadjar; (RN 44): Annaba - Skikda), plants used are: phanerogamic namely species (Fraxinus angustifolia, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, and Eriobotrya japonica) and a fungal species (a lichen