Etude de l'évolution de la végétation herbacée des parcs à foin du ranch de Gounjel (Compagnie pastorale), Adamaoua, Cameroun

Une étude a été conduite, fin octobre 1982, afin de comparer des parcelles mises en défens à différentes époques pendant les saisons de pluies et fauchées pendant les saisons sèches après passage du pulvériseur à disques, à des parcelles soumises à une pâture continue (témoins). Les relevés de végétation ont été réalisés selon le principe de la méthode sigmatiste de Braun-Blanquet. La production fourragère, obtenue par coupe de la biomasse aérienne à 10 cm du sol, a été soumise au test de comparaison "t" (Student-Fisher). Les résultats montrent que l'aménagement des parcelles amène rapidement (2 à 5 ans) une modification importante et une réelle amélioration de la flore pastorale des pâturages dégradés : disparition des espèces non ou peu appétées et apparition de bonnes espèces fourragères. Cette technique peut donc être utilisée pour la régénération de ce type de pâturag

Four-color flow cytometry bypasses limitations of IG/TCR polymerase chain reaction for minimal residual disease detection in certain subsets of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

International audienceBACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Competitive immunoglobulin/T-cell receptor polymerase-chain reaction (PCR) analysis with fluorescent detection is a rapid, cheap and reproducible method for quantifying minimal residual disease (MRD), which is well adapted to the recognition of high-risk childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We aimed at defining whether flow cytometry (FC) techniques can bypass limitations of PCR for MRD determination. DESIGN AND METHODS: We analyzed 140 remission samples from 91 patients using both competitive PCR amplification of antigen-receptor genes and four-color FC identification of leukemia immunophenotype. These methods were chosen with the aim of detecting at least 0.1% blasts. RESULTS: MRD was measured using both PCR and FC methods in 123 samples and the two methods provided concordant results in 119 of them (97%). Moreover, three out of the four discordant results appeared minor since MRD was detectable by both methods, but at different levels. In 12 of 13 samples from nine patients, mainly infants with early CD10- and/or t(4;11) B-cell ALL and children with immature T-cell ALL, MRD could be determined using FC whereas PCR failed. Conversely, FC methods were unfeasible due to inappropriate leukemia immunophenotype in three additional children (including two with T-cell ALL) for whom PCR successfully provided MRD results. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: The MRD results provided by FC techniques were highly concordant with those of competitive PCR. Moreover, the applicability of FC appeared higher in certain ALL subsets, although the appropriateness of this technique in terms of outcome prediction remains to be demonstrated

Recommendations of the SFH (French Society of Haematology) for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of hairy cell leukaemia

International audienceHairy cell leukaemia (HCL) is a rare haematological malignancy, with approximately 175 new incident cases in France. Diagnosis is based on a careful examination of the blood smear and immunophenotyping of the tumour cells, with a panel of four markers being used specifically to screen for hairy cells (CD11c, CD25, CD103 and CD123). In 2011, the V600E mutation of the BRAF gene in exon 15 was identified in HCL; being present in HCL, it is absent in the variant form of HCL (HCL-v) and in splenic red pulp lymphoma (SRPL), two entities related to HCL. The management of patients with HCL has changed in recent years. A poorer response to purine nucleoside analogues (PNAs) is observed in patients with more marked leukocytosis, bulky splenomegaly, an unmutated immunoglobulin variable heavy chain (IgVH) gene profile, use of VH4-34 or with TP53 mutations. We present the recommendations of a group of 11 experts belonging to a number of French hospitals. This group met in November 2013 to examine the criteria for managing patients with HCL. The ideas and proposals of the group are based on a critical analysis of the recommendations already published in the literature and on an analysis of the practices of clinical haematology departments with experience in managing these patients. The first-line treatment uses purine analogues: cladribine or pentostatin. The role of BRAF inhibitors, whether or not combined with MEK inhibitors, is discussed. The panel of French experts proposed recommendations to manage patients with HCL, which can be used in a daily practice

Organic-Acid Mediated Bulk Polymerization of e-Caprolactam and Its Copolymerization with e-Caprolactone

Polyamides (PA) constitute one of the most important classes of polymeric materials and have gained strong position in different areas, such as textiles, fibers, and construction materials. Whereas most PA are synthesized by stepgrowth polycondensation, PA 6 is synthesized by ring opening polymerization (ROP) of e-caprolactam (e-CLa). The most popular ROP methods involve the use of alkaline metal catalyst difficult to handle at large scale. In this article, we propose the use of organic acids for the ROP of e-CLa in bulk at 180 8C (below the polymer’s melting point). Among evaluated organic acids, sulfonic acids were found to be the most effective for the polymerization of e-CLa , being the Brønsted acid ionic liquid: 1-(4- sulfobutyl)23-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate the most suitable due to its higher thermal stability. End-group analysis by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance and model reactions provided mechanistic insights and suggested that the catalytic activity of sulfonic acids was a function of not only the acid strength, but of the nucleophilic character of conjugate base as well. Finally, the ability of sulfonic acid to promote the copolymerization of e-CLa and e-caprolactone is demonstrated. As a result, poly(e-caprolactam-co-e-caprolactone) copolymers with considerably randomness are obtained. This benign route allows the synthesis of poly(ester amide)s with different thermal and mechanical properties.The authors acknowledge the financial support of Euskampus Fundazioa, the Spanish Ministery of Economy and Competition through project CTQ2014‐53458‐1 and the European Commission through project SUSPOL‐EJD 642671 and FP7‐PEOPLE‐212‐ITN 316832‐OLIMPIA (D. Mantione). Haritz Sardon gratefully acknowledges financial support from MINECO through project FDI 16507. A. Sanchez‐Sanchez thanks “Convocatoria de Contratación para la especialización de personal investigador doctor en la UPV/EHU” for financial support. The SGIKER UPV/EHU for the NMR facilities of Gipuzkoa campus are acknowledged

Application de la méthode des points quadrats au suivi de la dynamique des pâturages soudano-sahéliens du Cameroun

L\'étude de la structure du couvert herbacé de quelques formations pastorales des secteurs phytogéographiques soudano-sahéliens et sahélo-soudaniens du Cameroun a été faite par la méthode des points quadrats alignés dans le but de déterminer le nombre de lignes permanentes statistiquement nécessaires pour le suivi de la dynamique de cette végétation. Les résultats obtenus montrent qu\'au seuil de probabilité de 5 %, une seule ligne permanente est nécessaire pour suivre la dynamique des groupements à Aristida kerstingii , Heteropogon contortus , Andropogon pinguipes, et que deux lignes sont requises pour les groupements à Andropogon gayanus , Loudetia simplex , et Loudetia togoensis. Trois lignes sont nécessaires pour les groupements à Hyparrhenia rufa et Echinochloa pyramidalis. Pour avoir une marge de sécurité et tenir compte de l\'évolution possible des divers groupements, nous proposons d\'effectuer pour le suivi de l\'ensemble des parcours étudiés des observations sur cinq lignes permanentes. Keywords: Cameroun, Formation pastorale, points contacts, dynamique de la végétation. International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences Vol. 2 (2) 2008: pp. 224-22

Géomorphologie structurale et risque naturel dans une portion de zone mobile du complexe du Nyong au SW Cameroun : cas de la région Lolodorf-Mvengue

Au cours des trente dernières années, les risques et les catastrophes naturels ont été identifiés et étudiés principalement dans la zone volcano-sédimentaire tertiaire à actuelle. Une analyse de la géomorphologique la région de Lolodorf-Mvengué qui est une portion de la zone mobile éburnéenne appartenant au complexe du Nyong d’âge paléo-protérozoïque au Cameroun montre qu’elle présente aussi bien des risques potentiels pour les populations riveraines et leur bien.Mots-clés: géomorphologie structurale, risques naturels, Lolodorf-Mvengué, complexe du Nyong, SW Cameroun. Structural geomorphology and natural hazard of a portion of mobile belt in the nyong complex, sw cameroon: case of the lolodorf region Natural hazard and disaster identified and studied these last thirty years principally in the regions of tertiary to actual volcano-sedimentary formations. A geomorphological study of Lolodorf-Mvengué region which is a portion of the movable area Eburnean owned by the Nyong comlex of Paleoproterozoic age in Cameroon showing that it equally presents potential risks for the population living near rivers and equally for their goods.Keywords: structural geomorphology, natural hazard, Lolodorf-Mvengué, Nyong complex, SW Cameroon

Comparison of the diagnostic value of histopathological examinations of miscarriage products after pharmacological induction of miscarriage and curettage

Objectives: For early miscarriage (pregnancy loss ≤ 12 weeks of gestation), two types of therapeutic treatment are offered (pharmacotherapy and curettage of the uterine cavity) depending on the presence and severity of clinical symptoms as well as patient choice. Our study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of the results of histopathological examinations of miscarriage products in relation to the administered treatments.  Material and methods: 850 medical records from patients diagnosed with missed miscarriage or empty gestational sac were analyzed retrospectively. Patients underwent surgical treatment or pharmacotherapy. Inefficacy of pharmacotherapy resulted in subsequent curettage. The results of histopathology were evaluated for their diagnostic value and classified: subgroup 1 — high value specimen (the studied specimen included fetal tissues, and villi), and subgroup 2 — no-diagnosis (the studied specimen included maternal tissues, autolyzed tissues, blood clots). Data were compared with chi-squared test. Differences was considered significant at p < 0.05.  Results: 1128 histopathological test results were analyzed; 569 (50.4%) were obtained during pharmacotherapy and 559 (49.6%) after curettage; out of the latter 497 after the initial pharmacotherapy and 62 after surgery. In the pharmacotherapy group, high value specimens comprised 231 cases (40.59%) while no diagnosis was obtained in 338 cases (59.4%). Considering specimens obtained in the course curettage, high value specimens were found in 364 cases (65.1%) while results that did not allow a diagnosis to be made were found in 195 cases (34.9%).  Conclusions: Tissue specimens of high diagnostic value are obtained significantly more often during surgical treatment of miscarriage than during pharmacotherapy

Les plantes à alcaloïdes utilisées par les populations de la ville de Douala (Cameroun)

Objective: An ethnobotanical survey was conducted from January to February 2013 in Douala town relating to the various uses of alkaloids plants species by the people. Methodology and results: Ten districts were surveyed for the census alkaloid plants. These surveys helped conduct semi-structured surveys based on direct questions concerning the therapeutic uses of these plants by the targeted populations. A total of 73 alkaloid plant species were identified of which 21 were herbaceous and 52 woody. Among these species, 30 are indigenous and 43 exotic. They were distributed in 62 genera belonging to 40 families. The supply is provided from farms, secondary forests, gardens, fallows and markets. Solanaceae, Apocynaceae and Rubiaceae are rich in various alkaloids. Leaves, barks and roots are the plant parts mostly used in recipes for the treatment of various diseases. Drugs are mainly administered through the oral root. Secondary metabolites, including alkaloids are unevenly distributed in plants. They are produced at particular stages of development of the flower, fruit, seed or seedling in a specific organ, tissue or cell. Alkaloid plant species are used as major analgesics, antimalarial and to fight against excess uric acid. They are also used as drugs, laxatives, aphrodisiac and as cholinergic or as anticancer agents. They increased heart rate and stimulate the central nervous system with increased vigilance. Conclusion and application of results: All these properties can justify the inclusion of these non timber forest products in forest management programs for their sustainable exploitation.Keywords : Solanaceae; Apocynaceae; Rubiaceae; alkaloids; exploitatio

Ethnobotanique des plantes médicinales anti hémorroïdaires des marchés et villages du Centre et du Littoral Cameroun

Objectif: Très peu de données sont disponibles sur les plantes anti hémorroïdaires en Afrique. Le but est de valoriser la médecine à base des plantes dans le traitement des pathologies hémorroïdaires.Méthodologie et résultats: Des enquêtes ethnobotaniques ont été réalisées auprès des guérisseurs des villages et des marchés des Régions du Centre et du Littoral. Un dendrogramme évaluant la similitude des connaissances des informateurs a été produit et les Fréquences Relatives (FRs) ainsi que les Facteurs de Consensus d’Utilisation des espèces (ICFs) ont été calculés. Au total, 60 espèces médicinales ont été recensées parmi lesquelles 45 ligneux et 15 herbacées. Elles sont reparties dans 41 familles dont la plus représentée est celle des Fabaceae. Ces espèces, endémiques pour la plupart sont riches en composés phénoliques et sont utilisées en association pour la préparation de 42 recettes dans lesquelles les écorces sont les organes végétaux les plus sollicités. La décoction à l’eau et la boisson prise deux fois par jour plus le bain de siège pris une fois par jour sont les modes de préparation et d’administration des dites recettes. Aucune espèce n’a atteint la valeur moyenne de consensus (0,5) ainsi que la FR moyenne (50%). Piper umbellatum, Baillonella toxisperma, Antrocaryon klaineanum, Irvingia gabonensis, Cylicodiscus gabonensis, Mangifera indica, Pycnanthus angolensis, Morinda lucida, Capsicum frutescens, Myrianthus arboreus et Elaeis guineensis sont les espèces ayant atteint un ICF B 0,10 et une FR B 10%.Conclusion et application des résultats: La flore camerounaise est riche en espèces de plantes médicinales anti hémorroïdaires et le coût réduit des recettes serait pour les populations démunies, une alternative dans la lutte contre la pauvreté.Mots clés: Composés phénoliques, Hémorroïdes, ICF et FR, Plantes médicinales, RecettesEnglish AbstractObjective: There is very little data available on anti-hemorrhoidal plants in Africa. The aim is to promote the use of herbal medicine plants in the treatment of hemorrhoidal diseases.Methodology and results: Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted with traditional healers in villages and markets of the Centre and Littoral regions. A dendrogram was produced using the Relative Frequencies (RFs) and the Informants Consensus Factors (ICFs) of species. A total of 60 medicinal plant species were recorded including 45 woody and 15 herbaceous. They are distributed in 41 families and the most represented is that of Fabaceae. These species, most of which are endemic, are rich in phenolic compounds and are used in association for the preparation of 42 recipes in which barks are the most requested plant organs. A water decoction and a drink taken twice a day added to a sit bath once a day were the preparation and administration modes of these receipts respectively. No species has reached the average value of consensus (0.5) and the average RF (50%). Piper umbellatum, Baillonella toxisperma, Antrocaryon klaineanum, Irvingia gabonensis, Cylicodiscus gabonensis, Mangifera indica, Pycnanthus angolensis, Morinda lucida, Capsicum frutescens, Myrianthus arboreus and Elaeis guineensis are the species that have achieved an ICF B 0.10 and a RF B 10%.Conclusion and application of results: The Cameroonian flora is rich in anti hemorrhoidal medicinal plant species and their reduced cost could be an alternative in the fight against poverty.Keywords: Hemorrhoids, ICFs and FRs, Medicinal plants, Phenolic compound