Endothelium in diseased states

International audienc

D 5.5.2. Report on near-market consumer testing of new improved products and substitutes in Africa. Project AFTER “African Food Tradition rEvisited by Research”

In this deliverable, the reengineered products relating to groups 1 to 3 are tested by consumers in Africa in order to test whether the acceptance meets consumer needs. The summaries are by group. These products were widely different and tested in differing cultures and situations. A common feature, however, is that all products are already commonly consumed by the communities and accepted, particularly with respect to the baseline products. Some products were found to be more acceptable (Gowe and Akpan in Benin, Kenkey in Ghana, Kong and Lanhouin in Senegal, Bissap and Baobab in Senegal), some of similar acceptance (Kitoza in Madagascar) and some were less acceptable (Kishk Sa'eedi in Egypt and Jaabi in Cameroon). Ways forward are discussed in all cases. Group 1: The reengineered group 1 products had mixed acceptance to consumers. Ones that were highly accepted were the reengineered Akpan which was highly accepted regardless of age, gender, socio- professional category and possessions (goods) and the majority (84.9%) expressed an interest for purchasing the reengineered Akpan and the reengineered gowe (n=100 consumers) in Benin, which was strongly accepted and more so than the traditional gowe. However, the reengineered Kenkey in Ghana while being comparable acceptance to the traditional white kenkey this would only meet a niche market. However, for the reengineered Kishk Sa'eedi, it was less acceptable and the difference was due to sour taste and spicy flavour. Group 2:The group 2 products had mixed acceptance among consumers. In the case of Kong in and Lanhouin in Senegal, the reengineered products had improved acceptance while for kitoza in Madagascar, there was no improvement in acceptance apart from those in terms of quality and safety. More specifically, Kong made using liquid smoke novel technique (RLK) had by far the highest acceptance and could easily be integrated as part of the Senegalese cuisine. This shows that there is a potential for RLK on the Senegalese market. Two types of reengineered Lanhouin types (Lanhouin dry powder, Lanhouin dry fillet) were greatly acceptable and the powdered form more than the fillet. In the case of Kitoza, consumer acceptance studies showed that there was no significant difference between all samples tested. Group 3: Group 3 reengineered products had mixed acceptance among consumers. Re-engineered bissap (hibiscus drinks) in Senegal were positively appreciated by consumers in Senegal and better accepted than the traditional commercial infusion used as baseline comparison. However, the new drinks were not perceivably different from the baseline drink to consumers concerning both the traditional character and the nutritional and healthy attributes. The reengineered baobab drinks were positively appreciated by consumers in Senegal and significantly better appreciated than the traditional commercial ones earlier tested. Jaabi (Ziziphus mauritiana). The result is the proposition of a reengineered Yaabande presenting fine texture well appreciated by consumers. However, particle size was critical and this needed to be lower than 125μm. Due to this limit, processors have adopted the manual production of flour of particle size 250μm>Ø>125μm, which is less tiresome, though it appears in second rank in the preference of consumers. The detailed methodology for each product is given for Groups I, II and III respectively. Common to all of the methodologies is the Ethical assessment and consent which is listed as follows: Ethical assessment and consent. The studies have been assessed and approved by the University of Greenwich Research Ethics Committee and the Ethics Committee at CIRAD. Consent was sought from sensory panellists and from adult consumers participating in this study. Enumerators informed participants about the study and explained that their participation was entirely voluntary, that they could stop the interview at any point and that the responses would be anonymous

Hydrogeochemical Characterization Of Water Resources In Volcano-Sedimentary Basin Of Antsirabe, Vakinankaratra Region-Central Highland Of Madagascar

This paper deals with the survey of the water resources vulnerability in the volcano-sedimentary deposit of Antsirabe, Central Highland of Madagascar. The purpose of this study is to determine the hydrogeochemical characteristics of water, in order to understand their chemistry and assess their quality. Additionally, we aim to identify the origin of their mineralization and the mechanisms behind different types of pollution.The water sampling method consists of collecting water samples from specific wells, springs, boreholes and surface water. These samples were then subjected to in-situ physico-chemical measurements and laboratory chemical analyses.The collected waters from four types of aquifers exhibit heterogeneity, ranging from low to moderate and excessive mineralization. We can distinguish five chemical facies based on the dominant chemical elements: calcium bicarbonate, calcium-magnesium bicarbonate, sodium-potassium bicarbonate, and sodium-potassium chloride.In some samples, the nitrate concentration exceeds both the Malagasy potability standard and the WHO guideline. The values vary between 50,88mg/L (AB18) and 232,65mg/L (AB29). Additionally, water samples collected from the industrial zone of Ambohimena and Antsampanimahazo, show high chloride content varying between 37,66mg/L (AB18) and 132,92mg/L (AB29). Two possible explanations for this excess are proposed: first, non-compliance with construction standards for the water source, specifically the distance from latrines; second, the lithology of aquifer, groundwater flow, and geographical location relative to the industrial zone.Overall, the groundwater in this basin is weakly mineralized, reflecting the lithological nature of the aquifer. Excessive mineralization in some water samples indicates contamination, either from anthropogenic sources (animal or human feces) or industrial activities

The Prosthetic Obturator Appliance In The Treatment Of Cleft Lip And Palate In Newborns: Series Of Cases

Cleft lip and cleft palate are common defects in head and neck area. The treatment is mainly surgical but while waiting for the primary surgery which is not immediate, a pre-surgical management must be undertaken for the success of the diet and the surgery. In the present study, the use of the passive palatal obturator was chosen to demonstrate its efficacy in the pre-surgical management of cleft lip and/or palate in newborns.This is a serial case report of newborns with cleft lip and / or palate aged 2 to 27- day-old. Two suffered from BCLP (bilateral cleft palate), one from UCLP (unilateral cleft palate) and one IBCP (incomplete bilateral cleft palate). The conventional palatal obturator design-manufacturing stages was adopted. The impression was made with Polyvinyl siloxane impression material and flexible thermal-forming (ethylene vinyl acetate sheet) material was used for manufacturing the feeding obturator. A combined method (feeding obturator and lactation education) has been adopted for feeding success.As results, with palatal obturator in the mouth, each newborn exhibited good sucking-swallowing-breathing coordination at the time of suckling. During the 3-month follow-up period, weight gain was observed in the reported infants in which those affected by UCLP and CP gained more (1920g, 2200g) than others (700g, 1100g).The combined use of a palatal obturator and lactation education was associated with weight gain

Molecular mechanisms of the cardiovascular protective effects of polyphenols

Epidemiological studies have reported a greater reduction in cardiovascular risk and metabolic disorders associated with diets rich in polyphenols. The antioxidant effects of polyphenols are attributed to the regulation of redox enzymes by reducing reactive oxygen species production from mitochondria, NADPH oxidases and uncoupled endothelial NO synthase in addition to also up-regulating multiple antioxidant enzymes. Although data supporting the effects of polyphenols in reducing oxidative stress are promising, several studies have suggested additional mechanisms in the health benefits of polyphenols. Polyphenols from red wine increase endothelial NO production leading to endothelium-dependent relaxation in conditions such as hypertension, stroke or the metabolic syndrome. Numerous molecules contained in fruits and vegetables can activate sirtuins to increase lifespan and silence metabolic and physiological disturbances associated with endothelial NO dysfunction. Although intracellular pathways involved in the endothelial effects of polyphenols are partially described, the molecular targets of these polyphenols are not completely elucidated. We review the novel aspects of polyphenols on several targets that could trigger the health benefits of polyphenols in conditions such as metabolic and cardiovascular disturbances

Situation and determinants of the infant and young child feeding (IYCF) indicators in Madagascar: analysis of the 2009 Demographic and Health Survey

Background: Studies evaluating child feeding in Madagascar are scarce despite its importance in child growth during the first two years of life. This study assessed the associations between the WHO infant and young child feeding (IYCF) indicators and stunting and identified determinants of inappropriate child feeding practices.Methods: The most recent Demographic and Health Survey was used including a total of 1956 infants aged 0–23 months. Logistic regressions were performed for the association between IYCF indicators and stunting and for the determination of risk factors for inappropriate feeding practices.Results: The rates of initiation of breastfeeding within one hour after birth (77.2%), continued breastfeeding at one year (99.6%) and timely introduction of solid, semi-solid or soft foods at 6–8 months (88.3%) were high. Exclusive breastfeeding under 6 months (48.8%), attaining minimum dietary diversity (22.2%) and consumption of iron-rich foods (19.6%) were relatively low. Higher length-for-age was associated with achieving minimum dietary diversity (p<0.01). The other indicators assessed (early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding under 6 months, timely introduction of complementary foods and consumption of iron-rich foods) were not associated with stunting. Infants born to mothers who had first given birth at an age younger than 19 were more likely not to be breastfed within one hour after birth, not to be exclusively breastfed and not to have the recommended dietary diversity. Infants whose mothers had low media exposure were at increased risk of being inappropriately fed. Low household wealth also was associated with higher odds of not meeting the minimum dietary diversity.Conclusions: Despite almost total continued breastfeeding at one year and early initiation of breastfeeding by more than three-quarter of mothers, minimum dietary diversity scores were still low, confirming the need for more effective programs for improving child feeding practices in Madagascar. Improving dietary diversity in children aged 6–23 months may help reduce stunting. The identified risk factors for inappropriate feeding practices could be used in directing future nutrition sensitive interventions.Peer reviewedNutritional Science

Minimal information for studies of extracellular vesicles (MISEV2023): From basic to advanced approaches

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), through their complex cargo, can reflect the state of their cell of origin and change the functions and phenotypes of other cells. These features indicate strong biomarker and therapeutic potential and have generated broad interest, as evidenced by the steady year-on-year increase in the numbers of scientific publications about EVs. Important advances have been made in EV metrology and in understanding and applying EV biology. However, hurdles remain to realising the potential of EVs in domains ranging from basic biology to clinical applications due to challenges in EV nomenclature, separation from non-vesicular extracellular particles, characterisation and functional studies. To address the challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving field, the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV) updates its 'Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles', which was first published in 2014 and then in 2018 as MISEV2014 and MISEV2018, respectively. The goal of the current document, MISEV2023, is to provide researchers with an updated snapshot of available approaches and their advantages and limitations for production, separation and characterisation of EVs from multiple sources, including cell culture, body fluids and solid tissues. In addition to presenting the latest state of the art in basic principles of EV research, this document also covers advanced techniques and approaches that are currently expanding the boundaries of the field. MISEV2023 also includes new sections on EV release and uptake and a brief discussion of in vivo approaches to study EVs. Compiling feedback from ISEV expert task forces and more than 1000 researchers, this document conveys the current state of EV research to facilitate robust scientific discoveries and move the field forward even more rapidly