Additifs alimentaires: inventaire des substances ajoutées aux denrées alimentaires de large consommation dans l'Ouest algérien / Food additives : inventory of substances added to consumer foods in Western Algeria

Introduction- Les additifs alimentaires sont utilisés pour prolonger la durée de conservation des denrées préparées ou édulcorer une boisson par exemple. Dans cette étude, nous dressons un état des lieux des additifs alimentaires utilisés dans quelques denrées alimentaires de large consommation commercialisées dans la ville d'Oran (Ouest Algérien). Matériels et méthodes- Une étude transversale descriptive a été réalisée au niveau des superettes et magasins d'alimentation générale de la ville d'Oran pour lister les additifs alimentaires incorporés à quelques aliments de large consommation Dans un premier temps, une étude descriptive transversale a été réalisée pendant trois mois au sein de trois structures hospitalières de l'Ouest algérien. Résultats-Au total, 114 additifs alimentaires ont été répertoriés. Tous les additifs inventoriés sont listés dans le journal officiel Algérien N°30 du 16 Mai 2012.Les additifs répertoriés ne sont pas sans risques pour la santé du consommateur. Certains additifs comme le colorant caramel ou SIN150d est retrouvé dans 3 marques locales de biscuits et 4 marques de boissons locales (17,5%) ; le benzoate de sodium ou SIN211 dans 12 marques de boissons et 2 marques de confiture (16,09%) ; le butylhydroxyanisole (BHA) ou SIN320 dans une marque de chocolat, de margarine et de chips (1,67%). Globalement, les étiquettes des produits sont conformes à la réglementation Algérienne à l'exception de quelques manquements comme la nature de l'arôme qui ne fut pas toujours spécifiée Conclusion-L'étude a révélé une importante utilisation des additifs alimentaires. Le niveau de risque pour la santé du consommateur que pourraient présenter ces substances nécessite une large sensibilisation du consommateur, notamment une consommation modérée des denrées alimentaires industriellement préparées.

Development of the Korea-Polyenvironmental Risk Score for Psychosis

Objective@#Comprehensive understanding of polyenvironmental risk factors for the development of psychosis is important. Based on a review of related evidence, we developed the Korea Polyenvironmental Risk Score (K-PERS) for psychosis. We investigated whether the K-PERS can differentiate patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) from healthy controls (HCs). @*Methods@#We reviewed existing tools for measuring polyenvironmental risk factors for psychosis, including the Maudsley Environmental Risk Score (ERS), polyenviromic risk score (PERS), and Psychosis Polyrisk Score (PPS). Using odds ratios and relative risks for Western studies and the “population proportion” (PP) of risk factors for Korean data, we developed the K-PERS, and compared the scores thereon between patients with SSDs and HCs. In addition, correlation was performed between the K-PERS and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). @*Results@#We first constructed the “K-PERS-I,” comprising five factors based on the PPS, and then the “K-PERS-II” comprising six factors based on the ERS. The instruments accurately predicted participants’ status (case vs. control). In addition, the K-PERS-I and -II scores exhibited significant negative correlations with the negative symptom factor score of the PANSS. @*Conclusion@#The K-PERS is the first comprehensive tool developed based on PP data obtained from Korean studies that measures polyenvironmental risk factors for psychosis. Using pilot data, the K-PERS predicted patient status (SSD vs. HC). Further research is warranted to examine the relationship of K-PERS scores with clinical outcomes of psychosis and schizophrenia.

Risperidone Induced DNA Methylation Changes in Dopamine Receptor and Stathmin Genes in Mice Exposed to Social Defeat Stress

Objective@#Understanding complex epigenetic mechanisms is necessary to fully elucidate the effects of antipsychotic drug. This study investigated DNA methylation and mRNA expression levels of dopamine D2 and D1 receptor (Drd2 and Drd1, respectively), nuclear receptor subfamily 3, group C, member 1 (Nr3c1) and stathmin 1 (Stmn1) in brain regions of mice exposed to social defeat stress (SDS) and effects of risperidone on altered methylation and mRNA expression levels induced by SDS. @*Methods@#Following SDS for 10 days, risperidone (0.2 mg/kg) or vehicle was administered to adult mice for 7 days. Brain tissues from the prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus (HIP) and amygdala (AMY) were processed to measure methylation and mRNA levels of Drd2, Drd1, Nr3c1 and Stmn1 using pyrosequencing and real time-polymerase chain reaction. @*Results@#We found altered methylation status of Nr3c1 and Stmn1 in the HIP and AMY of mice exposed to SDS. These changes were reversed by risperidone treatment. In addition, different methylation patterns of Drd2 and Drd1 in the PFC and AMY between defeated and control mice were identified with risperidone treatment. @*Conclusion@#These findings suggest that risperidone can cause epigenetic changes in Drd2, Drd1, Nr3c1 and Stmn1 in defeated mice. These changes could be epigenetic mechanisms underlying antipsychotic efficacy.

Impact of Social Defeat Stress on DNA Methylation in Drd2, Nr3c1, and Stmn1 in Wild-type and Stmn1 Knock-out Mice

Objective@#Epigenetic profiles can be modified by stress. Dopamine receptor D2 (Drd2), glucocorticoid receptor gene (Nr3c1) and Stathmin 1 (Stmn1) genes are all implicated in adaptation to stress. The aim of study is to investigate impact of social defeat on DNA methylation in Drd2, Nr3c1, and Stmn1 in wild-type (WT) and Stmn1 knock-out (KO) mice. @*Methods@#The WT and Stmn1 KO mice were subjected to chronic social defeat. Brain tissues of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), amygdala (AMY) and hippocampus (HIP) were obtained. We measured DNA methylation levels of the Drd2, Nr3c1, and Stmn1 genes in the PFC, AMY, and HIP using pyrosequencing. @*Results@#In WT mice, social defeat stress did not induce any changes in Drd2 methylation, whereas significant hypermethylation occurred in Nr3c1 and Stmn1 in the susceptible and unsusceptible groups, respectively, compared to the control group. The methylation responses in the Stmn1 KO mice differed from those seen in the WT mice, such that hypermethylation was evident in all three genes in the susceptible and unsusceptible groups compared to control group. Comparison of the Stmn1 KO and WT mice revealed the same pattern of hypermethylation for all three genes. @*Conclusion@#Social defeat stress induced different epigenetic modifications in three genes among control, unsusceptible, and susceptible groups of WT and Stmn1 KO mice. In particular, hypermethylation of Nr3c1 in the HIP of the susceptible group, and of Stmn1 in the AMY of the unsusceptible group in WT mice, could serve as epigenetic biomarkers of stress susceptibility and stress resilience, respectively.

Fibromyalgie associée à la gonarthrose: prévalence, caractéristiques épidémiologiques, et son impact sur le traitement / Fibromyalgia associated with knee osteoarthritis: prevalence, epidemiological characteristics, and impact on its treatment

Contexte et objectifs. Les patients souffrant de syndrome fibromyalgique sont fréquemment rencontrés en pratique clinique et déconcertent bien souvent les médecins. Notre étude a pour but de déterminer la prévalence de la fibromyalgie chez les patients gonarthrosiques, son impact sur la présentation clinique et radiologique ainsi sur le cours évolutif de gonarthrose. Méthodes. Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale analytique portant sur les patients atteints de gonarthrose définie selon les critères ACR, suivis au service de rhumatologie de l'hôpital militaire Moulay Ismail à Meknès ; entre novembre 2018 et avril 2019. La fibromyalgie était retenue chez les patients remplissant les critères ACR 2010. Résultats. Au total 101 patients (âge moyen : 57+11,5 ans, femmes : 65,3 % ; surpoids : 35.6% ; et obésité stade 1 (35,6 %) ont été examinés. La prévalence de la fibromyalgie était de 34,7%. Un tiers des patients fibromyalgiques avaient une réponse partielle au traitement (AINS et paracétamol). L'analyse bivariée a montré une association positive avec le sexe féminin (p =0,006) et l'IMC (p=0,017). Par contre on n'a pas noté de relation entre la fibromyalgie, l'âge, le stade radiologique de la gonarthrose, la présence d'un syndrome métabolique, et l'EVA douleur. Conclusion. La fibromyalgie est relativement fréquence chez les patients gonarthrosiques. Sa reconnaissance permet de mieux prendre en charge les patients gonarthrosiques et d'éviter les abus de traitements symptomatiques notamment les AINS.

Context and objective. Fibromyalgia syndrome cases are frequent in clinical practice and often disconcert physicians. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of fibromyalgia in patients with osteoarthritis, and its impact on the clinical and radiological presentation, as well as its evolutionary course. Methods. This was an analytical cross-sectional study including all patients followed for gonarthrosis in the Department of Rheumatology of the Moulay Ismail Military Hospital between November 2018 and April 2019. Fibromyalgia was retained in patients meeting the ACR 2010 criteria. Results. One hundred one patients (57 + 11.5 years old; Women 65.3%; overweight: 35.6%, obesity grade 1: 35.6 %; were examined. The prevalence of fibromyalgia was 34.7%. One third of fibromyalgia patients had a partial response to treatment. The bivariate analysis showed a positive correlation with the female sex (p = 0.006) and the BMI (p = 0.017). There was no correlation between fibromyalgia, age, the radiological class of gonarhtrosis, the presence of metabolic syndrome, and VAS pain. Conclusion. The fibromyalgia is relatively common in patient with gonarthrosis, especially in obese women. Early diagnostic of fibromyalgia offers the possibility of a better management of gonarthrosis patients and thus avoiding the abusive use of symptomatic treatments, notably NSAIDs

Study of Oligohydramnios and its perinatal outcome

Background: Importance of amniotic fluid volume as an indicator of fetal status is being appreciated relatively recently. Around 3% to 8% of pregnant women are presenting with low amniotic fluid at any point of pregnancy. The present study was undertaken to study the outcome of pregnancies with Oligohydramnios [(amniotic fluid index) AFI≤5cm] at or beyond 34 weeks.Methods: This study consists of 50 cases of antenatal patients with oligohydramnios (AFI≤5) at or beyond 34 weeks of gestation compared with age and gestation matched 50 normal liquor (AFI≥5 and ≤25). The outcome measures recorded were labor, gestational age at delivery, amniotic fluid index (AFI), mode of delivery, indication for cesarean section or instrumental delivery, APGAR score and birth weight.Results: In the present study, AFI was significantly decreased in cases (3.74±1.2) compared (12.54±2.5) with controls. Variable deceleration was noted in 14 (28%) and late deceleration in 5 (10%) cases. In control group, 2 (4%) had late deceleration. In cases induced labor is in 14 (28%), spontaneous labor 36 (72%). In cases, term normal vaginal delivery was in 15 (30%), PVD in 6 (12%), LSCS in 28 (56%) and instrumental vaginal delivery in 1 (2%). In controls, full term normal vaginal delivery was in 41 (82%), PVD in 5 (10%), LSCS in 4 (8%). APGAR score <7 at 1 minute was in 19 (38%) and at 5 minutes was in 5 (10%) in cases. Birth weight is reduced in cases. IUGR was reported in 9 (18%) in cases.Conclusions: Pregnancies with Oligohydramnios (AFI≤5) is associated with increased rate of non-reactive NST. Routine induction of labor for Oligohydramnios is not recommended. It is preferable to allow patients to go into spontaneous labor with continuous FHR monitoring. Antepartum diagnosis of Oligohydramnios warrants close fetal surveillance.

Recurrence of occult hepatitis B virus infection in a recipient of a liver transplant for HCV-related cirrhosis: full length genome, mutations analysis and literature review.

The outcome of liver transplant recipients in HCV chronic carriers with Anti-HBc only concerning occult HBV infection is unknown. We report here the case of a patient who underwent liver transplantation (LT) for cirrhosis post chronic hepatitis C who received an allograft from a donor with no marker of hepatitis B infection. After LT, HBV DNA was detected in the serum in the absence of HBsAg while HCV RNA remained negative. To determine the origin of this occult HBV infection, we retrospectively examined stored serum and liver tissue, pre and post-transplantation, for HBV DNA by PCR. A stored liver biopsy of the donor before transplantation was also tested. HBV DNA was detected in the pre-transplant liver but not in the donor liver. HBV viral load quantified by real time PCR after LT ranged from about 102 to 5x103 HBV DNA copies/mg of liver, while in sera, concentrations ranged from 102 to 3x103 HBV DNA copies/ml. All PCR products in the S gene from liver and sera were sequenced. Analysis of sequences showed the presence of an HBV strain genotype D. The nucleotide homology between the patient‟s HBV strains before and after LT was 96 % across the analyzed regions. Full length HBV genomes were amplified from the sera using Rolling Circle Amplification and then sequenced. Analysis of sequences confirmed the genotype D, but did not show obvious mutations that could contribute to HBsAg seronegativity and low HBV viral replication. Factors leading to occult HBV infection are still unclear, but it is well establish that occult HBV infection is frequent in HCV patients. This underlines the role of extra hepatic sites for HBV replication, potentially lymphocytes acting as “reservoirs”.

Gastro-protective Anti-Helicobacter pylori and, Antioxidant Properties of Moroccan Zizyphus lotus L.

Zizyphus lotus L. is a common medicinal plant used in Moroccan folk medicine to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as ulcers and diarrhea. In this paper, we aimed to evaluate the anti-ulcer properties of Z. lotus (fruits) methanol extract (ZLM) in various experimental models, as well as its anti-Helicobacter pylori and antiscavenging properties. Anti-ulcer studies were performed in three ulcerogenic induced models (HCl/Ethanol; HCl/EtOH), pylorus ligature and aspirin) in Wistar rats. Up to 500 mg/kg body weight, ZLM produced a nonsignificant inhibition in the acute ulcer induced by HCl/EtOH solution and a significant effect on the aspirin model (46.2 %). The anti-ulcer effect was lower, for both models, compared to cimetidine and omeprazole used as positive controls. ZLM showed a significant reduction of gastric juice secretion and total acidity and an increase in pH value in pylorus-ligature model similarly to positive controls. ZLM inhibited, at 128μg/ml, three H. pylori clinical strains among which two were resistant to metronidazole and clarythromycine. ZLM showed a moderate scavenging capacity in DPPH assay (IC50= 477.6 ± 47.6 μg/ml). ZLM extract act essentially as antacid agent, which support the use of this plant in the traditional Moroccan medicine to cure gastrointestinal disorders.

Cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis revealing multifocal tuberculosis

Cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis [CLV] is an inflammatory vascular disorder rarely reported to be associated with tuberculosis. The following report describes the case of a young man with multifocal tuberculosis revealed by CLV. Diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of tuberculoid granuloma with caseous necrosis on pleural and perianal biopsy, and a rapid improvement in anti-tuberculous quadritherapy. Although rarely seen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis should be considered as a potential cause of CLV

Frequency of newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus in acute ischaemic stroke patients

To determine the frequency of newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus in acute ischaemic stroke patients. Observational study. Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, from June 2007 - June 2008. This study included adult patients [age > 30 years, both genders] with the diagnosis of acute ischaemic stroke. Patients who were known to have diabetes mellitus prior to stroke, had a non-lacunar stroke or were admitted to intensive care units for any reason were excluded. Detailed history and examination, fasting blood sugar, fasting lipid profile, a non-enhanced CT scan brain and electrocardiogram were done on every patient. Data were entered on a preformed proforma. The results were analyzed on SPSS version 10. Chi-square test was applied. P-value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. A total of 250 patients were enrolled. The male: female ratio was 1: 0.9. Mean age was observed as 60.9 +/- 10.1 years. In total, 50 new cases of diabetes mellitus were identified [20%]. Average fasting blood sugar in diabetic subjects was 148 +/- 10 mg/dl. The most common risk factors in the newly diagnosed diabetic subjects were hypertension 26 [52%], smoking 18 [36%] and hyperlipidemia 14 [28%]. Atrial fibrillation and myocardial infarction were seen in 12 subjects [24%] and 9 subjects [18%] respectively. Twenty percent patients with acute ischaemic stroke had un-diagnosed diabetes. Therefore, it is advisable to screen acute stroke patients for diabetes to reduce their long-term morbidity and mortality