Potential distributions of phlebotomine sandfly vectors of human visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum in Morocco.

Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis is a common vector-borne systemic disease caused by Leishmania infantum (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae). In Morocco the situation is complex: many sandfly species have been collected in areas in which the disease is endemic, but only Phlebotomus ariasi, Phlebotomus perniciosus and Phlebotomus longicuspis (Diptera: Psychodidae) have been confirmed to have vectorial roles. The objective of the present study was to ascertain the potential distribution of L. infantum and its vectors in Morocco, using ecological niche modelling. Vector records were obtained from field collections of the Laboratory team and from previously published entomological observations. Epidemiological data for L. infantum modelling were obtained from Moroccan Ministry of Health reports. The jackknife test indicated that the bioclimatic variables with the greatest influence on model development for all species were annual precipitation and precipitation in the driest quarter of the year. MaxEnt model representations for sandfly species that act as vectors of L. infantum showed the widespread geographic distribution of these species in Morocco, specifically in northern and central Morocco, where foci of visceral leishmaniasis are found. The ecological niche modelling points out areas in which the probability of occurrence of these species is higher. This information should be considered as a starting point for further research to fully elucidate the ecology and epidemiology of these species, as well as of the pathogens they transmit.

Risk mapping of human HIV-Leishmaniasis co-infection in Morocco.

BACKGROUND: HIV/AIDS is frequently associated with opportunistic diseases such as leishmaniasis. Hence, the co-infection HIV-Leishmania spp. is the result of the geographical overlap between leishmaniasis and HIV/AIDS cases. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the spatial distribution of HIV-Leishmaniasis co-infection in Morocco where both infections are endemic. METHODS: In the current study, we discuss the HIV-Leishmania spp. co-infection vulnerability in Morocco by using the cartography tools. Thus, epidemiological data of both infections (Leishmaniasis and HIV/AIDS) in different administrative regions of Morocco were collected and co-registered for Digital maps making. RESULTS & CONCLUSION: The results showed a high risk of HIV-Leishmania infantum co-infection in northern and central regions in Morocco. These results should be taken into account for efficient control strategies and epidemiological surveillance of HIV -Leishmania spp. co-infection in Morocco.

The structure and photoluminescence of a ZnO phosphor synthesized by the sol gel method under praseodymium doping.

This work outlines some interesting results regarding the effects of Pr3+ substitution on the structural and optical properties of (x = 0 and 0.02) samples. Our samples were synthesized using the Pechini sol-gel method. The structural study using Rietveld refinement of XRD patterns showed a hexagonal structure with the P63mc space group for all the samples and also the existence of a secondary phase attributed to the praseodymium oxide (Pr6O11) for 2% wt Pr-doped ZnO. The refinement results revealed that both the lattice parameter and the unit cell volume increase with the increase of Pr content. X-ray peak broadening analysis was used to evaluate the crystallite size and lattice strain by the Williamson-Hall (W-H) method and size-strain plot method (SSPM). The physical parameters such as strain, stress and energy density values were also calculated using the W-H method with different models, namely uniform deformation model (UDM), uniform stress deformation model (USDM) and uniform deformation energy model (UDEDM). The obtained results showed that the mean particle size of the ZnO and Pr0.01Zn0.97O estimated from W-H analysis and the SSPM method are highly intercorrelated. Shifting of the absorption edge to lower wavelength and blue shift of the band gap are observed in the UV-visible spectra of Pr-doped ZnO samples. Particular emphasis was put on the PL measurements of such composites. A noticeable decrease of the maximum intensity of PL response was found after adding Pr3+ to ZnO. This finding is discussed in terms of the photo excited limitation of electron-hole pairs in such nanocomposites.

Influence of defect on the electrical and optical properties of A-site non-stoichiometry Ca0.67La0.22□0.11Ti(1-x)Cr x O3-δ perovskite.

An investigation of the dielectric dispersion, electrical properties, scaling behavior and optical defects of Ca0.67La0.22□0.11Ti(1-x)Cr x O3-δ (CLT(1-x)Cr x ) with x = 0 and x = 0.1 compositions is presented. The square in the formula is attributed to a vacancy in A-site. Relaxation phenomena were studied with dielectric and modulus formalism, while, the conductivity mechanism was investigated using electrical conductivity. A high permittivity of around 104, low dielectric loss and low electrical conductivity of around 10-3 S cm-1 for Ca0.67La0.22TiO3 (CLT) was observed. These values make this composition interesting for microelectric applications. A comparison between the Z'' and M'' indicated that the short-range carrier motion dominates at low temperature and becomes less localized at high temperature. The optical defects of CLT and Ca0.67La0.22Ti0.9Cr0.1O3 (CLT0.9Cr0.1) were studied by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The results suggest the formation of a [TiO6]9- center, a (Ti3+-V O) center, and dipole defect for CLT compound and Cr3+-V O center defect for CLT0.9Cr0.1 compound. These defects are the source of the in-gap electron traps, which improve the optical properties of CLT(1-x)Cr x and hence make it an interesting optical material for different applications.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass increases systemic but not portal bile acid concentrations by decreasing hepatic bile acid uptake in minipigs.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery is widely used in the management of morbid obesity. RYGB improves metabolism independently of weight loss by still unknown mechanisms. Bile acids (BAs) are good candidates to explain this benefit, since they regulate metabolic homeostasis and their systemic concentrations increase upon RYGB. Here we analyzed the mechanisms underlying the increase in systemic BA concentrations after RYGB and the role of the liver therein. To this aim, we used the Göttingen-like minipig, a human-size mammalian model, which allows continuous sampling and simultaneous analysis of pre-hepatic portal and systemic venous blood. BA concentrations and pool composition were measured in portal blood, containing intestinal reabsorbed BAs and compared to systemic blood during a standardized meal test before and after RYGB. Systemic total BA concentrations increased after RYGB, due to an increase in conjugated BAs. Interestingly, the ratio of portal:systemic conjugated BAs decreased after RYGB, indicating a role for the liver in systemic BA concentrations changes. In line, hepatic expression of BA transporter genes decreased after RYGB. Our results show that the increase in systemic BAs after surgery is due to decreased selective hepatic recapture. Thus, alterations in hepatic function contribute to the increase in systemic BAs after RYGB.

Influence of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on plasma bile acid profiles: a comparative study between rats, pigs and humans.

BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) is the most widely used bariatric surgery procedure, which induces profound metabolic and physiological effects, such as substantial improvements in obesity, type 2 diabetes and their comorbidities. Increasing evidence identifies bile acids (BAs) as signaling molecules that contribute to the metabolic improvement after RYGBP. However, how and to what extent BAs mediate the metabolic effects of RYGBP still remains unclear and requires mechanism of action studies using preclinical models. In this study, we compared plasma BA profiles before and after RYGBP in two animal models, rats and pigs, with humans to evaluate their translational potential. METHODS: Plasma BAs were profiled in rats, pigs and humans by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry before and after RYGBP. RESULTS: RYGBP increased baseline plasma total BA concentrations in humans and in the two animal models to a similar extent (∼3-fold increase), despite differences in presurgery BA levels and profiles between the models. However, qualitatively, RYGBP differently affected individual plasma BA species, with similar increases in some free species (cholic acid (CA), chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) and deoxycholic acid (DCA)), different increases in glyco-conjugated species depending on the model and globally no increase in tauro-conjugated species whatever the model. CONCLUSIONS: The tested animal models share similar quantitative RYGBP-induced increases in peripheral blood BAs as humans, which render them useful for mechanistic studies. However, they also present qualitative differences in BA profiles, which may result in different signaling responses. Such differences need to be taken into account when translating results to humans.

Direct measurements of Ab and Ac using vertex and kaon charge tags at the SLAC detector.

Exploiting the manipulation of the SLAC Linear Collider electron-beam polarization, we present precise direct measurements of the parity-violation parameters A(c) and A(b) in the Z-boson-c-quark and Z-boson-b-quark coupling. Quark-antiquark discrimination is accomplished via a unique algorithm that takes advantage of the precise SLAC Large Detector charge coupled device vertex detector, employing the net charge of displaced vertices as well as the charge of kaons that emanate from those vertices. From the 1996-1998 sample of 400 000 Z decays, produced with an average beam polarization of 73.4%, we find A(c)=0.673+/-0.029(stat)+/-0.023(syst) and A(b)=0.919+/-0.018(stat)+/-0.017(syst).

An evaluation of three implant level impression techniques for single tooth implant.

This laboratory study investigated the hypotheses that there is no difference between three implant level impression techniques using vinyl polysiloxane impression material. The tested techniques were 1)- the repositioning technique. 2)-The pickup technique. 3)- The pickup technique with the impression copings splinted to the impression trays with autopolymerising acrylic resin. The Reflex Microscope was used for 3D measurement of distances and angles. Analysis of variance and Tukey's multiple comparisons test were applied to analyse the data. The results showed significant differences in implant analogue position with the repositioning and the pickup (unsplinted) impression techniques from the master model. Alarming rotational errors were recorded with the repositioning and the pickup (unsplinted) techniques. However, connecting the impression coping to the impression tray improves the accuracy of the pickup impression technique.

Improved direct measurement of the parity-violation parameter Ab using a mass tag and momentum-weighted track charge.

We present an improved direct measurement of the parity-violation parameter A(b) in the Z boson-b-quark coupling using a self-calibrating track-charge technique applied to a sample enriched in Z-->bb events via the topological reconstruction of the B hadron mass. Manipulation of the Stanford Linear Collider electron-beam polarization permits the measurement of A(b) to be made independently of other Z-pole coupling parameters. From the 1996-1998 sample of 400,000 hadronic Z decays, produced with an average beam polarization of 73.4%, we find A(b)=0.906+/-0.022(stat)+/-0.023(syst).

A laboratory investigation of the accuracy of the repositioning impression coping technique at the implant level for single-tooth implants.

This study investigated the accuracy of the repositioning impression technique at the implant level using vinyl polysiloxane impression material. Three groups each of ten senior dentists, postgraduate students and technicians were asked to use this technique to record the position of an implant in a master model. The Reflex Microscope was used to measure variations between the resulting casts and the master model. Significant difference between the casts and the master model in the X and Y-axes (p < 0.01) was recorded. Alarming inclinational and rotational errors for the implant analogue position were measured with all groups of operators. Similar distortion in the Z-axis was recorded.

A single-appointment, definitive post-crown restoration: a case report.

The marked advances made in restorative materials have allowed dentists to explore new techniques in restoring teeth. This paper describes a method of restoring extensively damaged endodontically treated teeth that are using the LightPost system and composite resin to build-up the broken crown directly. The treatment was completed in a single visit. Applying this direct technique in selected cases can simplify treatment planning and result in an acceptable restoration with pleasing aesthetics.

In vitro evaluation of furcal perforation repair using mineral trioxide aggregate or resin modified glass lonomer cement with and without the use of the operating microscope.

This study evaluated in vitro the effect of using the operating microscope on repairing furcation perforations using Vitrebond or mineral trioxide aggregate. Forty-six human molar teeth were mounted into a jig attached to a simulated jaw. The teeth were allocated randomly to four groups (n = 10). Furcal perforations were made in the teeth using an ISO 012 round bur in a slow-speed hand-piece. Each material was used to repair a group of teeth with and without the use of the operating microscope. The remaining six teeth provided positive and negative controls. All groups were stored in 100% humidity, and the repair materials were allowed to set for 72 h at room temperature before being assessed for the quality of placement under x26 magnification. Leakage at the repair was then tested using India ink; the teeth were demineralized, dehydrated in alcohol, and rendered transparent in methyl salicylate. Dye penetration into the furcation repair was evaluated at x26 magnification. There was no difference in the acceptability of the repair with either material whether or not the operating microscope was used. The perforations repaired with mineral trioxide aggregate leaked significantly less to the tracer dye than those repaired with Vitrebond (p < 0.001).

Improved direct measurement of A(b) and A(c) at the Z(0) pole using a lepton tag.

The parity violation parameters A(b) and A(c) of the Zb(b) and Zc(c) couplings have been measured directly, using the polar angle dependence of the polarized cross sections at the Z(0) pole. Bottom and charmed hadrons were tagged via their semileptonic decays. Both the electron and muon analyses take advantage of new multivariate techniques to increase the analyzing power. Based on the 1993-1998 SLD sample of 550,000 Z(0) decays produced with highly polarized electron beams, we measure A(b) = 0.919+/-0.030(stat)+/-0.024(syst), and A(c) = 0.583+/-0.055(stat)+/-0.055(syst).

Conservative management of an accidentally resected root: a 3-year follow-up.

Despite all the effort by dentists to provide high levels of dental care in clinical practice, there is always the possibility of accidents occurring. This report describes a referred case that presented with irreversible pulpitis in tooth #19. The situation developed after accidental resectioning of the distal root of tooth #19 during the surgical extraction of tooth #18 by another dentist. The resultant open apex in the distal root of tooth #19 was managed conservatively. A positive apical stop was prepared at the root end of the distal root and sterile calcium hydroxide powder was used to create an apical barrier against which a gutta-percha filling was condensed. The treatment appeared successful at 3-year follow-up.

Microscopic management of endodontic procedural errors: perforation repair.

Iatrogenic root perforation is a procedural error that complicates treatment and can lead to loss of the tooth. A number of new instruments and techniques have been introduced into endodontic practice over the last few years to address this problem. The recent addition of the operating microscope to improve the field of vision has provided the operator with the benefit of magnification and enhanced illumination. Although there are few studies evaluating objectively the use of the operating microscope, its clinical application demonstrates the possibility of achieving more precise endodontic practice. The use of the operating microscope in the non-surgical management of a mid-root perforation is reported in this paper.

(S)-12-hydroxygeranylgeraniol-derived diterpenes from the brown alga Bifurcaria bifurcata.

Four novel diterpenes were isolated from the brown alga Bifurcaria bifurcata collected off the Atlantic coast from Morocco, and their structures established by spectral and chemical methods. These compounds are acyclic diterpenes derived from (S)-12-hydroxygeranylgeraniol. One of them is its dehydration product at C-12, while the others are its oxidation derivatives: the methyl ester of the acid at C-1 and two stereoisomers (Z and E) of the aldehyde at C-1. These results are discussed from a chemotaxonomic point of view.

First symmetry tests in polarized Z0 decays to bbg.

We have made the first direct symmetry tests in the decays of polarized Z0 bosons into fully identified bbg states, collected in the SLD experiment at SLAC. We searched for evidence of parity violation at the bbg vertex by studying the asymmetries in the b-quark polar- and azimuthal-angle distributions, and for evidence of T-odd, CP-even or CP-odd, final-state interactions by measuring angular correlations between the three-jet plane and the Z0 polarization. We found results consistent with standard model expectations and set 95% C. limits on anomalous contributions.

Improved direct measurement of leptonic coupling asymmetries with polarized Z bosons.

We present final measurements of the Z boson-lepton coupling asymmetry parameters A(e), A(mu), and A(tau) with the complete sample of polarized Z bosons collected by the SLD detector at the SLAC Linear Collider. From the left-right production and decay polar angle asymmetries in leptonic Z decays we measure A(e) = 0.1544+/-0.0060, A(mu) = 0.142+/-0.015, and A(tau) = 0.136+/-0.015. Combined with our left-right asymmetry measured from hadronic decays, we find A(e) = 0.1516+/-0.0021. Assuming lepton universality, we obtain a combined effective weak mixing angle of sin (2)theta(eff)(W) = 0.230 98+/-0.000 26.