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Research Article
Molecular Diagnosis of Rickettsia aeschlimannii in Febrile Patients in Côte d’Ivoire
Fidèle N’guessan Diobo*,
Amenan Claude Aimée Kouamé Diaha,
Yahaya Sylla,
Grace Rebecca Bogni,
Valery Edgard Adjogoua,
Hortense Kette Faye,
Mireille Dosso,
Patrick Kouassi Yao
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 6, November 2023
Pages:
137-141
Received:
26 September 2023
Accepted:
24 October 2023
Published:
9 November 2023
Abstract: R aeschlimannii is a bacterium that causes Mediterranean spotted fever. It is a rickettsial disease, which is an acute febrile illness characterized by the appearance of skin pimples and bedsores. R. aeschlimannii is mainly transmitted by ticks of the genus Hyalomma, which are present throughout the African continent, including Côte d’Ivoire. Despite the presence of the pathogen and its potential vectors in Côte d'Ivoire, the disease is not yet well-known or even undiagnosed in our health centers. Consequently, it is a neglected disease. The aim of this study is to search for R. aeschlimannii bacteria in febrile patients in order to improve the management of febrile illnesses in Côte d’Ivoire. Blood samples taken from patients to test for yellow fever virus and stored in the Institut Pasteur of Côte d’Ivoire biobank were also used to test for R. aeschlimannii by quantitative PCR. The 5 to 14-year-olds patients from Korhogo were infested with R. aeschlimannii with a relatively low prevalence of 9.10%. Our results underline the need to continue the study to control certain tick-borne diseases transmitted to both animals and humans. In the north of the country, the age group most vulnerable to Mediterranean spotted fever is the pre-adolescent age.
Abstract: R aeschlimannii is a bacterium that causes Mediterranean spotted fever. It is a rickettsial disease, which is an acute febrile illness characterized by the appearance of skin pimples and bedsores. R. aeschlimannii is mainly transmitted by ticks of the genus Hyalomma, which are present throughout the African continent, including Côte d’Ivoire. Despi...
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Research Article
Construction of a Clinical Prediction Model for Systemic Sclerosis Cuproptosis-Related Genes Using Machine Learning
Xinmin Huang,
Xu Cai,
Xinpeng Chen,
Yiwei Hong,
Zhengbo Yan,
Jianwei Xiao*
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 6, November 2023
Pages:
142-149
Received:
31 October 2023
Accepted:
15 November 2023
Published:
24 November 2023
Abstract: Objective: This study aims to identify cuproptosis-related genes in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) and construct a clinical prediction model. Methods: The GSE33463 dataset was retrieved from the GEO database, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to analyze the expression of pathways related to cuproptosis. Cuproptosis-related genes were extracted, and potential key genes for SSc were selected using the LASSO and Boruta methods to construct a clinical prediction model. The model's predictive ability was evaluated using K-nearest neighbors (KNN) and Lightgbm methods, with assessment based on ROC curves, PR curves, confusion matrices, F-values, and 5-fold cross-validation. The importance of model variables was evaluated using SHAP analysis. Results: Cuproptosis-related pathways were upregulated in SSc. Four key cuproptosis-related genes (PDHB, DLST, PDHA1, DBT) were identified using the LASSO and Boruta methods, leading to the construction of a clinical prediction model through multivariable logistic regression. The model exhibited a C-index of 0.91, an AUC of 0.914 under the ROC curve, and strong performance in 5-fold cross-validation. KNN and Lightgbm models achieved AUC values of 0.9243 and 0.9763, respectively. PR curve AUC values of 0.8492 and 0.9480 demonstrated high precision, while confusion matrix results revealed KNN and Lightgbm model accuracies of 0.8663 and 0.932, respectively. The models provide a basis for the early diagnosis of SSc. Conclusion: The clinical prediction model, based on four cuproptosis-related genes, demonstrates high predictive capability, aiding in the early diagnosis of SSc patients.
Abstract: Objective: This study aims to identify cuproptosis-related genes in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) and construct a clinical prediction model. Methods: The GSE33463 dataset was retrieved from the GEO database, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to analyze the expression of pathways related to cuproptosis. Cuproptosis-related genes were extra...
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Research Article
Genetic Variability Analysis Among Quality Attributes of Arsi Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) Accessions at Mechara
Sintayehu Girma*,
Wassu Mohammed,
Ashenafi Ayano
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 6, November 2023
Pages:
150-158
Received:
2 November 2023
Accepted:
21 November 2023
Published:
29 November 2023
Abstract: Ethiopia is naturally endowed with a suitable climate for the production of high quality coffee. Arsi coffee is known to produce Harar C coffee quality grade and known for its unique flavor and aroma. Therefore, this study was conducted to estimate genetic divergence, heritability and genetic advance in Arsi coffee accession for bean quality traits. A total of 56 Arsi coffee accessions and four Hararghe coffee varieties were evaluated for bean physical and organoleptic coffee quality traits using Completely Randomized Design with three replications. The analysis of variance results showed significant variation among Arsi coffee accessions and Hararghe coffee varieties for all traits except astringency, bitterness and odor. The overall quality of Arsi coffee accession was in the range between 75.83 and 87.17% while the four Hararghe coffee varieties had 80.33 to 84% overall quality. Genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation ranged from 2.61 to 34.83% and 2.97 to 35.67%, respectively. The heritability in broad sense and genetic advance as percent of mean ranged from 32.50% to 99.88% and 3.94 to 70.15%, respectively. Most of the coffee quality traits had high heritability except aromatic intensity had low heritability. Based on un-weighted pair group method of classification the 60 genotypes were grouped into 14 clusters of which Cluster I was the largest consisted of 26 (43.33%) collections while other clusters consisted of 1 to 8 genotypes. Principal components (PCs) showed that the first three PC explained 89 % of the total variance of which PC1, PC2 and PC3 contributed 56, 26 and 7 %, respectively. The highest contribution of PC1 to total variance was due to the high contribution of organoleptic quality traits; aromatic intensity, aromatic quality, acidity, flavor, overall standard and overall cup quality. The Euclidean distances of 1770 pair of genotypes ranged from 2.0 to 12.06 with 6.79, 1.51 and 22.2% overall mean standard deviation and coefficient of variation, respectively. The Arsi coffee collections with high mean values for varied number of coffee beans physical and organoleptic quality traits distributed across clusters. Some clusters consisted of collections with high mean values for most of the coffee quality traits including for overall coffee quality. The research results suggested the higher chance of selection of genotypes to be developed as varieties for high coffee quality and for crossing of distant collections with distinct quality traits to produce hybrids with high coffee quality.
Abstract: Ethiopia is naturally endowed with a suitable climate for the production of high quality coffee. Arsi coffee is known to produce Harar C coffee quality grade and known for its unique flavor and aroma. Therefore, this study was conducted to estimate genetic divergence, heritability and genetic advance in Arsi coffee accession for bean quality traits...
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Research Article
Profile of Biochemical Markers and Viral Load in a Population of Blood Donors Infected with Hepatitis B and Naive Antiretroviral Treatment in Abidjan
Doukou Essien Samuel*,
Lohoues Esmel Claude,
Messou Kouassi Eugene,
N’din Jean-Louis Philippe,
Kambou Sansan Philippe,
Mamadou Sekongo,
Tiahou Gnomblesson Georges
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 6, November 2023
Pages:
159-163
Received:
13 November 2023
Accepted:
29 November 2023
Published:
8 December 2023
Abstract: Hepatitis B is a viral infection of liver caused by a virus from the Hepadnavirus family. It’s a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa and particularly in Côte d'Ivoire where it is poorly documented. This study's contribution to biological databases was significant. It aimed to establish the biochemical and viral load (VL) profile of hepatitis B in a population of blood donors infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and naïve to antiretroviral treatment in Abidjan. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study of voluntary blood donors of any sex, with a positive result for HBsAg and naive of any antiretroviral therapy. Venous blood samples of 4 ml were collected for biochemical marker determinations, quantitative antigen, and PCR VL. A questionnaire was also used to collect socio-demographic data from study participants The National Ethics Committee for Life Sciences and Health in Cote d'Ivoire granted its approval for the study (N/Réf: 196-22/MSHPCMU/CNESVS-km). 53 voluntary blood donors infected with HBV (HBsAg positive) were included in the study. 81.13% of participants were men. The average age of all participants was 35 ± 9 years, and the predominant age group was 30 to 40 (35.85%). Transaminase values were normal in 98.57% of the study population for ASAT and 96.23% for ALAT. Creatinine was normal in 90.57% of volunteers. Total proteidaemia, natremia, and kalemia were below normal in respectively 86.79%, 73.58% and 20.75% of this population. Quantitative HBsAg were high in 24.53% of the population. Viral load was elevated in 9.43% of patients. There was a significant association between increased VL in log and increased uremia. There was also a significant association between the increase in the amount of HBs antigen and the number of copies of the virus. The study noted a renal and hepatic balance without particularity. The ion balance was disrupted, and about a quarter of the study population had high values of quantitative HBs antigenemia. The VL was high in about one-tenth of the volunteers.
Abstract: Hepatitis B is a viral infection of liver caused by a virus from the Hepadnavirus family. It’s a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa and particularly in Côte d'Ivoire where it is poorly documented. This study's contribution to biological databases was significant. It aimed to establish the biochemical and viral load (VL) profile of hepatiti...
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Research Article
Effects of Aqueous Extract of Tetracarpidium conophorum (Mull. Arg.) & Hutch Kernels on Semen Quality and Oxidative Stress Parameters in Male Rats
Akassa Herman*,
Miguel Martial Landry,
Mongo Dieu -Merci Bevel Gallo,
Wossolo Lingomo Bertrand Stéphane,
Constantin Moukouma,
Osandze Rachie,
Arnaud Wilfrid Etou Ossibi,
Ange Antoine Abena
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 6, November 2023
Pages:
164-170
Received:
9 October 2023
Accepted:
25 October 2023
Published:
22 December 2023
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the aqueous extract of Tetracarpidium conophorum kernels on semen quality and oxidative stress parameters in male rats. 20 rats were randomly divided into 4 lots of 5 animals each, and lots 1 and 2 were given distilled water and the reference molecule for 28 days, while lots 3 and 4 were treated with the aqueous extract of Tetracarpidium conophorum kernels (250 and 500 mg/kg/po). The results show that administration of aqueous extract of Tetracarpidium conophorum kernels (250 and 500 mg/kg/po) to rats produced significant dose-dependent increases (p < 0.05; p < 0.01) in sperm count and motility compared with the control lot treated with distilled water. On the other hand, pH and sperm vitality showed no significant variation (p > 0.05). Administration of the aqueous extract of Tetracarpidium conophorum kernels at the doses studied resulted in no significant variation (p > 0.05) in MDA and CAT concentrations compared with distilled water. However, there was a significant increase (p < 0.05; p < 0.001) in GSH, and GPX concentrations at the respective doses of 500, 250 and 500 mg/kg of Tetracarpidium conophorum aqueous extract compared to rats given distilled water. Chemical analysis of the aqueous extract of Tetracarpidium conophorum kernels revealed the presence of polyphenols and total flavonoids with anti-free radical and antioxidant effects. These results suggest that the aqueous extract of Tetracarpidium conophorum may have spermatogenic and antioxidant potential.
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the aqueous extract of Tetracarpidium conophorum kernels on semen quality and oxidative stress parameters in male rats. 20 rats were randomly divided into 4 lots of 5 animals each, and lots 1 and 2 were given distilled water and the reference molecule for 28 days, while lots 3 and 4 were t...
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Research Article
Exploring Salinity Tolerance Mechanisms in Diverse Egyptian Grape Genotypes Based on Morpho-Physiological, Biochemical, Anatomical and Gene Expression Analysis
Rania Mahmoud*,
Abeer Dahab,
Gehan Mahmoud,
Mohamed Abd El-Wahab,
Ahmed Ismail,
Ali Farsson
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 6, November 2023
Pages:
171-186
Received:
6 November 2023
Accepted:
24 November 2023
Published:
22 December 2023
Abstract: Viticulture is one of the agricultural sectors with major economic importance in Mediterranean climate zones. Salinity is considered a substantial issue for agricultural sectors in arid and semi-arid regions, where it has the potential to impair production of grape (Vitis vinifera), which is categorize as a moderately sensitive species to salinity, and its impact is expected to increase with climate change. As exploiting genetic diversity is one of the most promising strategies to cope with the negative impacts of climate change on viticulture and adapt under the new conditions to maintain grape production and quality, the study aimed to explore salinity tolerance mechanisms in diverse Egyptian grape genotypes based on morpho-physiological, biochemical, anatomical and gene expression analysis. Nine local grape genotypes; Baltim Eswid, Edkawy, Matrouh Eswid, Bez El-Naka, Bez El-Anza, Romy Ahmer, Gharibi, Fayoumi and Romy Abiad, were evaluated for tolerance under saline conditions. Salinity stress was induced in three levels of 2.28, 3.75 and 5.20 ms (using NaCl at 1000, 2000 and 3000 ppm, respectively) comparing to 695 µs irrigation water as control. Results indicated that, the growth of all investigated local grape genotypes was adversely affected by salt treatments in a cultivar-dependent manner. Proposed salt-tolerance mechanisms including; controlling the growth rate, reducing damage resulting from oxidative stress associated with salinity, keep balanced hydric status, structural alterations allowing protection and regulation of ions uptake. It was observed that, Edkawy local grape cultivar is a promising salt-tolerant genotype. On the other hand, Romy Abiad and Gharibi genotypes were classified as the most salt-sensitive comparable with other tested local cultivars. Bez El-Anza genotype which maintained 100% survivability under severe salinity stress condition was characterized by a remarkable decline in vegetative growth accompanied with keeping more leaves with a marked reduction in leaf area and most measurements of certain anatomical features, slight Na uptake, but undisputed oxidative stress indicators and down-regulated expression folds of AREB2 transcription factor; a sugar accumulation regulatory related gene. Therefore, local genotypes of Egyptian table grapes can be considered a storehouse of germplasm that should be conserved and not threatened with extinction or complete loss because they are adapted to severe environmental conditions and harsh cultural managements.
Abstract: Viticulture is one of the agricultural sectors with major economic importance in Mediterranean climate zones. Salinity is considered a substantial issue for agricultural sectors in arid and semi-arid regions, where it has the potential to impair production of grape (Vitis vinifera), which is categorize as a moderately sensitive species to salinity,...
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Research Article
Evaluation of Quantitative Traits of Horse Gram Accessions [Macrotyloma Uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc] Introduced in Burkina Faso
Nanama Tuwendsida Joseph*,
Barro Antoine,
Batiéno Teyioue Benoit Joseph,
Coulibaly Zinmanké
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 6, November 2023
Pages:
187-195
Received:
3 October 2023
Accepted:
30 October 2023
Published:
26 December 2023
Abstract: Major crops will face major challenges in the near future if the climate change trend continues. Thus, diversification away from over-reliance on staple foods will be important as progress towards the goal of nutrition security. Therefore, tolerant underutilized or neglected crop species may be a key to achieving this goal. The gram horse [Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc] of the Fabaceae family, is a minor species. less known. It is a grain legume of excellent nutritional quality, possessing many therapeutic properties. It is resistant to several production constraints which allows it to adapt to the harshest environmental conditions. However, it is being introduced in Burkina Faso. The study was conducted at the Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research (INERA) in Farako-Bâ to assess the nature and extent of variability of 25 accessions introduced and also to identify the best ones for extension or use in other varietal improvement programs. It was conducted according to a Fischer block device with three repetitions in rainfall. The measurements covered fifteen (15) quantitative variables subjected to different statistical analyses. The set of characteristics discriminate between the accessions studied. The results indicated significant differences within accessions for all traits studied, indicating the presence of significant genetic variability. Strong correlations were also observed between variables either positively or negatively. The study of the structuring of accession diversity identified four groups, whose Group I and IV accessions could be used in a hybridization program to develop high-yielding, short-cycle genotypes.
Abstract: Major crops will face major challenges in the near future if the climate change trend continues. Thus, diversification away from over-reliance on staple foods will be important as progress towards the goal of nutrition security. Therefore, tolerant underutilized or neglected crop species may be a key to achieving this goal. The gram horse [Macrotyl...
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