Assessing the effectiveness of sustainable land management policies for combating desertification: A data mining approach.

This study investigates the relationship between fine resolution, local-scale biophysical and socioeconomic contexts within which land degradation occurs, and the human responses to it. The research draws on experimental data collected under different territorial and socioeconomic conditions at 586 field sites in five Mediterranean countries (Spain, Greece, Turkey, Tunisia and Morocco). We assess the level of desertification risk under various land management practices (terracing, grazing control, prevention of wildland fires, soil erosion control measures, soil water conservation measures, sustainable farming practices, land protection measures and financial subsidies) taken as possible responses to land degradation. A data mining approach, incorporating principal component analysis, non-parametric correlations, multiple regression and canonical analysis, was developed to identify the spatial relationship between land management conditions, the socioeconomic and environmental context (described using 40 biophysical and socioeconomic indicators) and desertification risk. Our analysis identified a number of distinct relationships between the level of desertification experienced and the underlying socioeconomic context, suggesting that the effectiveness of responses to land degradation is strictly dependent on the local biophysical and socioeconomic context. Assessing the latent relationship between land management practices and the biophysical/socioeconomic attributes characterizing areas exposed to different levels of desertification risk proved to be an indirect measure of the effectiveness of field actions contrasting land degradation.

Ethyl acetate extract and its major constituent, isorhamnetin 3-O-rutinoside, from Nitraria retusa leaves, promote apoptosis of human myelogenous erythroleukaemia cells.

OBJECTIVE: Fractionation of ethyl acetate extract (EA) obtained from Nitraria retusa leaves was assessed using different methods of chromatography, and isorhamnetin3-O-rutinoside (I3-O-R) was isolated from this extract. Its structure was determined using data obtained from (1) H and (13) C NMR spectra, as well as by various correlation experiments (COSY, HMQC and HMBC). Both EA extract and I3-O-R were investigated for their ability to induce apoptosis in human chronic myelogenous erythroleukaemia cells (K562). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Apoptosis of cells from the K562 line was detected by DNA fragmentation, PARP cleavage and by evaluating activities of caspases 3 and 8. RESULTS: Apoptosis, revealed by DNA fragmentation and PARP cleavage, was observed after 48-h incubation of these human myelogenous erythroleukaemia cells (K562), with the tested products. Likewise, caspase 3 and caspase 8 activities were induced in the presence of the EA extract and I3-O-R after 48 h of incubation. CONCLUSION: Our results strongly suggest the involvement of the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis in cells treated by both the original EA extract and its major component, I3-O-R.

Antimutagenic, antigenotoxic and antioxidant activities of phenolic-enriched extracts from Teucrium ramosissimum: combination with their phytochemical composition.

The evaluation of the mutagenic and antimutagenic actions of extracts obtained from aerial part of Teucrium ramosissimum was assayed using the Salmonella typhimurium assay system. The effect of the same extracts on genotoxicity and SOS response induced by aflatoxin B(1) as well as nitrofurantoin was investigated in a bacterial assay system, i.e., the SOS chromotest with Escherichia coli PQ37. The different extracts showed no mutagenicity when tested with Salmonella typhimurium strains TA100, TA98 and TA1535 either with or without S9 mix. In contrast, our results prove that T. ramosissimum extracts possess antimutagenic effects against sodium azide, aflatoxin B1, benzo[a]pyrene and 4-nitro-o-phenylenediamine. Moreover, the T. ramosissimum tested extracts exhibited no genotoxicity either with or without the external S9 activation mixtures. However, all the extracts significantly decreased the genotoxicity induced by aflatoxin B(1) and nitrofurantoin. The result obtained by the Ames test confirms those of SOS chromotest. Antioxidant capacity of the tested extracts was evaluated using the enzymatic (xanthine/xanthine oxidase assay) and the non enzymatic (NBT/riboflavine, DPPH and ABTS assays) systems. All extracts exhibited high antioxidant activity except the chloroform and the methanol extracts in DPPH and NBT/riboflavine assays respectively. Our results underline the potential of T. ramosissimum to avoid mutations and also its antioxidant potential.

Chemical investigation of different crude extracts from Teucrium ramosissimum leaves. Correlation with their antigenotoxic and antioxidant properties.

The effect of extracts obtained from Teucrium ramosissimum leaves on genotoxicity and SOS response induced by aflatoxin B(1) (0.5 µg/assay) as well as nitrofurantoin (5 µg/assay) was investigated in a bacterial assay system, i.e., the SOS chromotest with Escherichia coli PQ37. The T. ramosissimum tested extracts exhibited no genotoxicity either with or without the external S9 activation mixture. However, all the extracts, particularly the total oligomers flavonoids (TOF) extract significantly decreased the genotoxicity induced by aflatoxin B(1) and nitrofurantoin. Antioxidant capacity of the tested extracts was evaluated using the enzymatic (xanthine/xanthine oxidase assay) (X/XOD) and the non-enzymatic (NBT/Riboflavine assay) systems. TOF extract was the most effective one in inhibiting both xanthine oxidase activity and NBT reduction. Our findings emphasize the potential of T. ramosissimum to prevent mutations and also its antioxidant effect.

Assessment of phenolic content, free-radical-scavenging capacity genotoxic and anti-genotoxic effect of aqueous extract prepared from Moricandia arvensis leaves.

The present study was undertaken to provide a set of data on the safety of an aqueous extract (AQE) from Moricandia arvensis. For this reason, Escherichia coli tested strains PQ35 and PQ37 were used to detect induction of DNA lesions by AQE. The SOS Chromotest showed that AQE induced a marginally genotoxic effect, as expressed by the induction factor (IF) value only with E. coli PQ37 tested strain (IF=1.77 at a dose of 250 microg/assay). The measurement of the anti-genotoxic activity of the AQE was also studied by inhibition of beta-galactosidase induction. A significant anti-genotoxic effect was observed with different tested doses of AQE, which suggests that M. arvensis extract has the potential to protect DNA from the action of nitrofurantoïn (NF) and free radicals generated by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In addition to anti-genotoxic activity, AQE showed a free-radical-scavenging capacity towards ABTS+* and DPPH*. Total phenolic content was also evaluated following Folin-Ciocalteu method and results indicated high correlation between total phenol content and anti-genotoxic and antioxidant activities for AQE, but the highest correlation was showed with its capacity to stabilize ABTS+* (R2=0.9944).

Antigenotoxic and antioxidant activities of Pituranthos chloranthus essential oils.

The SOS-chromotest in Escherichia coli is a widely used bacterial genotoxicity assay to test potential carcinogens. The aim of this work is to evaluate the genotoxic and antigenotoxic activities of essential oils obtained from aerial parts of Pituranthos chloranthus. The tested essential oils were not genotoxic towards both E. coli PQ37 and PQ35 strains. These essential oils reduced significantly Nifuroxazide and H(2)O(2)-induced genotoxicity. Essential oils showed a protective effect against damages induced by radicals, obtained from the photolysis of H(2)O(2), on DNA plasmid through free radical scavenging mechanisms. The scavenging capacity of these essential oils was also estimated by evaluating the inhibition of ABTS(+.) radical.

Antigenotoxic and free radical scavenging activities of extracts from Moricandia arvensis.

This study evaluates genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of extracts from leaves of Moricandia arvensis, which are used in traditional cooking and medicines. Extracts showed no genotoxicity when tested with the SOS Chromotest using E. coli PQ37 and PQ35 strains, except for the total oligomers flavonoids enriched extract. Petroleum ether and methanol extracts are the most active in reducing nitrofurantoin genotoxicity, whereas methanol and total oligomers flavonoids enriched extracts showed the most important inhibitory effect of H2O2 genotoxicity. In addition, these two extracts showed important free radical scavenging activity toward the DPPH. radical, whereas the chloroform extract exhibited the highest value of TEAC against ABTS+. radical.

Crystal and electronic structures of magnesium(II), copper(II), and mixed magnesium(II)-copper(II) complexes of the quinoline half of styrylquinoline-type HIV-1 integrase inhibitors.

A new target in AIDS therapy development is HIV-1 integrase (IN). It was proven that HIV-1 IN required divalent metal cations to achieve phosphodiester bond cleavage of DNA. Accordingly, all newly investigated potent IN inhibitors contain chemical fragments possessing a high ability to chelate metal cations. One of the promising leads in the polyhydroxylated styrylquinolines (SQLs) series is (E)-8-hydroxy-2-[2-(4,5-dihydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-ethenyl]-7-quinoline carboxylic acid (1). The present study focuses on the quinoline-based progenitor (2), which is actually the most probable chelating part of SQLs. Conventional and synchrotron low-temperature X-ray crystallographic studies were used to investigate the chelating power of progenitor 2. Mg2+ and Cu2+ cations were selected for this purpose, and three types of metal complexes of 2 were obtained: Mg(II) complex (4), Cu(II) complex (5) and mixed Mg(II)-Cu(II) complexes (6 and 7). The analysis of the crystal structure of complex 4 indicates that two tridentate ligands coordinate two Mg2+ cations, both in octahedral geometry. The Mg-Mg distance was found equal to 3.221(1) A, in agreement with the metal-metal distance of 3.9 A encountered in the crystal structure of Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I. In 5, the complex is formed by two bidentate ligands coordinating one copper ion in tetrahedral geometry. Both mixed Mg(II)-Cu(II) complexes, 6 and 7 exhibit an original arrangement of four ligands linked to a central heterometallic cluster consisting of three octahedrally coordinated magnesium ions and one tetrahedrally coordinated copper ion. Quantum mechanics calculations were also carried out in order to display the electrostatic potential generated by the dianionic ligand 2 and complex 4 and to quantify the binding energy (BE) during the formation of the magnesium complex of progenitor 2. A comparison of the binding energies of two hypothetical monometallic Mg(II) complexes with that found in the bimetallic magnesium complex 4 was made.

An integrated approach for impact assessment of water harvesting techniques in dry areas: the case of oued Oum Zessar watershed (Tunisia).

In the arid regions of Tunisia, considerable investments are being made to maintain the old water harvesting techniques and introduce new ones to capture the scarce amount of rainwater (100 mm to 230 mm annually) for agricultural and domestic purposes. However, no detailed assessment of the multiple effects and the costs and benefits of these techniques have been made so far. This paper summarizes the results of an in depth investigation of the multiple impacts (runoff mobilization, ground water recharge, agro-socio-economic impacts) of the water harvesting works undertaken in the watershed of oued Oum Zessar (southeastern Tunisia). The importance of interdisciplinary and integrated approaches was revealed through this detailed impact assessment and economic evaluation. In fact, the profitability of the water harvesting works depends largely on the criteria chosen. However, further refinements are needed to better include all possible impacts (positive and negative) that occur as a result of the installation of the water harvesting structures.

[Rupture of the excretory urinary tract due to a lithiasis of the pelvic ureter]. / Rupture de la voie excrétrice urinaire sur lithiase de l'uretère pelvien.

A case of rupture of the urinary tract related to lithiasis of the pelvic ureter is reported. Outcome was favorable after percutaneous drainage of the urinoma and removal of the stone using a Dormia catheter. Clinical diagnosis was readily established on the patient's history and on ultrasound and intravenous urogram findings.

[Posterior vertical lumbar incision in the treatment of pyelo-ureteral junction anomaly: report of 71 cases]. / La lombotomie verticale postérieure dans le traitement de l'anomalie de la jonction pyélo-urétérale: à propos de 71 cas.

Posterior vertical lumbar incision, described for the first time in 1869 by Simon, provides a simple access to the kidney and offers excellent exposure of the ureteropelvic junction. The technical modifications proposed by Gil Vernet facilitate access to the kidney and reduce the morbidity. The operative technique is described in detail and the authors report their retrospective experience of 71 cases of correction of ureteropelvic junction anomalies (stage 2, 3 and 4). The morbidity was low (19%). Patients returned to work by the 3rd week. 88% of good results were observed at 3 months (84% in initial stage and 4 lesions). This approach should be preferred to the lateral incision or the percutaneous approach due to the simplicity of the technique and the low complication rate.

[Pseudo-tumoral xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. Apropos of a case]. / Pyélonéphrite xanthogranulomateuse pseudo-tumorale. A propos d'un cas.

The authors report the case of a 20 year old patient in whom the clinical findings combined with the radiological signs, suggested the diagnosis of renal cancer. The histological findings after nephrectomy established the diagnosis of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. This disease may rarely give the appearance of a renal tumor. This points out the importance of identifying this lesion in preoperative staging to avoid carcinologic surgery and all of its difficulties.

[Value of posterior vertical lumbar incision in renal surgery. Based on a series of 1,126 cases]. / L'intérêt de la lombotomie verticale postérieure dans la chirurgie du rein. A propos d'une série de 1,126 cas.

The authors report their experience of 1,126 cases of posterior vertical lumbar incision. The essential indication for this approach is stones in the renal pelvis or lumbar ureter (788 cases). The authors subsequently extended the indications for this incision to all plastic operations on the pyeloureteric junction (56 cases) and the extraction of certain staghorn calculi (114 cases). The posterior approach is anatomically simple and direct. It has the advantage of causing less muscular mutilation with a simpler postoperative course.

[Hydatic cyst of the psoas muscle. Apropos of 3 cases]. / Le kyste hydatique du muscle psoas. A propos de trois cas.

In the three patients, the localization and the hydatic origin have been determined by preoperative ultrasonography in two instances, the diagnosis was confirmed by CT scan. Ultrasonography and computed tomography allowed a direct and simple surgical approach of the cyst.

[Posterior vertical lumbotomy in pediatric practice. Apropos of a series of 294 cases]. / La lombotomie verticale postérieure en pratique pédiatrique. A propos d'une série de 294 cas.

The study involves 294 cases. Essentials indications of posterior approach were for pelvic stones or lumbar ureteral stones 198 cases. Theres used this approach for abnormalities in the uretero-pelvic-jun (32 cases) and some staghorn srones (24 cases). The lateral posterior vertical lumbotomy passesses the advantage over classical lateral lumbotomy of being less disturbing to muscle, being less painful postoperatively stay.