Climate change and cutaneous leishmaniasis in the province of Ghardaïa in Algeria: A model-based approach to predict disease outbreaks.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a vector-borne disease prevalent in Algeria since 2000. The disease has significant impacts on affected communities, including morbidity and social stigma. OBJECTIVE: Investigate the association between environmental factors and the incidence of CL in the province of Ghardaïa and assess the predictive capacity of these factors for disease occurrence. DESIGN: Retrospective SETTING: The study area included both urban and rural communities. METHODS: We analyzed a dataset on CL in the province of Ghardaïa, Algeria, spanning from 2000 to 2020. The dataset included climatic variables such as temperature, average humidity, wind speed, rainfall, and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Using generalized additive models, we examined the relationships and interactions between these variables to predict the emergence of CL in the study area. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The identification of the most significant environmental factors associated with the incidence and the predicted incidence rates of CL in the province of Ghardaïa, Algeria. SAMPLE SIZE AND CHARACTERISTICS: 252 monthly observations of both climatic and epidemiological variables. RESULTS: Relative humidity and wind speed were the primary climatic factors influencing the occurrence of CL epidemics in Ghardaïa, Algeria. Additionally, NDVI was a significant environmental factor associated with CL incidence. Surprisingly, temperature did not show a strong effect on CL occurrence, while rainfall was not statistically significant. The final fitted model predictions were highly correlated with real cases. CONCLUSION: This study provides a better understanding of the long-term trend in how environmental and climatic factors contribute to the emergence of CL. Our results can inform the development of effective early warning systems for preventing the transmission and emergence of vector-borne diseases. LIMITATIONS: Incorporating additional reservoir statistics such as rodent density and a human development index in the region could improve our understanding of disease transmission.

In vitro antitumor activity, molecular dynamics simulation, DFT study, ADME prediction, and Eg5 binding of enastron analogues.

The objective of this study is to evaluate a series of molecules based on cyclosulfamide as potential anticancer agents. Additionally, the study aims to analyze the obtained results through in silico studies; by conducting experiments and utilizing theoretical methods. In this context, we investigated the cytotoxic activity of enastron analogues on three human cell lines PRI (lymphoblastic cell line) derived from B-cell lymphoma. JURKAT (ATCC TIB-152) acute T cell leukaemia and K562 (ATCC CLL-243) is a chronic myelogenous leukaemia. Most of the tested compounds showed good inhibitory activity compared with the reference ligand (chlorambucil). The 5a derivative demonstrated the strongest effect against all cancer cells used. Furthermore, molecular docking simulations of the Eg5-enastron analogue complex revealed that studied molecules have the ability to inhibit the Eg5 enzyme, as evidenced by their calculated docking score. Following the promising results from the molecular docking study, the complex Eg5-4a underwent a 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation using Desmond. During the simulation, the receptor-ligand pairing demonstrated substantial stability after the initial 70 ns. In addition, we used DFT calculations to analyze the electronic and geometric characteristics of the studied compounds. The HOMO and LUMO band gap energies, and the molecular electrostatic potential surface were also deducted for the stable structure of each compound. Also, we studied the prediction of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) of the compounds.

First report of Crenosoma vulpis in Africa and Eucoleus aerophilus in Algeria.

Introduction: Crenosoma vulpis and Eucoleus aerophilus are widely distributed lungworms infecting carnivores, mainly red foxes, and are localized in the trachea, bronchi and bronchioles. There are no reports from Africa regarding the presence of C. vulpis. The aim of the present study was to report a co-infection with C. vulpis and E. aerophilus in a red fox from Algeria. Materials and methods: In January 2022, a road-killed male juvenile red fox (Vulpes vulpes) was collected from Bouhadjar-Tarf locality and was submitted for a complete parasitological necropsy. Detected nematodes were collected and preserved in ethanol for morphological and molecular identification. Tissue samples were also collected and analyzed by histopathological methods. Results: Collected nematodes were identified as a male C. vulpis and several Eucoleus aerophilus. The histological techniques of the lung tissue did not reveal the presence of any larvae, or lung inflammation. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of C. vulpis infecting a carnivore in this continent, highlighting the importance of further studies to update the geographical distribution of C. vulpis. E. aerophilus was first reported in Algeria. Red foxes are important spreaders of parasitic diseases. Further studies are required for a better understanding of its epidemiology across North Africa and other areas overlapping the range of the red fox.

Reproductive Traits Demonstrate How Well the Mediterranean Stripe-Necked Turtle Mauremys leprosa Can Flourish under Highly Degraded-Polluted Conditions.

We measured and compared the reproductive traits of the Mediterranean stripe-necked turtles Mauremys leprosa living in highly degraded-polluted vs. intact natural habitats in Algeria. Data on reproduction were obtained by using X-ray examination of gravid females and examination of nests. The results were opposite to the negative trend confirmed in most freshwater turtles exposed to pollution and suggested the ability of this species to flourish instead in highly degraded-polluted habitats. An optimum development was recorded for several reproductive patterns of the studied freshwater turtle under conditions considered uninhabitable for other vertebrates. Females exhibited record body sizes among conspecifics, which allowed them to carry significantly larger clutches, exceeding by up to 3 eggs the previously largest reported clutch. The mean clutch size (8.79 ± 2.70 eggs) was also higher than findings from previous studies, except for in some other polluted habitats. Furthermore, large females even with large clutches carried large eggs. Egg measurements in the disturbed habitat revealed new records exceeding those previously noted; in egg length (by 3.0 mm), egg width (by 2.8 mm), egg mass (by 1.8 g), and clutch mass (by 18.6 g). In comparison, the usual reproductive performances were observed in the intact natural habitat; female body sizes were significantly smaller and carried fewer eggs of smaller size.

Synopsis of the ticks of Algeria with new hosts and localities records.

BACKGROUND: Ticks are obligate hematophagous arthropods with a world-wide distribution that are extremely important not only in terms of human and animal health but also economically. In Algeria, information on tick species is scarce. METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed using online databases. The information extracted from the databases was was supplemented by information from an original study. Ticks were collected from various hosts and by flagging from January 2018 to December 2019. RESULTS: To date, in Algeria a total of 36 valid tick species belonging to two families have been recorded: (1) family Argasidae, with three Argas species and nine Ornithodoros species recorded; and (ii) family Ixodidae, with one Dermacentor species, three Haemaphysalis species, 10 Hyalomma species, four Ixodes species and six Rhipicephalus species recorded. The geographical distribution for each species was determined and listed. Eight new tick-host associations were recorded: four for Ixodes inopinatus sensu Estrada-Peña et al. 2014, one for Rhipicephalus bursa, one for R. turanicus, one for Hyalomma marginatum and one for Hy. lusitanicum. To our best knowledge, this study is the first to report the presence of I. inopinatus sensu Estrada-Peña et al. 2014 in Algeria. We also report here for the first time all tick species (Argasidae and Ixodidae) known to be present in Algeria. CONCLUSION: This article represents a tool for students and scientists who work in the field of ticks and provides important new data on the distribution of ticks in Algeria.

Mechanisms Determining Body Size and Shape Difference in Algerian Spur-Thighed Tortoises (Testudo graeca).

Using data for the body size and shell shape of Algerian Testudo graeca, we assessed how proximate causes shaped the observed variation in the morphology of adults. All of the studied populations displayed significant sexual size and shape dimorphisms. Relative to body length, females displayed larger, more voluminous and domed shells than males. We found clear evidence that variation in body size at maturity influenced sexual size dimorphism. Body size at maturity depends on the duration of growth from hatching up to the point of reaching sexual maturity. In the studied populations, sexual maturity, estimated by counting growth lines, was always reached earlier in males than in females (a time difference of 1.4-3.0 years). Similar to sexual size dimorphism, geographic variation in adult body sizes was also influenced by variations in the corresponding sizes at maturity. Remarkably, the population with the largest tortoises had the latest mean maturation time: 9.1 for males and 10.5 for females. Thus, the later completion of maturation was a determinant for a larger size in adulthood. The largest tortoises among the studied populations were measured at the Djelfa locality, where the recorded sizes of males and females reached 186 and 230 mm, respectively.

The way COVID-19 transforms our sexual lives.

During the early stages of the outbreak, insufficient attention was paid to the impact on sexual function, which is logical in the face of potentially harmful and fatal infections. It is well documented that any close contact (6 feet or 2 m) with an infected person can result in exposure to SARS-CoV-2 so while coronavirus disease: (COVID-19) may not be "sexually transmitted" (through semen or vaginal fluids) the risks of proximal exposure are great-whether the activity is engaged in is sexual or not. For the last 3-4 months, scientific studies have shown that a mild or severe coronavirus infection can lead to sexual complications and prolonged libido problems as well as erectile dysfunction. Besides, following some barrier gestures during "face-to-face" sexual intercourse can be challenging. This paper focuses on the construction and prefiguration of a new paradigm of sexuality that distinguishes and associates sexual relations that take place in the presence of a real partner and those that take place within the context of a range of digital environments qualified as "virtual" that can provide safe contexts for erotic imagination and intimacy while both communicating and maintaining arousal. Together, they offer a vehicle for fantasy and entertainment of sexual arousal towards private pleasure.

Horse flies and their seasonal abundance in El Tarf Province of northeastern Algeria.

The horse flies of El Tarf Province, northeastern Algeria comprise 15 species within two subfamilies (Chrysopsinae and Tabaninae) belonging to five genera (Atylotus, Chrysops, Dasyrhamphis, Haematopota, and Tabanus). The genera Chrysops, Dasyrhamphis, and Haematopota are represented by two species for each, while the genera Atylotus and Tabanus are represented by four and five species, respectively. Seasonal abundance was assessed from mid-March until the end of September, 2017 for the trapped species. Haematopota pluvialis and Tabanus autumnalis appeared in April and lasted until September with a peak in May. Atylotus agrestis appeared in May with the highest density and lasted until September. Atylotus fulvus, Atylotus kroberi, and Haematopota italica emerged in April with peaks in May, while Chrysops flavipes appeared in March, reaching its peak in May and June, declining in July, and disappearing thereafter. Atylotus flavoguttatus, Chrysops mauritanicus, and Dasyrhamphis tomentosus appeared in April with a peak in June, then disappearing in August. Tabanus nemoralis started to appear in April with a peak in May and disappearance after July. Dasyrhamphis algirus, Tabanus bromius, and Tabanus eggeri started to appear in May. Both Tabanus eggeri and Dasyrhamphis algirus peaked in June and July, whereas T. eggeri lasted until the end of September. Tabanus tinctus was observed in June with a peak in August and lasted until September.

Surveillance for antiviral resistance among influenza viruses circulating in Algeria during five consecutive influenza seasons (2009-2014).

Influenza season 2007/2008 was marked by a worldwide emergence of oseltamivir-resistant A(H1N1) viruses possessing a mutation in the neuraminidase gene causing His-to-Tyr substitution at amino acid position 275 (H275Y). These strains were isolated in Algeria where 30% of seasonal A(H1N1) viruses harbored the H275Y mutation. Emergence of resistant viruses to currently approved antiviral drug determined the need for antiviral susceptibility monitoring in Algeria especially that oseltamivir is currently used in hospitals of some provinces of the country for treatment of influenza in populations at risk. The aim of the present study is to investigate the sensitivity of circulating influenza viruses in Algeria to oseltamivir. We present 5-year local surveillance results from 2009/2010 influenza season to 2013/2014 influenza season. We tested the sensitivity to oseltamivir of 387 human influenza A and B viruses isolated in Algeria. Determination of IC50 values were performed using the fluorogenic MUNANA substrate. To detect the H275Y mutation in the neuraminidase of the A(H1N1) strains we performed a real-time RT-PCR allelic discrimination analysis. The obtained results showed that all influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2), and B viruses studied remained susceptible to oseltamivir. This is the first study on influenza antiviral susceptibility surveillance in Algeria. Obtained results allow establishing a baseline data for future studies on antiviral resistance emergence worldwide. Our report highlights the importance of a continued and active monitoring of circulating viruses in Algeria for strengthens collaboration within the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System.

Impact of greenspaces in city on avian species richness and abundance in Northern Africa.

Increasing urbanization is a major challenge in the context of global changes, because this environment is known to negatively impact biodiversity. It is therefore important to identify factors maintaining biodiversity in such areas. Here, we tested in 650 sites whether the greenspaces in urbanized area of Annaba (Algeria) has positive effects on avian species richness and abundances. Our results show that species detection (n=26) is more important during the breeding season as compared to the winter season, and that avian species richness is positively affected by the greenspaces. For most species, greenspaces impact positively their presence and abundances. Only the feral pigeon was less detected in greenspaces as compared to built-up areas. Our study therefore confirmed, for the first time in a Northern African city, that greenspaces significantly increase the species richness and abundances of birds, and shows that the season can profoundly affect such indicators.

Iron prevents demyelination of frog sciatic nerves.

Metal ions are of particular importance in nervous system function, notably iron. However, very little has been done to investigate its physiological role in frog peripheral nervous system. The present research aim to evaluate i) the time-effect of sciatic nerve ligation and/or ii) iron sulphate (1.50mg/kg, in lymphatic sac) on frog myelin sheaths. Histological sections following ligation shows degeneration of some fibres with axonal and myelin breakdown associated to a decrease of Schwann cells number following 2h (45.00±0.30, p<0.0001), 24h (28.00±0.020, p<0.0001). Interestingly, iron administration reduces the degeneration of myelin sheaths classically observed in frog ligated sciatic nerve associated with an increase of Schwann cells number (139.00±0.50, p<0.0001). Thus, iron could prevent degeneration or promote regeneration induced by ligation in frog sciatic nerve.

Bat ectoparasites (Nycteribiidae, Streblidae, Siphonaptera, Heteroptera, Mesostigmata, Argasidae, and Ixodidae) from Algeria.

Twenty two species of ectoparasites (Family Nycteribiidae: Nycteribia (Listropoda) schmidlii schmidlii, Nycteribia (Nycteribia) latreillii, Nycteribia (Nycteribia) pedicularia, Penicillidia (Penicillidia) dufourii, and Phthiridium biarticulatum; Family Streblidae: Brachytarsina (Brachytarsina) flavipennis and Raymondia huberi; Order Siphonaptera: Rhinolophopsylla unipectinata arabs, Nycteridopsylla longiceps, Araeopsylla gestroi, Ischnopsyllus intermedius, and Ischnopsyllus octactenus; Order Heteroptera: Cimex pipistrelli, Cimex lectularius, and Cacodmus vicinus; Class Arachnida: Order Mesostigmata: Spinturnix myoti and Eyndhovenia euryalis; Order Ixodida: Family Argasidae: Argas transgariepinus and Argas vespertilionis; Family Ixodidae: Hyalomma dromedarii, Ixodes ricinus, and Ixodes vespertilionis) were recovered from 19 bat species in Algeria. New host records for bats are recorded for the first time: N. schmidlii from Rh. clivosus and R. cystops; N. latreillii from Rh. blasii and P. gaisleri; R. huberi from Rh. clivosus; C. pipistrelli from E. isabellinus and H. savii; C. vicinus from E. isabellinus; S. myoti from P. gaisleri; E. euryalis from P. gaisleri and Rh. blasii; A. vespertilionis from P. gaisleri; I. ricinus from T. teniotis and Rh. hipposideros and H. dromedarii from P. kuhlii. Raymondia huberi is recorded for the first time from Algeria.

Interspecific variation in the relationship between clutch size, laying date and intensity of urbanization in four species of hole-nesting birds.

The increase in size of human populations in urban and agricultural areas has resulted in considerable habitat conversion globally. Such anthropogenic areas have specific environmental characteristics, which influence the physiology, life history, and population dynamics of plants and animals. For example, the date of bud burst is advanced in urban compared to nearby natural areas. In some birds, breeding success is determined by synchrony between timing of breeding and peak food abundance. Pertinently, caterpillars are an important food source for the nestlings of many bird species, and their abundance is influenced by environmental factors such as temperature and date of bud burst. Higher temperatures and advanced date of bud burst in urban areas could advance peak caterpillar abundance and thus affect breeding phenology of birds. In order to test whether laying date advance and clutch sizes decrease with the intensity of urbanization, we analyzed the timing of breeding and clutch size in relation to intensity of urbanization as a measure of human impact in 199 nest box plots across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East (i.e., the Western Palearctic) for four species of hole-nesters: blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus), great tits (Parus major), collared flycatchers (Ficedula albicollis), and pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca). Meanwhile, we estimated the intensity of urbanization as the density of buildings surrounding study plots measured on orthophotographs. For the four study species, the intensity of urbanization was not correlated with laying date. Clutch size in blue and great tits does not seem affected by the intensity of urbanization, while in collared and pied flycatchers it decreased with increasing intensity of urbanization. This is the first large-scale study showing a species-specific major correlation between intensity of urbanization and the ecology of breeding. The underlying mechanisms for the relationships between life history and urbanization remain to be determined. We propose that effects of food abundance or quality, temperature, noise, pollution, or disturbance by humans may on their own or in combination affect laying date and/or clutch size.

Ecological differentiation of members of the Culex pipiens complex, potential vectors of West Nile virus and Rift Valley fever virus in Algeria.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the ecological differentiation of two members of the Culex pipiens complex, Cx. p. pipiens form pipiens and Cx. p. pipiens form molestus in three sites, El-Kala, M'Sila and Tinerkouk in Algeria. These two forms are the most widespread mosquito vectors in temperate regions exhibiting important behavioural and physiological differences. Nevertheless, this group of potential vectors has been poorly studied, particularly in North Africa. METHODS: Ten larval populations of Cx. p. pipiens were sampled from various above- and underground habitats in three zones representing the three bioclimatic regions in Algeria. The reproduction characteristics were also investigated in the laboratory to define the rates of autogeny and stenogamy. Identification of Cx. p. pipiens members present in Algeria was achieved using a molecular analysis with the microsatellite CQ11 locus. RESULTS: We detected larvae of Cx. p. pipiens in all areas suggesting that the species is a ubiquitous mosquito well adapted to various environments. To our knowledge, this study provides the first molecular evidence of the presence of the Cx. p. pipiens form molestus and hybrids (molestus/pipiens) in Algeria with a high proportion of molestus form (48.3 %) in comparison with hybrids (36.8 %) and pipiens form (14.9 %). CONCLUSIONS: Some unexpected correlations between the proportion of forms pipiens, molestus and hybrids, and mosquito biological characteristics were observed suggesting some epigenetic effects controlling Cx. p. pipiens mating and reproduction. Consequences for pathogen transmission are discussed.

Infestation and seasonal activity of Ixodes vespertilionis Koch, 1844 (Acari: Ixodidae) on the Maghreb mouse-eared bat, Myotis punicus Felten, 1977, in northeastern Algeria.

Infestation of Ixodes vespertilionis Koch, 1844 on Myotis punicus Felten, 1977 from two sites (Trios Tunnel and Sidi Trad cave) in northeastern Algeria was studied. An overall infestation of 41.4% for all stages was found among bats collected from both sites. By stage, a total of eight females, 70 nymphs, and 107 larvae were recovered from both populations. The number of females recovered per bat at Sidi Trad ranged from 0-1, for nymphs 0-2, and for larvae 0-2. While no female ticks were collected at Trios Tunnel, the number of nymphs ranged from 0-2 and for larvae 0-2. At Trios Tunnel, the number of nymphs was significantly higher during April and June but not for July and September. On the other hand, the number of larvae increased from July to November, while at Sidi Trad cave, female ticks were recovered during April and May and then disappeared until the end of the study period. Significant differences were noted during all the months when compared with all stages. Nymphs infested bats significantly during April and May, declined in June and July, and then became steady until October. Larvae peaked in July, with low frequency in April, and then fluctuated from August to November.

Patterns of Benign and Malignant Lesions of the Thyroid in Two Wilayahs of Northeastern Algeria.

The aim of this study is to compare histological patterns and to estimate the burden of thyroid cancers in the two Wilayahs (departments) of El-Taref and Guelma in northeast of Algeria (total population 0.9 million), locally reputed as having different rates of endemic thyroid diseases and cancer. A retrospective analysis of central pathology registers and clinical records of patients with thyroid diseases, covering the period 2008-2012, was conducted. A total of 145 cases of thyroid cancers with histological confirmation were registered in the two Wilayahs during the period, with a female to male ratio of 5.9 : 1. Estimates of crude incidence rates suggested that thyroid cancers were twice as frequent in the Wilayah of Guelma compared to El-Taref (p < 0.05) with a tendency to occur at a younger age in resident of the Wilayah of El-Taref. Diagnoses of thyroid adenoma were more frequent in the Wilayah of Guelma, whereas the prevalence of other thyroid lesions, including goitre, was similar in the two Wilayahs. This first descriptive study on geographic variations in thyroid cancer in Northern Africa suggests that significant differences may occur in relation with environmental and lifestyle exposures.

Effects of acute exposure to WIFI signals (2.45GHz) on heart variability and blood pressure in Albinos rabbit.

Electrocardiogram and arterial pressure measurements were studied under acute exposures to WIFI (2.45GHz) during one hour in adult male rabbits. Antennas of WIFI were placed at 25cm at the right side near the heart. Acute exposure of rabbits to WIFI increased heart frequency (+22%) and arterial blood pressure (+14%). Moreover, analysis of ECG revealed that WIFI induced a combined increase of PR and QT intervals. By contrast, the same exposure failed to alter maximum amplitude and P waves. After intravenously injection of dopamine (0.50ml/kg) and epinephrine (0.50ml/kg) under acute exposure to RF we found that, WIFI alter catecholamines (dopamine, epinephrine) action on heart variability and blood pressure compared to control. These results suggest for the first time, as far as we know, that exposure to WIFI affect heart rhythm, blood pressure, and catecholamines efficacy on cardiovascular system; indicating that radiofrequency can act directly and/or indirectly on cardiovascular system.

Tick infestations (Acari: Ixodidae) on three lizard species from Seraidi (Annaba District), northeastern Algeria.

Parasitism of Ixodes ricinus on three species of lizards (Psammodromus algirus, Podarcis vaucheri and Timon pater) in northeastern Algeria was studied. Psammodromus algirus was the most preferred host, T. pater was least preferred. Nymphs of I. ricinus were found attached to lizards from March to August in various numbers. Most nymphs were collected during March, April and June for P. algirus, and most larvae from April until August. Larval stages were found to be mostly associated with P. vaucheri during the study period, with the highest number of recovered larvae in June.

Variation in clutch size in relation to nest size in birds.

Nests are structures built to support and protect eggs and/or offspring from predators, parasites, and adverse weather conditions. Nests are mainly constructed prior to egg laying, meaning that parent birds must make decisions about nest site choice and nest building behavior before the start of egg-laying. Parent birds should be selected to choose nest sites and to build optimally sized nests, yet our current understanding of clutch size-nest size relationships is limited to small-scale studies performed over short time periods. Here, we quantified the relationship between clutch size and nest size, using an exhaustive database of 116 slope estimates based on 17,472 nests of 21 species of hole and non-hole-nesting birds. There was a significant, positive relationship between clutch size and the base area of the nest box or the nest, and this relationship did not differ significantly between open nesting and hole-nesting species. The slope of the relationship showed significant intraspecific and interspecific heterogeneity among four species of secondary hole-nesting species, but also among all 116 slope estimates. The estimated relationship between clutch size and nest box base area in study sites with more than a single size of nest box was not significantly different from the relationship using studies with only a single size of nest box. The slope of the relationship between clutch size and nest base area in different species of birds was significantly negatively related to minimum base area, and less so to maximum base area in a given study. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that bird species have a general reaction norm reflecting the relationship between nest size and clutch size. Further, they suggest that scientists may influence the clutch size decisions of hole-nesting birds through the provisioning of nest boxes of varying sizes.