First identification of the SARS-COV-2/XBB.1.5 sublineage among indigenous COVID-19 cases through the influenza sentinel surveillance system in Niger.

The emergence of the Omicron variant in November 2021, has caused panic worldwide due to the rapid evolution and the ability of the virus to escape the immune system. Since, several Omicron sublineages (BA.1 to BA.5) and their descendent recombinant lineages have been circulating worldwide. Furthermore, in December 2022, a new Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 characterized by an unusual mutation in the spike protein evolved in the United States and rapidly spread to the other continents. Our study reports on the first cases of XBB.1.5 sublineage among indigenous Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2) positive cases detected through the influenza sentinel surveillance system in Niger. All influenza suspected cases were tested for both influenza and SARS-COV-2 using the Centre for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) Influenza SARS-COV-2 Multiplex quantitative Reverse-Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) Assay. SARS-COV-2 positive samples with cycle threshold ≤28 were selected for whole genome sequencing subsequently using the Oxford Nanopore Midnight protocol with rapid barcoding on a MinIon MK1B device. A total of 51 SARS-COV-2 positive samples were confirmed between December 2022 and March 2023. We successfully obtained 19 sequences with a predominance of the XBB.1/XBB.1.5 sublineages (73.7 %). In addition, a recombinant XBD sequence was also first-ever identified in early March 2023. Our findings support the need to strengthen the influenza sentinel surveillance for routine Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) surveillance and SARS-COV-2 variants monitoring in Niger.

Effect of spontaneous fermentation location on the fingerprint of volatile compound precursors of cocoa and the sensory perceptions of the end-chocolate.

Cocoa pod-opening delay and bean fermentation promote the organoleptic quality of chocolate. The present research investigated the changes in the volatile fingerprint of cocoa harvested at a traditional plantation. Cocoa beans extracted from 2-days pod-opening delay were simultaneously fermented for 5 days using container and then sun-dried to 7-8% moisture content at five different locations: Akoupé, San Pedro, Soubré, Djekanou and Daloa. The aromatic analysis were done on cocoa using the HS-SPME-GC/MS technique. Professional panelists evaluated the sensory perceptions of the chocolate. The results shows that cocoa fermented in both Daloa and Soubré regions were differentiated by 2,3-butanediol while those processed in other regions presented highest acetoin content. However, fermented cocoa from Soubré region exhibited most amount of 2,3-butanediol, diacetate A whereas 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine differentiated those from Daloa region. Sensory properties of chocolate were not linked to the aromatic compound precursors profile of beans. The fermentation performed in San Pédro region promote both the generation of more desirable aromatic compounds of cocoa and sensory attributes of the finished chocolate. The fermentation location generates a greater differentiation of the volatile fingerprint of cocoa and the sensory perceptions of the finished chocolate.

Disability and functioning in primary and secondary hip osteoarthritis in Benin.

BACKGROUND: In Africa, primary hip osteoarthritis seems to be less frequent than in Europe. Sickle cell disease is responsible for aseptic osteonecrosis of the femoral head associated with secondary hip osteoarthritis. Very little evidence is available on the influence of aetiology (primary and secondary) and radiographic status on pain and disability in a Beninese population with hip osteoarthritis. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the impacts of aetiology and radiographic status on pain, disability and quality of life in a Beninese population with hip osteoarthritis. METHOD: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, including participants recruited in the Clinic of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the National Teaching Hospital in Cotonou.Assessment was based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health model. The main outcomes were severity of osteoarthritis, pain, range of motion, muscle strength, gait speed and quality of life. Statistical comparisons between the aetiologies were performed using a t-test or rank sum test. One-way analysis of variance was used to test the effect of radiographic status. RESULTS: Forty-nine participants (26 women and 23 men; mean age [standard deviation] 40.5 [17.9] years) were recruited. According to the aetiology (59.2% and 40.8% of primary and secondary osteoarthritis, respectively), there were no significant differences for any of the outcomes. Grades I, II, III and IV osteoarthritis were observed in 22.4%, 14.3%, 26.5% and 36.7% of the participants, respectively. Participants with grade IV osteoarthritis were more affected than those with grades I, II and III based on the Kellgren and Lawrence classification. CONCLUSION: Aetiology did not influence pain, gait speed or quality of life. Participants with grade IV osteoarthritis had more pain, were more limited in walking and had a more impaired quality of life.

Disability and functioning in primary and secondary hip osteoarthritis in Benin

Background: In Africa, primary hip osteoarthritis seems to be less frequent than in Europe. Sickle cell disease is responsible for aseptic osteonecrosis of the femoral head associated with secondary hip osteoarthritis. Very little evidence is available on the influence of aetiology (primary and secondary) and radiographic status on pain and disability in a Beninese population with hip osteoarthritis. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the impacts of aetiology and radiographic status on pain, disability and quality of life in a Beninese population with hip osteoarthritis. Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, including participants recruited in the Clinic of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the National Teaching Hospital in Cotonou. Assessment was based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health model. The main outcomes were severity of osteoarthritis, pain, range of motion, muscle strength, gait speed and quality of life. Statistical comparisons between the aetiologies were performed using a t-test or rank sum test. One-way analysis of variance was used to test the effect of radiographic status. Results: Forty-nine participants (26 women and 23 men; mean age [standard deviation] 40.5 [17.9] years) were recruited. According to the aetiology (59.2% and 40.8% of primary and secondary osteoarthritis, respectively), there were no significant differences for any of the outcomes. Grades I, II, III and IV osteoarthritis were observed in 22.4%, 14.3%, 26.5% and 36.7% of the participants, respectively. Participants with grade IV osteoarthritis were more affected than those with grades I, II and III based on the Kellgren and Lawrence classification. Conclusion: Aetiology did not influence pain, gait speed or quality of life. Participants with grade IV osteoarthritis had more pain, were more limited in walking and had a more impaired quality of life

Atmospheric modeling and source reconstruction of radioactive ruthenium from an undeclared major release in 2017.

In October 2017 unusual 106Ru detections across most of Europe prompted the Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN) to analyze the event in order to locate the origin and identify the magnitude of the release. This paper presents the inverse modeling techniques used during the event to achieve this goal. The method is based on a variational approach and consists of using air concentration measurements with the ldX long-range dispersion model included in the IRSN's C3X operational platform. The method made it possible to quickly identify the southern Urals as the most likely geographical origin of the release. Despite uncertainties regarding the starting date of the release, calculations show that it potentially began on 23 September, while most of the release was emitted on 26 September. Among the nuclear plants identified in the southern Urals, the Mayak complex is that from which the dispersion of the 106Ru plume is most consistent with observations. The reconstructed 106Ru source term from Mayak is ∼250 TBq. In total, it was found that for 72% of the measurements simulated and observed air concentration agreed within a factor of 5. In addition, the simulated deposition of 106Ru agrees with the observed deposition. Outside the southern Urals, the simulations indicate that areas with highest deposition values are located in southern Scandinavia and southeastern Bulgaria and are explained by rainfall events occurring while the plume was passing over.

Rasch analysis of the Forgotten Joint Score in patients undergoing knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that the "Forgotten Joint Score" (FJS-12) is a unidimensional interval-level scale. Unidimensionality refers to measuring a single attribute, i.e., the single ability to forget the arthroplasty. If this property is not verified, the interpretation of the score can be confusing. Unidimensionality is an essential prerequisite of construct validity and required if FJS-12 response data are to be validly summated into a single score. Interval-level dimension is an essential prerequisite of the parametric statistics. Rasch analysis was used to test our study hypothesis. METHODS: The FJS-12 questionnaire was validated in 248 unilateral knee arthroplasty patients. Successive analyses were used to select items with good psychometric qualities to constitute the new "FJS". The external validity was assessed with the KUJALA questionnaire. RESULTS: Quantity of relevant items was greater than 50%. Of the 12 original items, nine showed disturbed thresholds, indicating that patients were unable to discriminate among the five levels for these items. The data set was reanalyzed using a four-level scale. The new analysis indicated that the internal consistency was good (r = 0.84). Three items did not fit with the model and they were removed. The nine items of the final scale defined a unidimensional and linear measure of the forgotten joint, and showed a continuous progression in their difficulty. The perception of difficulty was group-independent. The correlation coefficient was moderate between FJS and KUJALA score (r = 0.4). CONCLUSIONS: This new and items reduced FJS can be used in clinical practice with good psychometric qualities. It provides a reliable tool to follow up patient's evolution and document changes related to knee arthroplasty. This valid FJS is needed in evaluating patients' assessment, one indicator of quality of care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III-Therapeutic.

Comparison between self-reported and observed locomotion ability scores in patients with stroke: a cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to investigate (i) the validity of self-reported scores of locomotion ability in stroke survivors using the ABILOCO-Benin questionnaire, and (ii) the congruence between online Rasch analysis of the ABILOCO-Benin raw scores and a conversion table set along with the questionnaire development. Thirty-five adult poststroke patients [mean age: 52 (SD: 10) years, 60% men] recruited from the rehabilitation department of National University Hospital of Cotonou (Benin), self-reported their locomotion ability, filling out the ABILOCO-Benin questionnaire [self-reported scores (SRS)]. Afterwards, a physical therapist observed and rated the patients' locomotion ability, while they performed each of the 15 items of the questionnaire [performance-based scores (PBS)]. Both raw SRS and PBS were then converted to linear measures using (i) an online Rasch analysis method and (ii) an ordinal-to-interval transformation table. Analyses showed high correlation (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.74, P<0.001) and nonsignificant difference (P=0.778) between SRS and PBS. Linear measures from online Rasch and a conversion table also exhibited high correlation (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.92; P<0.001). However, the difference between online analysis and the conversion table was significant (P=0.022). In conclusion, self-report is a valid method to administer ABILOCO-Benin in stroke patients. The conversion table offers a valid opportunity for quick transfer of raw scores to linear measures. However, the accuracy of linear measures from the conversion table may be slightly affected by missing responses.

Highly diastereoselective approach to methylenecyclopropanes via boron-homologation/allylboration sequences.

A simple and efficient diastereoselective synthesis of methylenecyclopropanes is described, in which boron-homologation and allylboration are merged into a one-pot process, starting from in situ generated cyclopropenyllithium species. This unprecedented methodology opens a new route to strained alkylidenecycloalkanes containing a quaternary stereocenter, in high yields and excellent diastereomeric ratios.

High concentrations of myeloperoxidase in the equine uterus as an indicator of endometritis.

Intraluminal fluid and excessive abnormal hyperedema are regularly used for the diagnosis of endometritis in the mare, which is routinely confirmed by the presence of neutrophils on endometrial smears. Studies show a relation between neutrophils and myeloperoxidase (MPO), an enzyme contained in and released by neutrophils during degranulation or after cell lysis. This enzyme has been found in many fluids and tissues, and associated with different inflammatory pathologies in the horse. The aims of this study were to assess the presence and concentration of MPO in the equine uterus, and to investigate its relation with neutrophils, and other clinical signs of endometritis. Mares (n = 51) were evaluated for the presence of intraluminal fluid and excessive endometrial edema before breeding, and a small volume lavage and cytology samples were obtained. From 69 cycles, supernatant of the uterine flushes was analyzed with a specific equine MPO ELISA assay to measure MPO concentration. Cytology samples were used for the diagnosis of endometritis. Myeloperoxidase was present in the uterus of all estrus mares in highly variable concentrations. Myeloperoxidase concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in samples with positive cytologies and in the presence of intraluminal fluid. Occasionally, some samples with negative cytologies showed high MPO concentration, but the opposite was never observed. Cycles presenting hyperedema weren't associated with high concentration of MPO, intraluminal fluid, or positive cytology, making it a poor diagnostic tool of endometritis.

Effect of non-sperm cells removal with single-layer colloidal centrifugation on myeloperoxidase concentration in post-thaw equine semen.

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a pro-oxidant enzyme contained in and released by neutrophils during degranulation or after lysis. Post-thaw semen contains MPO and its concentration is associated with decreased sperm motility. Recently, MPO concentration in post-thaw semen was shown to be associated with the presence of non-sperm cells (NSC). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a single-layer colloidal centrifugation before cryopreservation on NSC and MPO concentrations in equine semen. The experimental design consisted of freezing semen with or without previous centrifugation through two concentrations of single-layer colloid media. Non-sperm cells and MPO concentrations were assessed in pellet and upper layer at each step of the procedure and MPO was detected in cells by immunocytochemistry. Single-layer colloid centrifugation decreased NSC and MPO concentrations in post-thaw semen. The MPO concentration was correlated with concentration of NSC in the upper layer of the supernatant. In post-thaw semen, with or without previous single-layer colloid centrifugation, MPO concentration was correlated with concentration of NSC. Overall, neutrophils were rarely observed and NSC were mainly epithelial cells or cellular debris, as demonstrated by MPO immunocytochemistry. At all steps of the semen processing and cryopreservation, MPO immunostaining was clearly identified only on NSC. In conclusion, our study shows that NSC present in fresh semen release MPO during freezing.

New eastern Pacific Ocean records of Hydrolagus melanophasma, with annotations of a juvenile female.

Two new records of Hydrolagus melanophasma, one juvenile female from off the central Mexican coast and one adult male from off the coast of Ecuador, confirm the presence of this species throughout its known range in the eastern Pacific Ocean, from southern California, U.S.A., to Valdivia, Chile. This report gives a description and comparison of proportional measurements, head shape and colouration for juvenile and adult H. melanophasma. A taxonomic key to distinguish the eastern Pacific Ocean species of Hydrolagus is included.

Control of allergen-induced inflammation and hyperresponsiveness by the metalloproteinase ADAMTS-12.

A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) constitute a family of endopeptidases related to matrix metalloproteinases. These proteinases have been largely implicated in tissue remodeling associated with pathological processes. Among them, ADAMTS12 was identified as an asthma-associated gene in a human genome screening program. However, its functional implication in asthma is not yet documented. The present study aims at investigating potential ADAMTS-12 functions in experimental models of allergic airways disease. Two different in vivo protocols of allergen-induced airways disease were applied to the recently generated Adamts12-deficient mice and corresponding wild-type mice. In this study, we provide evidence for a protective effect of ADAMTS-12 against bronchial inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. In the absence of Adamts12, challenge with different allergens (OVA and house dust mite) led to exacerbated eosinophilic inflammation in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and in lung tissue, along with airway dysfunction assessed by increased airway responsiveness following methacholine exposure. Furthermore, mast cell counts and ST2 receptor and IL-33 levels were higher in the lungs of allergen-challenged Adamts12-deficient mice. The present study provides, to our knowledge, the first experimental evidence for a contribution of ADAMTS-12 as a key mediator in airways disease, interfering with immunological processes leading to inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness.

Nebulized anti-IL-13 monoclonal antibody Fab' fragment reduces allergen-induced asthma.

IL-13 is a prototypic T helper type 2 cytokine and a central mediator of the complex cascade of events leading to asthmatic phenotype. Indeed, IL-13 plays key roles in IgE synthesis, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, mucus hypersecretion, subepithelial fibrosis, and eosinophil infiltration. We assessed the potential efficacy of inhaled anti-IL-13 monoclonal antibody Fab' fragment on allergen-induced airway inflammation, hyperresponsiveness, and remodeling in an experimental model of allergic asthma. Anti-IL-13 Fab' was administered to mice as a liquid aerosol generated by inExpose inhalation system in a tower allowing a nose-only exposure. BALB/c mice were treated by PBS, anti-IL-13 Fab', or A33 Fab' fragment and subjected to ovalbumin exposure for 1 and 5 weeks (short-term and long-term protocols). Our data demonstrate a significant antiasthma effect after nebulization of anti-IL-13 Fab' in a model of asthma driven by allergen exposure as compared with saline and nonimmune Fab fragments. In short- and long-term protocols, administration of the anti-IL-13 Fab' by inhalation significantly decreased bronchial responsiveness to methacholine, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid eosinophilia, inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissue, and many features of airway remodeling. Levels of proinflammatory mediators and matrix metalloprotease were significantly lower in lung parenchyma of mice treated with anti-IL-13 Fab'. These data demonstrate that an inhaled anti-IL-13 Fab' significantly reduces airway inflammation, hyperresponsiveness, and remodeling. Specific neutralization of IL-13 in the lungs using an inhaled anti-IL-13 Fab' could represent a novel and effective therapy for the treatment of asthma.

Estimation of marine source-term following Fukushima Dai-ichi accident.

Contamination of the marine environment following the accident in the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant represented the most important artificial radioactive release flux into the sea ever known. The radioactive marine pollution came from atmospheric fallout onto the ocean, direct release of contaminated water from the plant and transport of radioactive pollution from leaching through contaminated soil. In the immediate vicinity of the plant (less than 500 m), the seawater concentrations reached 68,000 Bq.L(-1) for (134)Cs and (137)Cs, and exceeded 100,000 Bq.L(-1) for (131)I in early April. Due to the accidental context of the releases, it is difficult to estimate the total amount of radionuclides introduced into seawater from data obtained in the plant. An evaluation is proposed here, based on measurements performed in seawater for monitoring purposes. Quantities of (137)Cs in seawater in a 50-km area around the plant were calculated from interpolation of seawater measurements. The environmental halftime of seawater in this area is deduced from the time-evolution of these quantities. This halftime appeared constant at about 7 days for (137)Cs. These data allowed estimation of the amount of principal marine inputs and their evolution in time: a total of 27 PBq (12 PBq-41 PBq) of (137)Cs was estimated up to July 18. Even though this main release may be followed by residual inputs from the plant, river runoff and leakage from deposited sediments, it represents the principal source-term that must be accounted for future studies of the consequences of the accident on marine systems. The (137)Cs from Fukushima will remain detectable for several years throughout the North Pacific, and (137)Cs/(134)Cs ratio will be a tracer for future studies.

Tracking of airborne radionuclides from the damaged Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear reactors by European networks.

Radioactive emissions into the atmosphere from the damaged reactors of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant (NPP) started on March 12th, 2011. Among the various radionuclides released, iodine-131 ((131)I) and cesium isotopes ((137)Cs and (134)Cs) were transported across the Pacific toward the North American continent and reached Europe despite dispersion and washout along the route of the contaminated air masses. In Europe, the first signs of the releases were detected 7 days later while the first peak of activity level was observed between March 28th and March 30th. Time variations over a 20-day period and spatial variations across more than 150 sampling locations in Europe made it possible to characterize the contaminated air masses. After the Chernobyl accident, only a few measurements of the gaseous (131)I fraction were conducted compared to the number of measurements for the particulate fraction. Several studies had already pointed out the importance of the gaseous (131)I and the large underestimation of the total (131)I airborne activity level, and subsequent calculations of inhalation dose, if neglected. The measurements made across Europe following the releases from the Fukushima NPP reactors have provided a significant amount of new data on the ratio of the gaseous (131)I fraction to total (131)I, both on a spatial scale and its temporal variation. It can be pointed out that during the Fukushima event, the (134)Cs to (137)Cs ratio proved to be different from that observed after the Chernobyl accident. The data set provided in this paper is the most comprehensive survey of the main relevant airborne radionuclides from the Fukushima reactors, measured across Europe. A rough estimate of the total (131)I inventory that has passed over Europe during this period was <1% of the released amount. According to the measurements, airborne activity levels remain of no concern for public health in Europe.

ADAM-8, a metalloproteinase, drives acute allergen-induced airway inflammation.

Asthma is a complex disease linked to various pathophysiological events including the activity of proteinases. The multifunctional A disintegrin and metalloproteinases (ADAMs) displaying the ability to cleave membrane-bound mediators or cytokines appear to be key mediators in various inflammatory processes. In the present study, we investigated ADAM-8 expression and production in a mouse model of allergen-induced airway inflammation. In allergen-exposed animals, increased expression of ADAM-8 was found in the lung parenchyma and in DC purified from the lungs. The potential role of ADAM-8 in the development of allergen-induced airway inflammation was further investigated by the use of an anti-ADAM-8 antibody and ADAM-8 knockout animals. We observed a decrease in allergen-induced acute inflammation both in BALF and the peribronchial area in anti-ADAM-8 antibody-treated mice and in ADAM-8-deficient mice (ADAM-8(-/-) ) after allergen exposure. ADAM-8 depletion led to a significant decrease of the CD11c(+) lung DC. We also report lower levels of CCL11 and CCL22 production in antibody-treated mice and ADAM-8- deficient mice that might be explained by decreased eosinophilic inflammation and lower numbers of DC, respectively. In conclusion, ADAM-8 appears to favour allergen-induced acute airway inflammation by promoting DC recruitment and CCL11 and CCL22 production.

The role of imaging and molecular imaging in the early detection of metabolic and cardiovascular dysfunctions.

Despite intense effort, obesity is still rising throughout the world. Links between obesity and cardiovascular diseases are now well established. Most of the cardiovascular changes related to obesity can be followed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). In particular, we will see in this review that MRI/MRS is extremely well suited to depict (1) changes in cardiac mass and function, (2) changes in stroke volume, (3) accumulation of fat inside the mediastinum or even inside the cardiomyocytes, (4) cell viability and (5) molecular changes during early cardiovascular diseases.

Respiratory distress after surgery of RVOT pathologies: a word of caution on pseudoaneurysm development.

Pseudoaneurysm of the right ventricle outflow tract (RVOT) is a rare complication in pediatric cardiac surgery. We report a patient who developed a right ventricular pseudoaneurysm 8 months after RVOT enlargement using a pericardial patch for infundibular pulmonary stenosis. Our patient was born with severe pulmonary valvular stenosis and treated with percutaneous balloon valvotomy in the neonatal period. Six months later, she developed infundibular pulmonary stenosis, which required surgical resection of right ventricle infundibular trabeculations and bovine pericardial patch enlargement. The postoperative period was normal. She was readmitted to hospital 5 months later complaining of wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Echocardiography showed a huge aneurysmal dilatation of the outflow patch in connection with the right ventricular cavity. The patient underwent resection of the pseudoaneurysm and former patch, followed by interposition of a bovine jugular vein conduit between the RVOT and pulmonary bifurcation. The early postoperative period was uncomplicated. On echocardiography, no significant residual gradient was measured through the conduit and there was no insufficiency of the valve. RVOT reconstruction with patch enlargement, homograft or conduit implantation can be the origin of pseudoaneurysms. Although their incidence is rare, they are often asymptomatic before becoming quite large and causing compression symptoms as in our patient with respiratory complaints due to airway compression. It is important to follow up these patients closely, especially in the first year after surgery since most aneurysms develop within 6 months of surgery.

Mouse models to unravel the role of inhaled pollutants on allergic sensitization and airway inflammation.

Air pollutant exposure has been linked to a rise in wheezing illnesses. Clinical data highlight that exposure to mainstream tobacco smoke (MS) and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) as well as exposure to diesel exhaust particles (DEP) could promote allergic sensitization or aggravate symptoms of asthma, suggesting a role for these inhaled pollutants in the pathogenesis of asthma. Mouse models are a valuable tool to study the potential effects of these pollutants in the pathogenesis of asthma, with the opportunity to investigate their impact during processes leading to sensitization, acute inflammation and chronic disease. Mice allow us to perform mechanistic studies and to evaluate the importance of specific cell types in asthma pathogenesis. In this review, the major clinical effects of tobacco smoke and diesel exhaust exposure regarding to asthma development and progression are described. Clinical data are compared with findings from murine models of asthma and inhalable pollutant exposure. Moreover, the potential mechanisms by which both pollutants could aggravate asthma are discussed.