LiDAR-based reference aboveground biomass maps for tropical forests of South Asia and Central Africa.

Accurate mapping and monitoring of tropical forests aboveground biomass (AGB) is crucial to design effective carbon emission reduction strategies and improving our understanding of Earth's carbon cycle. However, existing large-scale maps of tropical forest AGB generated through combinations of Earth Observation (EO) and forest inventory data show markedly divergent estimates, even after accounting for reported uncertainties. To address this, a network of high-quality reference data is needed to calibrate and validate mapping algorithms. This study aims to generate reference AGB datasets using field inventory plots and airborne LiDAR data for eight sites in Central Africa and five sites in South Asia, two regions largely underrepresented in global reference AGB datasets. The study provides access to these reference AGB maps, including uncertainty maps, at 100 m and 40 m spatial resolutions covering a total LiDAR footprint of 1,11,650 ha [ranging from 150 to 40,000 ha at site level]. These maps serve as calibration/validation datasets to improve the accuracy and reliability of AGB mapping for current and upcoming EO missions (viz., GEDI, BIOMASS, and NISAR).

Flora of Cameroon - Annonaceae Vol 45.

Annonaceae is a major pantropical family with 113 genera and about 2550 species. Cameroon is one of the most biodiverse countries in Africa but its flora remains incompletely known. In this volume of the Flora of Cameroon, we describe 166 native taxa representing 163 species in 28 native genera within the family Annonaceae. A total of 22 species (about 13%) are endemic to the country. We provide keys to all native genera, species, and infraspecific taxa. For each species a detailed morphological description and a map of its distribution in Cameroon are provided. Distribution maps and diversity analyses are based on a taxonomically verified database of 2073 collections. Across Africa, Cameroon is a center of diversity for Annonaceae harboring one of the highest numbers of species and genera. For example, Cameroon harbors the highest number of African species for the only pantropical genus of Annonaceae, Xylopia. Annonaceae are found across all 10 administrative regions of Cameroon but diversity is concentrated within the tropical rain forest areas situated in the south and South-West. The areas around Bipindi and Mount Cameroon show the highest levels of diversity, but this is correlated with collection effort. Line drawings and/or photographs accompany most species. One species new to science Uvariopsisetugeana Dagallier & Couvreur sp. nov. is described. We also undertake a number of nomenclatural changes such as lectotypifications, six new synonymies and two new combinations (Uvariaanisotricha (Le Thomas) Couvreur, comb. nov.; Uvariodendronfuscumvar.giganteum (Engl.) Dagallier & Couvreur, comb. nov.).

RésuméLes Annonacées sont une grande famille pantropicale avec 113 genres et 2550 espèces. Le Cameroun est l'un des pays les plus riches en biodiversité d'Afrique mais sa flore reste incomplètement connue. Dans ce volume de la Flore du Cameroun, nous décrivons 166 taxons représentant 163 espèces dans 28 genres au sein de la famille des Annonaceae. Au total, 22 espèces (environ 13%) sont endémiques du pays. Nous fournissons une clé de tous les genres et espèces et des infra-espèces au sein des genres. Pour chaque espèce une description morphologique détaillée et une carte de sa répartition au Cameroun sont fournies. Les cartes de distribution et les analyses de diversité sont basées sur une base de données taxonomiquement vérifiée de 2073 collections. À travers l'Afrique, le Cameroun est un centre de diversité pour les Annonacées abritant l'un des plus grands nombres d'espèces et de genres. Par exemple, le Cameroun abrite le plus grand nombre d'espèces africaines pour le seul genre pantropical d'Annonaceae, Xylopia. Les Annonaceae sont présentent dans les 10 régions du Cameroun, mais la plus grande diversité est concentrée dans les régions abritant la forêt tropicale humide située au sud et au sud-ouest. Les zones autour de Bipindi et du Mont Cameroun présentent les niveaux de diversité les plus élevés, mais cela est corrélé à l'effort de collecte. Des dessins et/ou des photographies accompagnent la plupart des espèces. Une espèce nouvelle pour la science Uvariopsisetugeana Dagalier & Couvreur sp. nov. est décrite. Nous entreprenons également un certain nombre de changements nomenclaturaux tels que des lectotypifications, six nouvelles synonymies et deux nouvelles combinaisons (Uvariaanisotricha (Le Thomas) Couvreur, comb. nov.; Uvariodendronfuscumvar.giganteum (Engl.) Dagalier & Couvreur, comb. nov.).

Individualistic evolutionary responses of Central African rain forest plants to Pleistocene climatic fluctuations.

Understanding the evolutionary dynamics of genetic diversity is fundamental for species conservation in the face of climate change, particularly in hyper-diverse biomes. Species in a region may respond similarly to climate change, leading to comparable evolutionary dynamics, or individualistically, resulting in dissimilar patterns. The second-largest expanse of continuous tropical rain forest (TRF) in the world is found in Central Africa. Here, present-day patterns of genetic structure are thought to be dictated by repeated expansion and contraction of TRFs into and out of refugia during Pleistocene climatic fluctuations. This refugia model implies a common response to past climate change. However, given the unrivalled diversity of TRFs, species could respond differently because of distinct environmental requirements or ecological characteristics. To test this, we generated genome-wide sequence data for >700 individuals of seven codistributed plants from Lower Guinea in Central Africa. We inferred species' evolutionary and demographic histories within a comparative phylogeographic framework. Levels of genetic structure varied among species and emerged primarily during the Pleistocene, but divergence events were rarely concordant. Demographic trends ranged from repeated contraction and expansion to continuous growth. Furthermore, patterns in genetic variation were linked to disparate environmental factors, including climate, soil, and habitat stability. Using a strict refugia model to explain past TRF dynamics is too simplistic. Instead, individualistic evolutionary responses to Pleistocene climatic fluctuations have shaped patterns in genetic diversity. Predicting the future dynamics of TRFs under climate change will be challenging, and more emphasis is needed on species ecology to better conserve TRFs worldwide.

Phylogenomic approaches reveal how climate shapes patterns of genetic diversity in an African rain forest tree species.

The world's second largest expanse of tropical rainforest is in Central Africa, and it harbours enormous species diversity. Population genetic studies have consistently revealed significant structure across Central African rainforest plants. In particular, previous studies have repeatedly demonstrated a north-south genetic discontinuity around the equatorial line, in a continuous expanse of rainforest where a climatic inversion is documented. Here, we took a phylogeographic approach by sequencing 351 nuclear markers in 112 individuals across the distribution of the African rainforest tree species Annickia affinis (Annonaceae). We showed for the first time that the north-south divide is the result of a single, major colonization event across the climatic inversion from an ancestral population located in Gabon. We suggested that differences in ecological niche of populations located on either side of this inversion may have contributed to this phylogenetic discontinuity. We found evidence for inland dispersal, predominantly in northern areas, and variable demographic histories among genetic clusters, indicating that populations responded differently to past climate change. We show how newly developed genomic tools can provide invaluable insights into our understanding of tropical rainforest evolutionary dynamics.

[The role of the pharmacist in the educational charge of the asthmatic patient]. / Rôle du pharmacien dans la prise en charge éducative du patient asthmatique.

The problem of educative charge of the asthmatic patient has mobilised general physicians, specialists and kinesitherapists for many years. The first mutual aid associations for asthmatic patients, created at the initiative of pneumologists and allergists or their patients date back for a score or so of years and their principal objectives are the adaption of educational measures, in transmission of clear information and in the loan of surveillance equipment, to ensure that inhalation equipment is adapted appropriately to the case. Since, the mediatisation has reinforced this action in all directions, in the interests of and for the great benefit of asthmatic patients; and so the role of the pharmacist has also become essential not only in the field of information but also in that of control of the self-evaluation of the patient; three inseparable aspects are thus emphasized: information aspect, technical aspect, initiation of surveillance of the illness.

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of some 3-phenacyl-5-benzylidene-thiazolidine-2,4-diones.

The synthesis of 54 3-phenacyl-5-benzylidene-thiazolidine-2,4-diones is reported. Eight of them were tested for anti-oedema, analgesic and anticonvulsant activity. Only one compound showed significant anti-oedematous and analgesic activity. Three compounds protected against tonic seizures and death.

Diuretic effects on cardiac hypertrophy in the stroke prone spontaneously hypertensive rat.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to compare the effects of two diuretics, indapamide and hydrochlorothiazide, on cardiac hypertrophy in stroke prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-SP). METHODS: Six week old SHR-SP, on a 1% sodium chloride water intake, were treated with oral indapamide (3 mg.kg-1 x d-1) or hydrochlorothiazide (20 mg.kg-1 x d-1) over a 44 d period. The hypertrophic process was evaluated by classical indices and by the morphological analysis of myocyte cross sectional area, coronary artery thickness, and immunohistochemical analysis of interstitial fibrosis. RESULTS: In the untreated SHR-SP on 1% sodium chloride, all animals developed severe hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy when compared to normotensive salt loaded WKY by 13 weeks of age. In salt loaded SHR-SP treated with indapamide or hydrochlorothiazide, systolic blood pressure was moderately decreased by the end of the treatment when compared with untreated SHR-SP, at 259(7) and 245(7) mm Hg respectively, v 300(11) mm Hg, p < or = 0.05. Myocyte enlargement appears to be the main feature involved in the development of cardiac hypertrophy in the SHR-SP. By the end of treatment both indapamide and hydrochlorothiazide prevented the development of cardiac hypertrophy evaluated by heart weight to body weight ratio [4.69(0.07) and 4.61(0.08) respectively, v 5.39(0.13), p < or = 0.001] and myocyte hypertrophy (-33% and -21% of the SHR-SP values, p < or = 0.001). Myocardial interstitial fibrosis and perivascular fibrosis were practically absent in the two treated groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results allow the characterisation of SHR-SP cardiac hypertrophy and indicate that the two types of chronic diuretic treatment prevent SHR-SP cardiac hypertrophy with a drug specific efficiency.

Serotonin in animal models of alcoholism.

Ethanol naive alcohol preferring rodents have low serotonin transmission. Both pharmacological, biochemical and behavioral studies show that increased serotonin transmission influence reduces ethanol consumption in animals. This paper develops the role of serotonin in different lines of ethanol preferring rats and mice, and shows a regulation of 5-HT1A receptors in alcoholised dependent mice. Different sensitivities to ethanol observed between ethanol-preferring and non-preferring rats or mice seems to be at the root of the maintenance of alcohol intake.

Comparative effects of indapamide and hydrochlorothiazide on cardiac hypertrophy and vascular smooth-muscle phenotype in the stroke-prone, spontaneously hypertensive rat.

The effects of two diuretics, indapamide (3 mg/kg/day) and hydrochlorothiazide (20 mg/kg/day), were analyzed over a 44-day period on the cardiovascular hypertrophy of stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-SP). Untreated SHR-SP developed severe hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy when compared to normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats after 8 weeks on 1% sodium chloride. In diuretic-treated animals, systolic blood pressure was moderately decreased by the end of the treatment when compared with untreated SHR-SP (-13 and -18%, respectively, p < or = 0.05). Morphometric analysis of myocyte cross-sectional areas evidenced that indapamide was the most effective in preventing myocyte hypertrophy (-33%, p < or = 0.0001). Small coronary artery wall thickness was efficiently prevented in the two treated groups, but medial hypertrophy was prevented by hydrochlorothiazide only. Among markers of smooth-muscle cell phenotype (contractile or extracellular matrix proteins) EIIIA-fibronectin (FN), one FN cellular isoform, was shown to be the most sensitive marker by an immunohistochemical technic. Medial expression of EIIIA-FN, which was characteristic of SHR-SP coronary arteries, was prevented by the two treatments. The two diuretic treatments, despite similar effects on blood pressure and smooth-muscle phenotype, prevent SHR-SP cardiovascular hypertrophy with a drug-specific efficiency.

Platelets 3H 5-HT uptake in descendants from alcoholic patients: a potential risk factor for alcohol dependence?

We studied platelet 3H-serotonin uptake in 32 former alcoholics, withdrawn for from 1 month to 22 years, in their descendants (21.7 +/- 1.6 years old, n = 17; 10.9 +/- 0.7 years old; n = 19), and in respective control groups, paired in age and sex. All of the alcoholics presented high 3H-serotonin uptake (Vmax = 10.88 +/- 4.23 pmoles/10(8)pl/30 sec., vs. 0.93 +/- 0.15 pmole/10(8)pl/30 sec. Their descendants also showed high platelet serotonin uptake: 3.94 +/- 1.44 pmoles/10(8)pl/30 sec., vs. 0.93 +/- 0.15 pmoles/10(8)pl/30 sec. for adult descendants, and 5.99 +/- 2.23 vs. 0.84 +/- 0.15 pmole/10(8)pl/30 sec. for young descendants. All subjects were free of alcoholisation (biological parameters studied were blood ethanol concentration, gamma glutamyl transferase and mean corpuscular volume), and dependence of former alcoholics was evaluate by using, a posteriori, the CAGE test. In descendants, 28% of the subjects have Vmax values higher than the highest of the control group. Alcohol, in vitro, (54 mM) did not affect serotonin uptake in any group. These results indicate that in descendants of alcoholics, platelet serotonin uptake is altered, without modification of sensitivity to ethanol. The genetic basis of alcohol dependence could be linked with the platelet serotonin transport.

Triptosine, an L-5-hydroxytryptophan derivative, reduces alcohol consumption in alcohol-preferring rats.

Triptosine is a new L-5-hydroxytryptophan derivative whose effect has been studied in the Long-Evans alcohol-preferring rat. At an oral dose of 100 mg/kg once daily, triptosine reduced alcohol consumption by 42% in the second week of treatment and increased that of water by 80%. The results suggest that this precursor of serotonin might play an important role in diminishing preference for alcohol and reaccustoming the animal to water, without exerting an anorexic effect.

[Alcohol and the serotonin system]. / Alcool et système sérotoninergique.

There is considerable evidence from animal and human studies that serotonin plays a role in the modulation of alcohol intake and/or alcohol dependence. Biochemical, behavioral and pharmacological studies both in animal and man had verified this hypothesis. Central and peripheral levels of serotonin and of its metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) are modified by alcoholisation. Moreover, the use of pharmacological drugs modifying specifically serotonin transmission decreases ethanol intake. Our own studies suggest that a dysfunctioning of serotonin uptake system could be implicated in the individual risk of alcohol dependence. Even if other systems, e.g. amino acids, are involved in the regulation of alcohol behavior, all data are in favor of a modulation of alcohol intake by serotonin transmission.

[5-Fluoro (3H) pyrimidine-4-ones: synthesis, reactivity and pharmacological properties]. / 5-Fluoro (3H) pyrimidine-4-ones: synthèse, réactivité et propriétés pharmacologiques.

Fourteen fluoro pyrimidine-4-ones, four fluoro bispyrimidine-4-ones and two fluoro pyrimidine-4-ones with fused ring have been prepared. The reactivity of the carbonyl group of two pyrimidine-4-ones phosphorus oxychloride was studied. The 4-chloro pyrimidines reacted with ammonia or morpholine giving 4-substituted pyrimidines. Eight compounds are evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and anti-convulsivant properties: they were found to be weakly active against oedema and three of them protected rats form tonic convulsions.

[Benzodiazepine receptors during various treatments of alcohol withdrawal]. / Récepteurs aux benzodiazépines pendant différents traitements du sevrage alcoolique.

Drugs most commonly used in the treatment of alcoholic withdrawal are antianxiety agents, namely benzodiazepines. Some similarities may be found between the mechanism of action of such active principles and that of alcohol at the GABAergic transmission level. In mice with physical dependence, in vivo binding of [3H]-RO 15-1788 to central benzodiazepine receptors increases during the initial period, but then tends to taper down to its basal value in the course of withdrawal. Neurochemical treatment with alpha-adrenergic drugs or with agents than can stimulate serotonergic transmission, as opposed to meprobamate therapy, promotes faster recovery of basal levels. In man, these data may be referred to decreased benzodiazepine consumption in the course of alcohol withdrawal. The results suggest that both noradrenergic and serotonergic treatments may be associated with significantly lower risks for newly induced benzodiazepine dependence.

Systemic and regional hemodynamic interactions of perindopril and nitrendipine in the spontaneously hypertensive rat.

Adult spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were daily treated for 2 weeks with perindopril [an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor] and nitrendipine (a calcium antagonist) alone or in combination. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and diuresis were assessed weekly in conscious rats, and systemic and regional hemodynamics were investigated by the microsphere technique at the end of the treatment in anesthetized rats. Both perindopril (2 mg.kg-1.d-1) and nitrendipine (10 mg.kg-1.d-1) decreased BP to the same extent, but perindopril exerted a longer action. The hemodynamic profile of each drug was respectively consistent with the classic ones of ACE inhibitors and calcium antagonists already described in the literature. With combination of the two treatments, effects were at least additive, except that the nitrendipine-induced tachycardia was partially reduced by perindopril. BP reduction was additive, and significant potentiation was shown at the systemic [cardiac index (CI) increase, total peripheral resistance (TPR) decrease] and some regional (hepatic, muscular, and cutaneous vasodilations) levels. These results, which are in agreement with the different mechanisms of action of the two drugs, emphasize the advantage of combining perindopril with nitrendipine for treatment of hypertension.

[Effectiveness of cicletanine on lesions in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Curative study--dose-effect relationship]. / Efficacité du ciclétanine sur les lésions du rat spontanément hypertendu. Etude curative--relation dose-effet.

Genetically hypertensive rats receiving a high sodium content diet develop, within weeks of their birth, major alterations of tissues and blood vessels. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of cicletanine, a synthetic antihypertensive drug, on the progress of genetic hypertension. Iffa Credo SHR-SP male rats aged 11 weeks were divided into 4 groups. One group was used as control and 3 groups were treated with oral cicletanine in doses of 10, 30 and 90 mg/kg/day respectively. The control group showed a high mortality rate due to a significant decrease of weight gain and a highly significant increase of blood pressure, these changes being associated with lesions of tissues and vessels in the brain, heart and kidneys. A curative treatment with cicletanine improved these parameters and was accompanied by good tissue preservation. The curative effect of cicletanine seems to be due to an increase in endogenous prostaglandin synthesis.

[Assay of plasma isosorbide dinitrate and its metabolites after oral administration of immediate and delayed-action forms]. / Dosage plasmatique du dinitrate d'isosorbide et de ses métabolites après administration orale de formes à libération immédiate ou prolongée.

This paper describes a kinetic comparative study of plasma concentrations of isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) and its mononitrate derivatives (2-ISMN or 5-ISMN) after oral administration of a sustained release form of ISDN or a (non) sustained release form of 5-ISMN. The blood extracts determinations were performed by electron capture gas chromatography which is an accurate and sensitive method suitable for the quantitation of concentrations in the nanogram per ml range. The results are in good agreement with those of the literature. The standard form of 5-ISMN is rapidly absorbed. The Tmax value is approximately 1H with a corresponding Cmax value close to 400 ng/ml. For the sustained release drugs, the Tmax increases to 6H and Cmax is nearly half the 5-ISMN standard form value. Considering the administered dose, it seems better to use 5-ISMN than ISDN. For a long lasting treatment of angina pectoris and ischaemic cardiac diseases, both forms can be used.

[ Neuro-depressive properties of essential oil of lavender]. / Sur les propriétés neuro-dépressives de l'huile essentielle de Lavande.

Toxicity for albino rats is very low. In mice an anxiolytic effect is exhibited and the pentobarbital evokated sleeping time is increased in animals given essential oil, but this effect disappears if they are administrated during five days.

MIBG and catecholamine storage in the brain: an in-vitro study.

The uptake and release of mIBG, a tracer of the monoamine uptake and storage function, were studied on superfused rat cerebral cortex sections. mIBG was taken up and released by a mechanism comparable to that of norepinephrine (NE), but this storage appeared to be less specific for mIBG than for NE. This implies that when mIBG is used as a scintigraphic tracer of monoaminergic synaptic vesicles, imaging should be delayed long enough to ensure release of the molecule from its nonspecific binding sites.

Central interactions between dihydropyridines and cholinergic systems in the control of blood pressure in rat.

Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of the 1,4-dihydropyridine (DHP) calcium channel agonist, Bay K8644 (30 micrograms/kg) increased mean blood pressure and the K+-evoked release of [3H]acetylcholine ([3H]ACh) from hippocampal slices in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The Bay K8644-induced hypertension was inhibited by a pretreatment with methylatropine (80 micrograms/kg i.c.v.). In SHR, nicardipine, a DHP calcium channel antagonist, reduced mean blood pressure when i.c.v. injected (10 micrograms/kg). The nicardipine-induced hypotension was reduced by a pretreatment with hemicholinium-3 (20 micrograms, i.c.v.). Nicardipine (1 microM) did not modify, in SHR, the K+-evoked release of [3H]ACh, but inhibited the Bay K8644-induced increase in the ACh release. In normotensive rats, neither Bay K8644 nor nicardipine modify blood pressure, when centrally injected, or the stimulated release of [3H]ACh from hippocampal slices. The participation of central DHP sites in the cholinergic transmission in genetic hypertension is discussed.