Epidemiology of breast cancer in women based on diagnosis data from oncologists and senologists in Algeria.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) is a major health issue threatening women's life. No reliable epidemiological data on BC diagnosed by oncologists/senologists are available in Algeria. METHODS: The BreCaReAl study, a non-interventional prospective cohort study, included adult women with confirmed BC in Algeria. Disease incidence, patients and disease characteristics, treatment patterns, and mortality rate were recorded up to 12 months of follow-up. RESULTS: Overall, 1,437 patients were analysed: median age was 48 [41;57] years and 337 (23.5%) women had a family history of BC. BC incidence was 22.3 (95% CI: 21.5; 23.2) cases per 100,000 inhabitants over 8 months. Delayed diagnosis was reported in 400 (29.2%) patients. First line of treatments were mainly chemotherapy and surgery. Twenty-eight serious adverse events were reported including 10 (37.0%) events which led to death. Mortality rate reached 3.2% at 12 months CONCLUSION: A delayed diagnosis highlights the importance of implementing more effective screening strategies.

Taxonomic diversity and structure of the molluscan fauna in Oualidia lagoon (Moroccan Atlantic coast).

The spatial distribution of the molluscan fauna of Oualidia lagoon (Moroccan Atlantic coast) was studied during winter 2013. Samples were collected from 43 stations over the whole of the lagoon. Twenty-eight taxa (19 species of gastropods, 7 species of bivalves, 1 species of polyplacophora, and 1 species of cephalopod) were listed, 21 of which are newly reported for Oualidia lagoon. Four taxa, Hydrobia sp. (78.29%), followed by Abra alba (13.99 ), Nassarius pfeifferi (5.07%), and Cerastoderma edule (1.32%), were accounted for 98% of the total abundance. A classification analysis used to characterize the lagoon on the basis of molluscs showed the existence of three main clusters from downstream to upstream: a Nassarius pfeifferi community, a Hydrobia sp.-Abra alba community and a Hydrobia sp.-Cerastoderma edule community.

[Hydrological and edaphic structure of an oyster-farming site: Duna Blanca (Bay of Dakhla, south Morocco)]. / Structure hydrologique et edaphique d'un site ostreicole: Duna Blanca (la baie de Dakhla sud du Maroc).

Morocco shelters lagoons, estuaries and bays along its paralic coasts which are among the most productive in the world. The Bay of Dakhla is the longest and the most important site in Morocco due to its halieutic richness. In fact, this bay is an ecosystem with great potential in terms of aquaculture, mainly shellfish farming, and shelters favorable zones for tapiculture, mytiliculture and ostreiculture, in accordance with ecological planning. A hydrological study (temperature, salinity, chlorophyll "a", suspended matter and organic matter) was conducted on a breeding project of the cupped oyster (Crassostrea gigas) installed on the Duna Blanca site since April 2003. A seasonal follow-up of sediment structure was carried out involving granulometric and metallic studies. The hydrological sampling was performed monthly on the surface and at the bottom, during spring tides, low tide and high tide. The results confirmed that the site encompasses a wealth of nutritive elements and a significant chlorophyll-rich biomass. A gradient of hypersalinity is well correlated with seasonal variation of the temperature. The sedimentary structure ranges from muddy-sandy to sandy type. The metal concentrations in the sediments never exceeded the toxicity thresholds. However, the site's production potential cannot be limitless and could be affected by the extension and installation of new conchylaceous farms.

[Survey of the cycle of reproduction of red algae Gelidium sesquipedale (Turner) Thuret (case of the maritime zone of El Jadida-Jarf lasfer of Morocco)]. / Etude du cycle de reproduction de l'algue rouge Gelidium sesquipedale (Turner) Thuret (cas de la zone maritime d'el Jadida-Jarf lasfer du Maroc).

The industrial exploitation of the agarophyte, Gelidium sesquipedale, is an important part of the economy of Morocco, however the species is in danger of being overexploited. The development of research on the biological cycle of the species enbles a better understanding of environmental influencies on its reproduction periods and of the effect of pulling up on the growth of the thalli. This should assist in helping to avoid excessive collection of the species and to reinforce a period of rest where no collection takes place. The major are of collection supplying industries is the maritime sector of El Jadida - Jarf Lasfar. In order to study the methods of reproduction of G sesquipedale, a first series of experimentation was carried out by the INRH. Studies relating to biology and the effect of pulling up on the biometrics of the thalli of this species were carried out at two stations of the maritime zone El Jadida - Jarf lasfar: Moulay Abdellah and Sidi Bouzid during the period 2000-2002. The results obtained show that the fertile thalli are present all the year with a maximum reproductive activity in winter. The recruitment of the young slings takes place before the winter and occurs more in Sidi Bouzid. The regeneration and the growth of the thalli are carried out in spring and summer. To preserve this resource, it is necessary to put in place a system whereby one zone or area is allowed to rest whilst another area is cultivated for a year; whilst in the following year the rercise occurs.