Contribution to the improvement of the nutritional and functional properties of bread by incorporating cinnamon powder (Cinnamomum verum)

Bread is a staple food for billions of households around the world; yet, some of its nutritional value is reduced during the manufacturing process. With this in mind, this work was carried out with the objective of improving the nutritional and functional properties of white bread by using cinnamon in breadmaking in order to contribute to the prevention of certain diseases related to eating habits. Therefore, bread-making trials by incorporating 0%, 0.5%, and 1% of cinnamon powder were carried out. From then on, the breads produced underwent physicochemical, biochemical, and organoleptic analyses. Thus, the results showed that the biochemical composition of the bread containing 1% cinnamon powder and the bread containing 0.5% cinnamon was 11.96 ± 0.02% and 11.22 ± 0.02% for protein, 1.70 ± 0.01% and 1.41 ± 0.07% for fiber, respectively, compared to 10.76 ± 0.014% protein and 1.36 ± 0.17% fiber for the bread without cinnamon. In terms of phytochemical composition, the bread containing 1% cinnamon powder recorded the highest contents of polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins (551.295 ± 25 μg EAG/g DM, respectively; 53.117 ± 1.36 μg EQ/g DM and 269.837 ± 39.2 μg EC/g DM) compared to the bread containing 0.5% of cinnamon powder and the bread with 1% cinnamon. From the nutritional and phytochemical point of view, the results of this work showed the positive impact of the incorporation of cinnamon powder in wheat flour-based bread with beneficial properties on the health of consumers.

Functional properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Ivory Coast

BACKGROUND

Probiotics have recently been applied in aquaculture as eco-friendly alternatives to antibiotics to improve fish health, simultaneously with the increase of production parameters. The present study aimed to investigate the functional potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from the gut of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) originating from the aquaculture farm of Oceanologic Research Center in Ivory Coast.

RESULTS

Twelve LAB strains were identified by 16 S rDNA gene sequence homology analysis belonging to two genera Pediococcus (P. acidilactici and P. pentosaceus) and Lactobacillus (L. plantarum) with a predominance of P. acidilactici. Several aspects including functional, storage, and safety characteristics were taken into consideration in the selection process of the native LAB isolates as potential probiotics. All LAB isolates showed high antagonistic activity against bacterial pathogens like Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, and Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, the LAB isolates exhibited different degrees of cell surface hydrophobicity in the presence of hexane, xylene, and chloroform as solvents and a good ability to form biofilm. The strong antioxidant activity expressed through the DPPH scavenging capacity of LAB intact cells and their cell-free supernatants was detected. LAB strains survived between 34.18% and 49.9% when exposed to low pH (1.5) and pepsin for 3 h. In presence of 0.3% bile salts, the growth rate ranged from 0.92 to 21.46%. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of LAB isolates showed sensitivity or intermediate resistance to amoxicillin, cephalothin, chloramphenicol, imipenem, kanamycin, penicillin, rifampicin, streptomycin, tetracycline and resistance to oxacillin, gentamicin, and ciprofloxacin. No significant difference in antibiotic susceptibility pattern was observed between P. acidilactici and P. pentosaceus strains. The non-hemolytic activity was detected. Following the analysis of the enzyme profile, the ability of LAB isolates to produce either lipase or β-galactosidase or both enzymes was highlighted. Furthermore, the efficacy of cryoprotective agents was proved to be isolate-dependent, with LAB isolates having a high affinity for D-sorbitol and sucrose.

CONCLUSION

The explored LAB strains inhibited the growth of pathogens and survived after exposure to simulated gastrointestinal tract conditions. The safety and preservative properties are desirable attributes of these new probiotic strains hence recommended for future food and feed applications.

Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 variants characterized during different COVID-19 waves in Mali

Background

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants may have contributed to prolonging the pandemic, and increasing morbidity and mortality related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This article describes the dynamics of circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants identified during the different COVID-19 waves in Mali between April and October 2021.

Methods

The respiratory SARS-CoV-2 complete spike (S) gene from positive samples was sequenced. Generated sequences were aligned by Variant Reporter v3.0 using the Wuhan-1 strain as the reference. Mutations were noted using the GISAID and Nextclade platforms.

Results

Of 16,797 nasopharyngeal swab samples tested, 6.0% (1008/16,797) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Of these, 16.07% (162/1008) had a cycle threshold value ≤28 and were amplified and sequenced. The complete S gene sequence was recovered from 80 of 162 (49.8%) samples. Seven distinct variants were identified: Delta (62.5%), Alpha (1.2%), Beta (1.2%), Eta (30.0%), 20B (2.5%), 19B (1.2%) and 20A (1.2%).

Conclusions and perspectives

Several SARS-CoV-2 variants were present during the COVID-19 waves in Mali between April and October 2021. The continued emergence of new variants highlights the need to strengthen local real-time sequencing capacity and genomic surveillance for better and coordinated national responses to SARS-CoV-2.

Molecular epidemiology and genetic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in referral health centers of Bamako, Mali: What is new?

Background and Aims:

Tuberculosis (TB) remains an important global health issue worldwide. Despite this scourge threatening many human lives, especially in developing countries, thus far, no advanced molecular epidemiology study using recent and more accurate tools has been conducted in Mali. Therefore, this study aimed to use variable-number tandem repeats of mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units (MIRU-VNTR) technology coupled with the spoligotyping method to accurately determine the hot spots and establish the epidemiological transmission links of TB in Bamako, Mali.

Methods:

In a cross-sectional study, 245 isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) were characterized using spoligotyping and MIRU-VNTR, and an epidemiological investigation was conducted.

Results:

Of the 245 isolates, 184 (75.1%) were formally identified. The most widespread strain was the Cameroon strain (83; 45.1%). Eight major clusters were identified: Ghana (27; 14.7%), West African 2 (22; 12%), Haarlem (13; 7.1%), H37Rv (t) (8; 4.3%), Latin American Mediterranean (8; 4.3%), and Uganda I and II (6; 3.3%). Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between lineages from the respective referral health centers of Bamako, Mali (P = 0.01).

Conclusion:

This study establishes, for the first time, an accurate spatial distribution of circulating MTB strains in Bamako, Mali. The data was used to identify strains and “hot spots” causing TB infection and can also be used for more targeted public health responses, particularly for hot spots of drug-resistant strains.

Volatile compounds of traditional sorghum beer (tchapalo) produced in Côte d'Ivoire: comparison between wild yeasts and pure culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

In recent years, there had been growing demand for distinctive high quality beer. Fermentation management has a fundamental role in beer quality and the levels of aroma compounds. Use of non-conventional yeast has been proposed to enhance beer flavor. In this study, the bioflavor of traditional sorghum beer from Côte d'Ivoire was investigated. The flavor profile of two beers fermented with wild yeasts and with pure culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae respectively were studied. The main flavor components of the beer fermented by pure culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were different from those of the beer fermented with wild yeasts. The total level of esters and higher alcohols were (173.51 and 128.85 mg/L) respectively in the beer fermented with wild yeasts. These levels were significantly higher than those in the beer fermented with pure culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae which were 13.08 and 78.26 mg/L for higher alcohols and esters respectively. On the other hand, the beer fermented with pure culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae had an acid content higher than beer fermented with wild yeasts, i.e. 9.3 mg/L and 7.53 mg/L respectively.

Erythrocyte-derived microvesicles induce arterial spasms in JAK2V617F myeloproliferative neoplasm

Arterial cardiovascular events are the leading cause of death in patients with JAK2V617F myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). However, their mechanisms are poorly understood. The high prevalence of myocardial infarction without significant coronary stenosis or atherosclerosis in patients with MPNs suggests that vascular function is altered. The consequences of JAK2V617F mutation on vascular reactivity are unknown. We observe here increased responses to vasoconstrictors in arteries from Jak2V617F mice resulting from a disturbed endothelial NO pathway and increased endothelial oxidative stress. This response was reproduced in WT mice by circulating microvesicles isolated from patients carrying JAK2V617F and by erythrocyte-derived microvesicles from transgenic mice. Microvesicles of other cellular origins had no effect. This effect was observed ex vivo on isolated aortas, but also in vivo on femoral arteries. Proteomic analysis of microvesicles derived from JAK2V617F erythrocytes identified increased expression of myeloperoxidase as the likely mechanism accounting for their effect. Myeloperoxidase inhibition in microvesicles derived from JAK2V617F erythrocytes suppressed their effect on oxidative stress. Antioxidants such as simvastatin and N-acetyl cysteine improved arterial dysfunction in Jak2V617F mice. In conclusion, JAK2V617F MPNs are characterized by exacerbated vasoconstrictor responses resulting from increased endothelial oxidative stress caused by circulating erythrocyte-derived microvesicles. Simvastatin appears to be a promising therapeutic strategy in this setting.

[Radiochemotherapy for the treatment ofmuscle invasive bladder tumors in a west african radiotherapy service]

OBJECTIF

The aim of this study was to describe the results of radiochemotherapy in patients after transurethral resection of muscle invasive bladder tumors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective study from May 2014 to May 2016 in the radiotherapy department of the Mali Hospital. Have been included, all patients with bladder cancer infiltrating the muscle. Secondary cancers of the bladder and metastatic forms have been excluded from our study. Transurethral resection of bladder was performed. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel- carboplatin was administered every three weeks in all patients, then external phototherapy 6 MV at a dose of 66 Gy due to 2 Gy of 5 sessions per week 6MV photon of external beam radiotherapy at a dose of 66 Gy due to 2 Gy of 5 sessions per week associated with concomitant cisplatin at dose of 40mg / m2 / week.

RESULTS

Eight patients were included in ourstudy. The average age of 53.75 ± 14.84 years. The male sex was predominant 87.5% (n = 7). The history of chronic smoking wasfound in four patients. The main carcinogenic risk factor identified in our patients was urogenital bilharzia (6 cases / 8).The histological type found was urothelial carcinomain 12.5% (n = 1) and invasive squamous cell carcinomain 87.5% (n = 7). Transurethral resection of the tumor was performed in 62.5% (n = 5). Endoscopic biopsy was performed in 37.5% (n = 3). The tumor was classified pT2N0M0 in 50% (n = 4), pT3aN0M0 in 37.5% (n = 3) and pT3bN0M0 in 12.5% (n = 1). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel - carboplatin every three weeks was administered to all patients. The results of radiochemotherapy (see Table: evolution).

CONCLUSION

Concomitant radiochemotherapy is a conservative curative treatment that can be proposed as a replacement for cystectomy, for non-metastatic infiltrating tumors after the most complete endoscopic resection.

[Contribution of the University Clinical Research Center's laboratoryin the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 in Mali]

INTRODUCTION

The rapid diagnostic capacities of laboratories in Mali have been an essential element in the response to COVID-19. The University Clinical Research center (UCRC) diagnosed the first cases of Mali COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to describe the contribution of the UCRC in the diagnosis of Covid-19 and to clinically and epidemiologically characterize the patients tested in the UCRC laboratory.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted during eight months of intense activity. The samples were sent from the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) to the UCRC.

RESULTS

The UCRC tested 12,406 contacts and suspected samples and confirmed the diagnosis in 1091 patients, or 9%. The most common symptoms were cough (48.78%), headache (34.14%), fatigue / weakness (34.14%), while (33.33%) of the patients were asymptomatic. The sample positivity rate among new cases decreased from May to September 2020, despite almost 230% of the number of samples tested.

CONCLUSION

The laboratory played a major role in the response and there may be a low transmission of the virus in the Malian community.

[Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced cervical cancer in patients receiving a concomitant chemoradiotherapy in a low income country]

PURPOSE

Delays to access to radiotherapy are long in our context. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy to concomitant chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced cervical cancers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study from April 2014 to April 2016 at the radiotherapy center of "Hopital du Mali" in Bamako, Mali. Patients were allocated according to age, histological type, tumor size and the 2002 classification of the FIGO. Experimental protocol was the administration of a neoadjuvante chemotherapy with association of Paclitaxel 175mg/m² + Carboplatine AUC 5 every 3 weeks and radiothérapy cure with avec linac 6 MV at 70 Gy due to 5 sessions of 2 Gy per week associated with a concomitant chemotherapy with cisplatin at 40 mg/m2/week. The clinical response was assessed at the end of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and of concomitant chemoradiotherapy.

RESULTS

Thirty patients were included in the study. The mean age was 53.63 ± 8.9 years. The mean size of the tumor was 5.17 cm (2 to 7 cm). According to the 2002 classification of the FIGO stages IIB were 33% (n = 10); IIIB were 57% (n = 17) and IVA were 10% (n = 3). Clinical evaluation at the end of neoadjuvant chemotherapy found: complete response 17 % (n = 5), partial response 10% (n = 3) and stable disease 73 % (n = 22). Evaluation at the end of the concomitant chemoradiotherapy had found the complete response in 90% (n = 27) and stable disease in 10% (n = 3).

CONCLUSION

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy to concomitant chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced cervical cancer allows stabilization of the tumor and improves local control. Due to long delays to access to radiotherapy treatment in our context; neoadjuvant chemotherapy is an alternative to stabilize the disease and prevent distant metastasis from locally advanced cervical cancers.

The predictor of mortality outcome in adult patients with Ebola virus disease during the 2014-2015 outbreak in Guinea

The purpose of this study was to examine the association of any demographic and clinical factors with mortality outcome among adult patients with Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Guinea. This retrospective observational study analyzed medical records of laboratory confirmed EVD adult patients during the 2014-2015 EVD outbreak in Guinea. The associations between any demographic or clinical variables and mortality outcome of EVD were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Of 2,310 EVD adult patients included for analysis, the overall case fatality rate was 68.1%. Univariate analyses identified factors possibly associated with mortality outcome, including patient age (p < 0.001), history of visiting or close contact with a suspected or confirmed EVD patient (p = 0.035), and seven clinical symptoms on admission, i.e., fever (p = 0.003), hiccups (p < 0.001), vomiting (p = 0.003), diarrhea (p < 0.001), cough (p = 0.001), sore throat (p = 0.016), and unexplained bleeding (p = 0.021). The multivariate analysis showed that patient age was independently associated with mortality outcome of EVD (OR = 1.06; 95%CI = 1.03-1.09; p < 0.001), while none the of clinical symptoms on admission were significantly associated with the mortality outcome. Our analysis indicates that older age was the only independent factor associated with death among EVD adult patients in Guinea. This suggests that older EVD patients should receive intensive medical care and be carefully monitored.

Synthesis of C-glycoside analogues of beta-galactosamine-(1-->4)-3-O-methyl-D-chiro-inositol and assay as activator of protein phosphatases PDHP and PP2Calpha

The glycan beta-galactosamine-(1-4)-3-O-methyl-D-chiro-inositol, called INS-2, was previously isolated from liver as a putative second messenger-modulator for insulin. Synthetic INS-2 injected intravenously in rats is both insulin-mimetic and insulin-sensitizing. This bioactivity is attributed to allosteric activation of pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase (PDHP) and protein phosphatase 2Calpha (PP2Calpha). Towards identification of potentially metabolically stable analogues of INS-2 and illumination of the mechanism of enzymatic activation, C-INS-2, the exact C-glycoside of INS-2, and C-INS-2-OH the deaminated analog of C-INS-2, were synthesized and their activity against these two enzymes evaluated. C-INS-2 activates PDHP comparable to INS-2, but failed to activate PP2Calpha. C-INS-2-OH was inactive against both phosphatases. These results and modeling of INS-2, C-INS-2 and C-INS-2-OH into the 3D structure of PDHP and PP2Calpha, suggest that INS-2 binds to distinctive sites on the two different phosphatases to activate insulin signaling. Thus the carbon analog could selectively favor glucose disposal via oxidative pathways.

Salt dual-fortified with iodine and micronized ground ferric pyrophosphate affects iron status but not hemoglobin in children in Cote d'Ivoire

Deficiencies of iron and iodine are common in West Africa, and salt is one of very few food vehicles available for fortification. Salt dual-fortified with iodine and micronized ground ferric pyrophosphate (FePP) was tested for its efficacy in rural, tropical Côte d'Ivoire. First, salt and iron intakes, and iron bioavailability were estimated using 3-d weighed food records in 24 households. Local iodized salt was then fortified with 3 mg Fe/g salt as ground FePP (mean particle size = 2.5 mum), and stability, sensory and acceptability trials were done. The dual fortified salt (DFS) was distributed to households and its efficacy compared with that of iodized salt (IS) in a 6-mo, double-blind trial in 5- to 15-y-old iron-deficient children (n = 123). All children were dewormed at baseline. After 6 mo, serum ferritin (SF) and transferrin receptor (TfR) concentrations as well as body iron stores improved significantly in the DFS group but not in the IS GROUP (P < 0.05). Body iron increased from 4.6 +/- 2.7 to 5.9 +/- 2.7 mg/kg (mean +/- SD) in the DFS group; concentrations before and after treatment in the IS group were 5.5 +/- 2.9 and 5.6 +/- 3.1 mg/kg, respectively. The hemoglobin concentration and the prevalence of anemia did not change in either group. The prevalences of malaria, soil-transmitted helminths, and riboflavin deficiency were 55, 14, and 66%, respectively. In tropical West Africa, low-grade salt fortified with micronized ground FePP increased body iron stores but not hemoglobin in children. Iron utilization may have been impaired by the high prevalence of malaria and concurrent nutrient deficiencies.

Oxocarbenium Ion Cyclizations for C-Branched Cyclitols: Synthesis of a Relay Intermediate for Fumagillin Analogues

A highly stereoselective oxocarbenium ion-alkene cyclization for synthesis of C-branched cylitols is described. This methodology was applied to 10S, a potentially versatile intermediate for side-chain analogues of the antiangiogenic agent fumagillin. Compound 10S was subsequently converted to diene 5. Because racemic 5 has been converted to racemic fumagillin, this synthesis of 5 constitutes a formal synthesis of the natural product.

[Epidemiology of malaria in a village of Sudanese savannah area in Mali (Bancoumana). 2. Entomo-parasitological and clinical study ]

We carried out five cross sectional surveys between 1993 and 1994 to assess the epidemiology of malaria in the village of Bancoumana, located in the Sudanese savannah areas of Mali. Each survey included a collection of entomological, clinical, parasitological and immunological data. The study population involved 1600 children from six months to 9 years of age. The main vector was Anopheles gambiae s.l., man bite rate and entomological inoculation rate were maximum respectively in August (peak of the transmission season) and October (end of transmission season). Plasmodium. falciparum was the main parasite species observed. Spleen enlargement rate, parasite rate, gametocyte rate and parasite density varied significantly with age and season. The parasite rate, gametocyte rate and parasite density were significantly low in October 1994 compared with October 1993 while the entomologic parameter did not show any variation over the two years. This reduction of parasitologic index between 1993 and 1994 may be related to an increase of anti-malarial drug use in the population. Our results show that malaria is hyperendemic in the village of Bancoumana.

[Epidemiology of malaria in a village of Sudanese savannah in Mali (Bancoumana). Anti-TRAP and anti-CS humoral immunity response]

Vaccine development research is an important component of malaria control strategies. Thrombospondin related anonymous protein (TRAP) and the circumsporozoite (CS) protein are two antigens of sporozoite surface. Immune response to these two antigens may contribute to the development of anti-sporozoite vaccine. Recent studies suggest that antibodies anti-TRAP may partially block sporozoites penetration in hepatocyte, and thereby reducing malaria morbidity. We carried out a study to assess the seroprevalence of anti-TRAP and anti-CS antibodies and to identify a possible role of these antibodies on malaria morbidity in children 1-9 years old living in a rural hyperendemic village. We performed 5 cross sectional surveys and a longitudinal follow up in 1993 and 1994. During each cross sectional study, children were examined for fever and splenomegaly; all febrile children received thick film examination, and serologic analysis was performed in one third of these, randomly selected. The results show that the seroprevalence of anti-TRAP and anti-CS varied with age and season (p < 0.05). Association between the prevalence of anti-TRAP and splenomegaly was observed during two cross sectional surveys (June and October 1993). The presence of anti-TRAP antibody was associated with Plasmodium falciparum infection at the beginning of the transmission season (June 1993 and July 1994). A negative association between the level of anti-TRAP title and parasitemia was observed (March and October 1994). These findings suggest no clear evidence of the protective role of anti-TRAP antibodies in uncomplicated malaria, possibly due to the limited persistence of these antibodies under natural situations.

Synthesis of novel C-5 substituted d4T analogues bearing linker arms as potential anti-HIV agents

This work reports the synthesis of 2',3'-didehydro-2',3'-dideoxy-thymidine analogues bearing several kinds of amino-linker arms at the C-5 position of the pyrimidine moiety. C-5 is an attractive position since a flexible chain may permit the triphosphates to be generated. The beta-D- and beta-L-d4T analogues were synthesized following a multi-step reaction from D-ribose and D-xylose, from D- and L-arabinose (towards an oxazoline ring) or from uridine and then were reacted with alkylene diamines.

[Protozoan infections and intestinal helminthiasis among the population of a village in the northern Sudan savannah area of Mali (West Africa)]

A cross sectional survey was carried out on intestinal parasites in a rural village located in a Sudan savannah area of Mali in September 1994. This survey was aimed to describe the prevalence of intestinal protozoa and helminths, and to evaluate the possible epidemiological impact of some sociobehavioural factors. A total of 209 stool specimens were examined with 3 methods: fresh stool examination, Kato thick smear technique and a formalin-ether concentration technique in a closed system. Cryptosporidium was also searched following the Ziehl-Neelsen staining and the immunofluorescence method using monoclonal antibody. Microsporidia were investigated by Trichrome staining technique. The concentration technique, as expected, was the more sensitive method: the protozoan cyst rate and the helminth egg rate were 70.3% and 11%, respectively. The low prevalence of intestinal nematodes, unexpected for this area, could be attributed to the improvement in sanitation (traditional WC present in 73.9% of the families), but also to the repeated treatments of the population against onchocercosis with ivermectin since 1992. We found no cases of isosporosis, cryptosporidiosis and microsporidiosis in our study population, neither significant association between socio-behavioural factors and parasitic infections.

[Mixed tumor of the external auditory canal]

Ceruminoma is a collective term applied to tumors arising from the modified apocrine (ceruminous) glands of the external auditory canal. Four distinctive histopathologic patterns are recognized: adenoma, pleomorphic adenoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. We report a case of pleomorphic adenoma. It manifested as a soft mass covered with epithelium, filling the right external auditory canal. Wide local excision was the treatment, but local recurrence appeared four years later.