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Introduction: The novel coronavirus causes the deadly disease, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Therefore, it is necessary to identify prognostic factors for patients hospitalized with SARS-coronavirus-2 infection to identify patients with increased mortality risk. Several studies have shown that polymorphisms within the ABO gene are associated with different traits, including risk factors for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mortality. Methods: We conducted a prospective, single-center study at the Pulmonologist Department of Rouiba Hospital, Algiers. The medical records of 498 COVID-19 patients enrolled in this cohort study were hospitalized between March 2020 and March 2022. The patient reported the blood group (grouping card) or was carried out on site. The patients were divided into 10 groups: A+, A−, B+, B−, O+, O−, AB+, AB−, (Rhesus+ABO/Rh blood groups), and Rhesus-groups, according to the distribution of ABO blood group. The different ABO blood group of the 498 patients was analyzed and compared according to their prognosis, death, or transfer to an intensive care unit. Results: Four hundred and ninety-eight patients were evaluated, 213 (42.8%) were male, and the mean age was 55.2 years (standard deviation: 15.3). A total of 473 (94.98%) patients were discharged, and 25 (5.02%) died during hospitalization. The number of patients with ARh negative was significantly higher in the dead patients 30% among 10 patients (P = 0.0002) versus 5.6% for A+, compared to improved individuals and more computed tomography scan lesion extension 40% (P = 0.021) between 50% and 75% vs. 13.2% ± 34.0% (P = 0.034) for the A(+) group, and hypernatremia 141.2 ± 2.7 (P = 0.056) versus 137.4 ± 4.36 for A(+) group. The distribution of ABO blood groups was statistically different between the two groups. The dead patients had the blood groups A(−), (30%), A+ (5.6%), B− (0%), B+ (1.5%), AB− (0%), AB+ (0%), O− (20%), and O+ (4.3%), respectively. Conclusion: The protective nature of all blood groups (AB, B, and O+) was observed in patients presenting with COVID-19 symptoms of varying severities. Blood grouping A and especially A− and O− are marked by a high risk of COVID-19 infection, serious form, and mortality and therefore deserve particular attention in their management.

Several exchange–correlation potentials within the framework of Density Functional Theory (DFT) were used to study the structural, electronic, magnetic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of cubic perovskites CsEuX3 (X=Cl, Br, and I). The exchange–correlation potentials used in this study include GGA, mBJ, and GGA+U, both with and without spin–orbit coupling (SOC). The stability of all compounds was confirmed by the obtained values of the cohesive energy, formation energy, and tolerance factor. When GGA+U with SOC is used, all compounds show direct bandgap with no effect of the spin state on the bandgap value. The bandgap varies differently for spin-up and spin-down states under pressure. Europium ions control the magnetic properties. Optical investigations indicate that CsEuBr3 and CsEuI3 exhibit identical characteristics, whereas CsEuCl3 has a similar trend but shifted to higher energy. Absorption mostly takes place in the UV region, whereas there is about 20 % reflectance in the infrared (IR) and visible regions. All compounds have low energy loss and excellent transparency. Our investigation indicates that the present compounds are good thermoelectric materials with a high figure of merit. For example, CsEuCl3 demonstrates a figure of merit (ZT) ranging from 0.82 to 0.86 for spin-up and around 1 for spin-down over the temperature range 50–800 K. Such encouraging results indicate that all compounds are potential candidates for optical applications and thermoelectric devices.

Résumé: Depuis son apparition dans les années quarante, la littérature algérienne d’expression française n’a pas cessé de se renouveler et de s’imposer. Conscients de la nécessité d’agir face au mal d’aujourd’hui, les romanciers contemporains, à l’instar de Maissa Bey, Malika Mokkedem, Yasmina Khadra et autres, ont insufflé une nouveauté thématique et esthétique dans leurs productions faisant ainsi de leurs textes un espace de création et d’innovation. En se détachant des codes traditionnels de la narration, Maissa Bey, figure de proue de la littérature féminine en Algérie, n’a pas hésité à manifester une plume innovatrice des thèmes et de style, revendicatrice des droits et des libertés ! La romancière crée ainsi un nouveau texte romanesque, hybride, empreint d’oralité, revisité par un mythe ancien. Une intention manifeste chez l’écrivaine de réhabiliter un patrimoine oral considérable et d’exprimer l’âme algérienne dans son tiraillement en libérant le cri de son angoisse. Mots-clés : Oraliture, mythe, dévoilement, monologue intérieur, engagement.

Abstract Background- The studies of the clinical and demographic characteristics of COVID-19 patients around the world have made it possible to observe a rich semiology, which implicated obesity as a factor in the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia, and can lead to intensive care or even death. Some biomarkers have been identified as risk factors for mortality. The aim of this study was to verify obesity and the risk factors for mortality of COVID-19 infection. Methods- This was a single-center prospective study carried out at Rouiba University Hospital, between March 19, 2020 to September 30, 2021. The clinical data were collected: age (year), BMI groups (≥ 30 and

PurposeIn this study, we retrospectively reviewed the use of flow cytometry (FCM) in the diagnosis of inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) at a single center in Algeria. Sharing insights into our practical experience, we present FCM based diagnostic approaches adapted to different clinical scenarios.MethodsBetween May 2017 and February 2024, pediatric and adult patients presenting with clinical features suggestive of immunodeficiency were subjected to FCM evaluation, including lymphocyte subset analysis, detection of specific surface or intracellular proteins, and functional analysis of immune cells.ResultsOver a nearly seven-year period, our laboratory diagnosed a total of 670 patients (372 (55.5%) males and 298 (44.5%) females), distributed into 70 different IEIs belonging to 9 different categories of the International Union of Immunological Societies classification. FCM was used to diagnose and categorize IEI in 514 patients (76.7%). It provided direct diagnostic insights for IEIs such as severe combined immunodeficiency, Omenn syndrome, MHC class II deficiency, familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, and CD55 deficiency. For certain IEIs, including hyper-IgE syndrome, STAT1-gain of function, autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome, and activated PI3K delta syndrome, FCM offered suggestive evidence, necessitating subsequent genetic testing for confirmation. Protein expression and functional assays played a crucial role in establishing definitive diagnoses for various disorders. To setup such diagnostic assays at high and reproducible quality, high level of expertise is required; in house reference values need to be determined and the parallel testing of healthy controls is highly recommended.ConclusionFlow cytometry has emerged as a highly valuable and cost-effective tool for diagnosing and studying most IEIs, particularly in low-income countries where access to genetic testing can be limited. FCM analysis could provide direct diagnostic insights for most common IEIs, offer clues to the underlying genetic defects, and/or aid in narrowing the list of putative genes to be analyzed.

Introduction: There are a limited number of epidemiological studies describing the global burden of chronic diffuse interstitial lung diseases (ILD) and their subtypes’ heterogeneity worldwide. Our main is to characterize new-onset ILDs in Algeria and compare our results with data from other populations. Materials and Methods: Newly diagnosed ILDs were prospectively collected in a single-center observational cohort study including all patients diagnosed as ILDs in the pulmonology, phthisiology, and allergology departments between 2015 and 2019. Detailed anamnestic and clinical data were collected at the time of diagnosis. The results of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), serological tests, biology data, and respiratory functional exploration were systematically performed and collected. Results: A total of 455 cases were included. The mean age was 59.4 ± 13.2 years. There was a slight predominance of females (300; 65.9%). The most common disease was ILD secondary to connective tissue disease (CTD) or ILD-CTD (48.1%), followed by idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) (23.5%), sarcoidosis (16.9%), interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) (12.1%), and hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) (2.4%). Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) was present in 8.6% and unclassifiable ILD in 4.6% of the total ILD cases. Conclusions: ILD-CTD, IIP, and sarcoidosis were the most frequently observed ILDs in this Algerian population. Similarities and many differences were found compared to previous data from other countries.

On December 6, 2022, a single individual of African Crake Crecopsisegregia(Gruiformes, Rallidae) was recoveredin the Algerian Sahara at Illizi City. This observation is considered the second in Algeria after the first at Kerzaz in Béni Abbès dated November 27, 2020.

The quantitative and qualitative analysis of honey components is the object of this study. These analyses are considered a physicochemical and melissopalynological tool that allows the study of some characteristics of honey. The analysis of ten (10) samples of Algerian honey is carried out to determine the pH, water content, electrical conductivity, ash content, acidity, hydroxymethylfurfural content, proteins, and sugar content. According to the obtained results, the physico-chemical parameters of the studied honeys comply with the European and international standards. The pollen spectrum indicated the presence of 23 plant families, mainly Fabaceae, encompassing a total of 65 honey species visited by foragers. Of the 10 honeys sampled and analyzed, six were monofloral, with the remainder showing no apparent dominance of any honey type. The most frequent plant species were eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.), Italian sainfoin (Hedysarum coronarium), and chickweed (Lathyrus sp.). Furthermore, the results obtained indicate that all honey (monofloral and polyfloral) showed a high degree of variability in the number of pollen grains.

The validity of the GLI-2021 norms for SLVs in healthy Algerian adults has not been assessed. To ascertain how well do the GLI-2021 norms fit to contemporary SLVs data in Algerian adults. This was a cross-sectional study involving 481 (n = 242 females) healthy non-smoking adults recruited from the Algiers general population. All participants underwent a clinical examination and a plethysmography. Z-scores for slow vital capacity (SVC), functional residual capacity (FRC), residual volume (RV), total lung capacity (TLC), expiratory reserve volume (ERV), inspiratory capacity (IC), and RV/TLC were calculated. The mean difference between the determined and the predicted values (∆value) of SLVs were calculated. The GLI-2021 norms would be considered as reflective of contemporary Algerian SLVs if the total sample mean z-scores were in the normal range (ie; −0.5 to +0.5). The participants’ means ± SDs of age and height were 46.4 ± 16.4 years and 166 ± 10 cm, respectively. The determined SLVs were significantly different from those predicted (∆values means ± SDs were −170 ± 470 ml for IC, −100 ± 490 ml for SVC, 170 ± 400 ml for ERV, 240 ± 620 ml for TLC, 370 ± 340 ml for RV, 480 ± 480 ml for FRC, and 5.28 ± 4.38% for RV/TLC). The means ± SDs z-scores for IC, SVC, ERV, and TLC were in the normal range (−0.29 ± 0.88, −0.17 ± 0.94, 0.29 ± 0.77, and 0.35 ± 0.86, respectively), but those of RV, FRC, and RV/TLC were out of the normal range (0.74 ± 0.66, 0.75 ± 0.72, and 0.83 ± 0.75, respectively). In healthy Algerian adults, the GLI-2021 norms fit well to SVC, TLC, ERV, and IC, but they do not fit to FRC, RV, and RV/TLC.

Purpose: In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the use of flow cytometry (FCM) in the diagnosis of inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) at a single center in Algeria. Sharing insights into our practical experience, we present FCM based diagnostic approaches adapted to different clinical scenarios. Methods: Between May 2017 and February 2024, pediatric and adult patients presenting with clinical features suggestive of immunodeficiency were subjected to FCM evaluation, including lymphocyte subset analysis, detection of specific surface or intracellular proteins, and functional analysis of immune cells. Results: Over a nearly seven-year period, our laboratory diagnosed a total of 670 patients (372 (55.5%) males and 298 (44.5%) females), distributed into 70 different IEIs belonging to 9 different categories of the International Union of Immunological Societies classification. FCM was used to diagnose and categorize IEI in 514 patients (76.7%). It provided direct diagnostic insights for IEIs such as severe combined immunodeficiency, Omenn syndrome, MHC class II deficiency, familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, and CD55 deficiency. For certain IEIs, including hyper-IgE syndrome, STAT1-gain of function, autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome, and activated PI3K delta syndrome, FCM offered suggestive evidence, necessitating subsequent genetic testing for confirmation. Protein expression and functional assays played a crucial role in establishing definitive diagnoses for various disorders. To setup such diagnostic assays at high and reproducible quality, high level of expertise is required; in house reference values need to be determined and the parallel testing of healthy controls is highly recommended. Conclusion: Flow cytometry has emerged as a highly valuable and cost-effective tool for diagnosing and studying most IEIs, particularly in low-income countries where access to genetic testing can be limited. FCM analysis could provide direct diagnostic insights for most common IEIs, offer clues to the underlying genetic defects, and/or aid in narrowing the list of putative genes to be analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the use of a geothermal heat-sink to remove the heat released in domestic-sized single and double-effect water–LiBr absorption chillers operating in hot climates. This study is the continuation of a previous work, which demonstrated the operational constraints of these absorption chillers working in hot Algerian climate-zones. After localizing the non-operation zones for both systems, the thermo-physical properties of the soil at several depths are investigated for the implementation of the underground heat-exchanger. This heat-exchanger is connected to the condenser and the absorber of both systems, to supply cooling water at inlet temperatures of 33 °C in hot climate conditions, with ambient temperatures varying from 38 °C to 42 °C. The results show a steady operation for both absorption chillers in climate conditions which had not previously allowed the two systems to operate in water or air-cooled modes. A maximum coefficient of performance of 0.76 and 1.25 is obtained for single- and double-effect absorption cycles, respectively, with chilled water at 7 °C. The underground-tube length required is between 4.5 and 18 m, depending on the absorption-cycle configuration and the temperature of the chilled water.

In the presence of tumor angiogenesis, blood flow must increase, leading to an elevation of blood flow velocities (BFVels) and wall shear stress (WSS) in upstream native arteries. An adaptive arterial remodeling is stimulated, whose purpose lies in the enlargement of the arterial inner diameter, aiming for normalization of BFVels and WSS. Remodeling engages delayed processes that are efficient only several weeks/months after initiation, independent from those governing expansion of the neovascular network. Therefore, during tumor expansion, there is a time interval during which elevation of BFVels and WSS could reflect disease progression. Conversely, during the period of stability, BFVels and WSS drop back to normal values due to the achievement of remodeling processes. Ovarian peritoneal carcinomatosis (OPC), pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP), and superficial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are diseases characterized by the development of abnormal vascular networks developed on native ones. In OPC and PMP, preoperative blood flow in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) correlated with the per-operative peritoneal carcinomatosis index (OPC: n = 21, R = 0.79, p < 0.0001, PMP: n = 66, R = 0.63, p < 0.0001). Moreover, 1 year after surgery, WSS in the SMA helped in distinguishing patients with PMP from those without disease progression [ROC-curve analysis, AUC = 0.978 (0.902–0.999), p < 0.0001, sensitivity: 100.0%, specificity: 93.5%, cutoff: 12.1 dynes/cm2]. Similarly, WSS in the ipsilateral afferent arteries close to the lesion distinguished stable from progressive AVM [ROC-curve analysis, AUC: 0.988, (0.919–1.000), p < 0.0001, sensitivity: 93.5%, specificity: 95.7%; cutoff: 26.5 dynes/cm2]. Blood flow volume is indicative of the tumor burden in OPC and PMP, and WSS represents an early sensitive and specific vascular marker of disease progression in PMP and AVM.

Honey, used for centuries, is known for its nutritional, healing, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiviral properties. This work is a contribution to the evaluation of the antimicrobial and antifungal effects of thirty samples of natural honey harvested from northeast Algeria. Four bacterial strains and one fungal strain (Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Candida albicans) were selected for this study. The determination of the botanical origin and the presence of phenolic compounds of honey was carried out by a physic-chemical analysis (electrical conductivity, pH, free acidity), polyphenol determination using the colorimetric method of Folin-ciocalteu and quantification of flavonoids according to the method of aluminium trichloride. These studies have confirmed that most of the honeys studied originate from nectar honey and meet the standards required by Codex Alimentarius and that they are rich in phenolic compounds, which give it better antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activity. Our work is based on the evaluation of the antimicrobial and antifungal effects of the agar diffusion technique. The results obtained clearly show that all the honeys exerted a significant antibacterial and antifungal effect with the undiluted samples, which decreased with successive dilutions. The strains E. coli, Serratia marcescens, and Acinetobacter baumannii are the most sensitive to the effect of the thirty honey samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the influence of spin-orbit coupling and atom type on the electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of LuXNi2Sn2 (X = V, Nb, and Ta) double-half Heusler alloys. To achieve this, calculations were performed using the full potential linearized augmented plane wave method within the framework of density functional theory. Both full relativistic and scalar relativistic calculations were employed. The exchange-correlation interactions in this study were modeled using the PBEsol version of the generalized gradient approximation when calculating the structural ground state parameters. For the analysis of electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties, the modified Becke–Johnson potential was employed. The modified Becke–Johnson potential was specifically chosen for its capability to improve the description of band gaps, particularly for systems with small band gaps, such as the LuXNi2Sn2 (X = V, Nb, and Ta) double-half Heusler materials examined in this study. This potential offers a more accurate representation of the electronic properties, enabling a more reliable analysis of the optical and thermoelectric characteristics of the materials under investigation. The examined LuXNi2Sn2 (X = V, Nb, and Ta) materials exhibit semiconductor behaviour, with band gaps smaller than 0.4 eV that can be controlled by varying the "X" atom. The charge carriers, specifically holes and electrons, exhibit light effective masses, indicating high mobility. Furthermore, these compounds exhibit low thermal expansion coefficients and satisfy the criteria for thermodynamic stability. In terms of optical properties, they display substantial absorption coefficients in the ultraviolet (UV) light region, high optical conductivity, and high reflectivity in the visible light region. Considering their favourable power factor and figure of merit characteristics, the LuXNi2Sn2 (X = V, Nb, and Ta) materials possess the potential to be promising candidates for thermoelectric applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectivesTo evaluate the diagnostic and predictive contribution of autoantibodies screening in patients with primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs).MethodsIn the present study, PID patients and healthy controls have been screened for 54 different autoantibodies. The results of autoantibodies screening in PID patients were correlated to the presence of autoimmune diseases.ResultsA total of 299 PID patients were included in this study with a predominance of antibody deficiencies (27.8%) followed by immunodeficiencies affecting cellular and humoral immunity (26.1%) and complement deficiencies (22.7%). Autoimmune manifestations were present in 82 (27.4%) patients. Autoimmune cytopenia (10.4%) was the most common autoimmune disease followed by gastrointestinal disorders (10.0%), rheumatologic diseases (3.7%), and endocrine disorders (3.3%). Autoantibodies were found in 32.4% of PID patients and 15.8% of healthy controls (P < 0.0005). Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) (10.0%), transglutaminase antibody (TGA) (8.4%), RBC antibodies (6.7%), anti-smooth muscle antibody (ASMA) (5.4%), and ASCA (5.0%) were the most common autoantibodies in our series. Sixty-seven out of the 82 patients with autoimmune manifestations (81.7%) were positive for one or more autoantibodies. Eleven out of the 14 patients (78.6%) with immune thrombocytopenia had positive platelet-bound IgM. The frequencies of ASCA and ANCA among patients with IBD were 47.4% and 21.0% respectively. All patients with celiac disease had TGA-IgA, while six out of the 11 patients with rheumatologic diseases had ANA (54.5%). Almost one third of patients (30/97) with positive autoantibodies had no autoimmune manifestations. ANA, rheumatoid factor, ASMA, anti-phospholipid antibodies and ANCA were often detected while specific AID was absent. Despite the low positive predictive value of TGA-IgA and ASCA for celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease respectively, screening for these antibodies identified undiagnosed disease in four patients with positive TGA-IgA and two others with positive ASCA.ConclusionThe present study provides valuable information about the frequency and the diagnostic/predictive value of a large panel of autoantibodies in PIDs. Given the frequent association of some AIDs with certain PIDs, screening for corresponding autoantibodies would be recommended. However, positivity for autoantibodies should be interpreted with caution in patients with PIDs due to their low positive predictive value.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) predisposes to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) particularly in mechanically ventilated adults with severe pneumonia. The extremely high prevalence of DVT in the COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) has been established between 25 and 84% based on studies including systematic duplex ultrasound of the lower limbs when prophylactic anticoagulation was systematically administrated. DVT prevalence has been shown to be markedly higher than in mechanically ventilated influenza patients (6–8%). Unusually high inflammatory and prothrombotic phenotype represents a striking feature of COVID-19 patients, as reflected by markedly elevated reactive protein C, fibrinogen, interleukin 6, von Willebrand factor, and factor VIII. Moreover, in critically ill patients, venous stasis has been associated with the prothrombotic phenotype attributed to COVID-19, which increases the risk of thrombosis. Venous stasis results among others from immobilization under muscular paralysis, mechanical ventilation with high positive end-expiratory pressure, and pulmonary microvascular network injuries or occlusions. Venous return to the heart is subsequently decreased with increase in central and peripheral venous pressures, marked proximal and distal veins dilation, and drops in venous blood flow velocities, leading to a spontaneous contrast “sludge pattern” in veins considered as prothrombotic. Together with endothelial lesions and hypercoagulability status, venous stasis completes the Virchow triad and considerably increases the prevalence of DVT and PE in critically ill COVID-19 patients, therefore raising questions regarding the optimal doses for thromboprophylaxis during ICU stay.