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Introduction: The incidence of gastric cancer is steadily decreasing but it remains one of the most common and deadliest locations in the world. Algeria is one of the countries at low risk of gastric cancer. Objective: The purpose of this regional study covering 19 wilayas of the country is to provide data on the incidence of gastric cancer, to study its geographical distribution and its evolution. Material and Methods: This is a multicenter descriptive epidemiological study from 1st January 2014 to 31 December 2018 on all cases of gastric cancer diagnosed in the East and South – East region of Algeria. The regional incidence of cancers is estimated from validated registers. Results: Gastric cancer ranks 5th among all cancers and is the 2nd digestive cancer in both sexes. Between 2014 and 2018, in men, the crude incidence rate was 5.9 per 100,000 inhabitants, which corresponds to a standardized rate of 8.2 per 100 000 inhabitants. In women, the crude incidence rate was 3.9 per 100 000 inhabitants, which corresponds to a standardized rate of 5.1 per 100,000 inhabitants. The specific incidence of gastric cancer increases with age from 40 years in both sexes. The wilaya of Annaba recorded the highest gastric cancer rates in this region (14.9 in men and 8.1 in women). Conclusion: The primary prevention of gastric cancers, particularly in terms of reducing the prevalence and the level of risk factors, remains the main strategy, fight against these cancers as well as raising public awareness about the adoption of a healthy lifestyle. The research and then the eradication of Helicobacter pylori is recognized as an effective method of prevention against the development of stomach cancer. &nbsp

BACKGROUND Leukaemias comprise a heterogenous group of haematological malignancies. In CONCORD-3, we analysed data for children (aged 0-14 years) and adults (aged 15-99 years) diagnosed with a haematological malignancy during 2000-14 in 61 countries. Here, we aimed to examine worldwide trends in survival from leukaemia, by age and morphology, in young patients (aged 0-24 years). METHODS We analysed data from 258 population-based cancer registries in 61 countries participating in CONCORD-3 that submitted data on patients diagnosed with leukaemia. We grouped patients by age as children (0-14 years), adolescents (15-19 years), and young adults (20-24 years). We categorised leukaemia subtypes according to the International Classification of Childhood Cancer (ICCC-3), updated with International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, third edition (ICD-O-3) codes. We estimated 5-year net survival by age and morphology, with 95% CIs, using the non-parametric Pohar-Perme estimator. To control for background mortality, we used life tables by country or region, single year of age, single calendar year and sex, and, where possible, by race or ethnicity. All-age survival estimates were standardised to the marginal distribution of young people with leukaemia included in the analysis. FINDINGS 164 563 young people were included in this analysis: 121 328 (73·7%) children, 22 963 (14·0%) adolescents, and 20 272 (12·3%) young adults. In 2010-14, the most common subtypes were lymphoid leukaemia (28 205 [68·2%] patients) and acute myeloid leukaemia (7863 [19·0%] patients). Age-standardised 5-year net survival in children, adolescents, and young adults for all leukaemias combined during 2010-14 varied widely, ranging from 46% in Mexico to more than 85% in Canada, Cyprus, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, and Australia. Individuals with lymphoid leukaemia had better age-standardised survival (from 43% in Ecuador to ≥80% in parts of Europe, North America, Oceania, and Asia) than those with acute myeloid leukaemia (from 32% in Peru to ≥70% in most high-income countries in Europe, North America, and Oceania). Throughout 2000-14, survival from all leukaemias combined remained consistently higher for children than adolescents and young adults, and minimal improvement was seen for adolescents and young adults in most countries. INTERPRETATION This study offers the first worldwide picture of population-based survival from leukaemia in children, adolescents, and young adults. Adolescents and young adults diagnosed with leukaemia continue to have lower survival than children. Trends in survival from leukaemia for adolescents and young adults are important indicators of the quality of cancer management in this age group. FUNDING Children with Cancer UK, the Institut National du Cancer, La Ligue Contre le Cancer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Swiss Re, Swiss Cancer Research foundation, Swiss Cancer League, Rossy Family Foundation, US National Cancer Institute, and the American Cancer Society.

Background: The age-standardized rate of breast cancer (BC) increased nearly nine-fold in the last 30 years in Setif, Algeria. A case-control study was carried out to investigate the role of sociodemographic characteristics and reproductive factors in the etiology of BC in this young Arab/Berber population of Setif. Methods: Cases were 612 women with incident BC admitted to major teaching and general hospitals of Setif during 2012–2017. Controls were 615 women admitted for acute, non-neoplastic conditions to the same hospital network of cases. Information was elicited using a standardized questionnaire. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed after allowance for age and education. Results: Significant associations with BC risk emerged for family history of BC (OR= 4.15 for yes vs. no; 95%CI: 2.22-7.77), for the generation of oral contraceptive used (OR=1.57 for II-generation vs. III-generation; 95%CI:1.01-2.44), and education (OR=0.63 for >11 years vs. no schooling; 95%CI: 0.46-0.86). Conversely, parity and body mass index were not associated with BC risk, whereas a late age at menarche was linked with a non statistically significant BC risk (OR=1.20 for >15 vs.

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by three Lactic Acid Bacteria strains,Lactococcus lactisSLT10,Lactobacillus plantarumC7, andLeuconostoc mesenteroidesB3, were isolated using two methods: ethanol precipitation (EPS-ETOH) and ultrafiltration (EPS-UF) through a 10 KDa cut-off membrane. EPS recovery by ultrafiltration was higher than ethanol precipitation forLactococcus lactisSLT10 andLactobacillus plantarumC7. However, it was similar with both methods forLeuconostoc mesenteroidesB3. The monomer composition of the EPS fractions revealed differences in structures and molar ratios between the two studied methods. EPS isolated fromLactococcus lactisSLT10 are composed of glucose and mannose for EPS-ETOH against glucose, mannose, and rhamnose for EPS-UF. EPS extracted fromLactobacillus plantarumC7 andLeuconostoc mesenteroidesB3 showed similar composition (glucose and mannose) but different molar ratios. The molecular weights of the different EPS fractions ranged from 11.6±1.83 to 62.4±2.94 kDa. Molecular weights of EPS-ETOH fractions were higher than those of EPS-UF fractions. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed a similarity in the distribution of the functional groups (O-H, C-H, C=O, -COO, and C-O-C) between the EPS isolated from the three strains.

A higher frequency of early onset female breast cancers (BC) has been observed in low/middle income countries than in high income countries. We quantified the role of population ageing to this pattern using data from all population-based cancer registries (CRs) worldwide. Patients’ median age at BC onset and that of the general population were extracted for CRs listed in volumes VI (1983–1987 years) through XI (2008–2012 years) of Cancer Incidence in Five Continents. Their association was assessed at cross-sectional level by linear regression model and longitudinally considering 25-year ageing of the population in long-standing CRs listed at the beginning and at the end of the study. During 2008–2012, each one-year increase of population ageing was associated with a nearly ½ year increase of age at BC diagnosis. Population demographics explained forty-two percent of the age variance for BC. In 1983–1987, long-standing CRs with a median age at BC below age 61.8 years showed an increase of age at BC after 25-years. Worldwide, age at BC diagnosis essentially reflected the median age of the population. Changes in BC detection methodology likely lessened this association. Nevertheless, the elevated absolute number of BCs in young populations deserves strategies of BC prevention.

Purpose This study aims at designing a lactic starter for caper fermentation isolated from Tunisian fermented vegetables to improve the process and produce consistent and high-quality product. Methods In this study, the lactic starter was isolated by exploring the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) of Tunisian artisanal fermented vegetables. Identification was carried out by partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Screening was based on salt tolerance and antagonistic activities against Escherichia coli ATCC 10536 and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 10541. Caper fermentation was optimized through a full factorial experimental design (23), by exploring three factors: starter inoculum size, NaCl concentration, and acetate content. Differences in pH values, Total aerobic mesophilic bacteria and LAB counts between the beginning and end of fermentation are selected as responses and corresponding regression coefficients were calculated. Results The lactic microbiota is mainly represented by Lactobacillus plantarum group. Based on salt tolerance and antimicrobial activity, the strain Lactobacillus plantarum F3 was selected as starter for caper fermentation. The effect of NaCl concentration, acetate content, and inoculum size on acidity, total aerobic mesophilic bacteria count, and LAB count after 1 week and 1 month of caper fermentation was studied. Depending on the fermentation time, either 1 week or 1 month, the initial conditions should comprise 0% acetate, 108 CFU/mL inoculum, and 5% NaCl for 1 week against 5% acetate, 107 CFU/mL inoculum, and 10% NaCl for 1 month lasting caper fermentation. A protocol for caper fermentation was set up ensuring hygienic quality and LAB viability. Conclusion Lb. plantarum F3 was selected as lactic starter for caper fermentation, and initial fermentation conditions were optimized through a full factorial design. This work has shown loss in LAB viability after 1 week of fermentation. Based on results obtained, an optimized fermentation protocol was set up. This protocol ensures LAB survival and high hygienic quality of the product.

Purpose: The majority of women presenting with breast cancer it are not possible to identify specific risk factors. Age is the major factor on breast cancer incidence. Also, poverty status can be classified. Because of the weakness of the underlying empirical data in many countries, a number of the indicators presented here are associated with significant uncertainty. The fuzzy logic inference method as an artificial intelligence technique is proposed for modeling data. Methods: In our situation it is very difficult to use classical logic to model a system with the available knowledge. Classical logic does not allow working with uncertainty in the information Original Research Article Bouharati et al.; JCTI, 3(3): 1-8, 2016; Article no.JCTI.24774 2 when knowledge about the behavior of the systems is imprecise. A fuzzy system was constructed with three inputs parameters and one output expressing the number of cases. Results: The result of the fuzzy program so far, is a numeric and symbolic terms of number of breast cancer recorded; using the fuzzy inputs data in the universe of discourse (poor, near poor or non-poor), age and period. Conclusion: Once the established system, it allows to predict the impact of each input and its effect on the output parameter. Assessing the degree of impact allows us to define the set the factor that has the greatest impact in the fight against breast cancer. The result is the contribution of the set of input variable, taking into account inaccuracies and the complexity involved in the process.

The chemical composition and consumer preferences according to consumer characteristics of virgin olive oils (VOOs) from “Chemlali” and “Arbequina” cultivars were studied in relation to processing system and geographical origin. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences (p

En Algerie, la leishmaniose cutanee zoonotique a Leishmania major constitue un lourd fardeau pour la sante publique. On denombre en moyenne 10 000 nouveaux cas parmi les 15 millions de personnes exposees vivant en zone d’endemie. Le foyer de M’Sila, avec une incidence annuelle de 561,8 pour 100 000 habitants, est le plus important en Algerie apres le foyer historique de Biskra. Le reservoir principal de la maladie est Psamommys obesus, rongeur gerbillide, qui se nourrit exclusivement de plantes salees, les chenopodiacees, sous lesquelles ce dernier construit son terrier. Un des moyens de lutte contre la leishmaniose dans les regions sahariennes et pre-sahariennes, celui que l’etude atteste, est d’eliminer ces plantes autour des habitations sur un rayon de 300 metres. Dans le cadre d’un programme social de travaux d’utilite publique employant 396 jeunes chomeurs, cette experience pilote a ete menee en 2003 dans cinq communes les plus touchees dans la wilaya de M’Sila. 3 600 hectares ont ete traites avant la saison de transmission de la maladie qui debute au mois de mai. Une reduction de 31 % du nombre de cas de leishmaniose cutanee a ete notee, passant de 1 391 cas en 2003 contre 965 cas en 2004. Cette experience merite d’etre elargie a l’ensemble du territoire, pour mieux evaluer l’impact de cette methode de lutte dans la prevention de la maladie.

Minced meat beef inoculated with Bacillus cereus spores was treated with four essential oil constituents. The active compounds were sprayed separately onto the meat in order to determine the concentration needed to reduce by 1 log the population of B. cereus spores. Cinnamaldehyde was the best antimicrobial compound selected. It was mixed with ascorbic acid and/or sodium pyrophosphate decahydrate and tested for its efficiency to increase the relative radiation sensitivity (RRS) of B. cereus spores in minced meat packed under air. Results demonstrated that the radiation treatment in presence of the cinnamaldehyde and sodium phosphate decahydrate increased the RRS of B. cereus spores by two fold. The study revealed also that the irradiation of raw beef meat pre-treated with cinnamaldehyde produced an inhibition of the growth of B. cereus count during refrigerated storage. This technology seems to be compatible with industrial meat processing.

Carvacrol and mild heat treatment were tested for their efficiency to increase the radiosensitivity of Bacillus cereus in broth. The bacterium was treated with gamma-irradiation alone or in combination with carvacrol at its minimal inhibitory concentration or mild heat treatment for 10 min at 45 degrees C. The effects of this combination of treatments were studied on various parameters: the bacterial viability, the modifications of the cell morphology with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the cellular fatty acids composition of the membrane quantified by gas chromatography, the intracellular and extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) concentrations, and the DNA degradation. Combined treatments resulted in additive or synergistic effects as compared to gamma-irradiation alone. A significant modification (Por = 0.05) of the fatty acid composition and unsaturation ratios was observed. Pretreatment with mild heat or carvacrol before irradiation disturbed the membrane integrity of B. cereus and induced a significant decrease (Por = 0.05) of the intracellular ATP concentration. SEM observations revealed that the cell membrane was more severely affected with combined treatment than irradiation alone. The electrophoresis analysis showed that DNA degradation by combined treatments was greater than the gamma-irradiation alone.

The decomposition of penicillin G and erythromycin antibiotics at concentration of 0.2 mg ml(-1) by gamma irradiation at 50 kGy followed by biological treatment with Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34 was evaluated. Degradation of penicillin G and erythromycin was analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance analysis (NMR), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and chemical oxygen demand (COD). The exposure to the absorbed dose of 50 kGy caused degradation of penicillin G and erythromycin in the aqueous solution. The complete disappearance of NMR and FTIR peaks following irradiation confirmed the breakage of the β-lactam ring in penicillin G, and the decarboxylation and cleavage of the thiazolidine ring and for erythromycin, the complete destruction of the three aromatic rings. Irradiation alone removed 52.8 and 65.5 % of penicillin G and erythromycin, respectively. Further reduction to 12.6 and 14 % of the original penicillin G and erythromycin COD, respectively, was achieved using treatment of the irradiation products with C. metallidurans.

Introduction: Gynecologic Cancers are the most common cancers in women, in 2012, Cervical Cancer (CC) is ranking as the fourth with an estimated 528.000 new cases and Ovarian Cancer (OC) is the seventh most common for females with nearly 239.000 new cases worldwide. Aim: this communication presents the latest international descriptive epidemiological data for invasive GC, including incidence, survival and mortality in the worldwide. Methods: -The incidence and mortality statistics presented for GC worldwide were taken from the International Agency for Research on Cancer IARC: * the Cancer Incidence in five Continents Vol X and * GLOBOCAN database, 2012. -The data of cancer survival are taken from: * Cancer survival in five continents, a worldwide population-based study (CONCORD) version 2, 1995-2009. Estimated five-year net survival, adjusted for background mortality by single year of age, sex, calendar year in each country. Results: CC is the most common cancer among women in 45 countries mainly in sub-Saharan Africa, part of Asia and some countries in Central and South America, the lowest incidence rates in western Europe, North America, Australia and the eastern Mediterranean. Almost 55% of all new cases of OC occurred in countries very high level of human development mainly northern Europe and America and Oceanic, Africa presents the lowest incidence. -Data for CC are available for 602 225 women, CC survival was 50% or higher in most countries, except for Libya (Benghazi, 39%) and India (Karunagappally, 46%). During 2005-09, age-standardised 5-year net survival was 70% or higher in Iceland, Mauritius, Norway, South Korea, and Taiwan, for Qatar is also above 70% (based on only 16 cases and is not age-standardised). -Data for ovarian cancer are available for 779 302 women, during 2005-09, age-standardised 5-year net survival was 40% or higher in Ecuador, the USA, nine countries in Asia, and eight countries in Europe. Survival in other countries was mostly in the range 30-40%, except for Libya (22%). Conclusions: The evolution of cancers in women shows a consistent and very striking pattern during the epidemiological transition with rapid declines in the incidence of cervical cancer. Comparison of population-based cancer survival CONCORD study 2 showed very wide variations in survival from gynecologic cancer worldwide. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Zoubida Zaidi, Mokhtar Hamdi Cherif. The descriptive epidemiology of gynecologic cancers: an international comparison of incidence, survival and mortality [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 269. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-269

Introduction: Cancer survival is a key measure of the effectiveness of health-care systems. Globally, colon and rectum cancer ranked third for cancer incidence and fourth for cancer death in 2013. For developed countries it ranked second for incidence and mortality, and in developing countries it ranked fourth for both incidence and mortality. An increasing trend in incidence is reported from various registries of Arab world, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia present the highest incidences worldwide. Objective: To describe the trends of the survival of colorectal cancer patients diagnosed in Arab countries. Material and Methods: This report is a summary of the two survival figures of CONCORD study 1 (1990-1994) and CONCORD study 2 (1995-2009). Individual colon and rectum tumour records were submitted by 06 population-based cancer registries in Arab countries (Jordan, Saoudi Arabia, Qatar, Algeria, Lybia and Tunisia) for 9050 patients (15-99 years) diagnosed during 1990-2009 and followed up to 31 December 2009 . Estimated five-year net survival, adjusted for background mortality by single year of age, sex, calendar year in each country. Results : For patients diagnosed during the period 2005-2009, the age-standardized five-years net survivals were respectively higher 68,2% for colon cancer and 77,8% for rectum cancer in Qatar and the lowest rate for rectal cancer 21% in Jordan, between 1995-1999 and 2005-2009, Survival increased in Algeria, but this trend is less reliable Conclusions: Comparison of population-based cancer survival CONCORD study showed very wide variations in survival from colorectal cancer in Arab world. Cancer survival research is being used to formulate cancer control and the need to implement effective strategies of primary prevention. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Zoubida Zaidi, Mokhtar Hamdi Cherif. Trends in colorectal cancer survival in Arab World, 1990-2009 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 270. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-270

Background Incidence rates of various cancers are increasing in Arab countries and are expected to reach those of industrialized ones in few decades. This paper aimed to describe the incidence rates of most common cancers - and/or of those cancer preventable through modifiable behaviors - recorded in the province of Setif, Algeria from 1986 through 2010. Methods Cancer diagnoses for the 1986–2010 period were provided by the population-based Cancer Registry of Setif, disentangled by site, morphology, age (quinquennia), sex, and calendar period. The corresponding population was obtained from the Algerian Institute of Statistics. Age-standardized rates (world population) (ASR-WR) were computed by calendar period (five quinquennias from 1986–1990 to 2006–2010), while annual percent changes (APCs) were computed for the period 1996–2010. Results During the 2006–2010 period, ASR-WR for all cancer sites were 106.4/100,000 in men and 110.3 in women. The four leading cancers were: lung (18.0%); colon-rectum (9.6%); bladder (9.1%); and prostate (6.5%) in men; breast (36.4%); colon-rectum (8.5%); cervix uteri (6.0%); and thyroid (6.0%) in women. Between 1996–2010, overall cancer incidence increased statistically significantly (p

Aspergillus niger has been tested in a discontinuous process for the pretreatment of fresh green Table Olive Processing Waste waters (TOPW). The influence of seven factors like incubation time, initial pH, dilution, glucose, agitation, (NH4)2SO4 and inoculum size on decolorization was screened by employing a fractional factorial design 27-4. Through factorial plots and analysis of variance, it was found that only glucose and agitation affected the decolorization. Further studies were carried out to adjust the level of determinant factors. Results showed that color removal (62%) was optimum at 150 rpm and 3 g/l glucose. HPLC and FTIR analysis of the treated TOPW suggested that the decolorization occurs through biosorption and biodegradation. Tannase and lignin peroxidase were detected in the cultures. However, only tannase is responsible for the color removal of the TOPW because lignin peroxidase is produced at a low level.

The tobacco problem is one which is both global and political. The epidemic and the growing smoking crisis in Africa is a menace to the health of our continent, with significant socio-economic repercussions to follow in the coming years. Approximately 1.1 billion people around the world smoke, and between now and the year 2025, this number will most likely increase to 1.6 billion. By 2030, 10 million tobacco-related deaths will have occurred, and for the most part those deaths will be concentrated in developing countries. The tobacco industry clearly lies at the heart of the development of the tobacco pandemic in the 20th century. Specifically, cigarettes have made tobacco a massively consumed product, constantly expanding and opening up new markets; the day before yesterday it was men, yesterday it was women and youth, and today it is the developing world. The strategy is identical: increase sales, and do goat a price which puts a heavy burden on the population's health. The industries turn themselves towards developing countries, and namely Africa, in order to compensate for their losses in the markets of the Northern Hemisphere at a time when the demand in these countries is decreasing. The industry's cynical strategy targets Africa as its strongest potential market for development, counting on an estimated increase in consumption of 16% over the next decade, according to WHO's recent World Tobacco Atlas. The illegal importation of cigarettes is a practice which is growing more and more within African countries, with a well-structured African network for smuggling. Smuggled cigarettes are even more toxic with very elevated levels of nicotine and tar. Sponsorship as well as direct and indirect advertising are rapidly developing in all kinds of formats, with a proliferation of aggressive advertising messages targeting African populations with cynicism, manipulation, the complicity of smuggling in broad daylight, and disrespect for the law, while exploiting all of the themes which promote tobacco use to the target audiences (youth, women, the poorest groups). Everyday the tobacco industry recruits new African smokers to replace those who die. The future of the industry is represented by about 8 out of 10 people who began smoking before the age of 18 years old. It was imperative to establish a Tobacco Observatory in Francophone Africa (OTAF) in order to resituate the African tobacco situation, contribute to the development of the French-speaking nations in Africa, and to make known and increase awareness of its needs, its initiatives, and its actions across the world, and finally to effectively fight against tobacco and the industry's practices. One year after OTAF was established in Bamako thanks to the consolidated efforts of all its members and support of the French League against Cancer and the International Union against Cancer, OTAF OTAF is an independent entity whose mission is to gather, analyse and disseminate information on all aspects of tobacco with the objective of soliciting and supporting public health activities and interventions. It is a reference centre for Francophone Africa and a technical advisory group for the public authorities on tobacco issues. OTAF's work is counted upon to inform the public authorities on the most effective measures to use in the fight against tobacco. OTAF's duty is to promote activities which protect the health of young people and non-smokers, and communicate on the harmful effects of tobacco and the tobacco industry's practices. The goal is to organise a fight against tobacco based on solid, scientific data of the highest level of quality. OTAF is the only Francophone African surveillance organisation for monitoring the tobacco epidemic, and the practices, schemes and methods of the tobacco industry which are known to be dishonest Today, OTAF is a unique reference centre as far as the fight against tobacco is concerned in Francophone Africa. It is a partner in a number of projects with the French League against Cancer, the International Union against Cancer, and the International Union for Health Promotion and Education, among others. The success of OTAF has been crowned by a trophee having been awarded by WHO and an honorary degree signed by WHO's Director General.

In this study, biological activities of methanolic extracts from Artemisia herba-alba , Ruta chalpensis L. and Peganum harmala L. plants, collected in Centre of Tunisia, were investigated. Results showed an important phenolic composition of Artemisia herba-alba (123.95 ± 4.3 g GAE/kg of dry mass). The extract of this plant showed, using different antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS and AAPH/linoleic acid methods) and an IFN-γ/LPS induced RAW 264.7 murine macrophages’ assay, the highest antioxidant (IC50 (DPPH assay) 20.64 ± 0.84 mg/L) and anti-inflammatory (72% inhibition at 150 mg/L) activities, respectively. Excepting Peganum harmala L. extract, the two other extracts showed a high anticancer activity against several cell lines (human bladder carcinoma RT112, human laryngeal carcinoma Hep2 and human myelogenous leukemia K562), for A. herba-laba IC50 = 81.59 ± 4.4, 59.05 ± 3.66 and 90.96 mg/L respectively, but not on normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells. All these biological activities are well correlated with the phenolic contents of these extracts. These findings demonstrate the remarkable potential of these plants as valuable source of antioxidants with exhibit original and interesting anti-inflammatory and anticancer capacities.

Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania major is a serious public health problem in Algeria. On average, 10,000 new cases are reported every year among the 15 million people at risk of infection. With an annual incidence of 561.8 per 100,000 inhabitants, M'Sila has seen the worst outbreak of the disease in Algeria since the historic outbreak in Biskra. The main reservoir of the disease is Psammomys obesus, a gerbil that feeds exclusively on Chenopodiaceae, a salt-tolerant plant under which it makes its burrow. Removing these plants around houses within a radius of 300 meters is one of the most effective control measures. As part of a social program of public works, a pilot project aimed at controlling the disease was undertaken in 2003 in the five worst affected cities in M'Sila. 396 unemployed young people were recruited to remove the plants before the transmission season. Over 3,600 hectares were treated. The number of cases decreased from 1,391 in 2003 to 965 in 2004 (31% reduction). These measures need to be implemented in all endemic areas of the country to better assess their effectiveness in preventing the disease.

Although genetic susceptibility to nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has been recognized for a long time, little is known about the responsible genes. X-Ray repair cross-complementing protein 1 (XRCC1) and human 8-oxo-guanine glycosylase 1 (hOGG1) genes are involved in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) repair and were found associated with NPC risk in three Asian case-control studies. The objective of the present study was to test these genes in a sample from North Africa, one of the major NPC endemic regions in the world. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the XRCC1 gene and one SNP in the hOGG1 gene were genotyped in 598 NPC cases from Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia and 545 controls frequency matched by recruitment center, age, sex, and urban/rural household. The genotype and allelic distributions for the hOGG1 (326)Ser/Cys SNP and for the XRCC1 (399)Arg/Trp, (280)Arg/His, and (194)Arg/Trp SNPs did not differ significantly among NPC cases and controls. The XRCC1 (194)Trp allele frequency was significantly lower in the North African population than in Asian population (f = 0.04 vs. 0.31 in Cantonese Chinese and 0.21 Han Chinese). The hOGG1 (326)Ser allele frequency was significantly higher in the North African population (f = 0.73) than in Asian populations (f = 0.39 in Taiwanese). The results of the present study obtained from a large sample indicate that the XRCC1 and hOGG1 genes are unlikely to play a role in the susceptibility to NPC in North Africans. Our results do not corroborate those found in Asian population on smaller samples.

The original publication is available at www.springerlink.com; International audience; Prokaryotic diversities of 12 geothermal hot springs located in Northern, Central and Southern Tunisia were investigated by culture-based and molecular approaches. Enrichment cultures for both aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms were successfully obtained at temperatures ranging from 50 to 75 C. Fourteen strains including four novel species were cultivated and assigned to the phyla Firmicutes (9), Thermotogae (2), Betaproteobacteria (1), Synergistetes (1) and Bacteroidetes (1). Archaeal or universal oligonucleotide primer sets were used to generate 16S rRNA gene libraries. Representative groups included Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Deinococcus-Thermus, Thermotogae, Synergistetes, Bacteroidetes, Aquificae, Chloroflexi, candidate division OP9 in addition to other yet unclassified strains. The archaeal library showed a low diversity of clone sequences belonging to the phyla Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota. Furthermore, we confirmed the occurrence of sulfate reducers and methanogens by amplification and sequencing of dissimilatory sulfite reductase (dsrAB) and methyl coenzyme M reductase a-subunit (mcrA) genes. Altogether, we discuss the diverse prokaryotic communities arising from the 12 geothermal hot springs studied and relate these findings.