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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1990

Studies of ancient crania from northern Africa.

Historical sources and archaeological data predict significant population variability in mid-Holocene northern Africa. Multivariate analyses of crania demonstrate wide variation but also suggest an indigenous craniometric pattern common to both late dynastic northern Egypt and the coastal Maghreb region. Both tropical African and European metric phenotypes, as well intermediate patterns, are found in mid-Holocene Maghreb sites. Early southern predynastic Egyptian crania show tropical African affinities, displaying craniometric trends that differ notably from the coastal northern African pattern. The various craniofacial patterns discernible in northern Africa are attributable to the agents of microevolution and migration.

Africa, Northern↗
PubMed1993

Deletion of arginine (608) in acid sphingomyelinase is the prevalent mutation among Niemann-Pick disease type B patients from northern Africa.

There is a high incidence of Niemann-Pick type B disease in the Maghreb region of North Africa, which includes Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. A hypothesis that there may well be a common, predominant mutant acid sphingomyelinase allele responsible for the type B phenotype in this population has been tested. A deletion of an arginine codon at amino acid residue 608 was found in one patient. The same mutation was also observed in another of our cases. An original screening procedure using 3'-end digoxigenin-labeled allele-specific oligonucleotides and chemiluminescent detection was developed and used parallel to the conventional assay with 5'-end radiolabeled oligonucleotides. Of the 15 non-related, non-Jewish North African type B patients studied, 12 were homozygous and two compound heterozygous for this deletion (26 delta R608 alleles/30 mutant alleles). Among type B patients from other geographic regions (France, UK, Italy, Czechoslovakia), this mutation was observed in only one of the 16 alleles studied. Our results indicate that deletion of arginine 608 in the acid sphingomyelinase gene is the highly prevalent mutation underlying Niemann-Pick type B disease in the population of Maghreb. A varying severity of the clinical and enzymatic expression within the non-neuronopathic phenotype has however been observed in patients homozygous for the mutation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Allele frequencies of 13 short tandem repeats in population samples from the Iberian Peninsula and northern Africa.

The 13 short tandem repeat (STR) loci D3S1358, vWA, FGA, D16S539, TH01, TPOX, CSF1PO, D8S1179, D21S11, D18S51, D5S818, D13S317 and D7S820 as well as the amelogenin locus, contained in AmpFlSTR Profiler Plus and/or AmpFlSTR Cofiler and/or AmpFlSTR Green I PCR amplification kits, were studied in four populations from the Iberian Peninsula, Basques, Catalans, Andalusians and Portuguese and two North African populations (Moroccan Arabs and Berbers). The aim of the study was to obtain accurate allele frequency data and other genetic parameters of forensic interest on the main representative human groups living in Iberia and Morocco using an automated method and commercial amplification kits.

Africa, Northern↗
PubMed2001

Diet culture and obesity in northern Africa.

The etiology of obesity in North Africa is not well understood and few studies shed any light on its development among women. This study compiles what is known about the prevalence of obesity and its determinants in Morocco and Tunisia. Results from the authors' two surveys on nutrition-related disease among reproductive-age women (sample size: 2800) and their children (1200 children under 5 y and 500 adolescents) were combined with data from four national income and expenditure surveys (dating from 1980) to assess obesity trends and development in Morocco and Tunisia. Overall levels of obesity, identified by body mass index (BMI) > or = 30 kg/m(2), were 12.2% in Morocco and 14.4% in Tunisia. Obesity is significantly higher among women than among men in both countries (22.7% vs. 6.7% in Tunisia and 18% vs. 5.7% in Morocco) and prevalence among women has tripled over the past 20 y. Half of all women are overweight or obese (BMI > 25) with 50.9% in Tunisia and 51.3% in Morocco. Overweight increases with age and seems to take hold in adolescence, particularly among girls. In Tunisia, 9.1% of adolescent girls are at risk for being overweight (BMI/age > or = 85th percentile). Prevalence of overweight and obesity are greater for women in urban areas and with lower education levels. Obese women in both countries take in significantly more calories and macronutrients than normal-weight women. The percentage contribution to calories from fat, protein and carbohydrates seems to be within normal limits, whereas fat intake is high (31%) in Tunisia and carbohydrate intake (65-67%) is high in Morocco. These are alarming trends for public health professionals and policy makers in countries still grappling with the public health effects of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. Health institutions in these countries have an enormous challenge to change cultural norms that do not recognize obesity, to prevent significant damage to the public's health from obesity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Transmission analysis of B chromosomes in Rattus rattus from Northern Africa.

Traditionally, B chromosomes have been classified as parasitic or heterotic, depending of whether or not they show selfish behaviour. Nevertheless, experimental evidence has been found supporting the idea that supernumerary chromosomes may evolve from parasitism to neutrality. In this work, B chromosome transmission in Rattus rattus has been analysed by performing several crosses between individuals carrying different numbers of supernumerary chromosomes. Our results demonstrated a Mendelian transmission rate through males, but slight accumulation of the Bs through females. This parasitic behaviour is shared in populations as distant as Asia and Africa, and even in a related species in Australia, suggesting the possibility of an ancient origin of these supernumerary chromosomes.

Africa, Northern↗
PubMed1992

[Program fo the eradication of Cochliomyia hominivorax in Northern Africa].

The New World Screwworm (NWS, Cochliomyia hominivorax) is an obligate parasite of warm-blooded animals. The female lays up to 300 eggs in any break in the skin, and the resulting larvae (screwworms) burrow into surrounding living flesh. Infested animals frequently die, while the annual cost of controlling the pest in domestic animals is about US $10 per head. NWS is endemic in tropical Latin America. In 1988, it was detected in Libya, presumable introduced with imported sheep. By 1990, the infestation had spread to an area of 25,000 km2 containing some 2 million livestock. In early 1991, an internationally funded eradication programme was undertaken by FAO, using sterile insects. Each week, 40 million pupae were flown from a production plant in Mexico, and the emerged adults were distributed by over the infested area. Within a few months, the infestation has been eradicated. Whereas 12,000 infested animals were found in 1990, only 6 were detected in 1991. The programme involved the shipping and distribution of 1.3 billion sterile insects, animal inspections totalling 40 million and laboratory examination of 280,000 trapped flies. While the programme cost close to US $75 million, a benefit/cost ration of 50:1 has been estimated.

Africa, Northern↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The parasite fauna of the chub mackerel (Scombridae: Scomber japonicus Houttuyn, 1782) in the central-eastern Atlantic (Atlantic coast of the Northern Africa and the Azores Archipelago banks)].

The parasite fauna of the chub mackerel Scomber japonicus Houtuym, 1782 was studied from the neritic areas of Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania and from the banks of the Azores Archipelago (the Great Meteor Bank, the Hyeres Bank and the Irving Bank) in 1994-2001. Twenty eight species of parasites of following group have been were found: Coccidia (1 species), Microsporidia (1), Myxosporea (4), Monogenea (4), Cestoda (5), Trematoda (5), Acanthocephala (1) and Nematoda (6). The differences between mackerel parasite fauna in the neritic areas and from of the Azores Archipelago banks were established. Peculiarities of the mackerel parasite fauna in two areas (Morocco--Western Sahara and Mauritania) corroborate the hypothesis that two populations of chub mackerel are available: "Sahara-Moroccan" and "Senegal-Mauritanian". Ontogenetic variability of parasite fauna was related to food demands of mackerel and its feeding habits in the areas Morocco and Mauritania. Kudoa histolytica has negative influence on the commercial value of S. japonicus. These parasites were localized in the muscles of mackerel from Mauritania (40%, TL = 20-25 cm). Parasites being dangerous for human health were presented by larvae of Bolbosoma sp. (occurred on the banks of the Azores Archipelago), Anisakis simplex and Contracaecum sp. (occurred in all areas investigated).

Acanthocephala↗
PubMed1998

Network analyses of Y-chromosomal types in Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia reveal specific patterns of geographic distribution.

In a study of 908 males from Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia, the variation of four Y-linked dinucleotide microsatellites was analyzed within three "frames" that are defined by mutations that are nonrecurrent, or nearly so. The rapid generation and extinction of new dinucleotide length variants causes the haplotypes within each lineage to diverge from one another. We constructed networks of "adjacent" haplotypes within each frame, by assuming changes of a single dinucleotide unit. Two small and six large networks were obtained, the latter including 94.9% of the sampled Y chromosomes. We show that the phenetic relationships among haplotypes, represented as a network, result largely from common descent and subsequent molecular radiation. The grouping of haplotypes of the same network thus fits an evolutionarily relevant criterion. Notably, this method allows the total diversity within a sample to be partitioned. Networks can be considered optimal markers for population studies, because reliable frequency estimates can be obtained in small samples. We present synthetic maps describing the incidence of different Y-chromosomal lineages in the extant human populations of the surveyed areas. Dinucleotide diversity also was used to infer time intervals for the coalescence of each network.

Africa, Northern↗
PubMed1978

[Acute intestinal diseases in Northern Africa].

Analysis of morbidity of dysentery and the rest diarrheal affections according to the books for primary recording of patients at one of the large administrative territories of the Northern Africa showed that official statistics reflected only 1/13 of dysentery patients who applied for medical aid (18.2 and 236.3 per 100 000 residents, respectively). Morbidity index of the rest of diarrheal affections constituted 2424.5 per 100 000. The mean lethality in diarrhea affections (including dysentery) was 1.7%. The fact that in the examination of 439 persons who came in contact with the patients suffering from typhoid fever the causative agents of dysentery were isolated in 19 (4.3%) indicated their wide circulation among the population.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1987

Outbreak of respiratory illness on board a ship cruising to ports in southern Europe and northern Africa.

A large outbreak of influenza-like and diarrhoeal illness took place over a period of 21 days in April 1984 on board a ship cruising to ports in southern Europe and northern Africa. A cohort study of the 418 passengers was made by postal questionnaire and personal interview. Of the 391 passengers who were interviewed or who returned a questionnaire, 335 (86%) were affected. Of the ill passengers, 295 (88%) had an influenza-like illness. These included 20 with signs of lower respiratory tract infection. In 24 passengers, a viral infection was diagnosed. Influenza B virus infection was identified in 14 cases; other diagnoses were influenza A, para-influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and Epstein-Barr virus infections. In two of the 81 patients tested for Legionella antibodies, a titre of 128 was found; in 16 and 44 patients, titres of 64 and 32 respectively. The outbreak was thus evidently caused by multiple pathogens mainly affecting the respiratory tract. Although most of the passengers acquired their infections on board the ship, a common source was not discovered. A steep rise in the epidemic curve the day after the air-conditioning was switched on, however, is worth noting. If and when similar instances of the 'Sick Boat Syndrome' recur, a search for environmental sources of infection is to be recommended.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Isotope methods for management of shared aquifers in northern Africa.

Access to fresh water is one of the major issues of northern and sub-Saharan Africa. The majority of the fresh water used for drinking and irrigation is obtained from large ground water basins where there is minor contemporary recharge and the aquifers cross national borders. These aquifers include the Nubian Aquifer System shared by Chad, Egypt, Libya, and Sudan; the Iullemeden Aquifer System, extending over Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Benin, and Algeria; and the Northwest Sahara Aquifer System shared by Algeria, Libya, and Tunisia. These resources are subject to increased exploitation and may be severely stressed if not managed properly as witnessed already by declining water levels. In order to make appropriate decisions for the sustainable management of these shared water resources, planners and managers in different countries need an improved knowledge base of hydrological information. Three technical cooperation projects related to aquifer systems will be implemented by the International Atomic Energy Agency, in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and United Nations Development Programme/Global Environmental Facility. These projects focus on isotope hydrology studies to better quantify ground water recharge and dynamics. The multiple isotope approach combining commonly used isotopes 18O and 2H together with more recently developed techniques (chlorofluorocarbons, 36Cl, noble gases) will be applied to improve the conceptual model to study stratification and ground water flows. Moreover, the isotopes will be an important indicator of changes in the aquifer due to water abstraction, and therefore they will assist in the effort to establish a sustainable ground water management.

Africa↗
PubMed1992

Further studies of crania from ancient northern Africa: an analysis of crania from first dynasty Egyptian tombs, using discriminant functions.

An analysis of First Dynasty crania from Abydos was undertaken using multiple discriminant functions. The results demonstrate greater affinity with Upper Nile Valley patterns, but also suggest change from earlier craniometric trends. Gene flow and movement of northern officials to the important southern city may explain the findings.

Cephalometry↗
PubMed1994

Anthropological approach to the heterogeneity of beta-thalassemia mutations in northern Africa.

Results of an epidemiological survey for beta-thalassemic defects involving 239 chromosomes in Algeria are analyzed in relation to the geographic and historical background of the country and are compared with published series for the Tunisian population. Four common mutations account for 81% of the chromosomes, but 13 other defects have been found, illustrating the highly heterogeneous nature of the disease in the northern African countries of the Maghreb. The high frequency of homozygous cases reflects the endogamous social structure of these populations. Distribution of the mutations and linkage to specific RFLP haplotypes provide information concerning their origin and date of introduction in good correlation with the anthropological history of Algeria.

Algeria↗
PubMed1998

[Description of Phlebotomus (Paraphlebotomus) riouxi n. sp. (Diptera:Psychodidae) of northern Africa].

Description of a new palearctic species from Morocco, Tunisia and Spain: Phlebotomus (Paraphlebotomus) riouxi closely related to P. chabaudi. Differential identification with the neighbouring species. The aedeagus of the male is unrecurved, a character which distinguishes P. riouxi from other species with recurved aedeagus and the basal process of the coxite is bigger and more tufted than in P. chabaudi. For female, which has the same spermatheca with a typical terminal ring, the only available character to differentiate from P. chabaudi is the aspect of the armature in the genital atrium.

Animals↗